Cornwall has diverse annual traditions and festivals, some dating back many centuries and some fairly new. Whatever the weather, there is something to be enjoyed throughout the summer in this wonderful part of the UK.

The first day of May sees the famous Obby Oss in Padstow.

In mid-June, the town of Falmouth hosts a free maritime music festival. This is a fabulous way to soak up the atmosphere of the town’s seafaring past. Dozens of performers will appear from Britain and overseas. Also in June, Penzance celebrates the traditional Feast of St John. Hundreds of British and international artists are attracted to this event of performing arts and music.

On the north coast, Bude’s Leopallooza festival in early July has been described as a field with a house party going on. New UK artists and bands are showcased at this exciting event. Also at the start of July is the Pendennis Cup in Falmouth, featuring four days of racing. You can also see the super-yachts attracted to the Bay by this event.

Mid-August means the Fowey Regatta and Carnival Week. It’s one of the UK’s premier sailing events and visitors are treated to a display by the Red Arrows.

At the end of August, the Bude Jazz Festival celebrates the early years of jazz music. Featuring over 100 indoor gigs, this is a major and unique event. There are dance marquees and workshops, as well as New Orleans street parades. The celebrations go on well into the evening with late-night jam sessions.

Late summer means the St Ives September Festival. Taking place over two weeks, the programme includes concerts, talks, poetry readings, workshops, comedy, plays and films. There is an interesting, eclectic mix of artists and performers with something for everyone.

Watergate Bay, near Newquay, is home to Polo On The Beach in mid-September. Featuring top polo players from around the country, the event provides both speed and excitement.

In early September, the World Bellyboard Championship takes place at St Agnes beach. This is a celebration of riding wooden boards instead of traditional surfboards on the waves. Swimsuits are worn rather than wetsuits and the event attracts many interesting fancy-dress costumes!

Cornwall has exciting events throughout the summer and hiring a car means having the ability to see much of what is going on. When it comes to hire cars Cornwall’s major towns are home to well-known rental companies and there will be a type of car available to suit every budget. Cornwall is a fairly narrow peninsula, which means drivers are always within easy driving distance of both coastlines.

Many people choose to go to Cornwall for its famous beaches – the long expanses of golden sand that are ideal for building sand castles and sunbathing. Other beaches have fantastic rock pools which children can happily spend hours fishing in and exploring. For those who are looking for water-based activities, Cornwall has plenty of choice. It is a very popular destination with surfers of all levels and offers other water sports such as sailing and canoeing.

Walking is a popular holiday activity and Cornwall is an ideal place for walkers. Those interested should definitely try a section of the South-West Coast Path. This has wonderful dramatic views and you could spend an entire holiday walking around it. For most people, though, a few hours or even a full day is enough.

If you enjoy eating out you will find plenty on offer in Cornwall. It is, of course, home to the little seaside town of Padstow, where Rick Stein has his famous seafood restaurant as well as a bistro and a fish-and-chip shop. There are many other pubs and other restaurants offering excellent food and drink around the county.

Cornwall has long been popular with artists. There is a branch of the Tate in St Ives and throughout the county you will find lots of local arts-and-crafts shops. These are great for having a browse around and buying a holiday souvenir or two.

A popular day out for many holiday makers to Cornwall is the Eden Project, one of the leading conservation projects in the UK. Other choices for days out include gardens, National Trust properties and theme parks.

Truro is the only city in Cornwall and makes for an excellent day trip. The Cathedral is definitely worth a visit. It has beautiful architecture and is famous for having the largest collection of stained glass anywhere in the world. It is one of the main cultural centres of Cornwall. Those who enjoy the theatre should certainly pay a visit to the Hall for Cornwall, the largest theatre in the county. Performances might not be on a par with London theatre, but will nevertheless offer good entertainment and an enjoyable night out.

Within these often-neglected areas of Britain there are many perfect locations for holiday makers to visit and enjoy.

The English coast is home to a variety of fascinating seaside resorts, many of which have Victorian architecture. Lymington, in Hampshire, was recently voted one of the UK`s best seaside resorts and it is only an hour and a half on the train from London.
Also, somewhat off the tourist trail is the unique village of Blanchard in Northumberland. Having hardly changed for centuries, this picturesque village provides a glimpse of bygone days. Many of the buildings in the village are listed and the charming market square is cobbled.

East Anglia’s Norfolk Broads are visited by thousands of tourists every year. However, get away from the major towns and you will find Horsey, with its traditional pub and quaint church. The village is a hidden gem and well worth a visit. Just a mile from the village is a long sandy beach, largely unpopulated even in high summer.

Glasgow in Scotland has undergone much refurbishment in recent years and it and its surrounding countryside are have delighted many visitors who have ventured there. Just outside of the city is Lochwinnoch, which sits between two lochs. Those who enjoy walking will appreciate the peace and tranquillity of its nearby nature trails. The village even has its own bird sanctuary.

