Four of the best views in Cornwall

Cornwall is well-known for its impressive geography and fascinating history. It is no surprise, then, that during the summer months the region is popular with tourists keen to explore the picturesque villages and golden beaches dotted along the coastline. But for an area that is relatively low lying, where are the best places to take in the sunset? This article gives an overview of some of the best views in the duchy.

Brown Willy
Where better to soak up some of Cornwall's more rugged terrain than its highest point? Brown Willy on Bodmin Moor rises up to 420 metres (1,378ft) in height and offers fantastic vistas of the surrounding area. The tor can be reached via the A30 at Bolventor, and nearby hills such as Rough Tor still boast evidence of Iron Age remains.

Carn Brea
Moving further south west near the town of Redruth, Carn Brea is a hilltop site which offers more than just fantastic 360 degree views (stretching to both the north and south Cornish coasts on clear days). Its most striking aspect is the 30 metre (90ft) high Basset Monument which sits atop it, and built in honour of Francis Basset - who, amongst other things, petitioned the house of lords against slavery in 1828. Evidence of Neolithic and Iron Age settlements have been found there, whilst today Carn Brea castle serves as an acclaimed Middle Eastern restaurant.

Minack Theatre
Porthcurno beach, Green Bay and Pedn Vounder make up one of the most impressively golden bays in Cornwall. It is little surprise, therefore, that the theatre founded by Rowena Cade at Minack has earned itself a reputation for being one of the most memorable places to catch a play and a great place to spend a summer's evening. Founded in the early 1930s, Cade decided to build her theatre atop a rocky outcrop above Porthcurno so that the sea could act as backdrop to the drama. Today, the theatre hosts performances for UK and US based theatre companies - and visitors continue to flock to the area for this, the sea, and the village's history as a centre for pioneering telecommunications.

Chapel Carn Brea
Without the intention of trying to confuse the reader, Chapel Carn Brea is in an entirely different location to Carn Brea. Situated nearly at the westernmost point of the British mainland (that being Lands End just a few kilometres south), this hill is considered the first of Cornwall, and reaches a peak of 200 metres (657ft) above sea level. Not only does the area offer great views over the rocky west Cornish coast, but it is also renowned for its Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age history.

Article Source: TravelFreeGuides.com

About the Author

Sam Southern writes about Cornwall self catering, hotels and places to visit in the region. For more details about staying in the area visit: http://www.killanoon.co.uk/

by: lw

Total views: 0 Word Count: 460 Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2010 Time: 1:58 PM - 0 comments

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