There is something special about discovering beauty close to home. For years we dreamed of distant destinations, but sometimes the most peaceful escapes are right here in England. When we started planning a short break, Cornwall immediately felt right. We wanted open spaces, scenic drives and the kind of calm you only find by the sea.

And honestly, Cornwall gave us all of that and more.

It is a place of golden beaches, rugged cliffs and peaceful villages. The air feels cleaner, the views are endless, and life moves at a slower, gentler pace. If you are looking for a meaningful staycation or a quiet escape from city life, Cornwall might be exactly what you need.

Epic coastal view at Land's End. This is just a taster!

Why We Chose Cornwall for a Peaceful Escape

Living in London has its excitement, but it can also be overwhelming. The crowds, the noise and the constant rush eventually make you crave something quieter. We were ready for a change of scenery, somewhere open, peaceful and surrounded by nature. Not tall buildings or busy streets, but fresh air, coastline and space to breathe.

Cornwall felt like the perfect answer. Sparkling beaches, dramatic cliffs, inspiring views and that unmistakable coastal calm. And no, we are not talking about the Maldives or Greece, all of this beauty is right here in England. I did leave out sunny skies though, because we all know British weather likes to surprise us.

For years we had thought about visiting, but we always ended up choosing destinations abroad. There is something about airports and flying that I usually find exciting, the noise, the bustle, the feeling of going somewhere far away. My husband, on the other hand, was delighted when we finally decided on a road trip instead. He is much happier skipping airport queues.

Cornwall turned out to have everything we love about travel, natural beauty, a touch of history and a strong local culture. It is known for its Blue Flag beaches, charming villages, scenic walks and of course its famous Cornish pasties and ice cream that you will see everywhere along the coast.

In a way, it was a reminder that we do not always need to travel far to find peace. Exploring the country we live in helped us slow down, appreciate the little things and reconnect with nature. If you ever find yourself longing for a quiet escape from everyday life, Cornwall is the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.

Getting to and Around Cornwall

The best way to travel to Cornwall is by car or train. If you are able to drive, it makes exploring much easier and far more enjoyable. The roads leading into Cornwall offer beautiful scenic views, especially as you get closer to the coast. You can bring your own car or hire one when you arrive, which gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and reach the quieter, hidden places that public transport often misses.

We set off from London towards Porthtowan Beach, a journey of around five hours with a short stop along the way. Taking the A303 and then the A30 is a lovely route, passing iconic sights like Stonehenge and a few picture-perfect villages that seem to belong to another time. It is one of those drives where the journey feels like part of the holiday itself.

Most service stations along the route are open late, and some have small cafés where you can enjoy a simple meal or stretch your legs. Once you reach Cornwall, you will find smaller service stops surrounded by green hills and open skies. Stopping there adds a nice local touch to the trip.

If you prefer not to drive, you can still reach Cornwall by train. There are connections from London Paddington to towns such as Truro, St Austell and Penzance. From there, you can use local transport or hire a car for the rest of your stay. Public transport works well between the larger towns, but having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore Cornwall’s peaceful coves and coastal paths with ease.

Sunset views at St Michael's Mount are amazing!

Why Cornwall Makes a Perfect Staycation Destination

There are so many reasons why Cornwall stands out as one of the best staycation destinations in England.

The region is full of variety. You can hike along dramatic cliffs in the morning, wander through small fishing villages at noon and relax by the sea in the evening. The coastline is unspoilt and natural, offering both adventure and peace.

Land’s End, Godrevy and Porthtowan were some of our favourite spots. The beaches surprised us with their soft white sand and clear water. I used to think views like these only existed abroad, but Cornwall truly changed that perception. At Godrevy, we even spotted seals resting on the rocks, a quiet moment we will never forget.

Cornwall also inspired us to be more active. We found ourselves walking longer than planned, eager to keep exploring. Even after returning home, we carried that motivation with us, adding more walks and outdoor time into our daily routine.

And then there is the food. Cornwall is famous for its pasties, and you will find plenty of vegetarian options. The ice cream here is creamy and full of flavour, simple joys that make travel feel complete. Seafood is also a local favourite, with many coastal restaurants serving freshly caught fish.

Halal food is not easy to find in Cornwall, so it helps to plan ahead. We often enjoyed vegetarian Cornish pasties or classic fish and chips, which are widely available. If you can, book an apartment or a house with a kitchen, as cooking some of your own meals makes things much easier and more comfortable.

Final Thoughts

Cornwall gave us exactly what we were looking for, peace, beauty and a chance to slow down. It reminded us to appreciate the quiet places that are close to home and the joy of simple moments, like watching waves roll in or feeling the sea breeze on your face.

If you have been thinking about a staycation that feels refreshing and inspiring, Cornwall is worth every mile of the journey.

Muslim Friendly Travel Notes

Cornwall is a peaceful region where it is easy to enjoy nature and slow travel. Halal food options are limited, so it is best to plan meals in advance. Vegetarian Cornish pasties and fish and chips are widely available. Booking accommodation with a kitchen is very helpful if you prefer to cook your own meals.

There are no easily accessible mosques in most parts of Cornwall, so it helps to plan your prayer times around your day. The beaches and coastal paths offer quiet spots for reflection and prayer while enjoying the calm of the outdoors.