Mid Cornwall

You’ll be forgiven for not immediately thinking of Mid Cornwall when planning your Cornish getaway. The pastoral heart of the county, this area is notoriously overlooked by visitors, who mostly intersect it via the A30, seeking instead the county’s coastal charms. However, next time you’re passing through, we urge you to take a moment to stop the car, look around, and discover somewhere unexpectedly delightful.

The largest towns in these parts, Bodmin and Lostwithiel, should be your first ports of call. You’ll find them laden with fascinating mementos from all eras of history, like the infamous Bodmin Jail, where you can explore the dark history of this allegedly haunted building and discover why going to prison in the 18th century was not for the fainthearted. For perhaps a less intense day out, but equally interesting, visitors to the area can embark on a blast from the past and take a ride on the steam-powered Bodmin & Wenford Railway, who also run an interactive murder mystery evening with a new theme and crime every year. Meanwhile, near picturesque Lostwithiel, you can take an even greater leap back in time and visit Restormel Castle, a Norman stronghold and architectural feat that incidentally also makes for a scenic picnic spot.

Another great reason to make the stop is to load up on supplies at one of the many farm shops dotted around this area. Whilst there’s no shortage of roadside stalls selling everything from sweetpeas to chutney, make the trip to Colwith Farm for their exemplary potatoes, beloved the county over. They also make spirits from these which are available to buy too - these basically count as a vegetable, right? For the absolute freshest market garden produce and eggs, head to the Real Food Garden near Bodmin. And, whilst a little off the beaten track, go to St. Kew Farm Shop for a great selection of eclectic goodies but also fantastic rotating food nights on Fridays during the summer months. Of course, you don’t have to do all the cooking yourself with the amazing array of pubs and restaurants in Mid Cornwall. For a touch of Michelin recommended luxury, book ahead at Asquiths in Lostwithiel. And for an equally gourmet experience, head to the much lauded gastropub St. Tudy Inn just outside of Bodmin.

To work up the appetite to enjoy piles of these local delicacies, take advantage of the myriad of walking and cycling routes in the area. Whether you’re seeking shelter from the fierce summer sun or Cornish winter mizzle, Cardinham Woods provides a scenic backdrop whatever the weather and has routes for beginners, ardent trekkers and even mountain bikers. For an epic all day cycling adventure, begin the famous Camel Trail in Bodmin and pedal along the estuary all the way to picturesque Padstow. Alternatively, follow the route to pretty Blisland on the outskirts of the moorland, stopping at the characterful village inn for a real ale, or scrumpy, after. To best experience Bodmin Moor in all its spectacular, wild beauty, add on the eight mile loop that circumvents Helman Tor Nature Reserve, a haven for the wildlife great and small which enjoy this unique and stunning heathland. For a slightly less challenging walk, but with opportunities for similarly diverse and rare animal sightings, take the circular and flat route around Goss Moor Nature Reserve near Lostwithiel - it’s teeming with so many birds and beasties that it was allegedly King Arthur’s favourite hunting ground!

So, whether it’s just a quick pause to load up on Cornish goodies, or you’re planning a few days of adventure and exploration, be sure to make the stop and at least give Mid Cornwall the chance it deserves.