Discover the UK’s Top Holiday Hotspot: Stunning Beaches, Iconic Castles, and TV-Famous Sights Await!

When it comes to holidays in the UK, Cornwall really does have it all.

This county – tucked away in the very south west of the country – offers jaw-dropping scenery, great food and drink, fascinating history and bucket-and-spade bliss.

Cornwall offers jaw-dropping scenery, great food and drink, fascinating history and bucket-and-spade bliss at beaches like Porthcurno (pictured) Credit: Getty There are enough options to keep any history buff entertained throughout your holiday, like a visit to St Michael’s Mount (pictured) Credit: Getty

With castles, forests and beaches for days, it’s the ultimate staycation destination.

So the hardest question on your upcoming £9.50 Holiday will be: where to visit first?

If you’re a foodie, you’ll be in for a treat.

Cornwall is known for its seafood, and there are many places to enjoy it, whether from a locals’ favourite chippy, traditional pub or a sea view restaurant with a modern menu.

If you’re indulging in a cream tea, be sure to eat them local-style (spreading jam before cream) – with Dolly’s Tea Room in Falmouth, Camel Trail Tea Garden near Bodmin and Sunset Surf in Gwithian all rated highly for theirs.

Of course, no trip to Cornwall (or “Kernow” as it’s known locally) would be complete without chomping on a pasty, traditionally filled with beef, veg and gravy.

Rugged cliffs tumble into gold sand beaches with turquoise seas and fishing villages like Polperro (pictured) Credit: Getty

For 17th-century Cornish miners, the thick crusts were a means of holding the pasty without contaminating the meal with dirty hands, although these days there’s no need to leave the crust for the “Knockers” (cheeky spirits of the mines).

Sarah’s Pasty Shop in Looe, St Agnes Bakery i n St Agnes and Ann’s Pasties in Helston all attract queues outside because theirs are so good.

You can learn more about Cornwall’s mining history, and much more, during your trip, such as the Levant Mine along the ‘Tin Coast’, where the 1840s beam engine can still be seen in action on certain days, or Botallack mine – which featured regularly in Poldark.

As well as museums and galleries located close to Cornwall’s holiday parks, the coast is dotted with historic attractions from throughout the centuries.

Whether you’re keen to explore Tintagel’s legendary castle linked to King Arthur or the island fortress St Michael’s Mount – now one of Cornwall’s signature landmarks – there are enough options to keep any history buff entertained throughout your holiday.

As well as historic sites, you’ll never be far from a natural attraction, from lesser-known but totally stunning waterfalls to swimming pools that are naturally created by the sea – and accessible only at low tide.

Boscastle is picture perfect, with its narrow cobbled streets and sheltered harbour Credit: Getty The lively coastal town of Padstow, viewed across Camel estuary Credit: Getty

Golitha Falls is a stunning series of small waterfalls along the River Fowley as it makes its way from Bodmin Moor to the sea, while St Nectan’s Kieve is a 60-foot waterfall near Tintagel, where you can paddle your feet after a walk through the woods.

For families, there’s a raft of activities. If your brood is older, how about catching a wave in Newquay, where Fis t ral Beach is considered the ‘Home of British Surfing,’ or try Polzeath in North Cornwall – where a number of surf schools operate from.

Alternatively you could head to an adventure park for little ones, with Camel Creek , near Padstow, which has a range of indoor and outdoor activities, or the award-winning Milky Way adventure park , which is just five miles over the border into Devon.

For a cheaper thrill you can ride an open-top bus along the coast road and feel the wind in your hair as incredible scenery whizzes past, hopping off as you please – with the Atlantic Coaster taking you from Newquay to Padstow.

When it comes to natural good looks, Cornwall sets the bar ridiculously high.

Rugged cliffs tumble into gold sand beaches with turquoise seas and fishing villages like Mousehole , Polperr o , Boscastle and St Mawes are picture perfect, with narrow cobbled streets and sheltered harbours.

And with more than 400 sandy beaches to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice.

Porthcurno in the south of the country regularly lands on world’s best beaches lists, as does the exotic-looking Kynance Cove and Pedn Vounder .

If you prefer to unroll your towel without the crowds, there are some quieter beaches preferred by locals to know about, such as The Strangles in North Cornwall, near Crackington Haven, or Portherras Cove in South Cornwall’s Penzance region.

Dog walkers should keep an eye on seasonal dog bans, and make straight for the bays with no summer restrictions in place if travelling in peak season.

Meanwhile, families can strike for beaches with easy access, like Watergate Bay and Crantock , both near Newquay in North Cornwall, which have buggy-friendly access.

Pasties were created so that 17th century miners could hold onto the thick crust without contaminating their meal with their dirty hands Credit: Getty – Contributor Explore Tintagel’s legendary castle, that’s linked to King Arthur Credit: Getty