Cornwall’s ‘Forgotten Corner’ has glorious unspoilt beaches and very few tourists in peak season
A SMALL section of Cornwall could be the perfect holiday spot for people looking to enjoy the British seaside, without having to deal with loads of other tourists.
The south-west county is one of the most popular staycation spots in the country, with its sandy beaches sometimes even compared to those further afield in more tropical destinations.
However, the “Forgotten Corner” is an area that not many holidaymakers head to, even during the summer months, despite its quaint villages and stretches of seaside.
The corner is just over the border from Devon, on the south coast.
Its beaches offer plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, especially Whitsand Bay, which has more than three miles of sand, next to clear blue seas.
The gentle swell of the waves make it a popular spot with surfers year-round, but it still doesn’t get quite as busy as more prominent holiday spots elsewhere, like Newquay and Falmouth.
There are also surf schools and paddle board hire for tourists to make the most of the water.
Elsewhere, the sand and shingle bay of Cawsand has plenty of rockpools for little ones to explore, while boats can be hired and taken out into the calm sea.
There’s also an ice-cream van on location throughout the summer months, improving its offerings for families.
Kingsand is another of the area’s favourite beaches, with the well sheltered bay also surrounded by pubs, making it a great spot for holidaymakers.
A number of walks around the bays offer a reason to visit beyond the pubs and beaches.
Places like Rame Head Chapel and Hooe Lake Point provide excellent opportunities to explore the area, its wildlife and its local history.
The walks take in shorelines featuring the remains of old fishermen’s cellars and Georgian military defences.
They’re also great places to go birdwatching, with hobbies, merlins, peregrines, hen and marsh harriers and short-eared owls all among the species that can be spotted in the area.
These are just two of the many examples of walks available to visitors across the spectacularly scenic Cornish countryside.
For holidaymakers in need of greater thrills than those found on a walk, the Adrenalin Quarry has some attractions that may be more to their liking.
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Karting, zip wiring and the UK’s tallest swing are all on offer, as well as axe throwing and an inflatable aqua park.
Segway tours and gig rowing are among the other activities that can be enjoyed around the villages and beaches of the Forgotten Corner.
The Rame peninsula, part of the Forgotten Corner, is proud of its “hidden gem” status and explained exactly why the area should appeal to tourists looking for a quiet getaway.
The Rame Barton website reads: “If you’re thinking neglected and ignored, you’d be correct. And we’re proud of it.
“A lot of people think that they know Cornwall, but this is a little gem tucked away in south east Cornwall that gets overlooked at times and it really is worth a visit.
“There’s unspoilt traditional Cornish villages, breath-taking independent pubs, restaurants, shops and cafes, lovely stunning scenery, coastal walk and long sandy beaches.”
There are a number of properties for people who want to book out a holiday home during the summer months.
One of those is Pentreath in Kingsand, which sleeps as many as nine people, making it great for a getaway with friends or extended family.
The fisherman’s cottage in the heart of the Forgotten Corner has tasteful fisherman-themed interiors and provides the full Cornish experience.
The kitchen is complete with a woodburning stove/pizza oven, while a garden and patio provides a great place to sit and enjoy the sun.
Seven nights in the house can be booked from £857, with Sykes Cottages.
Elsewhere, a night for two in a bed and breakfast can also be booked for around £40.
Cornwall isn’t the only place in the UK where hidden beaches can be discovered.
Wales
The village of Oxwich on the Gower peninsula sits by a two-mile stretch of beach loved for its calm seas, lack of crowds and impressive scenery.
Home to fewer than 200 people, the small village is considered one of Wales‘ best kept secrets, with its vast swathes of sand dunes providing plenty of space for families to have a nice relaxing day out.
The beach is one of Gower Holidays‘ favourite spots and was also included in Time Out‘s list of the best hidden beaches in the UK thanks to its safe waters and vast expanse of space.
Devon
One of the UK’s best hidden beaches can be found in Ilfracombe, Devon and can only be accessed by tunnels.
Outdoor bathing pools that were segregated by gender to “protect the modesty of the ladies” can now be enjoyed by all.
The beach offers visitors a truly unique experience, including regular visits from seals and dolphins.
Meanwhile, this beach can only be reached by going through an abandoned village.
And this tourist attraction has sea views and a magic rock.