Latest news with #VisitCornwall
BBC News
27-05-2025
- BBC News
South West tourism gearing up for bumper year as hopes rise
Devon and Cornwall's tourist industry is showing signs of optimism, with early indicators suggesting a potentially strong season ahead, say tourism Cornwall and Visit Devon report encouraging booking trends, with a rise in day has also been a growing number of international tourists from North America, Canada, Japan, and India choosing the region as a like the River Dart Country Park near Ashburton in Devon are already seeing the benefits and are predicting a "bumper year". "Bookings are looking good for the summer," said Roger Sell, who manages the park. "Devon is looking great, and the site is ready. It's definitely gearing up for what could be a bumper year."Official figures support this optimism. Devon is estimated to welcome 868,000 visitors in the Whitsun week of 2025 - the week following Whit Sunday or Pentecost, which is on 8 June this year - a slight increase from 867,000 over the same week in 2024. "Compared to last year, we're up on numbers, which is great," said Keith Southwell, who runs the heritage railway Lappa Valley Railway, near Newquay."The weather certainly hasn't hurt either."A strong Easter period and extended spells of warm, dry weather have helped drive interest and bookings, particularly for the peak holiday months said tourism Everton, from Visit Devon, said there had been a surge in overseas visitors, especially from Canada."Rather than heading to the US, many are looking at Europe, and we're targeting them to come here," she said. "We're also seeing a return of European tourists, and growing interest from India and Japan."
The Herald Scotland
24-05-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Cornwall beach named among best hidden gems in England
The list was pulled together by the outdoor clothing company Millets, who created a list based on high Tripadvisor ratings from a relatively small number of reviews. Sam Chadwick, blog author and outdoor enthusiast at Millets said: 'In recent years, more people have discovered the benefits of spending time outdoors, with hotspots like Mam Tor and Scafell Pike growing in popularity. "We have compiled a list of England's best hidden gems, for those who want to avoid the crowds whilst enjoying the outdoors.' Cornwall beach ranked among England's best hidden gems The top 10 hidden gem spots in England, according to the list from Millets, were: Porth Joke Beach, which is located not too far away from Crantock, came in second place, earning a 4.8/5 score on Tripadvisor from 153 reviews. It just missed out on first spot to Embleton Bay in Northumberland, which had an almost perfect Tripadvisor score of 4.9/5. Known locally as 'Polly Joke', Porth Joke Beach is an "archetypal Cornish bay of wild rocky outcrops" according to the Visit Cornwall website. It is located quite a walk away from any parking spot, meaning there is a bit of a trek to get to it, but it is worth it for the relative seclusion and amazing views. The north-west facing cove is owned and cared for by the National Trust, and doesn't have any amenities. It has earned plenty of rave reviews from those who have visited, with many appreciating its quiet charms. One person wrote: "Porth Joke (aka Polly Joke) Beach turned out to be our favourite beach of our holiday! It's a bit of a walk from the nearest car park, but worth it when you get there. To reach Porth Joke it is a little bit of a walk from the nearest car park (Image: Richard B/Tripadvisor) "Fabulous spacious sandy beach, dog friendly all year round, great caves, small rockpools, stunning scenery." Recommended reading: Another said: "Utterly glorious on a hot summers day. Blue, clear sea, golden sand. From late May to July, you have to pass by fields of red poppies. A truly wondrous place." A third posted: "Hidden gem (or as hidden as a Cornish beach can be). Small, quiet beach if you want to get away from the big beaches and crowds." Other Cornwall spots that featured in the top 10 were Portheras Cove, Lantic Bay and Cardinham Woods.
