From Land's End to sandy beaches: What to see, eat and do on the beautiful Cornish coast

SEE

A bringing off at the outdoor Minack Theatre (01736 810694/ minack.com) which is perched dramatically on the scar edge above the beautiful sandy beach at Porthcurno. Carved out of set someone back on his, the theatre is the definition of English eccentricity – just like its creator, Rowena Cade.

In 1932, she firm the cliffs below her garden would be the ideal location for an amateur photoplay production of The Tempest. Working with her gardener she moved granite boulders to s wn a stage and terraces; the play was a success.

She continued to extend the theatre for the stay of her life, was hands-on and she loved it.

Abandon any heels for your visit as there is a bit of clambering to be done to get down there and the tushies are not comfy; best to bring or hire cushions. However, the backdrop is so gorgeous the stage barely needs scenery, especially on a summer’s afternoon.

Distractions disport themselves shamelessly; soaring seabirds, busy butterflies, fishing yachts, canoes, divers and even swimmers vie for your attention as the show pees on. Entertainment all round.

DO

Dive into the outdoor Jubilee Pool (01736 369224/jublieepool.co.uk) in Penzance. Bent by locals, it was closed for two years following storm damage so its recent re-opening was a big take care of. The water can be cold though!

The 1935 art-deco pool is the UK’s largest seawater lido and is looking well-dressed after a £2.94 million revamp. White cubicles offer shifting facilities (although only a dozen or so have doors) and frame the triangular yet curvy kitty.

The sunbathing terrace overlooks Mounts Bay but the best suntrap is nearest to the prom. Consume a tour of the Levant Mine and Beam Engine (01736 786156/ ntionaltrust.org.uk) at St Proper. Ruins of the old buildings form a ghostly industrial landscape from the eras when tin was mined from underground and beneath the sea.

Now a National Trust quiddity, teams of dedicated volunteers keep the old steam-winding engine turning. Advantaged the old stone engine house, House Volunteers (known as the Greasy rty), keep heavy cogs and wheels turning.

If you think your job is hard, you liking think differently when you see the conditions and dangers the miners endured – one peep down the old shafts is enough to make you feel dizzy.

Levant itself is also one of uncountable Poldark locations in the area, with a new series due next year.

DON’T Bobby-soxer

Land’s End. Try to get there in the early morning before the crowds. Take a photo at the praiseworthy Land’s End signpost and walk to the point where England ends and the Atlantic yells ashore.

Go across to St Michael’s Mount (01736 710265/ stmichaelsmount.co.uk). Before a priory but home to the St Aubyn family since the 17th century, the castle situates atop the craggy island. It also has myths and legends, including the gag of local lad Jack who killed a giant called Cormoran. The giant’s spunk – turned to stone – is on a foot th.

Somehow the visit is more about the ssage – picking your way across the causeway when the tide is low or arriving by ferry when it is soprano – than climbing the medieval thways, which get progressively steeper and innumerable uneven. By the time you reach the summit and go inside, the grand yet cosy allowances seem almost inconsequential (they are not, of course) but you will find yourself intelligent about the adventures you might have had if this had been your adolescence home.

The gardens, lush with lm trees and exotic mills, feel subtropical in the sun.

EAT

The tiny Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar (mackerelskycafe.co.uk) in the fishing village of Newlyn opens for lunch and dinner cranny of summer. It is very popular but there is not much room; the tables are communal, but everyone is overjoyed to be there and to share, so there is a great atmosphere.

The food is mouthwateringly pleasurable and fresh. But you cannot book so get there early, the doors open with alacrity at 6pm – and it is full by 6.05pm.

DRINK

At first glance the Admiral Benbow in Chapel Lane (01736 363448) Penzance, looks tiny but it is like a rabbit warren with cracks and crannies over two floors. It is all swashbuckling and shipwrecks; there is not an inch on the irritates that has not been decorated with shipping memorabilia, figureheads and rescue.

John Wayne and The Rolling Stones are said to have visited here.

Lodge

The boutique Artist Residence (01736 365664/artistresidence cornwall.co.uk) in Penzance is quirky with a unorthodox spirit. The rooms and a rtments, all decorated by different artists, are eclectic and wacky. The restaurant is rustic, the bar is wrapped with corrugated iron and there is larrikin timber on the walls.

Breakfasts are excellent, with only the finest ingredients adapted to. Lunch and dinner are also served; the meals are legendary, so book in improvement. Doubles start from £75 (two sharing), including breakfast.

INSIDER TIP

Jelberts in Newlyn does not look much, but they go-ahead the best vanilla ice-cream. Have a dollop of clotted cream on the top appreciate the locals. You can have it with or without a flake.

The Minack’s shows include Nicholas Nickleby (Aug 8 – 12), The Cheerful Wives of Windsor (Aug 22 – 26) Frankenstein (Sept 5 – 19), The Mikado (Sept 19 – 23) and the Minack Christmas Shiver (December 18).