Top things to do in Cornwall

One of the most quintessential Cornwall activities is to discover quaint harbour villages dotted along the coast. Looe and Polperro are just a short drive from Deerpark and further afield lies Tintagel (which is steeped in Arthurian legend), the busy harbour of Mevagissey and St. Ives - famous for its vibrant shops and galleries.

From the novels of Daphne Du Maurier and the drama of Poldark to TV classics such as Dr Who and Doc Martin, Cornwall is the backdrop to tons of books, films and TV shows. Explore Poldark country where old tin mines stand starkly above the cliffs. Visit the pretty harbour town of Port Isaac which doubles as Portwenn in Doc Martin and travel across the moors to Du Maurier’s famed Jamaica Inn.

Seven of Cornwall’s beaches hold the coveted Blue Flag status. Gather your buckets and spades, pack your picnic and head for Widemouth Bay in Bude, Gyllyngvase at Falmouth, Porthmeor and Carbis Bay at St Ives, Newquay's Great Western Beach, Porthtowan Beach on the North Cornwall coast or Trevone Bay at Padstow.

Cornwall is synonymous with surfing and there’s nowhere more famous than Fistral beach at Newquay. The atmosphere is at its peak in summer but spring, autumn and even winter are great times to catch a wave. Other great surfing beaches in Cornwall include Porthtowan, Porthleven and Harlyn Beach at Padstow.

The brooding presence of Bodmin Jail rises from the mist on Bodmin Moor. Learn about life as an 18th Century prisoner in the cold dark cells before relaxing at the Governor’s Restaurant.

Cornwall lies on the eastern edge of the Gulf Stream. This makes it one of the warmest counties in the UK where daffodils can often bloom as early as in December. Book a cabin for Christmas at Deerpark and enjoy looking for the first tentative signs that nature is awakening. Perfect if you enjoy brisk country walks.

Charlestown is a late Georgian port close to St. Austell. As you explore the streets it may seem strangely familiar. Many period dramas have been filmed here including Mansfield Park, Hornblower, Poldark and Dr. Who. The historic square rigger ships in the port only add to the sense you’re stepping into the past.

This walking route is an 18 mile corridor created from a disused railway line. Known as the Camel Trail it offers easy, largely flat and traffic-free access to the heart of the Cornish countryside. All the way from Bodmin to the north Cornwall coast. Plan your day around exploring the trail and uncover the natural spaces, pretty villages and notable landmarks along the way.

With over 50 miles of shoreline, the Helford Estuary has an abundance of sheltered coves and fascinating creeks. Visit the pretty shoreside villages and gardens or take a boat along the river and spot rare wildlife. In need of hearty refreshments? There's plenty of traditional Cornish pubs to stop at too.