Surrounding Area

Just beyond the Camel Estuary region is Port Isaac, perched dramatically on the North Cornwall coast. This beautiful fishing village has achieved worldwide renown through the TV series Doc Martin, but it has long been loved for its narrow streets, harbour, cliffs and unmistakable Cornish character.

For visitors who want to see more of the county without planning every mile themselves, Cornwall Discovery Tours offer private guided tours around Cornwall, including coast, countryside, historic towns, fishing villages and locations associated with Doc Martin and Poldark.

The Camel Estuary sits on Cornwall’s north coast, with the River Camel leading inland towards Wadebridge. This busy market town is a natural stopping point on the Camel Trail and a useful base for exploring Rock, Padstow, Polzeath, Bodmin Moor and the surrounding countryside.

Wadebridge is full of greenery, flowers and attractive gardens, and many of the eye-catching homes in and around the town are well cared for by local trades and garden specialists. For garden maintenance, planting and landscaping, The Cornish Garden Company are experienced Wadebridge gardeners working across the Camel Estuary area. Closer to the coast, Duchy Gardens provide garden services around Padstow and nearby villages.

After Wadebridge, the historic town of Bodmin forms an important inland centre for business, administration and heritage. It is also close to Bodmin Moor, the Camel Trail and several attractions, making it a useful part of any wider tour of Cornwall.

Continuing south, the River Fowey leads down towards Cornwall’s opposite coast. The scenery changes noticeably here, with wooded valleys, sheltered creeks and waterside towns offering a gentler contrast to the rugged north coast. Fowey itself is full of character and well worth seeking out, not least because it is within reach of the Eden Project.

One interesting way to visit the Eden Project is by bike, which feels especially appropriate given the attraction’s environmental focus. Carrying on west from Fowey brings you to Pentewan, where Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire provides bikes and electric bikes for routes towards Eden, the Clay Trails, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Mevagissey.

The south coast is a warren of coves, rivers, woods and valleys leading down to more sheltered shores. Cornwall is blessed with remarkable variety, and every turn seems to bring a different landscape, from working harbours and wooded creeks to open beaches and quiet rural lanes.

The coast around Rock is unique in both directions. Constantine, Porthcothan, Trebarwith and Port Isaac are just a few of the notable places nearby, each with its own character and coastal setting. It is easy to see why Cornwall has attracted visitors for generations.

Further west you will find St Ives, with its long artistic history, harbour streets and views across the bay. Overlooking the same sweep of coast, Hayle has miles of sandy beaches and open skies. To the south, the Lizard Peninsula offers another change of mood, with beautiful villages such as Coverack on the east coast and Helford on the Helford River. Lizard Holiday Cottages have a portfolio of much-loved cottages in this special part of Cornwall.

Going further afield again, and heading back east, you will find a different world beyond Cornwall but still with plenty to enjoy. One area to savour is Southend-on-Sea, where local residents returned from Cornwall inspired by the places they had visited. The result is The Landings @ No. 83, accommodation in Southend that is well placed for exploring the area and also close to both the hospital and airport.