We've visited Brixham and its Harbour just the day before. The setting of both places is quite…read moresimilar: Nice views, lots of shops and restaurants, colourful and nice buildings. But Padstow is just so much busier. It was a weekday and it was completely packed. Felt like Camden Market on a weekend. I did appreciate the fact that there were a lot of dogs. It was fun for our dog. Southengland is very opened to dogs and very dog-friendly. And it was not - like some people say - full of dogs "belongings". Visitors are mostly a bit upscale and so are their posh dogs. And they take care of them and their "businesses" well. There are lots of interesting little shops and bakeries (Cornish Pies, yes!). Also a good number of restaurants lining up right at the harbour, mostly completely packed. It's a fun harbour, but really a bit too busy for me. It's really too packed. Finding a parking spot was easier than expected. We just headed down to the main lot right at the harbour and waited maybe 3mins. Prices were reasonable too. No need to do the Park&Ride. Is it worth a visit? Yes, it is. But it lacks some charm and a "real" feel like Brixham still has. We'd prefer the latter.

Padstow Harbour is an absolutely lovely, beautiful place - and would be more so if not quite so…read moremany people knew about it. Padstow is a very touristy place in the summer, even on weekdays, and since the promenade around the docks is rather narrow, you might easily feel a little claustrophobic among all those (other) tourists. Several pubs, restaurants and boutiques align on along the harbour front, of the pubs I recommend The Old Custom House (first building as you enter the harbour from the direction of the bus station). If you're a friend of St. Austell Brewery - you can get their brews everywhere, they own several of the pubs. Everything is nice and pretty in this place, all the buildings that face the harbour and bay. You can either embark on a long walk towards Padstow's two beaches from here or take the short ferry ride for UKP 4 (return ticket, smaller children UKP 2) to Rock, the small village on the opposite side of the bay (and walk e.g. to the popular Polzeath Beach from there - Rock itself has very little to offer). Or take stroll through the narrow alleys of scenic Padstow. But the harbour is truly the living, breathing centre. Rick Stein, the chef, is a well-known figure here, and you'll find Stein's Fish & Chips, Stein's Café, Stein's Delicatessen or Stein's Shop and so on spread over a very small area. You might want to rechristen the town Steinsville. ;)

What a fantastic and interesting place to spend a couple of hours. Perfectly preserved by English…read moreHeritage, this 'relic' shows how our ancestors lived. We strolled around looking inside the buildings and deciding which rooms were which. Stones in the centre with worn areas where corn was ground. Fireplaces for cooking and heating. A wonderful visit and we were glad that we took the time. There would be difficulty for anyone with disabilities to visit the site but, if you can manage it, well worth a visit.

So you think your daughter's boyfriend looks like a creep, do you? His bleached blond hair gelled…read moreinto spikes, his druggy face studded with all kinds of objects, tattoos up the yingyang, bad attitude, ragged clothes, carries a war-ax... Well, he may simply be honoring the Berserker. Southern England is pockmarked with ancient Celt/Viking/Berserker settlements all protected by the English Heritage group (http://www.english-heritage.org.uk) maintained for their educational and historical significance. These ancient warriors fought friend and foe while in a heightened state of uncontrollable fury, a madness known as bärsärkar-gång (going berserk). These were some very bad-ass hombres who'd charge into battle with no armor, no guns and no mercy, just drugged-out ornery bastards with blades. They'd line their settlement walls with the heads of their enemies. Some would ride into battle on small, nimble chariots where they could swing off to stab at a foe and leap back on. As the myth goes, no weapons could harm these "shape-shifters". They were civilization's greatest nightmare and no one wished to be captured alive by any of them. With lemon-bleached hair spiked up with honey, henna tattoos from head to toe, wolf or bear skins their only protection, hopped up on magic mushrooms and alcohol, they were feared by all including their own kind. I don't think I could be their friend. But it's worth a look-see while in this beautifully scenic region of southern England and maybe you could take a second look at your daughter's boyfriend. He just might be showing respect to the ancients. Doubtful, but it's worth a shot. (photos up when I find them)

This artificial ruin was built in 1747 and it replaced an obelisk which had stood there before. It…read morewas built using medieval stones which were salvaged from the churches of St George and St Lawrence in Stonehouse. An artist in the 1800s wrote that the Earl of Edgcumbe had his workers build one folly, blew it up, didn't like how it looked so had it rebuilt and blown up again. This time he was satisfied with the result!! It's possible to climb to the top to appreciate the views of Drake's Island, Plymouth Sound, Breakwater and Embryo Point. I used to go over to Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park quite often and have climbed the folly two or three times. That part of the park is free to ramble around (you need to pay to enter the House and Earl's Garden).

Came here in the late afternoon for a quick visit. Since we're members entrance was free. Our…read moreEnglish Bulldog was welcome on the site as well. The site is very nice and green. Very quiet when we've visited with only a handful of visitors. Surprising. Because even though not the biggest, it is a very interesting and beautiful castle. The big 13th-century round tower was built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall. You can climb up to the top to enjoy the views of the beautiful valley. The castle also served as prison and was also used as the base for the Cornish Royalist defence of the county. A very pleasant visit. Nice history, great surroundings. A small souvenir shop at the entrance as well. We enjoyed it. We parked our car at the nearby Westgate Street Multi-Storey Car Park and Coach Park. Only a few steps away.

