Question: which English county has only one continuous coastline and is bordered by one county? If you answered 'Cornwall', well done. Potentially, you could host your event in Lands End, with its hotel both the first and last conference venues in the UK!
For many people, its picturesque fishing villages and coastlines draw people to this part of the United Kingdom. It draws countless tourists and artists to the resorts. Before then, it was the centre of Britain's tin mining industry.
Cornwall's identity is interwoven with its tin mining, China clay quarrying and fishing heritage. All three aspects form part of tourist attractions which draw millions to the county each year. Subterranean attractions include the former tin mine in Geevor. A former China clay quarry was transformed as The Eden Project. Polperro, Mevagissey and Padstow remain unspoilt fishing villages. The most westerly and southerly points of England are situated in Lands End and Lizard Point.
For many people, the most modern Cornish icon is The Eden Project. Opened in 2003, its biomes contain a small section of Rainforest and Mediterranean landscape, with plants collected from all over the world. Both its Mediterranean and Rainforest biomes are available for hire as conference venues - quite a contrast from the usual exhibition centre or hotel.
St. Ives is a popular part of Cornwall, particularly so with artists being home to a Tate Gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum. Also popular is Penzance, the most westerly major town in the county. Attractions include its harbour, the sub-tropical Morrab Gardens and the open air seawater Jubilee Bathing Pool. It was also the birthplace of Sir Humphrey Davy, inventor of the Davy miners' safety lamp. Close by are the neighbouring towns of Newlyn and Mousehole.
Just off the A39 is Falmouth. Attractions include Pendennis Castle, St. Mawes Castle (a short boat trip across the River Fal away) and Cornwall's National Maritime Museum. It has the third deepest natural harbour in the world. Close by is the city of Truro. The only city in Cornwall, it is famed for its cathedral and a record breaking steam locomotive which bore the city's name. It is also noted for its cobbled streets and Georgian architecture. Both Truro Cathedral's Chapter House and the National Maritime Museum are available for hire as conference venues.
Without question, Cornwall's all action seaside resort is Newquay. It is widely regarded as the UK's surf capital with Fistral and Tolcarne Beaches its main spots. Nightlife is vibrant, with popular DJs coming over as guests. The town has its own zoological gardens, and a wealth of hotels, some of which suitable conference venues like the Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa.
There is no shortage of fishing villages and harbour towns within Cornwall. Padstow is home to one of Rick Stein's cafés, with Rock a short boat trip away. St. Austell is one of the biggest towns in Cornwall and famed for its brewery where guided tours are available. It is the nearest major town to The Eden Project. Polperro and Looe are both charming fishing villages off the A387 with narrow streets and small harbours.
To the north is Tintagel, famed for its castle associated with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Further up is Boscastle, where attractions on its harbourside include The Museum of Witchcraft. Other attractions include the Flambards Theme Park, which has a mix of historical displays and thrill rides. There is also the Minack Theatre, a stone built 750 theatre with regular performances from plays to tribute acts.
The main roads into Cornwall are the A38 from Plymouth, Bristol and the West Midlands, A30 from Exeter, and the A39 from Barnstaple. By rail, First Great Western's and Cross Country's mainline services connect the county with London Paddington railway station, plus Bristol Temple Meads, with some services continuing to Birmingham New Street and Manchester Piccadilly stations. There is also seasonal flights to Newquay airport from UK airports with regular flights to Manchester and the Isles of Scilly. Ferry services connect the islands with the UK mainland from Penzance.
For an event to remember, Cornwall's attractions and wealth of conference venues are well worth considering.
