What's New In Cornwall?

Both the north and south coasts of this much-loved county have seen a plethora of new launches and offers for 2017

- Nicola Smith

Cornwall has always had a certain magic, with many people returning for their holiday year after year. Indeed, Cornwall was named Best UK Holiday Destination in the British Travel Awards 2016 for the eighth year in a row. But this beautiful county doesn’t rest on its laurels. We look at what’s new – and why people will continue to flood back to the Cornish coast for a break in 2017…

NORTHERN DELIGHTS

One Cornish icon which has seen new life breathed into it is the impressive Art Deco Jubilee Pool in Penzance (jubileepool.co.uk). Built in 1935, it has weathered many storms, not least the battering of 2014, when granite slabs were lifted by ferocious waves, and changing rooms and terraces were demolished. In May 2016 this much loved venue – and the UK’s largest surviving seawater pool – re-opened following a £3m refurbishment. It now includes a partially heated section, warmed by geothermal energy, and is a stunning place for a dip, whatever the weather. The pool re-opens for the 2017 season in May.

If swimming is your thing – or you want it to be – you may also want to try one of SeaSwim Cornwall’s three-day open-water swimming breaks (seaswimcornwall.co.uk). The company launched in 2016 and will hold courses out of Penzance and St Agnes this year. Guests can receive coaching while completing a swim around St Michael’s Mount or exploring some lesser known bays around the rugged coast.

Of course, there are more relaxed ways of enjoying Cornwall, too. On the north coast, The Bedruthan Hotel near Mawgan Porth has just opened a pottery studio with expansive sea views (bedruthan.com/pottery-studio). Courses range from six weeks to taster sessions. What better way to put Cornwall’s wealth of clay to good use?