Monday, June 10, 2013

Books to Read to Complement Your Holiday In Cornwall

One of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions of the UK, Cornwall is full of inspiring locations full of fascinating stories, and holiday cottages in Cornwall provide a fantastic way to start exploring them. For readers and writers, Cornwall is an especially captivating place to be: at every turn the traveller is greeted with landscapes that have inspired both ancient legends and classic novels, so lovers of literature and traditional folklore will find plenty to intrigue and inspire them. Here are some of the best literary works and traditions with Cornish roots or connections.
Novels
Those looking for some good books to read while staying in holiday cottages in Cornwall will find that there are plenty of novels with a connection to the land around them, whether they were written by Cornish writers or set in Cornwall. Most famous are a number of novels by London-born Daphne du Maurier, who lived in the county for much of her life, and set several of her works wholly or partly there: Jamaica Inn, The House on the Strand, and Rebecca, to name just three. Chances are that wherever you stay in the region, there will be a location nearby that is featured in or provided inspiration for a Du Maurier novel. Other novelists to try while exploring this enchanting region include Rosamunde Pilcher, Winston Graham, and the children's writer Sharon Tregenza.
Poetry
With its captivating scenery and legend-steeped history, it is hardly surprising that Cornwall has provided inspiration to some of the UK's most celebrated poets through the ages, as well as having a rich home-grown poetic tradition. Former Poet Laureates Alfred Tennyson and John Betjeman both featured Cornish settings in their works. Of the many poets that the county has produced, some of the most famous - whose works offer a great way to connect to the landscape while staying in holiday cottages in Cornwall - include Jack Clemo and Charles Causley. The Cornish poetry scene today continues to be a rich and vibrant one, and browsing the local section of any bookshop could yield some real gems for those looking for a taste of what is currently being written.
Legends and Folktales
Spending time in holiday cottages in Cornwall is also a wonderful way to delve into the fascinating world of Cornish folklore. The most famous of the region's fairy tales is Jack the Giant Killer, which features locations that can still be visited today - most notably, St Michael's Mount, which was said to have been the home of Cormoran, the first giant Jack killed. Cornwall is also rich in Arthurian legends and lore, with some versions of Arthur's life story claiming he was born at Tintagel Castle; there is still a cave nearby known as Merlin's Cave. Local legends abound wherever you travel, and storytelling is still considered an important art, so keep an eye out for storytelling events.
Katie Chown is a Property Consultant for Classic Cottages. We have a selection of spectacular holiday cottages in Cornwall as well as cottages in Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Whether you're looking for a stunning rural retreat or a luxury cottage on the coast, we have the perfect holiday home for you to fall in love with.


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