Land's End, a spectacular place to relax

Lands End

Cornwall, England South West



Review added: 27/04/2007 18:36
By: velvet202 (£0.00 earned from reviews) Earn £££'s

"Land's End lies at the extreme south-western tip of the county of Cornwall and, as its name suggests, is the most westerly point on the English mainland. The coastline of granite cliffs here is spectacular, and the magical air which rests over Land's End has given rise to a number of local legends of lost cities and Arthurian myths. The strongly weathered granite cliffs have probably not retreated for tens of thousands of years; this is one of the most ancient landmarks of Britain, unchanging but for the risings and falling sea.
Looking out across the Atlantic Ocean from Land's End on a clear day, it is just possible to make out the Isles of Scilly which rest on the horizon. Closer to the shore, about 1 mile to the sea is the Longships Lighthouse.
The magnificent cliffs, sea birds, wild flowers and powerful Atlantic Ocean no longer enjoy the eerie solitude of days gone by. Recently, a tourist complex offers a series of exhibitions and displays which feature the history and heritage of the area, and which have a strong focus on nautical history and the treachery of the sea. The complex also includes souvenir shops, restaurants, bars and photo opportunities.
Old Cornish folklore tells of a very different place, of the lost land of Lethowstow. It is recorded that the land once extended out to the Scilly Isles, but that a huge tidal wave rose up and flooded the 140 parishes of lush orchards and magnificent towns which covered this distance. The remains of one of the greatest towns of this lost land, the City of Lions, are said to be the Seven Stones which are visible just beyond Land's End. Local fishermen are reported to have pulled up panes of ancient glass and woodwork from the reef here, and on a stormy night, the bells of sunken towns are believed to be heard tolling.
Arthurian legend tells a similar tale, but rather than the lost land of Lethowstow, it is the legendary kingdom of Lyonnesse which lies beneath the sea. The land of Lyonnesse belonged to the noble prince Tristan, and it was to Lyonnesse that Arthur lured the enemies. Merlin raised a thunderous earthquake which sent the waters flooding over the land, and consequently drowned Arthur's arch enemy and his followers. The land on which Arthur stood was broken up, but remained above water and now composes the Isles of Scilly.
Land's End offers the probably most breathtaking scenery in Britain. Despite the fact that it is a major tourist attraction, the nature is still untouched and the air clean, and there are hardly any disruptions to the lush fields and high cliffs. It is perfect for a short holiday to relax and unwind, and forget all the troubles of citylife. I highly recommend it to everyone who likes long relaxing walks and a bit of time for themselves."

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