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Cornwall has been named the best destination in the world for one type of holiday, beating locations like Lanzarote and the Algarve to take the top spot on the list. Cornwall is often described as one of the most beautiful counties in the UK, famous for its rugged coastline, crystal clear waters and quaint seaside towns. Popular spots to visit in Cornwall include Newquay, St Ives and Mousehole, which have been loved by generations of visitors.

New research by Sainsbury's Bank has named Cornwall the best destination in the world for "slow travel", offering great escapes for those looking for relaxing and laid-back holidays. The research revealed that searches in the UK have risen 5.4 per cent on an annual basis to 4,608 between April 2024 and March 2025. It then measured a number of metrics to find the best slow travel spot in the world, including prices, accommodation, cuisine, closeness to natural beauty and opportunities for relaxation. Data was collected from TripAdvisor, AllTrails and Skyscanner for this study.

Slow travel is an approach to holidays that involves going at a slower pace and taking more time to enjoy a destination. It often involves some form of relaxation, such as spa treatments and time in nature.

Cornwall ranked high in all categories, particularly natural beauty, cuisine and relaxation. The experts praised a number of aspects that make Cornwall attractive for visitors, including its "breathtakingly beautiful beaches", "rolling countryside" and "sleepy waterside villages".

Highlights, they said, are the "camping and glamping sites near the coastline offering a nature-immersed experience" as well as "wellness retreats offering yoga, meditation and spa treatments".

Wellness expert Eloise Skinner champions slow travel in places like Cornwall for a number of reasons. She advises tourists to slow down to "appreciate the details of the place you're in".

She said: "From a physical perspective, you may feel more rested and alert. On an emotional level, you may feel more present and open to learning about the cultural aspects of a location.

"Figure out what you want to experience and allow yourself enough time at the destination. Once you're there, remind yourself to slow down and relax - take time to do 'nothing' except appreciate the location."

Cornwall beat some beloved destinations around the world to be named the best slow travel destination on the globe. The study revealed the top ten slow travel destinations in the world to be:

Cornwall has many popular spots to stay and see, including a beach that "could be Bali" and a town named the prettiest in the county.