Lands End (Lands End)

Member Name: Beanie8844

Product:	Lands End
Date:	06/09/08 (37 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: stunning views, great coastal walks

Disadvantages: the theme park ruins it a little

Most people will have heard of 'lands end' because of the famous 'lands end to john o groats walks'. Lands end is the headland of the Penwith Peninsula and is the most westerly tip of the southern mainland. It is situated approximately 9 miles west of Penzance and is surrounded by some spectacular views of the atlantic ocean. Its vey popular and today is one of the most visited outdoor attractions in Cornwall; I've visited every time I've been to Cornwall.

As already mentioned the main reason that most people visit lands end is because of the surrounding views and the fact that you are at the most westerly point of the southern mainland. The signpost at lands end pointing towards john o groats and new york has to be one of the most famous signposts in the world, and is popular with tourists - people often queue to have their photo taken in front of it.

On a clear day it is possible to see the Isles of Silly on the horizon, however I've never been able to see them because the weather tends to be quite poor and the seas rough. As well as the stunning views there are some great coastal paths along which you can walk around the lands end area - perhaps the best of these is the lands end to sennen cove walk, which I have done many times myself. Its about one and a half miles point to point and at sennen there is a lovely wide sandy beach, always good if the weathers nice!

For those people who want a bit extra from their trip to lands end, the airport at lands end offers scenic flights of the area at certain times of the day. Personally, I've never been aboard one of these flights but I have always been very tempted by the prospect and will probably one day have a go myself. The airport is open from 9.30am - 7.30pm and offers 3 different routes, all with different prices. Again, if the weathers good then this is surely a must. Prices start at £32.00 for adults and go upto £82.00, likewise for children £25.00 - £62.00.

A few years ago a theme park was built at the lands end site - generating more revenue for the region by the increase in tourist visitors, although I do feel it has spoilt what was a perfectly good natural phenomenon a litlle. The main reason most people come to lands end is to see the stunning coastline and views the place has to offer - not to visit the theme park. From what I can remember, it does house a visitor centre with lots of information about the place, however it is aimed more at children. For those wishing to visit land end, I would recommend driving to sennen cove beach, parking at the clifftop car park and then walking the lovely coastal path around to lands end.

Other places to visit whilst you're there:
- First and Last House
- The west country shopping village
- The land of greeb farm and crafts
- The lands end hotel
- Cornish Pantry
- The old bakehouse
- Penwith house
- Such and wendy's gallery
- First and last inn, sennen village

Lands end is well worth visitng, especially if you are in the penzance area - its almost rude not to pop by. There's much to see and do and if you visit the theme park, then its a complete family day out.

Thanks for reading. (This review is also posted on Ciao under the same name).

Summary: if you're going to West Cornwall you'll have to come here