PENINSULA PARADISE

Chris Wilson suggests eight options for seeking out the less crowded spots in Cornwall during the height of summer

Several places spring to mind for the classic UK staycation, whether it's the honey-hued villages of the Cotswolds or the elegant cityscape of Edinburgh. But in summer, few destinations seem to capture the British imagination like Cornwall.

From the shores of St Ives to the inland capital of Truro, Cornwall is a perennial staycation favourite thanks to beautiful beaches, picturesque towns and villages, and some of the finest walking trails in the country.

However, occasionally its highlights can become its undoing, as parts of the county become almost overrun during the summer, with locals and tourists alike competing for parking spaces and hotel places.

The best way to avoid these crowds? Try exploring the parts of Cornwall that remain off the beaten path. This may sound like a challenge in a county that’s so popular with tourists but if you know where to look it’s possible to find peace and serenity.

Whether it’s hidden stretches of golden coastline or quaint fishing villages and locally famous landmarks, a tour of some of Cornwall’s less crowded spots is also an exploration of Cornish culture, history and natural beauty. Read on for a selection of less visited spots.

Frenchman’s Creek, Helford

Frenchman’s Creek is a particularly scenic point on the Helford River, near the village of Helford itself. The width of the river around here means that kayaking and even small boat trips are possible, and there’s a popular three-mile walk that takes in the woodland and farmland while leading you to the top of a nearby hill for the best views over the creek itself.

Cawsand and Kingsand