Par Sands Beach.
Cornwall has been a popular UK tourist destination for as long as the British have been taking holidays. The outstanding natural beauty and temperate climate of England's southernmost county have drawn in visitors from far and wide for many generations.
One of the most picturesque Cornish towns is the tiny settlement of Par, which lies close to St Austell, and boasts an outstanding location within the county, which will be appreciated by those who are seeking unspoilt beaches and serene countryside.
Par isn't the busy, touristy kind of town that many would expect from a seaside location in such a well-visited part of the world. But, although small in stature, this little town has all a travelling family could require during their break.
The Par Sands Holiday Park is an ideal place from which to explore the area, and the amenities on offer at this much sought after location are sure to make even the most demanding of travellers glad that they chose this Cornish gem as the location for their well-earned break.
Situated between the little town of Par, and it's larger neighbour, St Austell, the park offers top quality static caravans for hire, the ideal accommodation for those who wish to explore the county by day, and return to a comfortable home from home at night.
Those travelling with kids will also be glad to hear that the holiday park itself contains many facilities to keep them occupied in this safe, well-maintained environment. A heated indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, bowling green and a children's play area mean that you can safely let the youngsters roam free within the park.
It's stunning seaside location also makes the park an ideal place from which to take a trip to one of the award winning local beaches. With just a short walk you can be relaxing on the white sands or taking a dip in the sea. Unusually for a British resort the waters are both warm and clean, so even those who usually like to keep their feet free of sand may be tempted to have a paddle.
One of the most popular of the many local beaches is Par Beach, with it's central location and impressive array of pubs, shops and restaurants, there is no better place to spend a summer's day with a family. Visitors of all ages will enjoy their trip to the beach, whether taking in the beautiful scenery, trying their hand at water-sports, or simply falling asleep in a reasonably priced deck-chair.
Those more adventurous souls who would rather sail the ocean, rather than staring wistfully into the horizon can take a boat trip from the nearby Par Harbour. The clear and calm waters in this area make it the ideal place for exploring by boat, and the views of Par and St Austell from the water are just as stunning as the ocean itself.
As with all beach excursions, some will tire of the sand and sea quicker than others, so those who really can't stand the sand between their toes any longer can take a short walk into the town of Par itself.
Despite it's quaint and historic roots, this area of Cornwall is also famous for one of it's more recent attractions, the world renowned Eden Project. A trip here is a must for any visitor, and it will also satisfy the more modern needs of younger travellers. A stunning and traditional as the town of Par is, teenage family members will find that a little hi-tech and interactive entertainment is just thing to liven up the holiday.
One of the most visually stunning attractions in the UK, the project is contained in a collection of huge domes, know as Biomes. The intention of the project is to create the environments required for nature to thrive in different parts of the world, and as such, each Biome has it's own unique environment.
With tropical and Mediterranean Biomes, you can be sure that you won't need a coat when visiting the Eden Project. As you travel through different ecospheres and take in plants and nature of far flung continents, there are also a huge amount of interactive information centres to provide both entertainment and education.
The project also has it's own multi-media learning centre, which will provide hours of factual fun for kids who already know a great deal more about environmental issues than the grown-ups will.
An added bonus for the teenage visitors is that each summer, the Eden Project hosts a number of concerts by some of the best known artists and groups in the world. Oasis, Muse, Amy Winehouse and Primal Scream are just a handful of the bands and artists to have performed under these incredible domes over the years, and a surprise visit to a concert here will be enough to put a smile on the face of even the most surly adolescent.
There is also a unique gift shop, which sells products made from rare and exotic materials, such as jewellery and clothing. These are sure to be of interest to those with a passion for environmentalism, it is also the ideal place to find a unique gift for a loved one at home.
It may be wise, however, to steer clear of buying a loved one the Jequirity Bracelet, as these caused a panic a few years ago after it was discovered that the exotic beans from which they were made were highly poisonous. So, perhaps this is more of a gift for the in-laws!
The Eden Project WebsiteLittle bigger than a village, the town is very tourist-friendly, but without being the stereotyped British seaside town. You will not find loud, flashy arcades or drunk teenagers swearing on roller- coasters, but you will find a good and varied array of shops and cafés to explore.
The gift shops are well-stocked for those who prefer not to go home empty-handed. The usual boxes of fudge, postcards and tea towels can all be found within the quaint, traditional shopping area, and as expected in this part of the UK, most eateries will offer the traditional cream teas, as well as locally produced ice cream and other dairy goods.
For more adult orientated liquid treats, one of the county's finest pubs can also be found close to this stretch of coast. The Ship Inn is an 18th century establishment, popular with locals and tourists, for over 300 years.
Retaining it's original architecture and features, an evening in the Ship will evoke thoughts of pirates, smugglers and the area's rich maritime history. Boasting real ales and a superb carvery, most holiday-makers will spend at least one evening enjoying the heady, olde-world charms of the Ship Inn.
The Ship Inn WebsiteThe attractions, both old and new, of this part of Cornwall are one of the main reasons for the annual influx of tourists to this area each summer, but the incredible scenery and traditional charms are just as much of a draw.
No matter what kind of holiday you require, be it a quiet, rural getaway, or a more fun-filled family holiday, this area of Cornwall has everything a demanding traveller will require.
From sunbathing and surfing, to attractions from the past and visions of the future, there is no better place to spend a UK break, and despite being small in stature, the town of Par is certainly big enough in heart and reputation to cater for all visitors.
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Date: 8th January 2014
