Porthkerris, Cornwall

Porthkerris, Cornwall is a great scuba diving location for everyone from beginners to more advanced divers. Family-run diving companies in the area are there to provide visitors with lessons and tours that will take them to various locations around Porthkerris, where they will see some amazing underwater sights. Easy shore diving is one of the most popular types of scuba diving available in Porthkerris. Simply enter the water from the shore for one of the easiest diving experiences. In addition, divers will enjoy drop offs and shallow reefs throughout the region that are perfect for spotting a host of different marine life and the SS Mohegan shipwreck of 1898.

Porthkerris, Cornwall, UK by nick

The Farne Islands in Northumberland

Plan a visit to The Farne Islands in Northumberland for another one of the best diving spots in the United Kingdom. This diving spot is ideal for those who possess some diving skills, but can be enjoyed by all levels of experienced or non-experienced divers alike. These rocky islands are popular for exploring due to the various shipwrecks that have occurred here throughout the years. In addition to underwater shipwrecks, many choose to dive at The Farne Islands simply for the large grey seal population that can be seen here. Divers can watch these beautiful creatures swim in their natural habitats, something that they may not have the chance to see while diving at other UK destinations. Nearby diving companies are also available to take scuba divers out on the boat for a fun-filled day at sea.

Farne Islands, Northumberland, UK by Andrew Dyson

Weymouth, Dorset

Weymouth, Dorset within the United Kingdom is an excellent scuba diving spot for all skill levels. The wide open, clear water enables visitors to visibly see many different shipwrecks and marine life that call Weymouth their home. Within just 20 miles, divers can expect to see and explore about 120 different shipwrecks including warships, passenger liners and U-boats. Reefs and ledges will provide you with amazing views of tropical marine life that you may not see elsewhere. In addition, diving companies in Weymouth can provide beginners with training courses and certifications, as well as special tours that will take you to and from top diving spots within the area.

Weymouth, Dorset, UK by Jim Linwood

Each and every scuba diving spot throughout the United Kingdom provides visitors with an entirely new experience than the last. Whether you’re looking to explore shipwrecks, reefs or the beautiful wide open waters of the country, you are sure to find it all when opting to dive in various destinations throughout the United Kingdom – so what are you waiting for, dive on in!

Jenn is an avid diver and loves nothing more than travelling to new and exciting diving locations.  When not travelling she works for Northern Divers – you can find out more on the Northern Diver twitter.

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Ruins of Tintagel Castle – the birthplace of King Arthur / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by IDS.photos

It’s a great spot for both families and the solo traveler; you just have to know what you’re doing in order to make the most of your trip. If you’re planning a Cornish holiday, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Plan for the Weather

Naturally temperate, Cornwall enjoys around 1500 hours of sunshine per year – much more than the average UK country. However, it is on the coast, so be prepared for storms and a few wet weekends. The rainy season generally runs from October to January, peaking in November.

As for temperatures, you can expect them to stay relatively stable at around 10-20C (40-50F).

Find The Right Accommodation

Where to stay in Cornwall depends on your location, budget, and what kind of trip you’re planning to have. Are you looking for high-class hotels or would you rather get your hands a little dirty with an authentic camping experience? Do you prefer luxury or locality?

While there are plenty of places to stay in Cornwall, they generally fall into these types:

• Modern living
• Hotels and b&bs
• Self Catering
• Camping

Beach accommodations

As mentioned, Cornwall is a peninsula, meaning there are three coastlines to explore! You can go for either luxury hotels overlooking the water or inexpensive camps and beach bungalows to sleep right on the shore.

Storybook stay

This is where Cornwall gets creative, offering everything from farmhouses to holiday cottages and even treehouses to experience the real heart of the country. Research the area you’ll be traveling and you’re sure to find your fairytale experience.

Truro Cathedral / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Brian Snelson

Know The Sights

With one of the most fascinating histories in the UK, Cornwall is a great place soak up some culture without sacrificing the fun and adventure of a holiday abroad. Kids will love places like the Witchcraft Museum and the Eden Project. You can also visit Truro Cathedral, one of the most unique architectural designs in Europe, or Tintagel Castle, the birthplace of King Arthur.

Looking to relax?

Laze the day away at one of Cornwall’s many beaches, or take a stroll around the famed Trebah Gardens for a kind of nature you’ve never seen before. Make a trek to the Mên-an-Tol (literally “the hole stone”) for good luck and local blessings.

Or maybe you’re looking for something a little more exciting? Try any of Cornwall’s adventure tours or music festivals. Catch a show at the Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre that performs right on the cliffs of Land’s End. If you’re into outdoor adventures, Cornwall also has bungee jumping, horseback riding, and a surprising number of surf schools. Whether you’re looking for unique thrills or just a tranquil getaway, Cornwall can offer a great trip and an unforgettable family holiday. Keep these tips in mind and you’re sure to make memories with your loved ones that will never fade… much like Cornwall and its castles.

Sarah is a travel author who has a particular love of finding unique and beautiful places to stay! Whilst exploring the highs and lows of the UK she is looking into high quality Cornish cottage holidays as somewhere to stay when exploring the coastline of Cornwall.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Joost J. Bakker

You Will Find Some of the Best Fresh Fish in Cornwall

Fish is a core ingredient of the local portfolio of produce and fresh mackerel can be bought from small village harbours when the boats come in. Try combining the catch of the day with some Cornish new potatoes and locally grown asparagus for one of the best meals around and a relatively inexpensive one. On the River Helford there are oyster beds which are another specialty of the area along with local crab and lobster. Fresh fish cannot be beaten for its flavour and simplicity in cooking.

In recent years there has been a wonderful development in wine growing particularly in the Camel Valley and Cornwall has award winning vineyards. These make the perfect accompaniment to a meal as do delicious fruit juices from across Cornwall. Many of the old traditional varieties of apple only found in this region are used in juice production giving them a distinctive flavour. Brewing is another small industry in Cornwall with many local producers of some interesting pints to enjoy after a day out surfing.

Love Cheese? Love Cornwall!

Cheese making is another industry in Cornwall that has seen some remarkable developments in the past few years and now boasts some distinctive regional flavours that are perfect for a picnic or a dinner party. There is Cornish Yarg, wrapped in nettles and with a special nutty flavour, the famous Gevrik goats’ cheese and creamy St Keverne Square, named after the village where it is made. Farming is Cornwall is diversifying and there are many locally produced specialties for the table. Truro Farmers Market on a Saturday is one of the best places to stock up on treats and there are lots of good farm shops all over the county.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jim Hammer

Let’s Not Forget the Excellent Cornish Pasty, Yummy!

No article on Cornwall would be complete without a piece on the pasty and the best ones are those that are home made. Most Cornish women learn how to make them from their mothers and grandmothers before them. Cornish pasties were made for miners and are a pastry dish with a thick crust. They contained meat and potato at one end and a sweet filling such as apple at the other. The thick crust at the side protected miners from the chemicals on their hands in the mines. Today the meat and potato pasties are on sale all over the county and if you want to find the best of the bunch ask a local or look for the queues in Hayle and The Lizard where bakers and butchers have reputations for some of the finest examples around. These are the perfect meal to take on the beach for a picnic and to enjoy with many other distinctive flavours from the Duchy of Cornwall.

You can discover all of these fantastic foods on a break with the log cabin holidays in Cornwall. Find a massive choice of holiday locations across the UK and find out why more people choose the South West of England for their holidays than any other UK destination.

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