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Cornwall, a county set on England's rugged southwestern tip, forms a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Encompassing remote moorland, sheer cliffs, crashing waves, and hundreds of sandy beaches, Cornwall is Britain's wild west. Scenic villages, picturesque harbors, and seaside resorts help tame the landscape, but this corner of the country feels like an island, a place on its own that boasts a proud national identity. So, what else about this ancient land do visitors find so appealing?

Click through the following gallery for a journey to "land's end," and find out more about this iconic destination.

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A tidal island in Mount's Bay, St Michael's Mount is the Cornish counterpart of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France. Crowned by a castle and chapel, this most iconic of Cornwall's visitor attractions can be reached by a causeway passable between mid-tide and low water from the town of Marazion.

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As early as the 13th century, the village of Polperro was a recognized fishing community. Its idyllic appearance is enhanced by rows of tightly packed fishermen's cottages that overlook a quaint harbor.

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Set on the shore of Mount's Bay near Penzance, picturesque Mousehole is the quintessential fishing village. It lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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The handsome city of Truro, Cornwall's "capital," is worth exploring for its impressive Gothic-revival cathedral and the numerous examples of fine Georgian architecture that characterize many of the townhouses and terraces. Places of interest include the Royal Cornwall Museum, the collections of which showcase the region's mining, engineering, and artistic heritage.

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This evocative medieval fortification located on the peninsula of Tintagel Island has long enjoyed an association with legends related to King Arthur. Stroll among the ruins and then admire Merlin's Caves set below the walls.

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Fistral Beach near Newquay is one of Britain's premier surfing destinations. Its west-facing aspect exposes it to Atlantic swells, ensuring consistent year-round waves.

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The golden sands of Crantock Beach, backed by dunes between the Pentire Headlands both east and west, provide glorious sunbathing opportunities and watersports options, including swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

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One of Cornwall's more unusual leisure attractions is the open-air Minack Theatre. Listed as one of the world's most spectacular theaters, the venue is literally carved out of a cliff face. Porthcurno Bay provides a suitably dramatic backdrop.

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Land's End is the most westerly point of mainland Cornwall and England. It's a popular location for rock climbers, while the less active can browse arts and crafts shops housed within the tourist center.

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Bet you didn't know that the first sighting of the Spanish Armada on mainland Britain was off Lizard Point on July 29, 1588. It's the southernmost part of England and the wider United Kingdom, and is seen here from Housel Bay.

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About 4.5 km (3 mi) northwest of the village of Madron is the the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age site known as Mên-an-Tol, which in the Cornish language means the "stone of the hole."

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Falmouth is a popular holiday destination. As well as the scenic River Fal, which cuts through the town, Falmouth boasts five nearby beaches. Its good looks have attracted filmmakers and even Hollywood A-listers: in 2011, Paramount Pictures filmed parts of the film 'World War Z,' starring Brad Pitt, in Falmouth Docks and off the coast.

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Set at the mouth of the River Fowey, this delightful vacation destination is also a busy port. For centuries, Fowey has thrived as a center for bulk china clay exports. China clay is a valuable industrial mineral.

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Away from Cornwall's pretty but often busy coastline is beautiful but bleak Bodmin Moor. This vast granite moorland is dotted with megalithic monuments and crisscrossed by rivers and inland waters. It's great hiking country, but always keep an eye on the weather! Pictured is the odd-looking Cheesewring rock formation at a place called Minions.

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Take time to discover Penzance and its plethora of sightseeing draws, attractions that include the Market House and Old Town Hall, the incredible Egyptian House (located on Chapel Street), and the open-air seawater Jubilee Bathing Pool (one of the oldest surviving Art Deco swimming baths in the country). Incidentally, Penzance is the departure point for the Isle of Scilly.

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The Isles of Scilly archipelago is scattered 40 km (25 mi) off the southwestern tip of Cornwall. The principal islands are St Mary's, Tresco, St Martin's (pictured), St Agnes, and Bryher. Day excursions are a popular option, but to really appreciate the unique beauty of this charming destination, arrange a few days' island-hopping.

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Don't leave Cornwall without trying a Cornish pasty. A pastry filled with beef, sliced or diced potato, swede, onion, and seasoned with salt and pepper, this baked delight is the county's national dish.

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If you have time, the inclination, and a stout pair of legs, try walking the South West Coast Path. England's longest waymarked long-distance footpath follows the coast around the peninsula, including Cornwall. Start in Padstow for a short ramble before looping back, or be adventurous and trek the 482 km (300 mi) around Cornwall's entire coastline.

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Pleasant Padstow is the preferred starting point for the South West Coast Path, but this bustling fishing port is always worth a diversion, not least for English celebrity chef Rick Stein's string of renowned restaurants, shops, cafes, and hotels that serve residents and visitors alike.

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The region's unique gastronomy extends to Cornish yarg, a creamy white cheese distinctively wrapped in an edible, though moldy, rind of green nettles. It's prepared using garlic.

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Barbara Hepworth (1903–1975) was an English artist and sculpturer and leading figure in the colony of artists who resided in St Ives during the Second World War. The museum preserves her studio and garden much as they were when she lived and worked there. The site is managed by the Tate. Pictured: Epidauros II, a piece set in the garden.

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Tin mining was a core industry in Cornwall during the 19th century, and much of the 20th century. Geevor tin mine closed in 1990 and is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape. The museum and heritage center tells the story of tin mining in Cornwall, and Geevor in particular.

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There are lots of reasons to explore stunningly attractive Port Isaac. It's scenic pull is such that the village has served as a backdrop to numerous television productions. Foodies descend on this picture-perfect location to eat at the best fish restaurant on the land, Outlaw's New Road, run by two-Michelin starred chef, Nathan Outlaw.

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The Ship Inn at Fowey exemplifies the many pubs found in Cornwall. Built by adventurer John Rashleigh in 1570, The Ship Inn is the town's oldest pub. Why not introduce your palate to Cornwall's famous local ales, a pint of Tribute perhaps, or a Betty Stoggs or Cornish Knocker. And don't forget Doom Bar, a flagship beer named after the notoriously perilous Doom Bar sandbank in north Cornwall.

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Built on the orders of King Henry VIII, St Mawes Castle is the best preserved of Cornwall's 16th-century coastal fortresses. Cloverleaf shaped, with circular towers around a central keep, it's located at the entrance to Falmouth Bay and open to visitors.

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This 14th-century granite stone stronghold keeps watch over Carn Brea, a craggy hilltop situated between Camborne and Redruth. These days the dramatic folly is in private hands and run as a restaurant.

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Once known for its fishing industry, the attractive seaside town of St Ives has become renowned for its number of artists. In 1993, a branch of the Tate Gallery, