Cornwall – referred to in the Cornish language as Kernow – is the most southwesterly county in England. It borders the county of Devon, the boundary being described by the course of the River Tamar. Cornwall has perhaps the strongest regional identity of any English county. Many of its population regard Cornwall as a Celtic home nation and Duchy of the UK, rather than part of England itself. The Cornish also have their own language, similar in structure to Welsh and Breton. At one point the language had all but died out, it has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years.

A familiar sight around the county is the white-on-black flag of St Piran, believed to be thus coloured after the white of tin and the black of coal and ashes observed by the Saint when he discovered the metal. The abundance of tin ore in Cornwall was vital to the county’s economy. As the Industrial Revolution continued apace, Cornish tin and copper and the machinery required to hew the ore at ever-faster rates were at the forefront. Cornish engineers, most notably Richard Trevithick, inventor of the steam train, helped change the industrialised world with their innovation, and Cornwall’s famous industries spread across the globe.

As Cornwall’s tin mining industry dwindled, the industry of tourism became the region’s primary source of income. The county is one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations, with millions heading southwest every year to experience Cornwall’s unique charms. Cornwall has a rugged coastline, with superb golden sandy beaches, craggy cliffs and enchanting coves. There are many quaint little fishing villages dotted along the shore, with picture postcard beauty. The scenery inland is equally inviting, with delightful market towns, cathedral cities and picturesque villages. It is a pleasingly diverse county, ranging from gentle rolling hills to magnificent beacons, and from warm, gorse clad terrain to the bleak and magnificent Bodmin Moor.

Naturally, as such a popular destination, Cornwall has more than its fair share of hotels, world-renowned tourist attractions, fine restaurants and traditional country inns. It is a beautiful part of the world, just waiting to be explored.