Cornwall

IF you cross the Tamar Bridge from Devon, there is a pretty riverside town that is often dubbed the Gateway to Cornwall.

And the destination that sits on the waterfront has lots to see from historical cottages to a cosy award-winning pub.

Saltash is found on the western banks of the River Tamar right on the county’s natural border with Devon.

Thanks to its location, it’s known as the ‘Gateway to Cornwall‘.

Saltash is the very first town in Cornwall anyone will come to if they cross the border over the Tamar Bridge.

It’s also accessible by the Royal Albert Railway Bridge which is known as one of the UK’s Brunel Bridges – as it was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

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Anyone stopping to explore the town will find plenty of restaurants, cafes and independent shops.

Saltash even has an award-winning pub called The Two Bridges Inn.

It was voted Pub of the Year for 2025 by CornwallLive.

The pub sits on a hill with a view of the Royal Albert Bridge if you sit in the large beer garden.

It was selected by a public vote where Cornwall’s pub lovers voted for their favourite place to drink and eat.

Throughout the year, the pub hosts events like Murder Mystery evenings, Music Bingo, discos, quizzes and lots of live music.

Of course there are ale and cider festivals throughout the year too.

Visitors can explore the town on The Saltash Heritage Walk which is a series of trails exploring the town’s history.

It focuses on the area near the river and its connection to Elizabethan times, the Norman church, and Tudor architecture.

Someone who took on the walk wrote on Tripadvisor: “There is plenty of history to see in such a small town, lots of old-worldy buildings if you venture down most nooks or crannies.”

One historical attraction in Saltash is Mary Newman’s Cottage.

The a grade two listed cottage was built around 1480 and is even said to be the home/birthplace of Sir Francis Drake’s first wife.

Inside it’s authentically furnished and visitors can look at traditional Tudor tools, costumes and games.

Other areas to explore nearby are Whitsand Bay and Bodmin Moor.

If you’re looking for an alternative to Cornwall then one writer says to visit her seaside county instead with less rain, and earlier sunrises.

Plus, find out more on the UK’s most popular holiday destination has world-class beaches, great pubs and TV-famous attractions.

These pretty twin beach villages are in the ‘forgotten corner’ of Cornwall…

Down the coast from Saltash are the twin beach villages Kingsand and Cawsand.

Kingsand and Cawsand sit side by side on the south east of the county.

They are often described as being in the ‘forgotten corner’ due to their secluded location on the Rame Peninsula.

The adjoining villages aren’t visited by tourists as much as the likes of St Ives, Port Isaac, Mevagissey, and Mousehole.

But both villages have beautiful shingle beaches and cosy looking cottages.

The banks of Cawsand have plenty of rockpools to explore, and when the sea is calm, boats can be hired for another adventure.

During the summer season, a vintage ice cream called Cawsand Bay Vintage Scoops on the promenade next to Cawsand beach to serve iced treats.

The village of Kingsand has another of the area’s favourite beaches.

The bay is well sheltered so it’s perfect for swimming, and it’s dog-friendly all year round.

The two village were historically separated by a stream, with Kingsand in Devon and Cawsand in Cornwall.

This division continued until 1844, when the boundary was adjusted, and Kingsand officially became part of Cornwall as well.

Both have a rich history of smuggling and fishing, you can even see remains of old pilchard cellars from the late 16th century on the shoreline beyond Kingsand.

One destination continues to bring in tourists from across the UK and the world, as people are charmed by its vintage feel, including its iconic high street which has barely changed in the past 100 years.

As winter starts to bite, one British seaside town is welcoming tourists deciding to avoid the summer crowds. This coastal treasure is famed for its captivating charm and vibrant artistry heritage, all set within stunning natural beauty right on the British coast.

Perched on a peninsula, St Ives in Cornwall features several spectacular beaches, each providing gorgeous panoramic views of the sea.

The town has earned its reputation as an artist hotspot, with creatives coming from far and wide, keen to capture its beauty — all whilst remarkably preserving its character for over 100 years.

Visiting here genuinely feels like stepping back in time, yet it delivers everything expected from a modern seaside getaway.

Cornwall has maintained a special place in British people’s hearts thanks to its dramatic landscape, endless golden sands, secluded coves and rugged cliffs, and St Ives is no exception.

Located north of Penzance on the Celtic Sea coast, the town combines unspoilt natural beauty with numerous attractions.

Visitors can enjoy activities around the town and the surrounding areas, ranging from surfing to coastal walks, alongside one of the country’s most impressive high streets.

St. Ives, with its stunning beaches and quintessential Cornish townscape, is a delight for anyone seeking a springtime stroll.

The town’s iconic high street has recently been praised as one of Britain’s best, thanks to its cobbled lanes, unique boutiques, and charming whitewashed buildings.

