Cornwall

Forget the stereotypical bucket-and-spade image of yesteryear’s Cornwall. Yes, the pearly beaches still beckon barefoot, spade-bearing families, especially when the sun doth shine. Yet beyond the Caribbean-white sands lies the crashing surf, rugged cliffs, rolling moors and some of the most remote, rugged and beguiling landscapes the county has to offer. Squeeze into a wetsuit and battle the waves, don walking boots and trace the rise and fall of the South West Coast Path, or climb awesome granite stacks that jut into the full force of the Atlantic. No longer reliant on the weather to flaunt its charm, Cornwall boasts an array of landscapes and attractions for all seasons: Marvel at mega stars like the Eden Project, or be seduced by the maritime ambience in waterside villages littered with trendy shops and cafés. Gone are the chintzy cottages and old-fashioned hotels, these days replaced by boutique boltholes, classic country inns and some of the county's finest foodie gems – whether you fancy Michelin-starred dining or fish and chips on the beach.