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UK’s most popular holiday destination has world-class beaches, great pubs and TV-famous attractions

Scroll down for our interactive map, to see if our picks are near your favourite Cornish holiday spot

When it comes to holidays in the UK, Cornwall really does have it all.

This county – tucked away in the very south west of the country – offers jaw-dropping scenery, great food and drink, fascinating history and bucket-and-spade bliss.

Cornwall offers jaw-dropping scenery, great food and drink, fascinating history and bucket-and-spade bliss at beaches like Porthcurno (pictured)
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Cornwall offers jaw-dropping scenery, great food and drink, fascinating history and bucket-and-spade bliss at beaches like Porthcurno (pictured)Credit: Getty
There are enough options to keep any history buff entertained throughout your holiday, like a visit to St Michael's Mount (pictured)
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There are enough options to keep any history buff entertained throughout your holiday, like a visit to St Michael's Mount (pictured)Credit: Getty
Rugged cliffs tumble into gold sand beaches with turquoise seas and fishing villages like Polperro (pictured)
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Rugged cliffs tumble into gold sand beaches with turquoise seas and fishing villages like Polperro (pictured)Credit: Getty

With castles, forests and beaches for days, it’s the ultimate staycation destination.

So the hardest question on your upcoming £9.50 Holiday will be: where to visit first?

If you’re a foodie, you’ll be in for a treat.

Cornwall is known for its seafood, and there are many places to enjoy it, whether from a locals’ favourite chippy, traditional pub or a sea view restaurant with a modern menu.

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If you’re indulging in a cream tea, be sure to eat them local-style (spreading jam before cream) - with in Falmouth, near Bodmin and in Gwithian all rated highly for theirs.

Of course, no trip to Cornwall (or “Kernow” as it’s known locally) would be complete without chomping on a pasty, traditionally filled with beef, veg and gravy.

For 17th-century Cornish miners, the thick crusts were a means of holding the pasty without contaminating the meal with dirty hands, although these days there’s no need to leave the crust for the “Knockers” (cheeky spirits of the mines). 

in Looe,n St Agnes and in Helston all attract queues outside because theirs are so good.

You can learn more about Cornwall’s mining history, and much more, during your trip, such as the along the 'Tin Coast', where the 1840s beam engine can still be seen in action on certain days, or - which featured regularly in Poldark.

As well as museums and galleries located close to Cornwall’s holiday parks, the coast is dotted with historic attractions from throughout the centuries.

Whether you’re keen to explore linked to King Arthur or the island fortress – now one of Cornwall’s signature landmarks – there are enough options to keep any history buff entertained throughout your holiday.

As well as historic sites, you’ll never be far from a natural attraction, from lesser-known but totally stunning waterfalls to swimming pools that are naturally created by the sea – and accessible only at low tide.

Boscastle is picture perfect, with its narrow cobbled streets and sheltered harbour
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Boscastle is picture perfect, with its narrow cobbled streets and sheltered harbourCredit: Getty
The lively coastal town of Padstow, viewed across Camel estuary
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The lively coastal town of Padstow, viewed across Camel estuaryCredit: Getty

is a stunning series of small waterfalls along the River Fowley as it makes its way from to the sea, whileis a 60-foot waterfall near Tintagel, where you can paddle your feet after a walk through the woods.

For families, there’s a raft of activities. If your brood is older, how about catching a wave in Newquay, where is considered the 'Home of British Surfing,' or try in North Cornwall - where a number of surf schools operate from.

Alternatively you could head to an adventure park for little ones, with , near Padstow, which has a range of indoor and outdoor activities, or the award-winning , which is just five miles over the border into Devon.

For a cheaper thrill you can ride an open-top bus along the coast road and feel the wind in your hair as incredible scenery whizzes past, hopping off as you please - with the taking you from Newquay to Padstow.

When it comes to natural good looks, Cornwall sets the bar ridiculously high.

Rugged cliffs tumble into gold sand beaches with turquoise seas and fishing villages like , , and are picture perfect, with narrow cobbled streets and sheltered harbours.

And with more than 400 sandy beaches to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice.

in the south of the country regularly lands on world's best beaches lists, as does the exotic-looking and .

If you prefer to unroll your towel without the crowds, there are some quieter beaches preferred by locals to know about, such as in North Cornwall, near Crackington Haven, or in South Cornwall's Penzance region.

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Dog walkers should keep an eye on seasonal dog bans, and make straight for the bays with no summer restrictions in place if travelling in peak season.

Meanwhile, families can strike for beaches with easy access, like and , both near Newquay in North Cornwall, which have buggy-friendly access. 

HOW TO GET A HOLS FROM £9.50

Hols from £9.50 is back on Saturday, January 4!

Choose from over 350 holiday parks across the UK and Europe. 

To book your break all you need to do is collect FIVE codewords, Sun Savers codes or tokens. 

Find out more here. 

Pasties were created so that 17th century miners could hold onto the thick crust without contaminating their meal with their dirty hands
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Pasties were created so that 17th century miners could hold onto the thick crust without contaminating their meal with their dirty handsCredit: Getty - Contributor
Explore Tintagel’s legendary castle, that's linked to King Arthur
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Explore Tintagel’s legendary castle, that's linked to King ArthurCredit: Getty
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