Cornwall is a county of great diversity, of strange customs and superstitions, of romantic legends and Arthurian myths. A county with its own language, culture and outlook. Remote, cut off from the rest of Britain by the River Tamar, the Cornish have developed a proud individuality and resilient independence.

The close proximity of Cornwall to the Gulf Stream provides a warm and equable climate. The magnificent coastline, forever shaped by the elements, with its contorted rocks, precipitous cliffs, deep estuaries, smugglers coves, golden beaches and picturesque harbours, is unmatched elsewhere in Britain; no wonder it is the Number One Holiday destination for thousands of families, year on year.

The landscape is haunted by landmarks of Early Man, and by relics of the industrial past. With few exceptions, Cornwall has been noted for the setting of architecture, rather than architecture itself. However, there are fine examples of medieval fortresses and elegant country houses surrounded by spacious gardens. And, in recent years, the number of gardens open to the public has increased with the profusion of Japanese knotweed.

It will not have escaped your notice either that the Cornish food scene - the production of local and organic farm produce, together with the explosion of new restaurants -has brought much needed interest and wealth to this old county. Aligned with this phenomena has been the construction of exciting new buildings: the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, The Tate Gallery in St Ives, the Surf Shop at Sennen Cove, Trebah Garden's restaurant, and not forgetting, the Domes at the Eden Project.

These munificent town planners have permitted the development of restaurants and bistros overlooking the sea. Life's A Beach in Bude, Porthminster Beach Cafe in St Ives, The Beach at Sennen Cove, Fifteen Cornwall overlooking Watergate Bay, to name just a few, add a refreshing, new dimension to Cornwall.


This MapGuide reflects the wonders of this ancient county. It is The Companion to have in your car as you explore and discover this exciting landscape.