Cornwall Culture

Cornwall's tip boasts some of the county's most stunning and alluring scenery, along with some of its prettiest towns and villages. A strong creative history in the Newlyn and Penzance movements combine with a still fertile fishing industry to create a vibrant little corner of the county. From the sweeping bay with St. Michael's Mount to the east and Penzance to the west to the craggy coastline of Penwith, Britain's most westerly promontory is tremendously magnetic.

To Do

Take a dip in the art deco splendour of Penzance's very own lido, Jubilee Pool, situated at the eastern end of the town's lengthy promenade. If you're not averse to an early start, Newlyn Fish Market www.newlyn.info is something to behold. It's amongst the largest fish markets in Europe, where it's fascinating to watch the trawlers and dayboats offload their catch. August Bank Holiday Weekend brings the Newlyn Fish Festival www.newlynfishfestival.org.uk , which celebrates the town's fishing heritage with cookery demonstrations, exhibitions, music and entertainment. Mousehole (said 'Mausel') is worth a visit at Christmas for the 7,000 lights that brighten up its narrow streets and picturesque harbour www.cornishlight.co.uk/mousehole-lights.htm . Catch St. Michael's Mount www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk at low tide for a romantic wander out to the castle. Heading west out of Penzance, explore the landscape that was the backdrop to Sam Peckinpah's 1970s horror flick, Straw Dogs, though hopefully you won't suffer the misfortune of bumping into a lunatic brandishing a man trap. Land's End is worth a visit, if only because it's the most western tip in the country. Far more picturesque is Sennen Cove www.sennen-cove.com just to the north, whose lengthy sands and crisp waters are ripe for surfing and beachcombing.

To Eat

This corner of the county is spoilt for culinary choice. Situated in the most westerly town in Britain, St. Just's The Cook Book www.landsendarea.co.uk/notice_board.asp boasts a delightful mix of homemade cakes and books. Out in Mousehole, expect a warm welcome from ex-rugby player Rick O'Shea at The Cornish Range www.cornishrange.co.uk , where you'll find mouth-watering seafood in comfy surrounds. If you sample too many of the great wines on the list there are rooms for the night upstairs. Should you find yourself in Mousehole on the 23 December, be sure to sample a slice of Star-Gazey pie, which is a nostalgic nod to local fisherman Tom Bawcock and features the pilchards that made the area's name before the industry was exported in favour of tourism. At the top end of the market is Penzance's The Abbey www.theabbeyonline.com , which combines luxurious bar with Michelin-starred food and stunning panoramic views over Mounts Bay. Having taken a pounding in the surf, recharge your batteries at The Beach Restaurant www.thebeachrestaurant.com in Sennen, where you'll find the freshest of ingredients at the hands of talented chefs and a glorious view through the floor to ceiling windows.

To Drink

There's no shortage of fine hostelries in this part of the county. Try 17th century inn The Admiral Benbow www.pznow.co.uk/chapel_St/chapel_Street.html on Penzance's historic Chapel Street. Watch out for the smuggler on the roof. Out in Lamorna, the Lamorna Wink www.bestpubs.co.uk/layout0.asp?pub=111081 is a worthy stop for its beer garden alone, which is set in this lush valley just before it snakes down to the ocean. For a bit of glamour, the Old Coastguard Hotel (www.oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk ) in Mousehole has an expansive deck overlooking the length of Mounts Bay, whilst the Old Success Inn (www.oldsuccess.com ) at Sennen gets the sunset vote, hands down. For some late night action, Penzance's Bosun's Locker (www.penzance.co.uk ) offers music for all tastes, whilst the slightly more eclectic musical palate is comprehensively catered for at Praa Sands's Sand Bar www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/22/22106/Welloe_Rock_Inn_Sand_Bar/Praa_S... of a Saturday evening. What's more, it's right on the beach.

To Buy

A volume of the new art and recipe book from The Cook Book www.landsendarea.co.uk/notice_board.asp in St. Just. Wander the chic boutiques of Chapel Street, where Fishboy www.penzance.co.uk/shopping/index.htm is great for contemporary streetwear, and Music Evolution (www.musicevolution.co.uk) next door sells more excellent records and CDs than you can shake a stick at. Just for the girls, Kit on Albert Street features affordable designer labels and bespoke jewellery and handbags from local artists and designer makers. For something a little more dressy, head to Pier 31 www.penzance.co.uk/shopping/index.htm on Lower Market Jew Street. The shop's frontage is just as stunning as the clothes on offer inside.

To Walk

The coastline between Penzance and St. Just can't help but impress. Skirting the coast from Lamorna to Porthcurno is one hell of an afternoon's stomp, but well worth it. Head back overland and take in the Merry Maidens, a delightful stone circle that seems deserving of more a fuss than it gets. Cape Cornwall, just west of St. Just, is a great starting point to explore the coast that runs up to Pendeen Lighthouse, though make sure you dwell a moment at Britain's only cape the Atlantic cauldron below is incredible. Going inland, pick up the Tinners Way www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walks/walks1/w081.shtml , the ancient tin route between St. Just and St. Ives.

Area information written by Helen Gilchrist - http://www.stranger-mag.com