Are ye planning a Pyrate themed holiday adventure this summer? For the next few plunders, I’m going to share with you some amazing adventure spots! Get your grog and let’s set sail!
First up is the amazing, beautiful, and mysterious coastline of Cornwall, England. Ole Bootstrap Ginny has actually visited this area (twice) and even got caught in one of the smuggler caves as the tide was coming in. Needless to say, I hustled out (I was a much younger pyrate at that time) and made a note to check the tide schedule before my next cave adventure.
“A complex cave network on the seafront of Cornwall once protected pirates that predated the English Channel shipping. At high tide, hidden entrances appear to the caves where smugglers stashed contraband goods beneath shifting sands. Modern kayak tours explore secretive coves and share local tales of pirate lore.” From Travelpug.net
Some of the caves are said to be haunted, and you know I love a good pyrate ghost story! In Polperro, sitting on the cliffside is an 18th century seaside cottage which was once home to notorious smuggler, Willy Wilcox. The four-bedroom home overlooks Polperro harbor above a cave said to be haunted by the smuggler’s ghost.
Cornwall is a pretty big spot, so where specifically should you go to explore these smuggler caves? Here’s Ginny’s list (the first three in the list are based on actual visits):
Boscastle: Bootstrap Ginny loved this (former) smuggling village. Dripping with charm underneath a cloak of mystery and intrigue, the village is quiet, small, and relatively easy to explore on foot.
Tintagel: So. Many. Caves. Check the tide schedule and wear appropriate footwear. Tintagel village is quaint but cheerful. Bonus: If you’re a fan of King Arthur, Tintagel is the spot for you.
Falmouth: So many things to do in Falmouth! Go visit Pendennis Castle. It was built by King Henry VIII as a defensive structure…which included protection from pyrates! (Why are they always afraid of pyrates?!) Anyway, the National Maritime Museum is also in Falmouth and well worth the time to explore.
Some other Cornwall adventure spots (that Bootstrap Ginny has not visited) include:
Mousehole: A quaint fishing village that was once a haven for smugglers. To look at it now, it’s hard to imagine a smugglers, but its narrow streets and hidden alleys once provided cover for many illicit activities.
The Lizard Peninsula: This area was notorious area for shipwrecks and pyracy. Its treacherous waters and rocky coastline made it a prime location for pyrates to ambush unsuspecting ships.
A few words of caution about Cornwall adventures:
- Wear appropriate footwear – you are most likely going to get (at least) your feet wet.
- Check the tide schedule.
- Talk to locals and get a guide if you feel you won’t get the full adventure on your own.
- NO JOKE: The Cornwall cliffs are DARK AS INK at night. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT go out on the cliffs after dark.
- I’ve always found the Cornish people to be very friendly and more than willing to advise you on your travel itinerary. Don’t be shy, just ask!
- British food (for Americans, anyway), has kind of a bad reputation. However, when in Cornwall, you are on the coast, aye? So, GET THE SEAFOOD! Savvy?!
Well now, THAT was some plunderin’ Time for grog!! Next time we will explore how to do a proper pyrate holiday adventure in Port Royal, Jamaica. Until then, keep plunderin’ !
Virginia Chandler 