1. Learn to surf

 

Aspiring surfers have plenty of beaches to choose from. Among the most popular are Perranporth Beach, St. Ives Beach or Kynance Cove. © Christoph Gottwald

The wind and weather conditions on the coast are excellent even for experienced surfers. And yet, rookies can also make their first wobbly attempts on a surfboard here. One of the most popular spots is the town of Newquay in the north of Cornwall. Even if surfing doesn't work out so well for you, you can still watch the pros or explore the pretty town.

2. visit the Eden Project

 

The 50-meter-high have been in operation for more than 20 years. They have been one of the most popular destinations in Cornwall ever since. © Shutterstock

From surfer's paradise to garden paradise: The Eden Project in Bodelva may look like an alien settlement from the outside. But beneath the domes, which sit in the landscape like giant golf balls, is actually a botanical garden. Each dome houses a different vegetation zone. Visitors can marvel at more than 100,000 plants – including rare and endangered ones.

3. Explore Tintagel Castle

 

Despite the relatively new footbridge, it's worth putting on sturdy shoes for this excursion. © Shutterstock

Cornwall is not exactly lacking in historical sites. However, one of the most exciting places is Tintagel Castle on the west coast of Cornwall. Translated from Cornish, its name means "fort by the neck of land." No wonder. After all, it's located on a small island you can only access through a narrow headland via steep paths. According to Arthurian legend, Tintagel Castle is the place where King Arthur was conceived.

4. Meet some creepy fellows

 

What do witches actually believe in? Why were they persecuted and what legends surround magicians? Questions you might just find an answer to. © Shutterstock

The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle is not dedicated to the Gundel Gaukeleys from comic books or children's movies, but to those women and men who were said to have supernatural abilities. The museum explores the myths surrounding witchcraft and tells the story of persecution, fear and mistrust. Many of the artifacts are the subject of anthropological research.

5. rediscover lost gardens

 

"Heligan" is the Cornish word for "willow." The overgrown statues in the Lost Gardens of Heligan recall Cornwall's legend of origin. © Shutterstock

Plant lovers won't believe their eyes at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Austell, as they wander through English landscape gardens, ravine gardens, ornamental gardens, kitchen gardens and parts called "The Jungle" and "The Lost Valley." Numerous species of wild animals, some of them rare, populate the area, as does an extremely rich flora.

6. Taste a local specialty

 

Every family and every bakery has its own pasty recipe. One thing is for sure: nowhere else do Cornish pasties taste as good as they do in Cornwall. © Harry Grout

No Cornwall bucket list is complete without Cornish pasty. As early as the 13th century, the crescent-shaped shortbread pasties filled with meat, vegetables or seafood were served in higher circles. Later, they also found popularity among farmers and miners. After all, the pasties are easy to eat as they don't require plates or utensils. Where to find the best Cornish pasties is debatable. But a must try are those from Sarah's Pasty Shop in Looe or Malcom Barnecutt's Bakery in Rock.

7. stroll through idyllic villages

 

This fishing harbor is part of Padstow, a small town inhabited by just 3,162 people. © Belinda Fewings

The list of beautiful villages in Cornwall is long. With their gray stone buildings and rugged charm, they enchant countless visitors year after year. Plus, every village has at least one authentic pub where you should grab a pint or two. Some of the nicest places are Altarnun, Port Isaac, Padstow, Lostwithiel and Polperro.

8. Driving to the end of the (english) world

 

The End of the English World is privately owned and looks like a kind of theme park – restaurant and visitor center included. © Benjamin Elliott

Land's End is the westernmost point of England – unless you can't the Scilly Islands. Supposedly, the ancient Greeks already came to this place to admire the view. The place has lost none of its popularity. Today, it serves as a starting point for hiking and cycling tours. There's also a tourist information center, souvenir shops and events.

9. Shop for souvenirs

 

Boutiques, delis, cafes and artisans showcasing their wares: Truro is a great place to stroll. © Shutterstock

What would a trip be without a little shopping spree? If your credit card is burning a hole in your wallet, you should definitely stop by Truro. Around 20,000 people live here, which makes it one of the busier places in the region. The Pannier Market has more than 30 different stalls. In addition, Truro boasts some pretty galleries and small shops.

10. See famous film locations in real life

 

According to scientists, the tidal island off Marazion was already inhabited about 8,000 to 3,500 years before our time. © Benjamin Elliott

Ever since Alfred Hitchcock shot The Manxman in the north of Cornwall in 1929, the county has been a popular film location. That's hardly surprising. After all, the dramatic landscape with its imposing cliffs and sprawling beaches is just as predestined for the screen as the picturesque villages. Game of Thrones fans should head to St. Michael's Mount or Hollywell Bay. They might recognize some scenes from the show's new prequel House of the Dragon. Scenes for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) were filmed around St. Ives.