The summer is coming to a close – there’s no avoid it, and no escaping it. But, before September rears its autumnal head and the office beckons once more, you can escape for a final slice of summer – and you don’t even have to go that far.
Cornwall is often overlooked by stay-cationers, but it’s hard to understand why. With some of the most dynamic coastlines in the UK, surfing hotspots and top-flight seafood restaurants, the South Coast is the place to be. And, as one of the six ‘Celtic’ nations, the area has developed its own distinct culture – with a heavy influence on modern contemporary art, and even its own language – so get yourself there. And what better way that to fly?
Using luxury private jet charter service Fly Victor, you can catch a 30-40 minute flight from the little-known London Biggin Hill Airport to Newquay this weekend, with prices starting from £4,500 one-way in a 4-6 person light jet such as the Citation CJ2. And, when you touch down, there will be Michelin restaurants, scenic beaches and second home resorts such as Constantine Bay to greet you.
One of the things that makes Cornwall such a much-visit destination is the diversity of its facilities. There are homely B&Bs to stay in, upscale hotels and even luxury caravans on offer. We, however, are rather taken by the slice of eco luxury that is The Scarlet. Set on a spectacular clifftop, the building is curved to afford every guest a sea view, and boasts alternative decoration, huge rooms and several dedicated ‘relaxation rooms’.
If you want to get even closer to the water, try the Watergate Bay hotel. Set on a spectacular surfing beach on the Cornish coast, this is the perfect place for a dedicated sportsman. Enjoy the rugged coastline and relax in contemporary Cornish comfort.
Recently announced as Britain’s best restaurant, Nathan Outlaw is situated at the top of Port Isaac, overlooking the picturesque Cornish coastline. And, inside, the views get even better. Think cured monkfish, sea purslane and mackerel with cucumber. Think lobster with ginger and chill or red mullet in Porthilly sauce. It’s a good enough reason to pack your suitcase right away.
Alternatively, Richard McGeown’s Couch’s Great House in Polperro is another fine dining option. In a quaint fishing village, this is perfect quiet establishment – and the food does the talking. Pan fried squid, local scallops and crab pasta once again show that, down in Cornwall, seafood is the only way to dine.
As with the hotels, there is a wide range of drinking options in Cornwall. There are high-end bars, but when surrounded by traditional fishing communities and cosy B&Bs, we’d recommend you eschew the glamour of an underlit bar for a homely pub.
The two best, in our opinion, are The Copley Arms in Hessenford – where you can get off the beaten track, relax in front of a fire and sample a large selection of ales – and The Borough Arms – another traditional pub situated on the Camel Trail, and within easy reach of both Bodmin and Wadebridge.
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