Love is in the air! With its stunning coastline, moors and ancient forests, North Cornwall is a great place to woo your significant other. To celebrate Valentine’s day, in this post we’ve collected 5 of our favourite romantic spots in the area for you to enjoy. (Don’t worry – they also make great attractions for single visitors and full families!) Have we missed your favourite? Let us know on social media or add it to the comments below.
5 – St. Nectan’s Glen, Tintagel
After walking along a wooded riverside, decorated with piles of rocks, you access the famous St. Nectan’s Glen waterfall through the small visitors’ centre. The steep plunge of the stream, enchanted pools, and the mysterious rock formations make for an inspiring walk. The only reason this spot doesn’t climb higher in our list, is that it tends to get a little busy particularly in the holidays.
4 – Hawker’s Hut, Morwenstow
The dramatic cliffs beyond Morwenstow aren’t the only draw for visitors to the area. The tiny look-out post of Hawker’s Hut, built into the side of the cliff is the National Trust’s smallest property (just a hut), and was used by the eccentric Victorian clergyman Reverend Hawker. The ancient church at Morwenstow and the delightful country tea-rooms in the old rectory are also deservedly popular and make for an excellent retreat if the weather catches you.
 | 3 – Trebarwith Strand, Tintagel This beach and cove is always picturesque, with the imposing Gull Rock sitting in the bay. At high tide it is largely inaccessible, and at low tide there is a sandy beach with plenty of rock-pools. There are also smooth rocks on the right of the river, accessible with care, with plenty of nooks and crannies in the naturally terraced cliff-face – an excellent spot to watch the sun go down (but careful of the tides!) If the weather catches you, try the excellent dog-friendly Port William pub that overlooks the bay. |
2 – Compass Point, Bude
The walk to this Bude promontory is very gentle, with several paths meandering up through the furzey downland. You are rewarded with panoramic views back over Bude harbour and canal, northwards to Cleve Camp Satellite Station and Lundy Island, and southwards to Trevose Head and its lighthouse. There is a storm tower, known as the Pepper Pot, and plenty of benches. When you’ve had your fill of the sea air, take a wander along the canal and eat in one of the growing number of great Bude eateries.
| 1 – Roughtor, Camelford This is one for the nature-lovers. Roughtor and Brown Willy are the two highest points in Cornwall, but are easily accessible with a minute walk from the car park (PL32 9QJ). Sit with your loved one, perched on top of these granite tors, and on a clear day you will be able to see both the North and the South coast. Over the winter you may well be treated to spectacular starling murmurations (huge flocks) that roost in the nearby woods. Take a blanket and a flask of tea (or something stronger) and watch the sun set over this ancient landscape. |  |
Wildcard:
Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Bodmin
Well, this one isn’t really a spot, but there are plenty of people who will think there is little more romantic than a trip on a steam train through the Cornish countryside. For an extra special day, try one of their first class dining cars.
http://www.bodminrailway.co.uk/
