Cornwall
Cornwall is a large county in the South West of England. It is at the South West tip of the country. pointing out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Celtic in character, Cornwall was never really conquered by the early English kings. So while neighbouring Devon is delightful, crossing the River Tamar into Cornwall is effectively crossing into another country.
Cornwall has mainland Britain's furthest point West, Land's End, as well as the furthest South, the lesser known Lizard.
The long coastline has much savage beauty, as well as pretty coves and popular seaside resorts, beloved of artists and surfers.
The spine of Cornwall is the granite expanse of Bodmin Moor, complete with its own legends, and near St. Austell is the moonlike landscape created by the china clay industry.
The extreme West of the county, known as Penwith, is like another country separate even from the rest of Cornwall.
Cornwall, with its exceptionally mild climate leading to the early onset of Spring, is also known for its gardens, notably the iconic Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Tin has been mined in Cornwall for thousands of years, and the area was therefore known to early mariners from the Mediterranean. It is said that Joseph of Aramithea visited for trading purposes, on one occasion accompanied by his young nephew Jesus.
The county is rich in sites associated with the legendary King Arthur, said to have been born at Tintagel.
Bodmin was for many years the county town.
Bude is a popular seaside resort.
Camborne is an old industrial town in the centre of Cornwall.
Falmouth is a seaside resort whose position on one of the largest natural harbours in the world led to its development as a seaport from the 17th century.
Fowey is a delightful little port.
Helston is a bustling little town world renowned for its annual Furry Dance, or Floral Dance.
Launceston is an old town, once the administrative centre of Cornwall, and has castle ruins.
Looe is a picturesque fishing port and seaside resort, really two towns joined by a bridge over the River Looe.
Lostwithiel has a mediaeval grid plan and is dominated by the remains of Restormel Castle.
Mevagissey is a very picturesque fishing village.
Mousehole is a pretty little port which has found its way into a much loved children's story.
Newlyn is a busy fishing port which has attracted many artists.
Newquay is a very popular seaside resort.
Padstow is a seaside town popular for surfing. It is famous for its Obby Oss tradition.
Penryn was an old town before the rise of nearby Falmouth.
Penzance is a busy town at the end of the railway line from London.
There are wonderful views across Mounts Bay to St. Michael's Mount.
Redruth is an old town in the centre of the county.
Polperro is a very pretty fishing village, reached by a steep descent from the main road.
St. Austell is in the Cornish Riviera and it is near here that the extraordinary China clay landscape can be found.
St. Ives (Cornwall) is many people's favourite town. Seaside and fishing village, it has drawn many artists attracted by the quality of its light, and is almost unbelievably picturesque. There is a Barbara Hepworth gallery and a branch of the Tate.
Saltash is the first town in Cornwall, reached by road or rail from Plymouth in Devon.
Truro is the county town, and also boasts Cornwall's cathedral, a beautiful but relatively modern building with three spires.
Cornwall's rivers, in addition to the Tamar which separates it from Devon, include the Camel, Fal, Fowey, Hayle and Looe.