Take a boat trip, hit the road, or jump on the train and discover some of the historic towns and idyllic fishing villages in Cornwall. Or Truro, Cornwall's only city, is less than an hour away. Use the menu on your left, or scroll down to find out more about the local area.

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Fowey

The historic town of Fowey is a mile and a half from Penhale Park. Situated at the mouth of the River Fowey, it has a natural, unspoilt charm. Explore the narrow winding streets and ancient buildings that lead down to the bustling quay. Discover interesting book shops, friendly pubs and browse the many small galleries and craft shops.

Fowey has a long tradition of seafaring. Today you can take advantage of all sorts of fishing and boat trips. Cruise up river to Lostwithiel. Enjoy a day trip to Mevagissey on the ferry. Or take a mackerel fishing trip, and cook up your catch on the BBQ back at Penhale! And if you don’t feel like catching your own dinner, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out in Fowey. Try the best fish and chips for miles around, savour a bowl of fresh Fowey river mussels, or eat in style in one the elegant hotel restaurants.

Some of the highlights of Fowey’s calendar are the respected Daphne Du Maurier Festival of Arts & Literature which is held each May, and then in August the hugely popular Fowey Royal Regatta. One of the best regattas in the country, there are loads of fun events both in and out of the water and free entertainment, including the Red Arrows.

Distance: 1.5 miles

Charlestown

The Georgian village of Charlestown was once a bustling port, built by the local landowner Sir Charles Rashleigh around 1800 for the export of tin and china clay. It has largely escaped modern development, and so remains very pretty and unspoilt, with some quality places to eat and some interesting shops and galleries to browse.

Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre is well worth a visit - with some fascinating exhibitions about the history of the village as well as about ships and shipwrecks including the Titanic; diving; mining and the history of gas.

The harbour at Charlestown is home to a famous collection of old ships which are used in many film projects all over the world, and they make a fascinating sight.

Distance: 5 miles

St Austell

Situated on the intersection of three valleys, Bodmin, Gover and Pentewan. St Austell has always been connected with the mining industry - first tin, then china clay.

Today the town centre is undergoing a huge redevelopment project, including a new shopping complex, a four-screen cinema, bars, cafes and restaurants and a new underground car park. There is a ten pin bowling alley next to the main Priory car park in the town centre.

Distance: 6 miles

Lostwithiel

At Lostwithiel you can explore the upper tidal reaches of the Fowey River. This ancient town is well renowned for its antique shops and there are regular antique markets and a popular fortnightly farmers market. It is known as the medieval capital of Cornwall and is the home of Restormel Castle, which overlooks the town.

Lanhydrock House, near Lostwithiel, is a beautiful Victorian house and gardens, owned by the National Trust and well worth a visit. And surrounding Lostwithiel are some really pretty villages such as Luxulyan, which is well known for the Tryfry Viaduct. The viaduct is nearly 30 metres high, and made of granite, with 10 arches spanning over 200 metres of beautiful wooded valley. There are also the villages of St Winnow, where there is a small farming museum, and Lerryn and Respryn, from which you can take walks through the woodland beside the river. The name Lostwithiel comes from two ancient Cornish words meaning ‘the place at the tail end of the woodland’.

Distance: 6 miles

Bodmin & Bodmin Moor

Bodmin was once the county town of Cornwall. There are some really interesting visitor attractions such as Bodmin Jail and The Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway. Bodmin is also at the start of the popular Camel Trail.

The dramatic scenery of Bodmin Moor is wild and breathtaking. The area is renowned for its many prehistoric stone circles and standing stones. Whilst on the moors you could take the opportunity to visit Jamaica Inn, which was made famous in the Daphne Du Maurier novel.  You may choose to be entertained at Sterts Open Air Theatre, near Liskeard, or take a visit to Carnglaze Caverns. Alternatively you may just want to take advantage of the stunning natural environment and fish, walk, ride or just take some time out.

Distance: 11 miles

Looe

Across the river Fowey to the east, and along the coast, is the pretty town of Looe.

Looe is an old seafaring town with a long history of fishing and smuggling. It is in fact two towns, East and West Looe, divided by the river Looe running out to sea, with a seven arched stone bridge linking the two sides. The town 'centre' is at East Looe, with its sandy beach and quay, narrow cobbled streets and picture postcard cottages. The town is a centre for shark fishing and home to the Shark Angling Club of Great Britain.

Nearby Polperro is a 13th century fishing village, with narrow winding streets and cottages overlooking the harbour. It is home to a fascinating museum of fishing and smuggling.

Distance: Polperro 9 miles/Looe 12 miles

Mevagissey

In Mevagissey, the village's maze of narrow alleyways, small coves and great cliffs will bring to life stories of Mevagissey's smugglers and awaken the explorer inside you. Mevagissey is a small, un-spoilt fishing village which continues to support several dozen small fishing boats which add to the colour and bustle. It has a good selection of pubs and restaurants serving quality food. The gift shops and art galleries will inspire your creative side.

A regular seasonal ferry between Fowey and Mevagissey provides a very scenic form of transport - maybe in early summer you might spot basking sharks or dolphins.

Distance: 12 miles

Truro – Cornwall’s capital

Cornwall’s only city, the three spires of the cathedral dominate Truro’s skyline. Truro was granted city status in 1877 by Queen Victoria. Its’ importance began when it became a port and stannary town where tin from local mines was brought to be tested and stamped. Wealthy land and mine owners bought property and Truro became a fashionable place to live, in fact it was known as the ‘London of Cornwall’. Truro’s history has left a legacy of some beautiful Georgian architecture.

The town centre has attracted many well known high street stores but also an abundance of small independent retailers. The Royal Cornwall Museum is situated in Truro, and has permanent displays of Cornish art and history. If you like to be entertained you could always try the cinema or catch a show at the Hall for Cornwall which also hosts various local fayres during the day.

Distance: 21 miles

Padstow

Nestling on the beautiful Camel Estuary, the town has a colourful harbour surrounded by medieval houses. Padstow offers a range of activities such as fishing or walking, although you may prefer to just sit back and relax at the peaceful harbour. The Saint’s Way footpath runs from Padstow right across the county to Fowey on the South coast.

The Padstow ‘Obby Oss festival is thought to be one of the country’s oldest surviving customs. It is an ancient fertility rite celebrating the coming of summer. The ‘Obby Oss starts its procession from the Golden Lion each year on May 1st.

On the quay at Padstow is the National Lobster Hatchery, where they have a fun visitor centre. Padstow is also home to Rick Stein’s famous restaurant, so if you are a lover of seafood you may be tempted to treat yourself to an evening of fine dining.

Distance: 23 miles

Newquay

Newquay has over 7 miles of sandy beaches and is a leading resort for surfing. There are many activities including sea fishing trips and surfing schools. Attractions include Holywell Bay Fun Park, Newquay Zoo, the Blue Reef Aquarium and many, many more.

Distance: 25 miles