Land's End, England. Pretty cheesy but worth it for the views

 Land's End is the sort of place you go to to  say you've been there.  I was there recently as part of my tour of Cornwall and was more than happy to visit a place that I had heard so much about. It came as a bit of a surprise  to find that entry to the cliffside and views out over the sea was gained through a funfair, though.  I realise funfairs are a part of the English seaside experience but coming from New Zealand, where seaside funfairs are unheard of, my preference is for  nature to be natural. Fortunately you can walk straight through the funfair for free and the views from the cliffs make a visit well worthwhile.

Entry via a funfair

Land's End, in Cornish, Penn a Wlas, meaning "end of the land", has been in private hands and a tourist attraction for over 300 years. In 1987 the property was bought by a private investor who developed most of the current funfair. Apparently the National Trust made a bid for the property but unfortunately missed out. It is now owned by Heritage Great Britain PLC, an attractions company. The complex contains, not only the funfair but a restaurant with panoramic views, shops, a 4D cinema and snack bars, all perched high above stunning granite cliffs.

Looking out across the Atlantic, next stop USA.

For 12 pounds you can have your home
country inserted in the blank spot

But we were here for the views so my travelling companion and I made our way along a pathway down to the furthest point to take in the spectacular sight of the Atlantic Ocean crashing onto the rocks below the 200 foot high cliffs. It was a perfect day so we were lucky enough to see the Scilly Isles faintly in the distance. 20 miles away is the Longships Lighthouse which can also be seen on a clear day. I loved this dramatic wild and wonderful view and we stood for a while drinking it all in. Back along the path we passed the First and Last shop, built in the 19th century to supply souvenirs to tourists, it now also sells ice creams, and a photographer asking 12 pounds to take your photo by the famous distance sign.  Bypassing both we made our way back to our tour bus. 

In fact Land's End is not the most southern part of mainland UK, it is the most western. If you are looking for natural, unspoilt, and the actual southernmost spot it is at Lizard Point,  20miles (32Ks) further along the coast.

We can tick Land's End off our 'to do' list and the views are certainly stunning but I think, on reflection, and with my aversion to the commercialisation of a natural site of scenic beauty,  I would probably prefer Lizard Point. I can, however, see Land's End as a popular, family holiday destination with its nearby accommodation, amazing cliff top walks, restaurants and snack shops and the funfair and handy animal park to keep the children entertained.  It's just not for me.