This is a is a Norman motte and bailey earthwork castle on a high mound overlooking the town. It…read morewas once the administrative headquarters for the Earls of Cornwall who owned many estates throughout the region. It is thought that a castle was on this spot as early as 1067. In the 12th century a stone keep was constructed and then in the 13th century Richard of Cornwall held the earldom and made many alterations to the castle. After his death his son moved the administration to Lostwithiel which resulted in the castle's gradual decline in importance. It later became a prison for a time. Worth a visit if you are in the area, especially to see the views from the top. There is a nearby castle shop as well for souvenirs.

Wonderful if you can find it…read more This property is deep in heart of Devon and it took some doing to get there. Since it was originally constructed as a monastery in 1278, it is in a secluded location. There are many winding roads and narrow lanes en route. But every child spends time learning about the explorers and both of my boys were particularly fascinated by Sir Francis Drake. So when choosing which National Trust homes to visit, the Drake family home seemed like a perfect fit. It turned out to be my favorite. A large part of my (and particularly my son's) enjoyment was due to the educational aspect. Not just some dry lecture, they had a young guy on site in period costume discussing weapons. In particular archery and some of the great military campaigns against the French. Really cool stuff. Inside Buckland Abbey, there is also wonderful information about Sir Francis Drake. Videos about his voyage around the world and his victory over the Spanish Armada. He grew up nearby, then purchased the abbey once he became one of England's most successful explorers and a favorite of the queen. There is a lovely Elizabethan Garden and the barn is used for special events and exhibitions. On the upper floor, there are also outfits that the kids can try on to visualize another time and place. Like many National Trust sites, there is an on-site cafe. We skipped it in favor of seeking out a local tavern and that was a bit of a mistake. This location is truly remote and it was a challenge finding other local options. When we visited London, we saw a replica of Drake's ship, The Golden Hind, moored along the Thames. I only wish my boys were writing their reports on Drake this coming term.

Food was rapid, staff were very attentive, very clean, food was delicious, very well priced…read more Would definitely visit again.

First time visit after hearing the praises of Lanhydrock from my daughter for about 10 years…read more AND....not at all disappointed. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour, which took us about 2 hours. After this, we enjoyed the gardens upper/lower. Well laid out. The car park is approx 15-20 minute walk, mostly downhill, which means you've got an uphill struggle to get back. There is a "mini" taxi type service costing £1 per head each way, (well worth it), to the House. Car park charge to non-members is £3.00 all day, which is pretty good. The house is in good repair, and the history is very well recorded. Beware the Cafe.......as with most NT establishments it is franchised, extortionate and not good value for money....especially for eating and drinking in a shed...!! That aside, you will have a lovely day...

The entrance to Pencarrow House and Gardens is a mile long drive through dense woodlands, which…read morecontain amongst other things rhododendrons, hydrangeas and one hundred species of conifer. The car park is of a fair size, but would fill up quickly on a busy day. Adjacent to the car park is a shop and an area selling plants. The shop sells the usual gifts and paintings, but also serves as the location to buy tickets for the house and gardens. Be aware though, they don't take credit cards. The gardens are stunning, very well landscaped and looked after, and complement the impressive Pencarrow House - a perfect place for taking pictures. There are actually over 50 acres of garden, which include Italian and American gardens, however, we didn't get very far into them because of the unpredictable english weather. Guided tours take you around Pencarrow House, which take place every half an hour. For us this really brought the house to life, the guide was knowledgable about the furniture, paintings etc, adding in fascinating anecdotal stories in each room of the house. The house is still lived in to this day, and has recently recieved the license to conduct weddings ceremonies and receptions. Alongside Pencarrow House is the Peacock Cafe, appropriately named as peacocks and chickens roam free range through the area of outside seating in the courtyard surrounding the cafe. The cafe has a compact menu of dishes like salads, sandwiches and cake. All very tasty, but a little expensive for the size of the portions. But the cafe's setting more than makes up for it though. Pencarrow is a hidden gem in Cornwall and one we thoroughly enjoyed.

Tintagel Castle is a remotely located castle commemorating King Arthur. It is to be reached by…read moretravelling a trail starting the Tintagel Village. The views from and around the castle are breathtaking. Must try next time you are visiting Cornwall.

While the castle is mentioned as a "must see" in every vacation guide, I believe it's very…read moreoverrated! There are bits of walls still standing. And the outlines of several buildings. But that is it. The views of the coast and rugged cliffs are magnificent! NOTE: The walk down and then up the stairs are not for the week of heart nor for the handicapped. My wife is on a cane. She did make it up the stairs and enjoyed the rugged views. But the castle-- you'll have to leave to your imagination. SECOND NOTE: There are land Rovers that will take you down the steep hill to the bottom for £2 pounds and for another £2 pounds take you back up. What no one mentioned is that if they had dropped us off half way we had a bit of a down hill drop and then a straight shot to the ruins! Over all, save your money and visit better castles in Devon and Cornwall.

St Michael's Mount is a tidal island in Mount's Bay, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. The island…read moreis a civil parish and is linked to the town of Marazion by a man-made causeway of granite setts, passable between mid-tide and low water. A weird feeling to walk across when the tide is out and then knowing you have to keep an eye on the time so that you are not stranded there!! Wonderful unusual walk to the mini castle, I especially loved all the gorgeous green moss, seaweed pathway. A true wonder.

Incredible location. Dramatic and awe inspiring. Plan to get there to be able to walk across the…read morecauseway for maximum impact. The castle is intimate and has amazing views. Gardens are interesting but best seen from above and not really worth the extra £