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April 2010
By Pat Giuliano & Patricia McGowan
Cornwall County is located in the extreme southwest tip of England. It is almost an island- separated from the rest of Britain by the River Tamar to the east-and surrounded on the other three sides by the English Channel and Celtic Sea. It has the mildest climate in Britain and is known for its many miles of beaches with rugged cliffs and smashing waves.
Cornwall is recognized as one of the six Celtic Nations together with Brittany, Ireland, Isle of Man, Scotland and Wales. It has a distinct cultural identity, and the once extinct Cornish language has made a recent comeback.
There is a wealth of folklore about pixies, mermaids, and giants that roamed Cornwall in the past. The fairytale Jack the Giant Killer, among others, takes place in Cornwall. Part of Cornish folklore is derived from tales of sea-faring pirates and smugglers who thrived in and around Cornwall until the 19th century. To the west, the town of Penzance is the home of the pirates in Gilbert and Sullivan 's opera, " The Pirates of Penzance " The legendary King Arthur, it is said, was born in Tintagel on the north coast and had his Camelot castle and court there.
The southern strip of the coast holds a string of medieval harbor towns. The unspoiled charming seaside town of Fowey (pronounced Foy) is one of them. This quintessential bustling port was once a center for the china clay industry but is now a popular yachting destination offering extensive facilities for pleasure boats and visiting yachtsmen. It dates back hundreds of years and is built upon the steep west bank of the river estuary. Fowey is best enjoyed on foot since the narrow, winding streets were created long before cars were invented. Along those streets you will find an enjoyable mix of antique shops, restaurants, and old pubs, mixed with ship suppliers and harbor offices.
Aside from its idyllic setting and the delights of sailing, Fowey is most noted for its association with the English author and playwright, Daphne Du Maurier. She first came to Fowey in her early twenties and immediately fell in love with the town and with the whole of Cornwall as well. The fact that she lived in Fowey for many years has made it a literary byword. Many of her works have been adapted into films, including the novel and movie, "Rebecca," which won the Best Picture Oscar in 1941.
Cornwall also provided the inspiration for The Birds, one of her terrifying series of short stories, made famous as a film by Alfred Hitchcock. You can visit the Daphne Du Maurier Literary Center in the heart of Fowey. It reflects the strong literary heritage of the town and surrounding area. Another major literary association is with Sir Arthur Quillan-Couch (also known as Q), who's former home, The Haven, still stands in the town today.
With a delightful mix of superb beaches (among the best in Britain), mild climate, magnificent scenery, unique culture and heritage, and charming towns and villages, Cornwall has something to offer every traveler.