With the Easter holidays and the Royal Wedding looming, people are looking to get away (or hide away) from the crowds and spend some time with their families. To make the best of the weather, why not head to Cornwall? Sure, it can be busy there and without a motorway in sight past Exeter you’ll need some savvy knowhow to find some great places to go.

Photo by Pengannel

First of all you’ll want somewhere to stay. If you crave the crashing waves of the Atlantic coast Perranporth is a great bet, it’s Newquay’s quieter cousin and there’s plenty of beach to go round. Why not go self-catering so you can have the freedom of cooking your own meals? If you’re a big group, hiring the Youth Hostel there is a great idea and you can’t get a more idyllic location than on the clifftop overlooking the bay. For a quieter time, Fowey is great, a sleepy traditional town on the south coast.

Photo by Samuel Mann

The Eden Project is Cornwall’s star attraction, and I know we’re looking to steer clear of the crowds but it’s easy to get lost in the vast expanse of gardens here, and the exhibits are so interesting you’ll barely notice anyone. Plus, the tropical biome is so warm and relaxing you’ll think you’ve been transported to the jungle on a desert island!

Photo by andybullock77

Visiting Tintagel Castle is really just an excuse to get out on the cliffs and see the spectacular scenery that abounds in this part of the world. The 13th Century ruins are filled with legends and rumours of King Arthur and it’s easy to imagine battles and sieges along the dramatic coast. If you want to see the power of the sea, head to nearby Trebarwith Strand afterwards, where the waves crashing in at high tide are a spectacular sight.

Photo by gordonplant

Heading inland, the Lost Gardens of Heligan are perfect for a days’ exploring. There are formal gardens, a jungle and wide expanses of countryside so you can get as far away from the crowds as you desire. The gardens were hidden under weeds and fallen trees and have been lovingly recreated to their former glory.

If even this seems like too much effort why not take a back-to-basics holiday and walk some of the stunning coastal path? You can book into a B&B every night and there’s bound to be plenty of places along the way serving pub lunches and cream teas so you can fill up and have a rest before heading off into the glorious peace and quiet.

Top image by Kirstea