The north coast of Cornwall is dotted with many pretty coastal towns and villages and is also an area noted for its surfing, one of the best know being at Polzeath, just north of Padstow, where high rollers crash in from the Atlantic Ocean. In 2007, some 300 surfers arrived in Polzeath in an attempt to set a world record for the highest number of surfers to ride one wave. High rollers and dangerous sand bars also make this area tricky for ships and many have been wrecked on the approach to Padstow harbour, the notorious Doom Bar being the most dangerous. Five miles up the River Camel, things are a little quieter and the town of Wadebridge has been a successful market town since the early 14th century, the town did however see action during the English Civil War, when even Oliver Cromwell though it important enough to take control of the bridge. Some way south of Padstow and Wadebridge the village of St Agnes attracts hikers, artists and holidaymakers, who visit to enjoy the beautiful coastline and countryside and the fine beaches of which there are at least 5 in the immediate area. Part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, St Agnes was an important tin mining area in days past.
August 24, 2009
Cornish North Coast – Padstow, St Agnes and Polzeath
Falmouth Penryn and Around
Whilst visiting Cornwall you should certainly head for Falmouth and Penryn on the south coast of the county, two well known harbour towns, both have long and interesting histories. Falmouth along with Carrick Roads is the deepest natural harbour in Western Europe and also the third deepest in the world. Now a popular holiday destination, Falmouth has 5 excellent beaches and numerous guest houses. Penryn situated on the River Penryn near to Falmouth is one of the oldest towns in Cornwall, it has many historic buildings, some dating back to Tudor times. During the 19th century Penryn was important for the production and export of granite, with granite works being established beside the river. To the south-west of Falmouth and Penryn is the small fishing port of Porthleven, a notorious black spot for ships, many of which were wrecked during storms in the area. Facing south-west into prevailing winds, Porthleven has always been a difficult harbour to negotiate, its situation has however lead it to being a renowned surfing location, attracting many exponents of this sport. Not far from Porthleven and the largest village on The Lizard peninsular, Mullion is a popular area for tourists, with some spectacular scenery and some isolated beaches. Just offshore from Mullion Cove is a tiny island owned by the National Trust, it is an important breeding ground for many varieties of seabirds.
Looe, Polperro, Fowey and the Eden Project
A small seaside town situated on the River Looe in Cornwall, Looe is an attractive town which has become a popular holiday destination, whilst still retaining its fishing traditions. With a resident population of just over 5,000, Looe lies on both banks of the river, and is actually formed by 2 towns East and West Looe. An ideal base for touring the many attractions of Corwall, Looe has a good selection of holiday accommodation and you should have no trouble finding somewhere to stay should you wish to visit. There is plenty to see and do in and around Looe, with some attractive little fishing villages to visit in the area such as Polperro and Fowey. Polperro was a notorious smugglers haunt, especially during the 18th century, it is now a little more peaceful and attracts many visitors to explore its narrow streets and pretty harbour. Fowey, another small coastal town is actually an important cargo port, which was formerly significant in the export of china clay. Further south and near to St Austell, is one of Cornwall’s most well known attractions – the Eden Project. Conceived by Tim Smit, the Eden Project, which opened in 2001, features a number of huge plastic domes containing plants from around the world, it is certainly one of the “must visit” places in the region. Looe Map.
August 21, 2009
St Austell and Around
The most populated town in Cornwall, St Austell is also a good base for exploring the county, being close to such well known attractions as the Eden Project, the St Austell Brewery and Mevagissey’s Lost Gardens of Heligan. St Austell itself has a long history, though it was not mentioned in the Domesday Book, and it certainly had a church in Norman times, as remains can still be seen, the present Trinity Church however dates from the 15th century. As with many Cornwall towns, St Austell was much involved in the mining industry, especially copper and tin, but unlike others, this was replaced by clay mining as it became an important centre for the China Clay industry. These days tourism is more significant and the beautiful surrounding coastline is a big attraction with such pretty fishing villages as Mevagissey being an obvious place to visit. To the west of St Austell on Cornwall’s northern coast, the surfing resort of Newquay is a popular destination with miles of sandy beaches and ideal surfing conditions. Newquay is also well known for its nightlife, which is very lively, especially during the summer months. St Austell Map.
Bermuda – The Early Years
A British Overseas Territory located in the North Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda (Somers Islands) was originally discovered by a Spaniard (Juan de Bermudez) in 1503. Later used by the Spanish and Portuguese for re-stocking passing ships, the islands were not permanently settled due to rumours of spirits in what became known as the Isle of Devils, treacherous surrounding reefs also contributed to the islands remaining unpopulated. In 1543 a group of Portuguese sailors spent some months in Bermuda, after their ship was damaged on rocks. The British did not arrive until some time later and even then by accident, as a fleet of ships under Sir George Somers, were broken up in a storm off Bermuda, as they headed for Jamestown, Virginia. The survivors colonised the island and claimed it for the English Crown, St George’s was settled in 1612 and subsequently became the first capital of Bermuda. Bermuda Map.
Bermuda Braces Itself for Hurricane Bill
Bermuda is currently on alert as the powerful Hurricane Bill approaches, the Category 3 storm was predicted to pass through open waters between Bermuda and the USA some time on Saturday. On Thursday the “eye” of the storm was 500 miles south of Bermuda. The hurricane is expected to regain Category 4 status on Friday, though is will probably weaken through Saturday. This first storm of the Atlantic season caused Bermuda to issue a tropical storm alert on Thursday, and is on hurricane watch, bracing itself for possible devastation.