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
'Stunning' UK seaside town with 3-mile beach sees house prices plummet by £13k
Despite boasting three miles of golden sands, a vibrant town centre, and ubiquitous history - this beautiful seaside town has witnessed its house prices slump by 3.3 per cent Famed for its glorious beach, crystal-clear waters, and soaring cliffs - you'd expect this vibrant seaside town to be doubling its house prices by the minute. However, new analysis has shown several of the UK's most-desired coastal spots are witnessing a major slump. As previously showcased with our interactive map, average house prices in Cornwall jumped by 2.2 per cent last year to £293,000. But, not every town in the county saw substantial growth - including Perranporth, peacefully tucked away on the rugged north coast. Known for its wild waves which attract surfers from across the world (and being the birthplace of the first UK surfboard), Perranporth is a chilled-out town jam-packed with things to do. You can spend your weekend strolling on soft golden sand, making sure to stop at Black Flag Brewery for a pint or aim for a hole-in-one at the Perranporth Golf Club. Like any good seaside resort, you'll also be spoiled for choice when it comes to feasting on Fish & Chips. "Perranporth has a rich and fascinating history: according to legend, St Piran, the patron saint of Cornwall, was cast into the sea from Ireland tied to a millstone and washed up on these sandy shores," Visit Cornwall, the area's official tourist board hailed. "He built a Christian oratory in the dunes and the story goes that his first disciples were a badger, a fox, and a bear! The ruins of this oratory, or the 'lost church, dating from the 6th century are still preserved in the sanddunes to this day." Despite its eclectic offerings, research analysed by Regency Living found house prices in the town had fallen by 3.3 per cent over the last year (an average drop of £13,000). Despite the hefty reduction, average property prices in the region still remain north of £400,000 -almost double the national average. "It's certainly no coincidence that some of the most popular coastal locations boasting the most over-inflated house prices have also been subject to some of the largest market corrections over the last year," said Tim Simmons of Regency Living. "Whilst the picture is certainly improving, homebuyers are continuing to contend with far higher mortgage rates than they've become accustomed to in recent years and this is restricting the price they can afford to pay at all levels of the property market." The property ace went on to argue that Brits haven't fallen 'out of love' with the seaside, but are focusing more on cheaper coastal nations. "Affordability has always been a key issue across the nation's most sought-after coastal locations, as high demand to live beside the seaside, coupled with a finite level of stock, has driven property prices up considerably," he added. If moving to Perranporth is still out of your budget, the seaside town makes for a great mini staycation. Located more than 280 miles from London, it would take city folk around five hours and four minutes to drive here. Alternatively, you can get a four-hour-and-12-minute train ride from the Big Smoke to Truro - and then get a 19-minute taxi or 51-minute bus ride. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for around £65. Accommodation in Perranporth is limited due to its size, meaning it can get quite expensive. For example, a four-bed holiday home just 850 yards from the beach would set you back £3,080. This is based on two adults staying two nights, from Friday, June 6-8. Those wanting to explore the coast on a budget should check out The Paddock Wildcamp, located 2.1 miles from Perranporth's centre. You'll be able to stay in a double-bed tent on the exact same nights for just £165.
The Guardian
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘It's life-affirming to walk': South West Coast Path hopes for visitor uplift from Gillian Anderson film
They walk the path for a variety of reasons. For the challenge, the exercise, the views. To find companionship or seek solitude. Some walk with a sense of escaping problems, others with the idea of striding towards a goal. Many more are expected to head to the South West Coast Path, the 630-mile route around the shores of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset as the film The Salt Path hits cinema screens. The movie, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, is based on the book of the same name by Raynor Winn telling the story of how she and her husband, Moth, took to the path after being forced from their home and found peace, resilience and healing. A gala screening takes place close to the path at the Lighthouse Cinema in Newquay, Cornwall, on Tuesday before its UK release on 30 May – and the hope is that more people will be inspired to walk it. People such as Jennifer Lessard, 45, from New York, who was found walking a stretch of the path in Torbay, south Devon. 'It's just so beautiful,' she said as she looked across a tree-lined bay. She plans to walk the path a few sections at a time during the visits to the UK. 'It may take me 20 years,' she said. Though in the US she has mammoth paths such as the Pacific Crest Trail to go at, the South West Coast Path is a bit more manageable. 'I feel safe here walking by myself,' Lessard said. But it is grand enough to be a challenge (if you walk the whole thing it is the equivalent of ascending Mount Everest four times). 'It's life-affirming to walk,' said Lessard. 