The Pembrokeshire coastline of Wales is Britain’s only coastal National Park. The little village of Whitesands Beach proudly boasts a Blue Flag and is an ideal place to do a bit of surfing. Close by is a lovely small chapel, dedicated to St Patrick who, it is said, visited the spot and received a vision.

Everyone has heard of Land’s End in Cornwall. However, just four miles to the north is a largely undiscovered rocky headland, Cape Cornwall. Visitors to this spot will see the remains of old tin mines for which the area was famous. A trip to nearby Lostwithiel will reveal antique shops, traditional events and beautiful countryside. Sunleigh self-catering accommodation in St Agnes, Cornwall is a perfect place to base yourself to travel around Cornwall.

The coastline from Exmouth in East Devon to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset has been designated the Jurassic Coast. Fossils can be easily found among the rocks here and the area contains pretty inland villages as well as lovely beaches. Why not stay in one of the lovely Devon cottages in this area? The small fishing village of Beer has good pubs and walks can be taken in either direction along the coastal path. With its beaches, beautiful countryside and cream teas, this area has everything a visitor looking for Britain’s best hidden holiday locations might desire.

Be aware that when choosing a vehicle to hire, most companies provide examples of the size and type of vehicles which are available for hire, so you may not get the exact model that you see on screen.

Make sure you know where to collect the car from and double check on the payment terms. It is likely that payment will be made in advance, but if you are required to pay when you pick up the hire car, ensure you have a suitable means to cover the cost with you. It may also be necessary to present your driving licence and passport if hiring abroad at some point.

On collection, check that you understand and agree with all the terms and conditions set out in the small print and imposed on the hire, especially those concerning fuel usage and insurance. Some companies require you to return the vehicle with the same amount you set off with, or require the tank to be full before taking it back. Make sure you are properly covered in the event of any accident and understand all the excesses involved. Before setting off and ideally in the presence of a member of car hire staff, check the vehicle over for any defects to avoid being blamed for scratches and damage on return of the vehicle. Make a note of any that you find and leave a copy with the company for any checks that they may choose to perform at the end of the hire period.

Be sure to know the rules of where you are driving. If arranging hire cars abroad be aware of local speed restrictions and permitted drinking and driving limits and adjust your driving and behaviour to suit. Some countries require you carry around emergency warning triangles and high visibility clothing for use in an emergency, so familiarise yourself as to where the equipment is and how to use it safely and efficiently. It is very important that you know who to contact in an emergency and how to contact them. Above all, drive safely.

St Just is a small town close to Land’s End that is composed of original miner’s houses in a cottage style and an original market square. Head due north from St Just and you will come across a massive stretch of mining areas that continue to Pendeen. A truly unusual sight can be found just farther than Pendeen and that is a tin mine hoisted aloft the clifftops at Botallack.

The last tin mine to close in Cornwall only did so in 1990 and that is the mine at Geevor. On the site of the mine, a heritage centre has been constructed which tells the story of Cornish tin mining and has masses of information and artefacts to peruse. Visitors can venture deep down into the old mine on an underground tour but it is not for the faint hearted, the ‘descent’ is over fifteen feet!

Another large mining area to note is that between St Ives and St Erth which was a bustling mining centre. Across the area are disused mines, ruins and various heritage museums along with opportunities for guided tours and day trips.

For inquisitive visitors who like to travel around a region but enjoy a central base, it is a benefit that these mining areas were so vast. It is very easy to find accommodatio, restaurants and other activities in close proximity to the mining regions. There is a myriad of accommodation choices dotted around the region, for self-catering and economical holidays holiday parks can provide all necessary facilities to visitors. Other visitors may prefer to stay in a hotel or local bed and breakfast venue and they too will be spoilt for choice. Holiday Parks can often provide accomodation that simply by their nature can be situated closer to the coast or in areas that are not overly built up. Parkdean Holidays Crantock Beach Holiday Park is one such place, situated practically on top of the beach at the fashionable spot of Rock.

Visitors to Cornwall will find that even small towns with limited populations have a much greater range of shops than one might imagine. Happily, big brand chain stores are less likely to make an appearance on the small town High Street. Local retail businesses are, however, more than able to cater for anyone’s daily needs whilst also offering the chance to purchase that special souvenir or even support the community by purchasing some locally produced art or craft work.

One of the reasons why Cornwall is so popular for shopping is the vastly popular market days, which take place along winding streets and down cobbled roads. Market days are a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the local economy, support small businesses and ensure that you know exactly where your purchase has come from.

Depending on the location, most market days are held once a week (sometimes more) and display everything from meat and groceries organically grown nearby to handmade gifts, clothes and souvenirs. Some market towns will separate their market days to have a farmer’s market offering local produce on one day and all other non-food related items on another.

In addition to market days, shoppers can also support independent businesses by seeking out the quirkiest boutiques and specialist antiques markets in the area. A variety of treasure troves awaits, particularly in the towns of Lostwithel, which is a hive of activity for antique hunters and the cultural centre of Falmouth with its thriving arts scene.

