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Bude The northernmost town in Cornwall, Bude was once the home of wreckers, who looted the many ships that they lured onto the treacherous rocks. Today, the area offers clean, sandy beaches that are ideal for the family or for surfing, as well as outdoor leisure activities such as kayaking, canoeing, abseiling and archery. Bude-Stratton Museum explains the history of the canal in the early 1800s. You can walk along the towpath beside the canal, which opens out to the sea.
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Trethorne Leisure Park Entertainment for the whole family, with an 18-hole golf course, driving range and ten-pin bowling. There are animals to see, cuddle and feed, and ponies to ride, as well as a huge range of children's play activities for all ages. The park is mostly undercover, making it a perfect day out, whatever the weather. Launceston.
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Tamar Otter Sanctuary Run by the Otter Trust, the Tamar Otter Sanctuary is the only organisation in the West Country that breeds otters on a regular basis and reintroduces young otters back into the wild. They have a rehabilitation centre for orphaned otter cubs and you can also learn about the Sanctuary's dormouse conservation project. You will find three species of deer and other wildlife living in the grounds, which include woods and two lakes. There are nature trails, picnic areas and refreshments. Launceston.
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Boscastle The sheltered harbour in the picturesque village of Boscastle was once busy with ships loading slate from the local mines. It remains one of the few safe havens on the north coast offering refuge from the stormy seas. Enjoy its fascinating history including a castle and the medieval quay. Visit the shops and galleries and the Museum of Witchcraft where you can see a collection of fascinating dolls and artefacts connected to the art.
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Tintagel Visit the legendary seat of King Arthur. The ruined 13th-century castle is situated at the breathtaking location of Tintagel Head, now divided in two by the force of the sea, creating an island that you reach from a bridge and a steep walkway. In the village of Tintagel itself you can visit the Old Post Office, a fascinating 14th-century yeoman farmhouse that was used as a post office in the 19th century. This atmospheric building is a traditional Cornish longhouse and contains local oak furniture, some of which dates back to the 16th century.
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Jamaica Inn This 18th-century coaching inn was a staging post on the Bodmin to Launceston road. It is believed that smugglers used to store their contraband at the inn, as described in the famous Daphne du Maurier novel of the same name. Rum may have been hidden there, hence the name Jamaica Inn. Today, you can browse through a collection of smuggling artefacts and Daphne du Maurier memorabilia, or you can enjoy good food, drink real ales and wait by the fire to see one of the ghosts whose spirits are said to haunt the inn. Bolventor.
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Lanhydrock House One of Cornwall's grandest houses, Lanhydrock was originally built in 1651 but was rebuilt in 1881 after a fire. Set in 450 acres of parkland and woods, the house and gardens overlook the valley of the river Fowey. Lanhydrock has 49 rooms on show that illustrate Victorian life – from the nursery, kitchens and sculleries to the grandeur of the state rooms. It also has formal gardens and beautiful herbaceous borders.
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Bodmin Jail Originally built in 1779, Bodmin Jail is a chilling example of the harsh punishments meted out to people who committed crimes in the past. The cold and dank cells show the terrible conditions people were forced to endure, often for very small crimes, such as stealing a few potatoes. An educational and fascinating experience.
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Crealy Adventure Park At Cornwall's Crealy you will discover the wildest rides and the biggest events, entertainment and characters, plus Cornwall's largest indoor and outdoor adventures. Meet the friendliest animals within 100 acres of countryside and enjoy delicious locally sourced food. You can take advantage of free Holiday Membership, which means you can return any day (or every day) for seven days after your first admission for just the price of your initial entry ticket. Tredinnick, Wadebridge.
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The Camel Trail This disused railway extends for 17 miles inland from Padstow along the beautiful valley of the river Camel to Wadebridge, and then to Bodmin. Cycle or walk the six miles from Padstow to Wadebridge or, for the more adventurous, continue for another eight miles to Bodmin and further again to the western edge of Bodmin Moor. There are bike hire shops in all three towns.
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Padstow Harbour Once one of the busiest harbours on the north coast, Padstow handled all kinds of cargoes, including fish, wine, slate and ores. It remains a working harbour today, with a busy quayside. Visit a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants, including Rick Stein's seafood restaurants and cafés. On May Day the town is particularly colourful to celebrate the coming of summer with the Obby Oss Festival.
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