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A sunny summer weekend typically signals one thing in popular holiday resorts: packed beaches and bustling streets. While it's lovely to see so many people out and about, an excess of visitors can be overwhelming.
On a busy Saturday, I ventured to two stunning Cornish villages expecting throngs of tourists, but was pleasantly surprised by the tranquillity.
The town of Fowey in Cornwall is truly breathtaking, although the steep hill you have to climb to get back up can quite literally leave you gasping for breath. There's a bus service that runs from the car park up and down the hill, which is a handy alternative if you'd rather not tackle the uphill trek.
Regardless of whether you choose to walk or drive through Fowey, the allure of this town will linger with you, as it's genuinely a delightful place to visit.
Upon my arrival in Fowey, I found it to be busy, but not overly crowded - a refreshing change from other picturesque towns where an influx of visitors can sometimes dampen the atmosphere, reports the Express.
One aspect of Fowey that I particularly appreciate is Richard's Fruit Veg & Fish, an independent greengrocer that undoubtedly flourishes due to the absence of major supermarkets in the immediate area. It's always a pleasure to see specially selected fruit and vegetables on display.
In addition to this independent grocer, Fowey offers all the usual Cornish essentials: pasties, cream teas, and delicious pastries, along with high-end craft shops and chic clothing boutiques.
Fowey began to liven up as the morning progressed, but it remained a pleasant hubbub. A train strike on the weekend of my visit may have impacted visitor numbers, yet even the roads seemed unusually quiet for a summer bank holiday weekend.
After spending the morning in Fowey, my colleague and I ventured over to Polperro to soak up the atmosphere in this smaller Cornish village, which is not far as the crow flies, but a bit of a trek by car.
The journey from Fowey to Polperro - and vice versa - becomes much more direct when crossing the river via the Bodinnick car ferry, and on such a glorious summer's day, it's also incredibly scenic.
Cornwall truly feels like stepping into another country, in my opinion. There's something uniquely captivating about the place, particularly the untouched towns and villages nestled by the sea.
Polperro is an eccentric, more relaxed village, with fewer steep hills leading to the main stretch. A stroll down from the Crumplehorn pub (where the main car park is located) takes you along a road lined with charming cottages.
A stream runs alongside the pavement, its water clearer than I've seen in ages. The little bridges that cross the stream are both historical and fascinating.
Dating back to around the 13th century, Polperro has retained much of its original charm. Looking across the harbour that meets the sea, I noted that visually, not much has changed in this quaint fishing village.
It's easy to understand why both locals and tourists are smitten with Polperro. Despite it being a Saturday in the height of summer, the village was delightfully tranquil.
Whether they were day-trippers, holidaymakers or local residents, everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming.
On this warm sunny day, I joined dozens of others and took a dip in the sea, specifically in the harbour area of Polperro Beach. I'm aware there are more swimming spots over the hill, but those will be an adventure for another day.
The seawater was remarkably clear and pleasantly warm. It was a genuine pleasure to swim in Cornish waters at a location that time seems to have forgotten - and without the usual throngs one would expect on a bank holiday.