Step into Cornwall’s Living History: A Journey for the Cultured Traveler
Imagine a place where the echoes of ancient tunes still resonate, where the spirit of the land is preserved in its food, its festivals, and even its language. That place is Cornwall, and for the discerning traveler, it offers an immersion into a culture that’s both unique and deeply British.
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 why your group should delve into the heart of Cornwall…
The Melody of the Sea: Cornish Shanties and Dance
Cornwall’s maritime heritage is sung in its sea shanties, songs that once kept sailors in rhythm during their arduous sea voyages. These songs are not merely tunes; they are the heartbeat of Cornwall’s coastal culture:
Sea Shanty Workshops: Delve into the world of shanties with a workshop where your group can learn from local shanty singers. Experience the call and response of traditional songs like “South Australia” or “Drunken Sailor,” songs that tell tales of the sea, love, and adventure.
Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival: Plan your visit around this annual event where over 60,000 people gather to celebrate this musical tradition. Your group can enjoy performances from international groups, participate in workshops, or even join in the singing, with the event raising funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, showcasing the community spirit of Cornwall.
Private Performances: Secure an exclusive performance for your group, perhaps on a heritage vessel or in a historic Cornish pub, where the atmosphere can transport you back to the time when these songs were first sung.
Exploring the Depths of Mining Heritage
Cornwall’s mining history is not just about what lies beneath; it’s about the community and ingenuity that built this region:
Private Mine Tours: Secure a guided tour through the Geevor Tin Mine for your group. Here, history comes alive with tales of miners, their lives, and the importance of tin to the global economy.
Heritage Talks: Invite a local historian and genealogy expert to speak on the mining culture, the superstitions, and the social structure of Cornish mining communities. This could be paired with a visit to the Minack Theatre, originally built by a former miner.
Reviving the Echoes of Kernewek: The Cornish Language Renaissance
Kernewek Language Lessons: Offer your group the unique opportunity to delve into the sounds and structures of Cornish with dedicated language workshops. Here, they’ll not only pick up simple phrases but also gain insight into how this language shapes and reflects Cornish identity, culminating in an immersive storytelling experience where tales of the old country are told in their original tongue.
Cultural Crafting with Words: Integrate language learning into the fabric of cultural activities. In workshops, participants can craft traditional Cornish items, or engage in culinary arts, such as preparing the iconic Cornish pasty making the learning experience both educational and deeply cultural.
Immersing in the Landscape and Beaches
Cornwall’s Natural Splendor: A Cultural Tapestry
Coastal Exploration: Lead an exclusive trek along the South West Coast Path, where stories of smuggling and shipwrecks blend with the sea’s breeze, offering panoramic views and wildlife encounters.
Beachside Culture: Dive into Cornwall’s heritage with a day of foraging for local foods, marine education, and end with a traditional storytelling session by the bonfire, immersing your group in local lore.
Food and Drink: A Taste of the Old and New
Cornwall’s culinary landscape is a testament to its cultural depth:
Pasty Making: Facilitate a masterclass in crafting the iconic Cornish pasty, where your group not only learns to make this staple but also hears the stories behind its creation.
Seafood Feast: Host a private dining experience on a secluded beach, featuring the freshest seafood, prepared in traditional and modern Cornish ways, paired with local wines or beers.
Discovering the Unique Isles of Scilly
Extend your cultural journey to these islands:
Island Hopping: Arrange a private boat tour to explore the Isles of Scilly, where each island has its own character and history, from ancient sites to the exotic Tresco Abbey Garden.
Local Feasts: Experience a feast prepared with ingredients foraged from the islands themselves, providing a direct link between the land, sea, and table.
Cornwall isn’t just another stop on your itinerary; it’s a deep dive into a culture that’s vibrant, historical, and alive. For groups seeking luxury and an experience beyond the ordinary, Cornwall offers a tapestry of traditions waiting to be explored. Let your group not just witness but participate in the essence of Cornwall, creating memories that are as rich as the land itself.
In every note of music, every word of Cornish spoken, in the taste of a freshly baked pasty, and the sight of the rugged cliffs against the Atlantic, your group will find Cornwall. Here, luxury travel isn’t about staying on the surface; it’s about diving into the heart of what makes this corner of the world truly special.
