Travel Without the Hangover

Cornwall has always been one of those places in the UK that people talk about and after spending a week there it’s easy to understand why.

Most family holidays growing up were in North Wales, the Lakes or if we made it further south, Devon or Selsey. This was my first time visiting Cornwall.

Based at Anchor Barrow Campsite in Perranporth, a week felt like the ideal amount of time after the drive down south.

After we set up camp, golden hour arrived so we headed to the coastal path behind Perranporth airfield with the coastline to ourselves. The sea stacks and the colour of the water along this stretch were incredible.

For our first full day we headed to Newquay beach, went swimming, explored one of the hidden caves (revealed by the tide) and stayed to watch sunset with a fire pit.

Camping and drinking doesn’t have to intertwine, and there is something about waking up ready to go rather than recovering from the night before. No lost morning, no hangover and no reason to wait for the day to start.

The next day we took the ferry across to the Isles of Scilly from Penzance to St Mary’s. The crossing itself was memorable ~ mainly because I spent most of it very sea sick ~ but arriving at Old Town Bay made it worthwhile. The pace of the islands was similar to Cornwall but the water was on another level and felt subtropical.

If you’re in Cornwall, it makes sense to make the trip across ~ just remember the seasickness tablets, although the journey back felt considerably easier.

If you don’t like travel by boat or struggle with sea sickness you can catch a 20 minute helicopter across instead.

It’s definitely on the list for next time with the money saved from not drinking. One of the things I’ve noticed about travelling alcohol-free is how much more savings can open up. A few drinks here and there can easily become the cost of an experience you’ll actually remember.

Back in Cornwall we returned to Perranporth for another evening exploring Perranporth beach, the tidal pool and watching the sun disappear over the Atlantic.

The hike along the Lizard Peninsula to Kynance Cove was another highlight of the trip. We walked the coastal path towards the famous cove before heading down for a swim.

Cornwall is popular for a reason but beyond the obvious beaches, food and traditional holiday culture there are still quieter ways to experience it.

For me, that's part of the appeal of travelling without alcohol. It doesn't mean missing out on the holiday… it means being there for more of it.

~ Type of Trip: Coastal
~ Base: Perranporth, Cornwall
~ Best Time to Visit: Summer

Photography & Words: Scott Woolley. Shot on Sony A7III. Photography locations:

~ Lizard Peninsula to Kynance Cove
~ Perranporth Coastal Path
~ Old Town Bay, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly
~ Penzance to St Mary’s Ferry Crossing