Additionally, galleries are a great source of inspiration for art enthusiasts. With such a rich tapestry of panoramas, seascapes and natural beauty, it is easy to see why artists and artisans flock to this corner of the UK to work. Shoppers visiting Cornwall ought to expect all manner of arts, from oil paintings to handmade jewellery and everything in-between, including pottery, ceramics, sculpture and watercolours. It is an area also famous for writers, so visitors are recommended to seek out the tiny, independent booksellers as well.

Shopping malls and outlets are also littered throughout the southwest. Here you will find larger stores, household names and a busier hustle and bustle. Whether you are looking for clothing, DVDs and electronics, something for the home or just a place to do the weekly food shop, the large retail parks in Cornwall will be able to meet your needs. Some of these malls, however, such as Kingsley Village Outlets, offer a food hall of local produce and outlets focusing on Cornish crafts.

With a range of Groupon deals available, visitors to Cornwall will be sure to snap up a bargain amidst the variety of wonderful shopping options available to them. Daily listings offer the chance to get to know small businesses you might never have heard of and discover untold shopping secrets right in the heart of Cornwall.

There are plenty of exciting days out to choose from such as theme parks, conservation projects and lots of unique crafts centres and workshops. For a great day take the family to the city of Truro. For a city, Truro is compact and can easily be explored on foot in one afternoon. Here you’ll not only find some great shops – from the well known high street names to some more unique independent stores, but you’ll also find The Hall For Cornwall, the areas leading theatre venue and plenty of cinemas and museums. For history lovers a trip to Truro Cathedral is a must. This stunning Victorian building contains the world’s largest collection of stained glass, with windows depicting many of the Cornish saints and religious stories. The Cathedral also contains St Mary’s Aisle, a Tudor church that originally stood on the site before the Cathedral was built. The Cathedral has a community of its own and you can take guided tours, watch concerts or enjoy a cream tea at the Cathedrals café.

Alternatively, grab yourself a pasty and take a stroll through the city’s many parks and gardens. Enjoy Victoria Gardens, relax on a bench in the Waterfall Gardens or let the kids use up some energy at the Hendra Play Area. From the city you can easily head further out to the National Maritime Museum at Falmouth or the beachside craft shops and Tate Gallery at St Ives.

But if it’s the beach you fancy then head straight to St Agnes. This cute, coastal village is rich in mining history and has a friendly community with plenty of places to eat, drink and soak up the scenery. Feel the sand between your toes at one of four local beaches, giving you the chance to indulge in some water sports, rock pooling or simply building a sandcastle or two. Take one of the many coastal walks, or potter around the craft shops, galleries and workshops.

The beauty of choosing Cornish cottage rentals is that you’ll have a great base for exploring the area, while getting the chance to experience the laid back Cornish vibe first hand. Immerse yourself in the local community and you’ll find amazing little grocery shops selling fabulous produce and cute cafes offering perfect Cornish cream teas. You might find you don’t want to leave!

Visitors to Cornwall normally arrive by a variety of methods including driving, by train or by bus. Public transport represents an excellent way to see the county although journeys do need to be well planned. It is advisable to look at a map and to plan to do small distances in a day as a holiday in Cornwall means there are many delightful places to explore and these should not be rushed. Holidays in Cornwall can mean surfing on the north coast, a visit to the incredible Mynack Theatre which is built into a Cliffside, perhaps a trip to The Lost Gardens of Heligan or to The Tate at St. Ives, Cornwall is packed full of visitor attractions and time is needed to fully appreciate them all.

There are no rail facilities in the north of the county. However the rest of the county has main railway stations which are Liskeard, Par, Bodmin Parkway, Truro, St Austell, Camborne, Redruth, St Erth and Penzance. Other stations include Looe, Newquay, Lostwithiel, Falmouth, Hayle, St Ives, Gunnislake and the Tamar Valley Line. The National Rail Enquiry Service will help you plan your trip.

First Devon and Cornwall operates buses throughout the county. Its services stretch as far as Lands End at the county`s furthest point. Virtually all the larger towns and villages are serves by buses. It is possible to go by bus to Fowey, Polperro, Looe and Penzance on the south coast. The north coast towns of Padstow, Tintagel, Newquay and St Ives have buses which depart from Bodmin although services can be irregular so it is always advisable to check with the bus company. An invaluable telephone information service, Traveline, gives all information needed to make a bus journey. Arrival and departure times will be given and you will even be advised where the bus stops are.

Public transport is an interesting way to see the county. However considering the remoteness of many Cornish towns and villages, car hire is by far the best way to visit. You will not be tied to time and will be free to explore the countryside at will for there is so much to see and do. When planning a holiday in Cornwall remember that cheap car hire is readily available. There will be cars to suit whatever size you require and whatever your budget. Driving around Cornwall really is a great way to appreciate all that the county has to offer.