Cornish Accommodation

In the last twenty five years there has been a great change in types of holiday accommodation. Cornwall used to be full of Bed & Breakfasts, with people touring the Westcountry, moving on to different places every day. But, on looking round Newquay, this type of hotel has become greatly reduced. Even the larger Hotels are vanishing as well, pulled down, turned into retirement homes or converted into flats. Owners of one such site have recently put in an application to get planning permission for a supermarket.

Despite the many changes these forms of accommodation are going through, the larger Hotels seem to be doing well, along with self catering holiday parks such as Haven and John Fowllers. While touring caravan and campsites are full in the school holidays, but at other times, very empty.

So where are biggest changes? The amount of self catering cottages has grown to giant proportions in the last ten years, giving the visitor freedom from set meal times, quality places to stay where children can run free, and a different restaurant every night.

There has also been an increase in budget hostels, offering beds for as little as £7.50 per night. These are given names like 'The Bunk House', catering for surfers, night clubbers and stag nights, and back packers. Cheap accommodation for seasonal workers. But even if holiday accommodation has changed, none of this has in any way reduced the appeal of the wonderful Cornish coast and country side. Friendly pubs and great restaurants still abound, along with fresh seafood, a plethora of art galleries, and every type of tourist attraction you could think of.

We have to be able to adjust with the changing face of tourism. There are still enormous amounts of people who want to sample what Cornwall has to offer, but are breaking away from the traditional form of holiday.

Britain has a habit of noticing that times have changed too late, but thankfully Cornwall has made great strides in this regard. Newquay is a prime example, catering for backpackers, clubbers, families and the elderly (as the many coach trips are testament to).

Let us hope that we continue to watch the needs of tourists and locals alike, and keep the industry fresh and vibrant.