With beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions and some of the best weather in the UK, it’s hardly surprising that Cornwall is one of the most popular destinations for those holidaying in the UK.  But, if you’re bored of spending two weeks on the beach, why not stay in a holiday cottage in Cornwall and experience ‘real Cornwall’ with one of these days out?

Mine’s a pasty!
Cornwall is perhaps most famous for the Cornish pasty, the portable lunch developed to sustain the region’s miners.  As you’d expect, the strong mining heritage is evident in Cornwall today with plenty of places for visitors to explore.  At the heart of Cornish mining are the towns of Camborne and Redruth where you can climb the impressive Cam Brea for panoramic views of the surrounding area; simply breathtaking.  Underground tours run by ex-miners at Geevor Tin Mine are sure to delight children of all ages as will the chance to pan for gems in the museum.  Make sure to visit ‘The Dry’, where miners began and ended their working day, which has been left virtually untouched since Geevor closed as a working mine in 1990.  End your day with a pasty in the cafe; after all it would be rude not to!

Ahoy there!
With its coastal location, it doesn’t come as a shock to discover that the Cornish ports were awash with smugglers during the 1700s.  Numerous rocky inlets along the coast and limited prevention resources meant smuggling thrived with tea, alcohol and tobacco being the most prized of contraband.  Try the Smuggler’s Museum at Jamaica Inn near Launceston for the largest collection of smuggling artefacts in the country or the Smuggling Museum in Polperro, one of the most popular ports for smuggling.  A short walk along the coastal path above Polperro Harbour towards nearby Looe will show just how daring and brave the smugglers had to be. 

Raise your voices
Music and the sea have always had a strong relationship in Cornwall and you’ll enjoy watching one of the many sea shanty groups perform at pubs and festivals throughout the year.  After just a few choruses, you’ll be tapping your feet as well as joining in!  The International Sea Shanty Festival in Falmouth is a must for visitors in June and with plenty to see and do, it’s a great family day out too.  You’ll also find more than enough family-friendly attractions in the town to keep young and old entertained.  Find a self catering cottage in the UK and discover the real Cornwall on your next holiday.