Cornwall, Luxury Cornwall Hotels in Fowey, Falmouth, St Mawes, Padstow

The mere mention of Cornwall provokes evocative thoughts: spectacular coastal scenery, sandy beaches galore, mild climate, pasties and clotted cream! All very accurate as befits one of the UK's best loved counties. Any visitor who has been to Cornwall has fond memories of it. However it should be noted that there is much more in the county to be discovered as Cornwall has a rich and vibrant heritage, arts and cultural side to it. And one mustn’t forget its long list of glorious gardens, admirably lead by the Eden Project.

The 4 Richardson hotels in Cornwall are perfectly placed to provide everything visitors may desire - for all ages.

If seeking the rugged side of the county that has a bit of mood and attitude in its beauty and is best known for its water sports - particularly surfing, and its seafood, then The Metropole in Padstow is the ideal choice.

The town of Padstow, with its busy working harbour and eclectic selection of shops, galleries and eateries (seafood a feature on all menus) is vibrant year round. From here there is easy access to 7 different beaches, some of which have ideal surf conditions; cycling and walking, particularly along the picturesque (and flat!) Camel Trail that follows the estuary around to the market town of Wadebridge (where once upon a time you could sell your wife for less than a fiver)! For the more able-bodied, the cliff walks around St Agnes or Bedruthan are awesome. Historic homes Prideaux Place and Landydrock House and Gardens, the young Royal’s favourite resort of Rock (a short and enchanting ferry ride away), the vineyards of Camel Valley, Bodmin Moor and its highest point Roughtor, Newquay's surf and extreme sport beaches of Fistral and Watergate Bay - just a few of the many "must do" things on the doorstep of Padstow.

If sleek nautical race lines, a touch of the naval/sea farer and some pretty big boats are more your idea of working harbours then look no further than the popular port of Falmouth where you'll find the Falmouth hotel, with Pendennis Castle and the infinite horizon of the sea as a backdrop. Sleek race lines are everywhere in this part of the world, with yachts of every size berthed in scenic marinas dotted about the Helford and Fal river estuaries that hug the coast around Falmouth and glorious Tall Ships are regular harbour visitors. After all, this is the home port that Dame Ellen MacArthur made for when she completed her record-breaking, single-handed Round the World voyage. Falmouth has a wonderful Mediterranean feel to it with palm-lined streets and a pleasing micro climate that enables 7 nearby wonderful and varied Gardens of Cornwall to flourish. There are lots of activities and things of interest happening throughout the town and around the harbour and oyster lovers should take note of the Falmouth Oyster Festival, held each October! Aside from the myriad of hidden coves and outlets to be explored along the Helford and Fal estuaries, the rugged Lizard Peninsula is only a short drive away. In fact the whole of West Cornwall and a good deal more is easily accessible from Falmouth.

Particularly accessible is the pretty fishing village of St Mawes, situated on the tip of the Roseland Peninsular (AONB) just opposite Falmouth and the location of The Idle Rocks hotel. This is the perfect location if you seek utter relaxation, peace and tranquillity.

St Mawes marks the start of the coastal stretch known as the Cornish Riviera, home to more millionaires than elsewhere in Cornwall! St Mawes itself is a delightful little village with a quaint little harbour. From here is it easy to explore the surrounding coastline by foot, car or by water.

There is the foot ferry over to Falmouth, water taxis and boat trips to explore the surrounding creeks and estuaries and the King Harry Ferry - voted Britain's most scenic ferry ride, that provides easy access to Truro and the west of Cornwall.

Some of the county's finest produce is grown on the verdant, fertile lands of the Roseland - even tea is grown here! Country lanes lead to some lovely villages, beaches and coves including the round houses of Veryan, Carne Beach, Caerhays Castle, Lamorran Gardens and two vineyards. This area of Cornwall is picture perfect, unspoiled and well worth a visit.

At the other end of the Cornish Riviera coast is the popular town of Fowey, home to The Fowey hotel and voted one of the UK's most desirable locations to live. Fowey is best known for 2 big events - The Daphne DuMaurier Literary Festival that takes place each May and Fowey Royal Regatta Week held each August. Of course it isn't just those events that create a buzz about the town - there is always a buzz in Fowey. The estuary is always lively with boat traffic - leisure and business and the town itself offers a wonderful mix of shops and galleries as well as an excellent delicatessen! It isn't unusual to spot a famous face or two enjoying the ambience. Everyone who has ever been to Fowey is enchanted with it! It has a wonderful child friendly beach at Readymoney Cove and offers some amazing walking on the coastal path. Once the immediate environs of Fowey have been explored there are lots of fantastic places to visit nearby - Cornwall's antique "capital", Lostwithiel is just down the road, as are the Eden Project, Charlestown, the charming fishing port of Mevagissey, Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell’s China Clay Museum and the county’s ancient capital Bodmin and its dramatic moor.

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