Luxury holidays in Cornwall

When to go

There’s always a chance of rain. Crowds can get annoying in the summer months and the roads can be clogged with traffic. Autumn and spring provide sunshine, peace and the chance of dramatic rainstorms; blustery weather is also ideal for surfing.

Getting there

• Planes

  Newquay International (www.newquay-airport.co.uk), Cornwall’s main airport, has flights from Manchester (BMI Baby), and London Stansted (Ryanair). Cornwall has its own airline, Air Southwest, which flies from Bristol, Manchester, Leeds and Dublin, among others.

• Trains

  The journey to the South West from London Paddington takes between four and five hours. First Great Western offers the very civilised Night Riviera Sleeper to Penzance, departing London shortly before midnight and arriving at around 8am; to book, ring 0845 700 0125.

• Automobiles

  The five- or six-hour drive to Cornwall from London, along the M4 and M5 (or via the slower but more scenic A303) is something either to savour or curse. Once in Cornwall, you’ll pretty much need a car; roads can be hellishly congested in the summer, so allow extra time.

• Taxis

  Cabs are thin on the ground, so ask your hotel for a number and book ahead if you can. Ring +44 (0)1726 832676 for Fowey Taxi Service; Truro Taxi Cab Co is on +44 (0)1872 321321.