Of course not everybody wants the same thing for their holidays but there are some places everyone can agree are a must see when you visit the West Country.
The first place on my list is the Minack Theatre, an open air theatre, carved high into the granite cliffs looking over Porthcurno Bay. It was built by Rowena Cade between 1931-1983 when she carried the bricks up the cliff and constructed the theatre herself. The theatre has a very interesting museum detailing its history but what really draws in the crowds are its performances which take place on a small circular stage just inches away from the audience and with a sheer drop down the cliff behind it. These intimate performances range from anything from Shakespeare to the comic farce of Charley's Aunt and the theatre is packed, rain or shine, with people and their picnics eager to experience this magical piece of theatre.
After being entertained, you will probably want some food and what is better when you are at the seaside than fish and chips? Rick Stein's fish and chip shop in northern Cornish town of Padstow (renamed Padstein by the locals due to the number of his restaurants in the town) is the best fish and chips ever. This fish is so fresh and the batter is so light and crispy that it just out rules any other fish and chips you have tasted in your lives. It is the food of the God's!
You cannot visit Cornwall without visiting a beach and I cannot recommend Daymer Bay enough. The golden sand and the blue sea make it seem that you are on some far away tropical island and it was even used in the adverts for the clothes company Jack Wills. This beach emanates a laid back, relaxed vibe and attracts the young, stylish and boho, as well as families, to its shores. Bikinis, Breton tops and denim shorts are a must at this beach.
And if this still isn't enough for you, in the fashionable town of St Ives is home to a Tate art gallery full of modern and contemporary art, mostly from Cornwall but there are also many big names on display too. It is the perfect place to while away a few hours and they also have a lovely tea room where you can enjoy a traditional Cornish cream tea.
These are just some of my favourite spots in the West Country, I would be here all day if I listed all my favourites, but I know that anyone who visits these places immediately falls in love with them. These places really capture the charm, the culture and the atmosphere which makes Cornwall such a popular holiday destination all year round.
