Cornwall, England

Found on the southernmost tip of England on a peninsula that juts out into the Celtic Sea, Cornwall’s sunny climate and distinctive culture make it an excellent destination for Royal Holiday members looking to enjoy the United Kingdom at its brightest and cheeriest. The traditional summer vacation destination for the English, Cornwall offers miles of handsome coastline, endless country delights in every corner, and landmarks from the entirety of English history. Royal Holiday members will find this unique European destination incredibly welcoming, thanks to the club’s two excellent resort options.

Royal Holiday members looking to enjoy the proper English country life will likely opt for Trenython Manor, located between Tywardreath proper and the River Fowey. With condo-style lodgings suitable for large groups or big families, it also possesses infinite charm, with its wonderful Italian-inspired architecture and lovingly restored English decor. Although its rooms feature full kitchens, many Royal Holiday guests choose to eat at the Manor, which has a reputation excellent food. Trenython Manor’s other amenities include a spa, fitness equipment, and heated indoor pool, as well as stunning views of St. Austell Bay.

Farther south, Royal Holiday visitors can revel in the full resort experience at the immaculate grounds of Clowance Estate and Country Club, a 97-acre paradise located in Camborne. With a wide variety of condo-style units sized to suit any group, the estate’s main draw is its endless roster of activities and amenities, from a gym and sauna to an 18-hole golf course. Kids will enjoy the heated swimming pool and well-equipped playground, while adults will love relaxing at the cozy resort bar.

Cornwall has been continuously inhabited since the Paleolithic era, and served as part of the homeland of the ancient Britons, a Celtic tribe, who were described as civilized by Greek historians as early as the 4th century BCE. The native Cornish people maintained their autonomy well after the fall of Roman rule, but the Norman Conquest brought most of Cornwall into the soon-to-be English fold. Despite its current presence as a part of England, Cornwall continues to have a distinct Cornish flavor, and Royal Holiday visitors can find the remnants of its history in every corner of the peninsula.

Cornish history buffs may do well to seek out the wonders of the area’s unique culture, especially its famed Cornish pasties, but the revived Cornish language and the black-and-white flags of Cornwall belie the fact that this ancient locale has become thoroughly modern. Royal Holiday members will find such attractions as the Eden Project, a rainforest kept alive in massive glassed-in biomes, or the chic delights of locales like Port Issac and St. Ives. Many will want to explore the region’s history through places like St. Michael’s Mount, which offers a glimpse of life in centuries past, but others will prefer the peacefulness of the Trebah Garden or a long walk on the Southwest Coast Path. Royal Holiday members with families, however, will likely find themselves taking part in Cornwall’s huge variety of family friendly activities, from theme parks and zoos to numerous adventure farms and caverns, including the excellent tour of Geevor Tin Mine.