Cornwall a surfing hotspot in winter

(First published in Issue 7, December 2022) Cornwall is a proud county, one that is readily compared to the Mediterranean because of its warmer weather and crystal blue water. Nicknamed Kernowfornia, this county is arguably the best in all of the UK for van dwellers and adventurers. It is a favorite destination for vanlife travelers, with scenic routes that are perfect for taking your time and enjoying the journey. With its interesting history, dramatic coastlines, and a relaxed way of life, it is every traveler’s dream. Cornwall is known for its tin and copper mining history, and if you keep an eye out while hitting the road you will soon spot one of many stacks that dot the area. The mines were worked with a variety of tools including steam engines, and the chimneys acted as ventilation shafts, allowing miners to work. There are several great mines you can visit in Cornwall to dive a little deeper into the history, including Geevor Tin Mine or Botallack Mine, and some which were built too close to the sea and are slowly being reclaimed.

The nickname Kernowfornia ties Cornwall not to its mining history but to its surf culture and beautiful beaches. Cornwall is probably the UK’s best known and most loved surfing location, and it has a great variety of beaches and breaks perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike. Most Cornish bays have a resident surf shop, where a friendly local can kit you out with a board and wetsuit if you want to give it a go. Or you can join a larger group for a lesson where you can get a bit more instruction and help with learning. For the pros, you can find waves all along the north and south coasts, with some of the most well-known spots being Fistral near Newquay and Porthleven. The only downside is that the best waves tend to come in winter, when the water is cold and the weather can be stormy and wet. However, with a bit of luck you can catch a mellow swell even during summer months. In addition to its laid back surfer atmosphere, its Kernowfornia nickname comes from the beautiful beaches and marine life you can see in this part of the UK. Some of the best parts are Kynance Cove, Gwithian Beach, and St. Ives. With white sand and beautifully clear water, it is understandably a popular spot for vacationing, with summer crowds getting large on the popular beaches. That being said, its coastline comprises lots of small bays with plenty of nooks and crannies to be explored. With a bit of time on your hands and an appetite for exploring, it is easy enough to find beautiful beaches away from the crowds. Places where you can share the sandy shoreline of a hidden cove with only a handful of other beachgoers and maybe a few resident seals. For those traveling by campervan or planning a camping trip, there are countless quiet spots to park up for the night and enjoy the stars. So do not let Cornwall’s popularity put you off, there is something for everyone.

Cornwall’s growing popularity with visitors has led to new efforts to keep the experience enjoyable while protecting the local environment. Timed tickets are used at some fragile sites to prevent overcrowding, and there are new park-and-ride options and expanded parking on the edges of busy towns to ease traffic. Travelers are encouraged to explore on foot or by bike and to consider off-season trips for a quieter experience. These small steps help keep Cornwall’s beaches and countryside unspoiled so everyone can enjoy them. It is no surprise with its natural beauty and relaxed way of life that people from Cornwall see themselves as a bit different from the rest of the UK. In fact, there are people that want Cornwall to be its own country. In Roman days long past, Cornwall was indeed its own territory, refusing to submit to the rule of others. Whether or not Cornwall should be independent depends on who you ask, but what is irrefutable is the fact that it is a friendly, beautiful part of a rather rainy country. With lots of summer sun and natural beauty to enjoy, you simply have to add it to your vanlife bucket list.