SPARKLING SHORES

Head far south for a magical holiday, says who has favourite village hideaways on both the north and south coast of Cornwall – Polzeath and Porthleven

The pretty fishing villages of Porthleven and Polzeath hold a special place in Adam Henson’s heart.

ince my first appearance on Countryfile way back in 2001, I’ve been lucky to travel all over the UK on filming assignments. But when I’m asked to single out one perfect place to spend the ideal holiday, Cornwall wins hands down.

From the moment you cross the River Tamar, it’s obvious this is a land apart, and somewhere very special. With my love for Britain’s native livestock, you may think my choice is influenced by the rare breeds of the county. It’s true that the Cornish Black (or Large Black) pig and the Devon & Cornwall Longwool sheep are wonderful breeds, each with a fascinating history. But though I’m guilty of the occasional busman’s holiday, for me the far south-west is wrapped up in fun, friendship and wonderful family memories.

Cornwall is a place of Celtic tradition, exotic gardens and the ruins of old engine houses from its tin-mining past. Today, it’s probably best known for its coastline. The county has 400 miles of coast, 158 miles of which have been designated as Heritage Coast. In Cornwall, nowhere is more than 20 miles from superb sandy beaches, sheltered coves, rocky cliffs, dramatic headlands, harbours, estuaries and creeks. So it’s no surprise that my favourite Cornish spots are both beside the sea.

Polzeath is a small village of pretty whitewashed homes on a north-coast