Mt Bartinney Base Camp

West Penwith has many beautiful beaches, reached by a network of winding lanes. Check out the turquoise waters of Porthcurno (25 minutes’ drive), or join the South West Coast Path from Cape Cornwall (10 minutes). Nearby Sennen Cove (15 minutes) and Gwithian are the spots for catching a wave or two on your surfboard. Keep your eyes trained on the water at any local beach and you've got a chance of spotting seals swimming by. If you’d rather stick to dry land, arty types have plenty to keep themselves happy. Penzance and Newlyn (both 15 minutes) are both packed with artisan galleries showcasing glass, sculpture, handmade jewellery and landscape paintings. You can also browse contemporary art exhibitions at Tate St Ives (35 minutes). Thanks to Cornwall’s gentle summer temperatures, there are plenty of lush gardens to check out too. The National Trust-owned Trengwainton Garden (15 minutes) has acres of orchards and palm trees, and other options for an afternoon wandering among gorgeous landscapes include Tanglewood Wild Garden (10 minutes), Trewidden Garden (10 minutes) and Chygurno Gardens (25 minutes). At Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens (20 minutes), you can combine your love of flowers with a love of art by following the trail past pieces of wacky sculpture.