Things to do in North Cornwall
Things to do in North Cornwall
Bude is the last town in Cornwall before you hit Devon, historically a
popular tourist destination, now more commonly known for its surfing beaches,
such as Widemouth Bay. Bude Jazz Festival held in August is becoming an
increasingly prominent event. Bude Canal is a lovely feature built in 1823
which remains today, once used to transport good to Launceston, which is 20
miles away.
Crackington Haven is situated between Bude and Boscastle a sheltered
location more suited for surfing than swimming due to some particularly
dangerous rocks. Slightly to the south is the highest sheer drop cliff in
Cornwall at 735ft tall.
Boscastle is set in a narrow valley which unfortunately was its
downfall in the summer flood of 2044 now fully restored a truly wonderful
village to visit. A natural blowhole at the mouth of the harbour makes it fun
in even the most adverse weather, a favourite retreat for Thomas Hardy and the
setting of his novel ‘A Pair of Blue Eyes’. Boscastle has a wonderful
witchcraft museum and plenty of pottery and gift shops.
Tintagel Castle famously linked with the myths of King Arthur, Merlin
and Camelot-rumoured to be Camelford several miles inland. The village is very
much orientated to the myths, with several gift shops and cafes. The Post
Office a 14th Century property still remains adding character to the
village making it well worth a visit.
Bodmin was once the county town of Cornwall. St Petrocs Church is the
only Cornish entry in the Doomsday Book, later housed at Bodmin Jail during the
First World War along with the Crown Jewels. The prison is now a museum open to
the public.
Bodmin Moor is immortalised by Daphne du Maurirer and her novel ‘Jamaica
Inn’ and has a small museum commemorating the author’s links to the area and
Cornwall. Brown Willy is the highest point in Cornwall at 1300 feet, and you
may well catch a glance of the Beast of Bodmin on your walks across the
moorland.