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Nestled on Cornwall's wild north coast, there's a settlement surrounded by towering cliffs, blossom-laden walkways and the ceaseless rhythm of the Atlantic - a tight-knit community that sits within both a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
St Agnes may be modest in size but it's flourishing, with an artistic soul that flows through its galleries, independent retailers and family-run enterprises.
Fresh-baked loaves, artisan crafts and locally-grown fare form part of the everyday pulse, whilst four neighbouring beaches - all gloriously untouched and welcoming to dogs - provide golden expanses and pristine waters.
The local pubs and eateries remain authentically grounded, offering maritime feasts and Cornish brews alongside vistas that capture exactly why visitors become enchanted with this coastline.
The past lingers everywhere in St Agnes, reports the Express.
Perched on the clifftops, the skeletal remains of Wheal Coates tin mine continue to stand as testament to the county's mining heritage, creating a striking silhouette against ocean and horizon.
From the summit of St Agnes Beacon, the panorama stretches for miles, extending as far as St Ives when visibility allows.
It was vistas such as these that captured the mind of Winston Graham, who resided in the vicinity and drew upon the parish as the backdrop for his Poldark series - a link that has permanently earned the region the moniker "Poldark Country". Mining has left an indelible mark on the village.
The cliffs here were once renowned for producing some of the finest quality tin in the world, and the Blue Hills mine remains the last operational tin production site in the UK. At Wheal Coates, shafts delve so deep into the earth that at high tide, visitors claim they can hear the Atlantic roaring below through the iron grates.
For those keen to delve further into history, St Agnes Museum boasts a compact yet captivating collection of artefacts from both the mining and seafaring industries. Its exhibits narrate not only the tale of industry but also the lives of the people who established a community here - linking Cornwall to the wider world in unexpected ways.
Presently, the parish is equally famous for its outdoor activities. Surfers catch the waves at Trevaunance Cove and Porthtowan, backed by lifeguard clubs and surf schools, while the locally-established environmental group, Surfers Against Sewage, continues to advocate for cleaner seas from the village.
Kayaking excursions uncover hidden coves, coasteering offers cliff-top excitement, and over 70 footpaths traverse the parish, connecting to the South West Coast Path. By late summer, the cliffs are ablaze with purple heather and golden gorse, transforming even a brief stroll into an unforgettable experience.
Families are never at a loss for activities. Children can enjoy bodyboarding, crab hunting in rock pools, or let loose in Mount Hawke's skate park, while woodland strolls and village playgrounds keep the little ones entertained.
Annual events, such as Bolster Day - marked by a giant effigy paraded through the streets - unite the entire parish, whilst larger indoor attractions are conveniently nearby for an effortless rainy-day excursion.
However, what truly distinguishes St Agnes is its year-round vitality. Unlike some Cornish villages that seem to go into hibernation post-summer, this one remains active.
The pubs continue to host live music, cafés remain bustling with locals, and the creative community consistently produces new work, season after season. This means that whether you visit in the August sunshine or on a stormy November weekend, St Agnes always feels lived-in and inviting.