Statistics – fascinating facts about Cornwall

The shoreline

The county of Cornwall boasts the longest coastline in England, stretching an impressive 422 miles. The varied coastline offers plenty to explore, from its world-famous rugged cliffs to golden sandy beaches.

Ancient sites

The ancient monuments in Cornwall include stone circles, burial chambers, and hillforts. There are over 1500 in total, which is why Cornwall is known for its archaeological heritage. The most famous sites include Tintagel Castle (a stone’s throw from our self-catering bungalow in Bude), St. Michael’s Mount, and the Hurlers Stone Circles.

World-class waves

There are over 200 beaches in Cornwall. There’s no doubt that if you think of Cornwall, surfing is definitely one of the first things that springs to mind. It’s one of, if not the top surfing destination in the UK. Fistral Beach in Newquay is probably the most famous, hosting international surfing competitions and home to the infamous Fat Willy’s Surf Shack!

Seafood capital

Newlyn Harbour is one of the largest fishing ports in the UK, landing over 35,000 tonnes of fish annually. It’s been a working harbour since the 15th century. Cornwall, unsurprisingly, is known for its fresh seafood dishes, which are served in every town and village across the county. 

Language and culture

Our property’s name has a nod to the Cornish language, ‘Pen’, meaning hill or headland, something the whole of Cornwall is famous for. The language, closely related to Welsh and Breton, is experiencing a revival. Over 550 people now speak fluent Cornish, and projects such as the Cornish Language Partnership are making further efforts to preserve it. 

Visitor economy

Over 5.8 million visitors visit Cornwall annually, so tourism is a vital part of the local economy. It generates over £1.85 billion each year and supports over 66,000 jobs. It’s one of Cornwall’s largest industries. 

Areas of outstanding natural beauty

There are 12 areas of Cornwall officially categorised as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They range from the rugged cliffs of the North Cornwall coast to the rolling hills of Bodmin Moor and cover over 956 square kilometres of stunning landscapes. 

Award-winning cuisine

The cream first or jam first debate will always live on (it’s jam first in our view!). But there’s much more to Cornwall than just a cream tea and Cornish pasties. It’s home to over 40 Michelin-starred restaurants and numerous award-winning producers and artisans, so it’s somewhat of a food lover’s paradise.

Tin mining heritage

Once the world’s leading producer of tin, Cornwall’s mining heritage dates back over 4,000 years. Today, it is still celebrated through sites like the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape.

Maritime legacy

There are over 20 harbours and ports dotted along the Cornish coastline. The centuries-old maritime tradition of fishing, boat-building and trade continues to add to the economy and culture of many villages and towns across the county of Cornwall. 

Historic churches

Cornwall is home to over 400 historic churches and chapels, many dating back to the medieval period. Cornwall’s churches are a testament to its religious heritage, from the iconic St. Michael’s Mount to the mystical ruins of St. Piran’s Oratory.

Mild climate

Despite the recent downpours and arctic conditions, Cornwall enjoys a mild maritime climate most of the time, with over 1,541 hours of sunshine annually. Being in the southwestern corner of England, a sheltered position influenced by the Gulf Stream, it’s usually reasonably pleasant weather all year round. 

Literary inspiration

You don’t have to look too far to see where writers and artists, including Daphne du Maurier, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Winston Graham, have found inspiration. Cornwall’s infamous rugged coastline, landscapes, and fishing villages have provided the backdrop for many paintings, poems, and novels. 

Geological marvels

Natural formations like the Bedruthan Steps, the Cheesewring, and the Logan Rock make Cornwall famous for its geological diversity. Cornwall’s North and South coasts offer many fascinating geological sites, including, in the North, near our bungalow Millook Haven and the Rocky Valley, a gorge near Tintagel. These sites provide a glimpse into Cornwall’s geological history, which spans millions of years. 

“On this small peninsula can be found 450 different minerals – nearly 15% of the entire range of the planet’s rocks. More than a third of these are ‘rare’ or ‘ultra-rare’; five are found only in Cornwall”. Cornish Rock

It’s no secret that Cornwall is one of our favourite spots to relax, unwind, and explore, but there’s definitely more to this great county than even we realised. Cornwall offers endless opportunities for learning, exploring, relaxing, and discovering new places and experiences.