Traditions and culture in Cornwall

Cornwall has a rich maritime heritage built up through the generations as a result of having the longest continuous stretch of coastline in the whole of Britain.

This tradition is still in evidence today as tiny fishing ports and old smuggler's inns remain, while beaches and bays which were once buzzing with boats and netters still offer a hint of that history.

The visuals arts scene in the county has been growing since the 19th century and it also has a notable folk music tradition which lives on alongside the numerous brass bands and voice choirs.

A considerable amount of passion plays were also produced in the region from as far back as the Middle Ages, all of which offer a unique insight into the origins and development of the Cornish dialect.

Things to do in Cornwall

While many of the old industries are now gone or a shadow of their former selves, tourism is undergoing a veritable boom down in the south-west and it is not hard to see why.

Britons love taking a holiday in Cornwall as it offers a delightful blend of seduced coves and creeks along the south coast and the mystique and elegance of the cliffs to the north.

It is arguably one of the country's most beautiful regions and there are a number of stunning sandy beaches which are well worth visiting, such as Lusty Glaze in Newquay.

Cornwall's versatility as a holiday destination can be seen in the variety of its accommodation, with the possibility of staying in a quaint hotel in a remote backwater, a campsite or a lively town centre hostel all being equally attainable.

For the more adventurous holidaymaker, it should also be noted that the county offers some of the best surf in the UK.

Weather in Cornwall

Due to Cornwall's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, it tends to feel the full force of the prevailing winds and it is fair to say that a sudden rainstorm is always a potential threat.

However, its southerly location means that it offers a relatively warm and sunny climate and snow and frost are fairly rare during the winter months.

The average high temperature in July is 19C - although the mercury can easily tip 25C and higher - while the average high in January is around 8C.

Destination checklist for Cornwall

Cornwall has a population of 531,600.

The county is on GMT time.

The official currency is the pound.

English is the official language spoken.

The county's international dialling code is +44.