The Telegraph, who penned the glowing review, gushed: “Fore Street in St Ives, with its slate-hung shops and independent galleries, has changed little over the last century, offering a perfect mix of local and artistic charm.”

It urged people to come as soon as they can, but gave great recommendations on when to avoid the height of the crowds.

Whilst taking in nature’s fierceness, you can witness the awe-inspiring sight of waves crashing against the rocks below in a truly enthralling moment.

There’s no shortage of things to do in St. Ives either, with a plethora of pubs and restaurants to try out, not to mention a vibrant arts scene featuring numerous studios and galleries.

Art lovers will appreciate the Tate St. Ives gallery, which hosts rotating contemporary art exhibitions, while the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is a must-see.

“I have never seen such a beautiful place in the UK as St. Ives. Many have said it’s like being abroad and it really is,” gushed one TripAdvisor reviewer.

Another added: “The town was beautiful and really peaceful; we will definitely be back.”

Other reviews were quick to point out the natural beauty of the area and the local transport links to other towns such as Penzance. Some people were even thrilled to see the beauty of the town amidst the dull British weather.

One commentator wrote: “In the afternoon the weather had clouded over and with the grey sky, the bay is even more beautiful. Being an English bay facing the ocean; with the sun — it was breathtaking.”

The flight route has now been taken over by Skybus

Flights connecting London Gatwick and another major UK airport are set to return this month, officials have confirmed. This comes after Eastern Airways, the former carrier for these routes, suspended all flights before collapsing into administration.

The flight route between Gatwick and Cornwall Airport Newquay has now been taken over by Skybus, which is part of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group. Tickets for these journeys became available on November 7, with the first flight scheduled for Sunday, November 23.

Cornwall Airport Newquay, the county’s main commercial airport, announced that a refreshed flight timetable will initially operate once daily. However, this is expected to increase to twice-daily services on weekdays from February 14, 2026.

Amy Smith, Managing Director, Cornwall Airport Newquay, said: “We’re delighted that Skybus, our longest-serving airline partner, will be taking over the vital London Gatwick service later this month. We know just how important a regular, reliable service between Newquay and London is for our passengers and we look forward to working with Skybus to deliver just that going forward.”

According to Cornwall Live, a 2021 agreement between the Government and Cornwall Council saw Eastern Airways previously operating daily services between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick.

It is understood that this service operated under a four-year PSO to maintain the route throughout the year, which was considered vital to the economy. However, countless travel plans were completely disrupted when Eastern Airways halted operations last month.

On October 27, the UK Civil Aviation Authority advised its customers to avoid travelling to the airport and to opt for train travel instead. “We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled,” Selina Chadha, Consumer & Markets Director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said at the time.

“We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled. Eastern Airways customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for the latest information.”

Cornwall Airport Newquay asserts that resuming the route will restore convenient travel between London and Cornwall, while providing people with easy access to Gatwick’s international destinations.

Skybus fares starting at £79.99 one-way include a 15kg checked baggage allowance. Customers can also purchase extra baggage or a Skybus FlyFlexi add-on, which offers additional baggage, ticket flexibility, and fast-track security (if available), for prices starting from just £22.50 one-way.

Jonathan Hinkles, Managing Director of Skybus, said: “We are thrilled to launch this new service between Cornwall and London Gatwick. It is not just about making travel easier for passengers; it’s about creating opportunities – for businesses, for tourism, and for the local communities we serve.

“As a Cornish company with more than 40 years of aviation experience, we understand how crucial dependable air links are for our region and are proud to step up and operate this vital route. Our focus is on rebuilding confidence and offering reliability, and we look forward to providing passengers with the service they deserve.

“None of us underestimate the challenge ahead to build the Newquay-Gatwick route to be a thriving cornerstone of the local economy once more. We’re wholly confident that we can achieve this through Skybus’ record for reliability and service.”

Meanwhile, Councillor Leigh Frost, leader of Cornwall Council, said: “I’m delighted we’ve managed to find a replacement operator so quickly, and even more so to see a Cornish company stepping in.

“It has been a difficult time, with disruption for many people who use the service and had already booked flights, so I am pleased this announcement will help end the uncertainty around this vital connection to the Capital.”

Flights can now be booked at www.skybus.co.uk, which launched its new website on November 7 to handle bookings for the service. Flights for summer 2026 will be available to book by mid-November.

The wild swimming spot is popular with reviewers, who praised the ‘stunning’ views

A ‘magical’ tidal pool that’s popular with wild swimmers has been praised as the ‘perfect’ spot for a winter swim. Found in Cornwall, the ‘stunning’ pool could be especially attractive to people who like to swim year-round, but who don’t always get the chance due to rough seas.

While it’s always important to follow water safety guidelines, swimming in the winter can be more dangerous due to unpredictable conditions and stronger currents. Bude Sea Pool often goes viral on social media and is highly rated by TripAdvisor reviewers. It’s also free to visit.

