6 beautiful places in Cornwall that feel like abroad

If you’re looking to explore the world but don’t have the time or money, then your next best bet is Cornwall. There are things here which are undeniably Cornish; farms, mines, pasties… but within the Duchy you can also find a few locations which feel very much ‘elsewhere’. So if a trip to Iceland or the Caribbean is not quite on the cards yet, read on to find out where you’ll find the next best thing. Here are 6 beautiful places in Cornwall that feel like abroad:

KYNANCE COVE

Kynance Cove is a little slice of paradise on the Lizard Peninsula. With its clear blue waters, white sand beach, and secret caves, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re actually in a cove on the Algarve, Portugal.

PENTIRE POINT

When I think of the word ‘dramatic’ I automatically picture Iceland. It’s a place with windswept shores, cascading waterfalls and basalt stacks. Another place that comes to mind is Pentire Point right here in Cornwall. Sheer black rocks drop directly into an angry, tumultuous ocean. Weather here – just like in Iceland – is unpredictable and you are likely to experience sun, rain and wind all in one morning! Also, if you are lucky you may stumble upon some wild ponies…another feature Iceland is famous for!

MINACK THEATRE

If you’ve always wanted to step back in time and watch a Greek tragedy unfold on the stage of a great amphitheater, I’ve got news. You don’t have to buy a plane ticket to Greece or Italy. Instead visit the Minack Theatre. Constructed by hand in the 30s by Rowena Cade and her gardener, it’s an extremely impressive structure. Perched on top of the cliffs overlooking the ocean, you really do feel like you’re on the Med. See a performance here if you can, or at least visit for a tour of this beautiful location.

ST MICHEAL’S MOUNT

I’ve always been a bit obsessed with tidal islands. The idea of a path magically appearing and disappearing beneath the waves seems like something out of a fairytale. A particularly famous one is Mont-Saint-Michel in France. You’ve most likely seen photos of the castle-like structure perched on top of a tiny crop of rock just off shore. Well, turns out that Mont-Saint-Michel has a Cornish counterpart and it is one of my favourite locations in Cornwall. St Michael’s Mount is a smaller version of its French cousin but it is no less dramatic. The castle is accessible via a manmade causeway at low tide and there’s nothing quite as fun as watching the seas part for you to walk across.

BEDRUTHAN STEPS

Arguably the main hot spot on Australia’s Great Ocean Road are the 12 Apostles. They are a collection of limestone stacks protruding from the ocean in Port Campbell National Park. Only problem is Australia is a bit far away! Never fear however, as you can see a similar natural beauty spot right here in Cornwall. Head over to Bedruthan Steps where you’ll see a similar row of stacks, separated from the mainland by erosion. It’s worth seeing both in high tide and in low tide. When the bottom of the stacks are consumed by the sea, and when the water pulls away to reveal a beautiful beach below.

ISLES OF SCILLY

Last but certainly not least are the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago just off the southwestern coast of Cornwall. These almost untouched islands are home to many species of flora and fauna and boast some truly stunning white sand beaches that could be mistaken for a small Caribbean Island. Sure, the weather isn’t QUITE as pleasantly warm here, but if it’s ocean sunsets and dips in crystal clear waters you’re after, Great Bay Beach on St Martin’s in particular makes a suitable dupe. Just maybe bring a wetsuit alongside your bikini (that water is COLD). Book your flight or a ferry crossing to Scilly here.

Let me know if I’m missed any other places in Cornwall that feel like abroad, and which ones you’ve added to your list!