The Cornish Riviera

For the very best of Cornwall go to its heart - the ancient Borough of Restormel, so full of history, scenic variety and activity it is like a country within a county.

Where its northern coastline is ruggedly spectacular, the south is a green and gold tapestry of wooded hills dropping down to secluded coves, of inlets that hide enchanting fishing villages or yacht anchorages and pilgrim trails that wind past sleepy farms and ancient stones.

In an area that offers a vast diversity of activities, you can watch a Cornish Gorsedd gathering and see a top band at the West s premier live venue; fish for trout, salmon or shark; sail in a major regatta or ride as Daphne du Maurier did, far from crowds or cars on a moor as old as time.

Here is the sculpted curve of St Austell Bay, golden with beaches and a haven for watersports. Mevagissey, whose harbour launched a million picture postcards, and nearby the lovely, lazy sun-traps of Gorran Haven and Hemmick; Caerhays Castle above its own beach and, inland, another castle, Restormel, overlooking Lostwithiel and the River Fowey (pron. Foy) which grows from trout-stream to deep-water estuary and gives its name to the beautiful port at its mouth; the Roseland Peninsula one of the most picturesque and unspoilt parts of the British Isles. Lovely beaches, delightful rivers and countryside, pretty villages and hamlets make this a perfect holiday setting.