04/01/2021

Motorhome holiday ideas for Cornwall 2021

If you love the combination of freedom and comfort you get with a motorhome, and appreciate a varied landscape and plenty to do, then Cornwall must surely be part of your plans at some stage. Cornwall is not just an English county, but it also an ancient country which even now has a character which is unique and somehow separate from the rest of England. The topography is rugged and wild with many narrow and winding country lanes which offer challenges to even the most experienced and confident of motorhome drivers, but also many rewards in the form of spectacular scenery and an incredibly mild climate, a combination of holiday benefits that simply cannot be matched anywhere in the British Isles. The enormous popularity of Cornwall does mean that the most popular beaches and tourist locations, such as the Eden Project, can get very crowded during the school holidays, so if you are in the fortunate position of being able to avoid these times then so much the better.

If you are new to motorhomes and don’t know if it’s for you, then you may be looking at motorhome hire. Whether heading down from Birmingham or London, you can arrange motorhome hire from WCMH Brent Knoll, close to J22 of the M5 and then you’re on your way.

St Ives and Land’s End

If you’ve never been to Cornwall then, don’t just dip your toe in the water, get yourself right down to the toe of Cornwall. That’s not to say the rest of Cornwall doesn’t have many wonderful charms, but to cover it in full would require more space than is available in this article. Once you leave the M5 you’ll be driving along the A30 which is a trunk road and mostly dual carriageway. As you pass through Bodmin Moor you might want to stop for a break at the Jamaica Inn, made famous by Daphne Du Maurier. Although somewhat ‘touristy’, it is well worth a visit for the smuggling museum and the history, and a decent meal.

The A30 goes all the way to Land’s End, and to say that you are spoiled for choice for top quality campsites would be an understatement. With many to choose from such as Wayfarers near Penzance, Trevalgan or Polmanter near St Ives, or Lower Treave near Sennen.

What to see in Cornwall

Land’s End

Of course, a visit to Land’s End is essential just to say you’ve been, but it is not the main attraction. The destination has been monetised (an American-English term for a very American concept) including charging to take your photograph in front of the signpost, but it is possible to enjoy the view and take photographs without spending any money before moving on to other things.

Minack Theatre

The Minack Theatre, on the other hand, is high on most people’s lists of the best destinations in Cornwall. The open-air theatre was created in 1931 to host a performance of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” and now receives over 100,000 visitors a year to see plays, and a further 170,000 just to look round.

Mousehole

If you’ve ever read “The Mousehole Cat” (published 1991) to your children, or if you are young enough to have had it read to you as a child, then you will want to see the fishing village that inspired the story. It really is as picturesque and romantic as it seems. Maybe even more so.

St Michael’s Mount

This is a tidal island which can be accessed from mid to low tide via a granite causeway. Managed by the National Trust with the St Aubyn family retaining a lease on the spectacular castle which, along with the grounds, is also open for public tours.

Eating out

There is plenty more to see and do in this small corner of Cornwall; standing stones, industrial sites, surfing centers, museums, stately homes, galleries, and of course, fabulous food. You’re spoilt for choice, whether you are looking for light bites at somewhere like The Cornish Deli in St Ives or superb fine dining at The Shore Restaurant in Penzance, there is something for everyone, although you would be well advised to cross back over the Tamar if you want a proper cream tea!

Other parts of Cornwall

You can no doubt imagine, if there is so much to see and do in this far corner of the county, then there is a similar variety, and quality of attractions, and indeed caravan parks, in other parts as well. If St Ives doesn’t take your fancy, then, by all means, enjoy Newquay, Padstow, or St Austell, for example. Whether you want outdoor fun, sun sand, and surf, amazing scenery, history, culture, great food, or anything else, it is all to be found in this amazing place.

Last but not least

The most famous attraction of all, of course, is the Eden Project which only opened in 2001 and yet receives over a million visitors a year to its biomes and other displays. Having visited multiple times with my children at various ages, I can honestly say it is worth every penny of the entry fee. You’ll really want to make a day of it, so if you are based further afield, consider taking an overnight stop nearby, perhaps at Great Kellow Farm, still a working beef and sheep farm near Polperro. That’s close enough to make another day’s trip to Looe Monkey Sanctuary if the idea appeals to you.