Friends of Bude Sea Pool, the charity that maintains the pool, explains: “Bude Sea Pool is a semi-natural tidal pool and is a safe haven for wild swimming on the edges of the Atlantic Ocean. There is no cost, no booking nor any other imposed restriction. Bude Sea Pool is for everyone to enjoy for free.”

The sea pool is open throughout the year, and the temperature typically ranges between 11°C and 18°C. The website advises unseasoned swimmers to consider wearing a wetsuit. It is also recommended to always swim at low tide.

On TripAdvisor, the tidal pool has an average rating of 4.7 out of five, and it earned a 2025 Travellers’ Choice Award. The description for the attraction reads: “Bude Sea Pool is a part-natural, part man-made tidal pool on Summerleaze Beach in the popular seaside town of Bude, North Cornwall.

“Built in the 1930s under the cliffs, it provides a safe swimming area away from the dangerous Atlantic currents. Measuring approximately 91m by 45m, the pool is naturally replenished by the Atlantic Ocean at high tide.”

One previous visitor said: “Bude sea pool is my favourite place in the world. I have visited it many times, in all months and seasons. It is never the same, but always magical and I am so happy that it continues to be free for everyone to enjoy. Wonderful place.”

Another visitor wrote: “A lovely spot. Perfect, safe place for a winter swim. A lovely spot.

“Perfect, safe place for a winter swim when the sea is rough. An amazing facility. Volunteer run and charity so pop in the ‘friends of’ shop for some swim-supplies or gifts to show support. Parking & toilets nearby.”

Someone else praised: “Awesome! What a stunning place for a swim! The Bude sea pool is a wonderful thing. It is backed by cliffs creating stunning views while you can swim in calm but fresh sea water. I recommend a wetsuit in winter unless you’re seriously hardy!

“But it is open and beautiful all year round whatever the weather. If you do swim please do donate to keep this wonderful resource going. Go there and enjoy!”

A charming UK town has been transformed into the Wizarding World as a location for the new Harry Potter TV series on HBO and it needs to be on your staycation radar

Harry Potter fans around the world are waiting for the arrival of the 2027 HBO TV series. With a whole new cast and reportedly some big changes from the movies, it’s set to be a huge TV event.

Once released, one local town is likely to become a must-visit destination for Potterheads, in the same way Kings Cross Station’s Platform 3/4 and Alnwick Castle are now. So, if you’re a die-hard fan, it might be worth making a trip before the crowds descend.

Looe in Cornwall is no stranger to film crews. Fans of the BBC series Beyond Paradise will recognise many of the filming locations including The Looe Guildhall which was used as the local police station, and Looe Bridge.

Recently, celebrities including John Lithgow, who’ll be playing Dumbledore, were spotted locally filming scenes for the show.

Looe already has a must-visit attraction for Potter fans, a quirky-themed shop called Henrietta Pyewacket, which is full of merchandise from the Wizarding World. It’s just one of the charming independent stores you’ll find in the town, with narrow streets that slope gently down towards the coast. Wander around the cobbled roads and find souvenir shops, boutiques, and historic pubs.

Looe Beach sits in a sandy cove, with shallow spots for swimming. It’s often busy in the summer months, with surfers and windsailing on the water. If you’d like a quieter spot, head to the rocky cove of Talland Bay, which is set in an Area of Outstanding Beauty. While rocky, there are spots for swimming, but look out for flags. It’s also a great spot for a brisk coastal walk, followed by a cup of tea in the beach cafe.

According to Cornwall Live, there are two other spots where film crews have been seen in the county. The small fishing village of Cadgwith Cove, which sits on the Lizard peninsula, has also become a location for the Harry Potter TV show.

Cadgwith Cove has a traditional Cornish vibe, with small fishing boats on the beach bringing in local crabs, which you can sample in one of the small beachfront cafes. There’s also shingle beach which is popular for swimming and snorkelling, and you’ll often see kids with nets exploring the rock pools. This cute village has lots of cosy cottages and is the perfect place to escape the crowds in high season.

Kynance Cove has also been used for filming the show, and this spectacular beach is famous for having white sands and turquoise seas that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean. Actor John Lithgow was recently spotted walking on the beach in his Dumbledore robes as he filmed a scene. The National Trust-run area also has beautiful rock stacks and clifftop walks, as well as sea caves that can be explored at low tide. Visitors should be cautious about entering the caves, as a sudden high tide can cut you off. Be sure to find out the tide times and follow any warning signs.

And if visiting the filming locations wasn’t enough, Harry Potter fans can even stay in a themed AirBnb. The Wizards Cauldron in Lewannick is a cosy cabin that has been decked in Potter decor, with one reviewer saying: “If you’re a Harry Potter fan this is a must try because the attention to detail is incredible”. It’s the perfect spot to watch the movies after a day of exploring Cornwall’s Harry Potter locations.

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