The deeply indented Cornish coastline, jutting out into the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the southwestern tip of the U.K., is Southern England’s resort playground. With its crashing blue surf and epic landscapes of rolling green hills, its rugged natural beauty has been the stuff of history both in literature and in film. But who wants to take a road trip from London in the dead of winter to one of the UK’s most scenic warm weather destinations? Despite the chilly beauty that could unfold along the way, we suggest you stay put in front of your own living room fire and instead of popping over to the pub later, how about popping in a DVD and being virtually there? Cornwall with Caroline Quentin, a just released two volume boxed DVD set will let you do just that, taking you on a tour of this wildly popular destination with a focus on the local culture, some historic sights, a bit of lore and legend and a lot of insight into an area that will attract even diehard Francophiles.
Yes, folks, this is a travelogue, but Caroline’s onto something and much of it boils down to great food (who doesn’t like to eat just caught fish and home grown veggies?) in a magnificent environment. Ms. Quentin, the light-hearted host and two time British Comedy Award winner, has roots in the vicinity it seems and she’s dead set on giving lucky viewers an intimate glimpse of the region’s breathtaking scenery, undeniable charms and its offbeat inhabitants. This eight-part documentary takes a rollicking ride across the Cornish peninsula where surfers catch big waves, vintners harvest sun-ripened grapes and pirates swarm over a medieval fortress. Host Quentin offers up a menu of cute comic interludes throughout her itinerary, but it’s the quirky locals that (almost) steal the show. This summer vacation haven has endless miles of gorgeous coastline where aristocrats live in centuries-old manors and beachcombers barbecue lobster by the sea. At every turn, Quentin dives headlong into the summer festivities, joining the locals in the quaint coastal villages and cheering on a regatta composed of not-so-seaworthy vessels.
The distinctively English spirit of adventure and conviviality shines through in every scene, as Quentin explores Cornwall’s popular attractions, including the beloved seashore, St. Michael’s Mount, and stately homes like Prideaux Place. Caroline even samples a famous Cornish pasty, describing each bite so we can feel like we’re tasting the savory pie along with her. The lucky folks who live in Cornwall claim they wouldn’t change a single thing about their home, boasting that theirs is the most beautiful spot in the world. Chef Matt Corner describes the atmosphere as “not about being in the rat race,” really capturing the laidback essence.
The allure of Cornwall lies in its natural beauty and simplicity and of course, the endless battle of visiting city vs. country is part and parcel to watching a DVD like this. It proves that no matter what, you must plan diversity into a trip. Watching Cornwall with Caroline Quentin will make you realize that you definitely must visit, so start planning.
With its winding scenic cliff-top paths, Cornwall is meant for walking. Miles of smugglers’ coves, secret beaches and fishing villages epitomize “quaint” with echoes of King Arthur’s knights, Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca and the pilgrims bound for mystical St. Michael’s Mount.
English Lakeland Ramblers is a company that specializes in walking tours of the area, where the English love to vacation. “Cornwall: Coastal England” is a six-night overview of the most photogenic corner of England, from the fishing village of Fowey to the artists’ colony of St. Ives, via the Southwest Coastal Path, The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Land’s End – hikes for all levels of experience. Few tourists make it this far west so you’ll be hiking uncrowded trails much of the time.
For details and photographs – www.ramblers.com