Cornwalls Wild West

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting the western tip of Cornwall you will experience some of England's most prized coastline and without the usual Cornwall crowds. It seems that the further west you go in Cornwall, the less crowded the beaches become and the wilder the scenery. It's hard to describe the therapeutic purity of this place in writing, but the light, the ocean and the sheer natural beauty awakens senses that you didn't know existed.

This Heritage Coastline offers uninterrupted miles of soaring rugged cliffs and mesmerizing bays where sightings of Basking Shark and Dolphin are a given, and the wildlife seems to accompany you everywhere. There are numerous gorgeous un-spoilt fishing villages, fascinating ancient sites, picturesque mining ruins, unforgettable coastal walks and beaches that make you gasp in wonder when you stumble upon them. Funnily enough these beaches often feature in holiday brochures and guidebooks and yet they are never crowded. Many of them even offer quality facilities, amenities and fabulous self-catering accommodation including the likes of Sennen Cove, Porthcurno and St Just.

In contrast there are the more commercial towns of St Ives and Penzance, which lie on the borders of West Cornwall but, even though they do get a little crowded, they conveniently cater for those who like to escape the 'wild side' and experience a bit of culture or fine dining along the way. St Ives provides an unrivalled arty scene and Med style restaurants on the waterfront, while Penzance is a great traditional family resort that provides a range of activities for both young and old. Besides, these places have a number of big beaches to choose from and are only minutes from 'the Wild West' so a great option for those who want it all.

Next to St Ives lies the dreamy Carbis Bay, perhaps Cornwall's most beautiful beach resort. Everything about this place is perfect. The expanse of pale sand, the wild dunes, the glassy Atlantic waves and the very tasteful beach facilities.  This is an excellent base if you don't want to be too far away from the action as Carbis Bay is right next door to buzzing St Ives and the smattering of stylish beach cottages, many that command five star views from their prime position upon the green hills that overlook the bay.

Further south along the magnificent rugged coastal route of the Lands End peninsula lies the rustic St Just, an old mining village that straddles peaceful moorland and thrashing ocean. The village is made-up of stunning granite cottages and still possesses all of its original character. Nearby there are ancient sites, picturesque mining ruins and a gorgeous little cove that cuts into this coast's unending wall of cliffs. The views along this stretch of coast are breathtaking and you'll find it hard not to stop the car a few times to take it all in, but make sure that one of those stops is at the look-out on Cape Cornwall, the only cape in England! If you have time then you should also stop at the clifftops of Pendeen and Zennor, both offering exquisite sea and coastal views.

Lands End is one of the UK's most famous landmarks thanks to its spectacular scenery, 200m high cliffs, ocean whipped rock faces, teaming wildlife and distant offshore isles. What really stands out though are two of its pristine sandy beaches. One is located in Sennen Cove, an idyllic crescent of white sand that is quite popular with the surfers called Whitesands Bay. It is also great for families with shallows and gorgeous dunes that offer shelter and fun. The facilities are excellent, as is the beach restaurant. The other beach is Porthcurno, another un-spoilt pale sand beach so beautiful that it will literally take your breath away. Its turquoise waters seem to glow against the stunning cliff face that surrounds it and the surreal Minack Theatre above, cleverly using this natural backdrop for all of its performances with great success. In fact, however entertaining your show is, it's impossible to stop your gaze from drifting over the undulating turquoise motion of the ocean.

Another destination along the western front that must be considered is the historic village of Mousehole, one of this country's most picturesque fishing villages made totally from local granite with its own harbour and compact family beach. There are few authentic seaside destinations left in Cornwall as charming as this one. When organising a holiday in Cornwall’s Wild West, you might want to check out the many beachfront holiday cottages listed on Beachlets, accommodation that’s guaranteed to turn your beach holiday into a memorable experience for everyone.