For those with a drop of Cornish blood or simply a love for uncovering the less-trodden paths, Cornwall’s coastline holds a wealth of hidden treasures. This coastal region, with its rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and historical depth, offers a unique exploration for groups from the USA, especially those tracing their roots or seeking authentic British experiences away from the typical tourist spots.
At Cornwall DMC, the region’s only specialist destination management company, we can offer a full range of ground services including accommodation, transport, itineraries and local guides. We cater to small agencies with bespoke groups, couples and families, large tour operators from across the USA and Canada with programmes requiring room allocations and high end luxury FIT clients.
Here’s a guide to the highlights of Cornwall’s coast tailored for your group adventure:
Ancestral Connections
Emigrant Homes: Many Cornish emigrated to America during the mining boom, particularly to areas like Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Visiting places like Geevor Tin Mine or Botallack Mine can connect your group to the lives their ancestors might have left behind, offering a tangible link to their heritage.
The Cornish-American Society: While not a location, engaging with local genealogical societies could offer personalized insights or even tours related to the Cornish diaspora, possibly even uncovering stories directly related to group members’ families.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Coastal Wonders
Kynance Cove: This gem on the Lizard Peninsula isn’t entirely unknown, but its natural beauty, with its vivid blue waters and serpentine rock formations, makes it feel like a secret paradise. It’s perfect for a secluded picnic or a guided geology tour.
Pedn Vounder: Often cited as one of the UK’s best beaches, its remote location provides an exclusive feel. Access involves a challenging trek, making it ideal for groups looking for adventure, offering a chance to explore untouched sands and crystal-clear waters.
Lesser-Known Historic Sites
St Michael’s Mount: While not hidden, it’s less known internationally. This tidal island, with its medieval castle and gardens, connects to the mainland via a causeway at low tide. Its history ties into Cornish folklore and can be explored with a private guide, offering a magical experience for groups.
The Ballowall Barrow near St Just: An ancient Bronze Age burial chamber, it’s a quiet site where groups can appreciate the historical continuity of the land, especially poignant for those tracing family lines back to these ancient times.
Cultural and Culinary Experiences
The Helston Flora Day: Not directly on the coast but close enough to include. This ancient festival celebrates spring with music, dance, and floral decorations. For groups, it’s a vibrant immersion into Cornish tradition, particularly moving for those with Cornish heritage.
Cornish Pasty Making: Visit a local bakery in Porthleven or St Ives for a hands-on pasty-making session. It’s not just about food; it’s about creating a link to the culinary traditions that many Cornish took with them to America.
Private Gardens and Natural Beauties
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens: Near Penzance, this garden combines art with nature, offering exclusive group tours where visitors can experience the fusion of Cornish landscape with contemporary sculpture.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan: While more famous, the gardens offer private tours where groups can delve into the story of their rediscovery and restoration, a tale of heritage and environmental stewardship that can resonate with those interested in their ancestral roots.
Unique Coastal Activities
Coasteering: This adventure sport for thrill seekers involves exploring the coastline by climbing, swimming, and jumping into the sea. It provides an exhilarating way for groups to connect with Cornwall’s rugged coast.
Fishing Village Exploration: Places like Mousehole or Portloe offer a quaint, traditional Cornwall experience. These villages, with their narrow streets and fishing heritage, evoke the Cornwall of yesteryears, where many American families might trace their origins.
Reasons to Visit for USA Travelers
Heritage: For many Americans, Cornwall might be where their ancestors hailed from. Exploring this region offers a chance to walk in the footsteps of family history.
Unique Scenery: Unlike many American coastlines, Cornwall’s blend of rugged beauty, historical intrigue, and cultural depth provides a unique backdrop for memorable group experiences.
Cultural Immersion: It’s an opportunity to engage with a culture that’s both familiar and exotic, offering a bridge between the old world and the new.
About Us
Based in Cornwall we’re the only full service destination management company for our region. Recommended partner of Visit Cornwall, the official tourism board, we work with tour operators, agents and individual group leaders from the US offering it as part of complete packages that can include London, Southern England and the rest of the UK & Ireland.
What we offer:
We’d be pleased to answer any questions you have or to discuss the possibility of creating bespoke travel products for you or your clients