Have you made it to Cornwall yet? If not, what are you waiting for? There’s still time, and there’s still scope for enjoying everything the county has to offer. Here are some things to consider.
Booking late? Have faith
The world and his/her mother is on staycation, making a spontaneous getaway challenging but not impossible. Last-minute cancellations are common due to travellers having to self-isolate after a track-and-trace notification. Visit Cornwall has launched a Facebook group in which its member organisations can advertise sudden vacancies, and members of the public wishing to travel can also post requests on here in the hope of a positive reply. To join, simply follow this link and wait for approval: www.facebook.com/groups/visitcornwallholidays
Be prepared
While many attractions have lifted restrictions, so you can turn up on the hoof, others are still operating pre-booking only policies. Thinking about what you’d like to do before you arrive, and planning ahead, will avoid stress and disappointment on the day. It will also ensure you get the best slot for, say, The Eden Project, to enable you to have a full day to see everything and get the most out of your entry fee.
Stay local
You’ve found the perfect accommodation, be it a jolly B&B or a pretty campsite. Now ask the owners where their favourite places are to visit, eat, relax, swim. You don’t have to travel miles to get to the one place everyone else is heading for; have a picnic in a quiet sandy cove (check the tide times!), visit a village museum and learn more about where you’re staying, or seek out one of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves – with 54 spread across the county, there’s bound to be one on your doorstep.
Think outside the box
There are so many things you can do in Cornwall, so if you find your usual activity is booked up, get your name on the waiting list then consider doing something different. Why not learn a new skill? For example, there’s nothing like a calm, sunny evening, to try stand-up paddle-boarding on millpond-still waters as the sun sets.
Be flexible – and creative
Many popular foodie haunts book up months in advance at the best of times, so don’t hang all your hopes on one place. By all means ask if they have a table but be prepared to try somewhere new. Who knows, you might find a hidden gem that’s about to go viral, and you can say you tried it first! Don’t forget, it’s also worth supporting independent Cornish stores, markets and delis, which are stuffed full of juicy local delicacies perfect for a picnic or to cook up a storm at your self-catering accommodation.
Remember, you can have several different holidays in one in Cornwall. Be brave, be adventurous, stick your neck out, make discoveries and set trends. Don’t forget to spread the word, in person and online, and let everyone know what a fantastic place Cornwall is.
