Cornwall, traditionally a bustling tourist destination with its dramatic landscapes and rich history, is currently experiencing a unique moment in time. With visitor numbers at a 10-year low, 2025 presents an unparalleled opportunity for small, special interest groups to explore its UNESCO World Heritage sites through a lens of luxury and sustainability. Here’s how you can immerse yourself in Cornwall’s wild side.
At Cornwall DMC, the region’s only full service 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, large tour operators with programmes requiring room allocations and high end luxury FIT clients.
Discovering the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site
Botallack Mine Trails: Explore this iconic site where the remnants of Cornwall’s mining past stand stark against the Atlantic. The trails around Botallack offer not only a glimpse into the region’s industrial heritage but also breathtaking coastal views. With fewer visitors, you can enjoy a serene experience, learning from local guides about the sustainable practices now employed to preserve these historical landmarks.
Wheal Coates: This well-preserved tin mine offers a scenic walk with panoramic views. The tranquility of the site, especially now with reduced crowds, allows for a meditative journey through history, where you can understand the efforts towards ecological restoration around these mining areas.
The South West Coast Path
St Agnes to Perranporth: This section of the coast path is famous for dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and the possibility of spotting seals and seabirds. The lower visitor numbers mean you can enjoy these natural spectacles in peace, perhaps even taking time for a guided wildlife tour that emphasizes conservation.
Bedruthan Steps to Mawgan Porth: Walk past the massive rock formations of Bedruthan Steps, an area steeped in folklore and natural beauty. Your journey can include stops at local conservation projects, where you learn about efforts to protect the coastline’s fragile ecosystems.
Sustainable Stays and Experiences
Luxurious Eco-Accommodations: Opt for stays in boutique hotels, known for its sustainable practices and luxury amenities. Here, you can unwind after your day’s exploration with treatments that use local, organic products, or enjoy a meal that highlights Cornish ingredients sourced responsibly.
Educational and Cultural Workshops: Engage in workshops at locations like The Eden Project, where you can learn about sustainable living, permaculture, or traditional Cornish crafts. These sessions not only enrich your understanding of Cornwall’s commitment to sustainability but also support local artisans and environmental initiatives.
Wildlife and Nature Tours
Lizard Peninsula: This area, with its unique flora and fauna, offers guided tours focusing on conservation. You might join a walk to see the rare Cornish Chough or explore Kynance Cove with its serpentine rock formations, all while respecting the natural environment.
Seal Watching at Boscastle: With the quieter times, you can partake in small group tours to observe seals in their natural habitat at Boscastle. These tours are conducted with minimal disturbance to the wildlife, promoting a sustainable interaction.
Why 2025 is the Year for Cornwall
The current dip in tourism provides an exclusive window for luxury travelers:
Exclusive Access: Enjoy the trails without the usual crowd, allowing for a more personal connection with the landscape.
Sustainability Focus: Your visit directly contributes to local conservation efforts, with tourism businesses more focused than ever on sustainable practices.
Cultural Immersion: With fewer tourists, there’s an opportunity for deeper engagement with Cornish culture, from music to traditional crafts, all experienced with a mindfulness towards preserving these traditions.
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 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