'And I like the pubs at the end of the day. I'm into real ale.' British twins Roy and Paul Saxton, 75, were also walking this Devon section. They live more than 300 miles apart and get together for walking holidays. 'It's a great way for us to meet and catch up,' said Roy. Psychologists have noted that walking is a good time to have difficult conversations – you are side by side but not engaging with eye contact. 'It's very sociable,' said Paul. 'You meet such lovely people.' Martyn Green, 38, and his dog Rolo, were doing 30 miles of the path in a day. He is pretty much a full-time walker of the UK's coastal paths, recording his adventures on TikTok. 'I don't have any permanent abode; I float,' he said. Usually next to the sea. 'I love it – you never see anyone unhappy on the beach. When you're close to water you tend to be happy.' Tourism leaders in the south-west are looking forward to a boost in walker numbers on the back of the film. Jon Hyatt, the chair of Visit Cornwall, said there had been 'significant' interest from domestic and international audiences. 'Last week we welcomed two influencers from the Netherlands on a Salt Path-themed visit, timed with the film's premiere there,' he said. Emma Thomasson, CEO of Visit Exmoor, said the film showcases locations across the area. 'We hope and expect that this will inspire a broad range of visitors from home and abroad. It's a great opportunity to show what's here for everyone.' Julian Gray, the director of the South West Coast Path Association, the charity that looks after trail, said the film was timely as there had been a downturn in visitors in recent years. Factors such as rising prices, the increased interest in travelling overseas since the pandemic and the loss of foreign seasonal workers post Brexit have put tourism in south-west Britain under pressure. 'I think the film will raise awareness of the path and give us a chance engage with people about the transformational nature of trails,' said Gray. On any given day about 25,000 people may be walking the path (though so spaced out it never feels busy). It brings in £500m a year to the south-west economy and the public health benefits are judged to be worth tens of million more. There are lots of positives. The charity has noticed that more lone women, younger people and families are walking the trail. The charity is working hard on equity of access, making sure that people such as refugees and older people get a chance to walk it. But the costs of maintaining it are high, and rising steeply. It costs about £1,600 per mile, per year, to keep the path in good shape and clearly signed – more than £1m. Seven years ago it cost £1,100 a mile. The climate emergency is putting huge pressure on the trail. 'What we're seeing with climate change is a speeding up of the frequency of storms and an increase in their intensity,' said Gray. 'We're having to deal with erosion and diversions far more often.' It took three months to clear part of the path when Storm Darragh hit in December, bringing down trees and causing stretches to crumble. Wildfires have affected the path in Zennor in Cornwall and Bolberry Down, near Salcombe. Gray said: 'I see the film as an opportunity to engage with people on how they can make a difference to protect and enhance this world-class trail. If we want it for future generations, we need people to keep supporting us.'
BBC News
23-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Mixed weather brings some fortune for Falmouth tourism businesses
As the Easter break concludes, businesses in Falmouth have been reflecting on a tourism season start marked by fluctuating weather and promising growth. The South West Business Council has reported the best Easter bookings in three years, up 4% from last Spencer, a director of Visit Cornwall, said: "There's been positive feedback from the industry after the Easter break; there's a feel-good factor."Castle Beach Cafe owner Emily Davidson said the weather changes highlighted the benefits of the business's new indoor area, which she said proved invaluable during rainy days. Ms Davidson's cafe saw a 20% increase in sales compared with last Easter, and she has expanded her team to 18 staff said: "Good Friday was pouring with rain, and we took about three times as much as we would on any other rainy day."Trent Turton, co-owner of Dough n Dowr, a mobile pizza and bagel business, said it was a busy Easter weekend, with improved weather compared with previous years. "This year has been really good, the weather's been better than the last two years, and it's just getting better and better," he National Maritime Museum Cornwall experienced a surge in visitors on stormy days, with visitor experience manager Kevin Guinchard saying there had been more than 1,600 visitors on a particularly wet Tuesday. Cal Walker, owner of the Black Cat cocktail bar, reported a quieter Easter due to the bar's student-heavy clientele being away during the varied experiences, traders such as Tash Berks of Bookmark book shop said they remained optimistic. "It's been busy, lots of people. I buzz off being busy," she said, adding she was hoping the momentum would continue into the coming summer Spencer, a director of Visit Cornwall, said: "There's been positive feedback from the industry after the Easter break; there's a feel-good factor."I think because the weather was mixed, it means that everybody has had the chance to benefit from that."Consumers are still impacted by the cost of living, and they're still a bit cautious about spending. "But, when the sun comes out, then the phone does start ringing."
