By car
Cornwall's hidden gems are most easily accessed by car. Start your journey from the Newquay Airport with a drive to Tintagel, home to a castle made by Geoffrey of Monmouth, who in his book, History of the Kings of Britain, recounts the legend of how King Arthur was conceived at the castle. Legend also has it that wizard Merlin, who lived in a cave below the castle, carried infant Arthur to safety when the waves brought him to the shore.
From there, just 25 minutes of driving to the south, Port Isaac is a charming seaside village, known as the setting of the British drama series, Doc Martin. The 10th and final season of the series is currently being filmed in the center of this town, and if you're lucky, you might see the cast and crew in action.
Port Isaac is also an ideal spot to stop for lunch. At the local fishmonger's you can pick up cockles, crayfish, or dressed crab to nibble on by the water. For a hot meal, visit The Chapel Cafe and enjoy one of chef Chris Lanyon's award-winning fish finger sandwiches, complete with mushy peas, chips, and homemade tartar sauce.
In Cornwall, you will never be farther than 25 minutes away from the beach. From Port Isaac, you can take in more of the Cornish coast with a visit to Carnewas at Bedruthan. It's a good stop for admiring the beauty of the rock formations and the sounds of crashing waves.
Don't be surprised if you also smell coconut. Cornwall doesn't have palm trees, but it does have the gorse plant, which is ubiquitous across the region. It grows along the road and its bright yellow flowers and coconutty fragrance make it a striking addition to the landscape. It's also used to flavor local chocolate and spirits.
For a pleasant dinner overlooking the water, Rick Steins Fistral by the Fistral beach is a fine choice. It's known for its fish and chips, but if you prefer lighter fare, the grilled fish is an excellent option. For Asian patrons seeking a taste of home, a variety of Asian dishes, from pad thai to curries to pho, are also available.
