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WHILE Cornwall is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the UK – especially in the summer – there are still some spots that tourists are yet to discover.

As a Cornish local, I’ve seen it all, meaning I know just the places to avoid the crowds this summer.

Here are my top five spots to visit where you’ll spot more locals than holidaymakers.

1. Nanjizal Beach

Located on the south of Land’s End, Nanjizal Bay has been named by Sunsail as the second most secluded beach in the world.

Its rock pools and archways surround clear blue waters.

This beach truly does feel picture perfect. It’s remoteness, with no toilets, cafes or parking for miles, is what leaves room for its untouched natural beauty to shine.

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To get there, take a walk along the South West Coast path.

Make sure you check the tide times before you arrive, so you are not left with no beach in sight.

If you’ve walked this far, an extra 20 minute stroll to Sennen Cove feels worth it.

This is home to The Old Success Inn, selling great food with an even better view.

2. St Nectans Glen

Cornwall is not just expansive beaches, although social media does make it out to be. St Nectans Glen is the perfect spot for nature lover’s looking for something tranquil, serene and relaxing.

Located in a remote valley hidden behind the main road, this woodland walk is most known for its 60-feet tall waterfall.

When you reach it, it feels more like a fairytale than a typical English countryside. It is half an hour walk to get down their, so get your walking boots on.

Less than a 10 minute drive away is the village of Tintagel, home to the legendary King Arthur where you can learn a thing or two at the local shops, or even walk to Tintagel Castle and see the history for yourself.

3. Crackington Haven

One of my favourite hidden spots local to my village is Crackington Haven, just off the A39 between Boscastle and Bude.

Known for its rock pools and interesting coastal walks, the beach offers the best of both worlds: pebbled at the top with gorgeous white sands at the bottom.

If you’re a surfer, visiting Crackington is definitely one for you, considered the best surf around for locals, especially on big wave days.

Stop by The Coombe Barton Inn and enjoy some traditional pub grub or a perfect pint sat along the wall.

4. Fox Cove

Tucked behind the Roseland heritage coasts, Fox Cove is a secluded beach with access definitely on the more challenging side.

The path down to the cliff is long, but the spectacular views make it all worth your while.

It is a peak spot for swimmers and bodyboarders, but make sure you pay attention to the Cornwall Tide Times before you start your journey.

Just a short drive away, or a slightly longer coastal path hike, is the town of Padstow, amous for its Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth restaurants.

5. The Lost Gardens of Heligan

For me, this wins bonus points for the nostalgia.

I have been going to The Lost Gardens of Heligan for years with my family, and some of my most fond memories of growing up in Cornwall took place here.

I’m not entirely sure how I would describe it simply,  but it is a combination of history, beautiful gardens, livestock and activities to keep the children entertained.

Entry is somewhat expensive, but if you are looking for a day out in Cornwall, this is a no brainer.

WITH 300 days of sunshine, golden beaches and beautiful hotels – the Algarve ticks all the boxes when it comes to summer holidays.

TUI travel agent Donna Connett is a huge fan and has been visiting the region for over 20 years after living there for a decade – so she knows all the best spots from its coastline to top restaurants.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel. 

After living in the Portuguese region, Donna has been back almost 30 times and always heads to one place – Albufeira.

She describes it as “one of those places that just feels easy the second you arrive”.

The Algarve is a popular spot for Brits being just a few hours away from he UK – and of course, for its coastline.

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It has more than 150 beaches spread across 125 miles of coast.

One of Donna’s all-time favourite seaside spots, called Praia da Coelha, is just outside of Albufeira.

Donna told us: “It’s a bit tucked away, so you don’t get as many crowds, which is half the appeal. The huge cliffs and clear water make it feels a bit more special than the bigger, busier beaches. 

“It’s the sort of place I used to relax on during a day off when I was a rep, and it’s stayed a constant ever since.”

Something else that’s very important whilst on holiday, is finding good places to eat – and Donna has one specific go-to restaurant.

“I’ll always point you towards the Steak House O’Farnel. It’s a small, family-run place – nothing fancy, but just great food and a relaxed atmosphere.”

