The lure of a summer getaway to France’s Cote d’Azur is certainly a powerful one. From sun-dusted turquoise seas to the picture-perfect streets of Nice and Saint Tropez, it’s hard to find anywhere else in the world that feels so tailor-made for unwinding.
Hard, but by no means impossible. When it comes to letting your cares melt away beside the sea, our own Cornwall is in a class of its own. And if you choose a Cornwall holiday in 2022, you might be surprised at how quickly you forget all about the Cote d’Azur.
Relax from the moment you set off
Your holiday time is precious, and it should be all about packing in the most relaxation possible.
So why spend that time anxiously weighing the contents of your suitcase on the bathroom scales, rushing to the airport, then waiting around in the café for hours on end? With a Cornwall staycation, you can forget about all of that.
But convenience isn’t the only reason to choose a Cornwall holiday in 2022. If you’ve got your heart set on everything a French Riviera getaway is famous for, Cornwall has all of that and more to offer.
A coast as azure as any
With roughly 422 miles of coastline to choose from, a 2022 Cornwall holiday has something to offer for pretty much any kind of beach escape – from surfing hotspots like Sennen and Newquay’s Fistral Beach, to plenty of secluded hidden gems and coves.
If you’re after the kind of glittering waters that give the Cote d’Azur its name, Cornwall has you covered there too. The county boasts eight beaches awarded Blue Flag status for their water quality and environmental standards.
Gyllyngvase is the only Blue Flag beach on Cornwall’s south coast. It’s Falmouth’s largest beach, with plenty of space for families to spread out and easy access to the town when you’re done sunbathing.
Gyllyngvase can get busy though, so for a quieter beach day it’s worth checking out Trevone Bay near Padstow, Crooklets Beach near Bude or Newquay’s Great Western Beach. All three are largely sheltered from their towns by cliffs, meaning you can kick back and block out everything but the sea in front of you and the sun overhead.
Winding streets and stunning views
A Cornwall holiday in 2022 isn’t just good for soaking up the sun in a secluded bay. Whether you’re planning a day trip or brushing off the sand in the evening, Cornwall is a treasure trove of romantic fishing villages and unique towns – and every one of them looks tailor-made for your holiday shots.
St Ives is a perfect example. With its charming buildings and scenic surroundings, this village on the north coast has a reputation as an artists’ paradise, backed up by both a local Tate gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Gallery.
Head down the south coast, and about halfway between Truro and Bodmin you’ll find St Austell – home to the Eden Project, but also a beautiful market town in its own right. A little further along the coast are the towns of Polperro and Fowey, with their narrow, winding streets and crafty boutiques set into the hills of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
For foodies, Mevagissey and Padstow are a must. Both are working fishing ports and their numerous restaurants make the most of the local catch of the day. With a dish of classic Cornish seafood and a sunset view over the harbour, any thought of the French Riviera will quickly melt away.
Cliffs, castles and cultural landmarks
It’s not just about what Cornwall can do as well as the Cote d’Azur. As well as the beaches and beautiful towns, the best part of a 2022 Cornwall holiday is getting to explore all the stunning sites dotted throughout the county that make it unlike anywhere else in the world.
No Cornwall vacation would be complete without a trip to Land’s End and Lizard Point, where you can enjoy some striking clifftop walks along two of the most extreme points of the UK. Not only that, but if you look out to sea you can also spot seals and dolphins – or if you’re lucky, the telltale fin of a whale.
While you’re down on Cornwall’s southern coast, make sure to see the famous Minack Theatre near Porthcurno. Taking in an open-air play with the waves crashing far below you is an easy way to make your 2022 Cornwall holiday unforgettable – just remember to wrap up warm if you’re attending an evening show.
If history is your thing, Cornwall is dotted with spellbinding castles. In Falmouth, you can find Pendennis and St Mawes, two well-preserved Tudor-era forts on either side of the River Fal. Or you can head further back in time with the Norman ruins of Restormel Castle near Lostwithiel, or Tintagel Castle on the northern coast – said to be the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur.
And at the end of the day…
Whether you want to trek across clifftop walks or lie back on a blissful sandy shore, there’s so much more to do in Cornwall than can ever fit into a single day. So when the sun starts to dip below Land’s End, you’ll need a place to rest and recharge before heading back out there.
Our boutique hotel sits perfectly on the Roseland Heritage Coast, giving you dancing ocean views that more than rival the French Riviera. With decked terraces on our ground floor bedrooms as well as our own hideen beach, you’ll be spoiled for ways to unwind in the sun in peace during your Cornwall holiday in 2022.
After a gentle night in one of Driftwood’s cosy rooms, or maybe dinner and a drink in our bar, you’ll feel fully restored for another day discovering Cornwall’s sun-kissed beauty. Before you know it, you’ll be wondering why you ever thought about the Cote d’Azur to begin with.
