When you think of celebrity vacation spots, Cornwall is rarely mentioned. Cornwall has long been an established tourist destination within the UK, but in recent years it’s become a really popular place for celebrities looking for a spot to relax and unwind under the radar. It’s the opposite of the mega-yacht crowd that flocks to the Italian and French coasts every summer.
Once a hotspot for smuggling and piracy, Cornwall is about four hours southwest of the capital. It is one country’s best-loved and most popular tourist destinations. Several celebrities have made Cornwall their hometown including Gordan Ramsay, Madonna, Tori Amos, Kate Winslet, Andrew Ridgely (memba him? the other half of Wham!), Joss Stone, and Thandie Newton.
Fun fact: Most people are aware that silver screen legend-in-the-making Gosling is Canadian, but you may not know that he spent several of his formative years living in Cornwall. He even attended high school in the quaint seaside town. Robert Pattinson spent his summers on the beaches here. Kate Hudson and her mom Goldie Hawn, are said to be big fans of the nearby town of Topsham.
The County of Cornwall stands somewhat distinct from the rest of England. They have their own flag, language, and unique historical tale. Once a hotspot for smuggling and piracy, modern Cornwall has long been an established tourist destination within The UK.
Here are the top spots where local and visiting celebrities like Romeo Beckham, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jason Statham, Tom Cruise, James Corden, Stanley Tucci usually go when they are on vacation in Cornwall.
Polperro
More akin to a Greek fishing town than an English village, the port of Polperro is one of the most endearing and popular places to visit in all of Cornwall.
Ten minutes South of the town of Looe, Polperro was a hub for smuggling in the 18th and 19th Centuries. The abundance of coves and caves that become easily accessible at low tide helped smugglers stash their goods.
The village today is markedly different (caves aside). A wealth of gastro-pubs line the streets, offering fresh seafood and delicious classics in informal settings. The majority of these pubs also host live bands on weekends.
There’s plenty on offer for beachgoers and hikers alike; the nearby Talland Bay is a 40-minute walk along a meandering coastal path that offers fantastic views of the Cornish coast.
The Eden Project
Near the town of St. Austell lies The Eden Project, a conservation center established by British Businessman Sir Tim Smit. The project features two huge biodomes that simulate a variety of climates. Inside the biodomes are plant species from around the world. The two domes are the Jungle Room and the Mediterranean Room. The site also boasts exhibits on human microbiology and marine life. The intended goal of the project is to provide better education to people surrounding environmental issues.
St. Ives
Famed for its harbor, iconic beach, and art scene, St. Ives is one of the UK’s most loved vacation destinations. Tom Cruise was spotted here while he was in town filming. The town has many independent shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants to take in while you wander its cobbled streets. There’s no better place to get a taste of the official food of Cornwall: The Cornish Pasty. The Cornish pasty is a savory meat pie stuffed with braised steak, potatoes, swede, leeks, onions, and a whole host of other goods; it’s then crimped and baked. Think empanadas but oven-baked instead of fried.
The town is also a hotspot for surfers looking to catch some of the best waves on offer in England, which you can find at Porthmeor Beach.
St. Michael’s Mount
Off the coast of the town of Marazion, you can find St. Michael’s Mount. The mount consists of a castle and other buildings sat atop a tidal island. It is England’s counterpart to the French Mont-Saint-Michel. The National Trust looks after the site, which has been the home of the aristocratic St Aubyn family since the 17th century.
There’s one way onto the island; over a granite causeway that’s only accessible during low tide. Once you’re over the causeway, there’s plenty of things to keep you occupied. You can explore the castle, take a stroll in the gardens, or check out the harbor and small village where around 30 people still live today.
Land’s End
Land’s end is as described. The most southerly point on the island of Britain is the end of the line for those partaking in the John O’Groats to Lands End journey (a trip across Britain from its most northern to its most southerly point). At the point sits a famous signpost notifying you that you have, indeed, run out of Britain. The surrounding area is great for ocean views and clifftop walks. You can see some of the best views available anywhere in England here. The area itself is the main attraction, but there is also a nearby shopping village to purchase lots of Cornish goods and gifts—the perfect end to your English adventure like a celebrity tourist.
Safe Travels.
