I’ve been cycling in Cornwall for years, and I’ve got to say, it’s one of the most beautiful and rewarding places to cycle in the UK. With its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and picturesque villages, it’s a dream destination for any cyclist. But where should you stay when planning your cycling adventure? Well, I’m here to give you the lowdown on the best places to stay in Cornwall for a cycling trip.
The Best Places to Stay
Falmouth
Falmouth is a great base for a cycling holiday in Cornwall. Located on the south coast of Cornwall, Falmouth is a bustling town with plenty of accommodation options, from B&Bs to hotels. There are also plenty of cycle routes in and around Falmouth, including the Cornish Way, a 180-mile route that takes in some of the best scenery in Cornwall. Falmouth is also a great starting point for a ride to the Lizard Peninsula, which is home to some of the most dramatic coastline in the UK.
Padstow
If you’re looking for a more laid-back base for your cycling adventure in Cornwall, Padstow is a great option. This charming fishing village on the north coast of Cornwall is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the UK, and it’s a great starting point for a ride along the Camel Trail. The Camel Trail is a 17-mile route that follows the old railway line from Padstow to Bodmin, and it’s a great way to take in some of the stunning countryside of Cornwall.
St Ives
St Ives is another great option for a cycling holiday in Cornwall. This picturesque town on the north coast of Cornwall is home to some of the best beaches in the UK, as well as some great accommodation options. St Ives is a great starting point for a ride to Land’s End, which is the most westerly point in England. The ride to Land’s End takes in some stunning coastal scenery, and it’s a great challenge for any cyclist.
Choosing Your Accommodation
When it comes to choosing your accommodation for your cycling holiday in Cornwall, there are a few things to consider:
Location
The location of your accommodation is important when planning a cycling holiday in Cornwall. You want to make sure that you’re staying somewhere that’s close to some great cycle routes, so you don’t spend all your time cycling to and from your accommodation. The three places I’ve mentioned above are all great options, but there are plenty of other towns and villages in Cornwall that would make a great base for a cycling holiday.
Facilities
You’ll want to make sure that your accommodation has all the facilities you need for a cycling holiday. This might include secure bike storage, bike washing facilities, and laundry facilities. You’ll also want to make sure that your accommodation has plenty of space for you to store all your cycling gear.
Budget
Finally, you’ll want to consider your budget when choosing your accommodation. Cornwall can be an expensive place to stay, especially in peak season, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting good value for money. There are plenty of accommodation options in Cornwall to suit all budgets, from budget B&Bs to luxury hotels.
My Personal Story
I’ve been cycling in Cornwall for years, and I’ve stayed in a variety of different places over the years. One of my favourite places to stay is a small B&B in St Ives, just a stone’s throw from the beach. The owners of the B&B are cyclists themselves, so they’re always happy to chat about cycling routes and give advice on the best places to cycle. They also have a secure bike shed where I can store my bike, as well as facilities for washing and drying my cycling gear.
One of my favourite rides from St Ives is the route to Land’s End. It’s a challenging ride, but the scenery along the way is absolutely stunning. The route takes you along some narrow, winding roads, with steep climbs and descents, but the views make it all worth it. When you finally reach Land’s End, you feel a great sense of accomplishment, knowing that you’ve cycled all the way from St Ives to the westernmost point in England.
Another great ride from St Ives is the route to Zennor. This ride takes you along the coast, with stunning views of the sea and the rugged coastline of Cornwall. The route takes you through the village of Zennor, which is a great place to stop for lunch or a coffee. There’s a great pub in Zennor called the Tinners Arms, which is a popular spot for cyclists.
When it comes to choosing accommodation for a cycling holiday in Cornwall, my advice would be to choose somewhere that’s close to some great cycle routes, and that has all the facilities you need for a cycling holiday. St Ives, Padstow, and Falmouth are all great options, but there are plenty of other towns and villages in Cornwall that would make a great base for a cycling holiday.
Conclusion
Cornwall is a fantastic destination for a cycling holiday, with some of the best scenery in the UK. When it comes to choosing where to stay, there are plenty of great options, from bustling towns like Falmouth to charming fishing villages like Padstow. Whatever your budget and whatever your cycling ability, there’s a place in Cornwall that’s perfect for your cycling adventure.
So, get on your bike, explore the winding roads and coastal paths of Cornwall, and create unforgettable memories along the way. Happy cycling!