Donna continued: “It’s the kind of restaurant where you don’t feel rushed, you’re looked after, and you end up staying longer than you meant to. I’ve been going there for years and it’s still one of my first stops every time I’m back.” 

There are many beautiful places to see, so Donna has some off the beaten track suggestions too.

“Guia is definitely worth a visit, it’s known as the home of Chicken Piri Piri, and for good reason. 

“There’s plenty of authentic, local restaurants – they’re often busy and a bit no-frills in places, but the food feels properly local. Pair your “Frango à Guia” (Piri Piri Chicken) with fries and the traditional tomato and onion salad.”

It’s not all lazing about on beaches and getting a tan though, as holidaymakers can get active too.

The nearby Monchique Mountains is popular for mountain biking, jeep safaris, and small-group day tours.

Donna says it’s a great place to visit if you have the time: “It’s a completely different feel to the coast; cooler, quieter, a bit more traditional. You get a glimpse of what the Algarve’s like away from the beaches and resorts, such as a the historic spa village of Caldas de Monchique.”

If the Algarve has your attention Donna knows some incredible hotels to stay in too – and her favourite is the Tivoli Marina in Vilamoura.

The five-star resort is right on the beach near to shops, restaurants and bars with multiple swimming pools and a spa.

Donna said: “The Tivoli Marina in Vilamoura is probably the best I’ve stayed in. It’s got that ideal location between the marina and the beach, and it feels a bit more polished without being stuffy.

“I spent a lot of time in Vilamoura during my rep days, so I love going back now and having dinner and drinks around the marina – it’s definitely more relaxing now than when I was looking after guests!”

You can actually book a stay at the hotel with TUI, a seven-night holiday on a B&B basis from £1,361 per person including flights from Manchester Airport June 10.

Another deal is for Hotel Alisios – a seven-night holiday here on a B&B basis from £846 per person including flights from London Gatwick departing June 16.

The former reality star has traded celebrity life to start a rubbish collection business

One of Towie’s most recognisable faces has turned his back on fame and taken up waste collection.

Kirk Norcross first burst onto our screens on the ITV2 reality show as one of its original cast members. Back then, he was living the high life as a ‘rich party boy’, spotted behind the wheel of luxury motors, jetting off on extravagant holidays and throwing parties at his late father Mick Norcross’ legendary nightclub Sugar Hut.

Despite being a firm favourite with fans, he chose to walk away from the show after just two years, before going on to appear in several other television programmes. Kirk featured on Celebrity Big Brother and the 2015 series of MTV’s Ex On The Beach.

Now, years on, Kirk leads a thoroughly ‘normal’ life having opted to ditch the spotlight entirely – even previously turning down the opportunity to appear in the 10-year TOWIE anniversary reunion show.

The 38-year-old now runs County Clear Waste, a same-day rubbish collection service operating throughout Norfolk and Suffolk. The firm handles household, commercial and industrial waste, while also providing a ‘wait and load service’.

The company appears to have launched in January this year, making it a relatively new venture. Promoting his business, Kirk shared a snap of himself on Instagram, pictured sporting a branded hi-vis jacket.

Alongside the post he wrote: “Hi, I’m Kirk Norcross, proud owner of County Clear Waste.

“I provide reliable, fully insured and licensed rubbish clearance across Norfolk and Suffolk. From garden clearances and house clearances to all types of waste and rubbish removal.

“I’ve got you covered. Professional, trustworthy service you can depend on. Get in touch today.”

However, this isn’t Kirk’s first venture into entrepreneurship. The former reality star previously operated his own jet-washing business based in Essex.

He ran KN Jet Services, a jet-washing and drain-cleaning enterprise, which represented his initial foray into a traditional career path after leaving television. Beyond his professional endeavours, Kirk is a dedicated father to his two children.

Kirk has previously spoken candidly about the devastating impact his television career had on his mental wellbeing.

In 2019, he made the heartbreaking revelation that he attempted to take his own life after his time in the public eye left him struggling with severe anxiety and depression.

His late father Mick tragically died by suicide at his Bulphan home in January 2021. An inquest disclosed how Mick felt ‘unable to cope’ with financial concerns before his death.

TOWIE returns on Sunday, April 26 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX and the show will air every Sunday and Monday

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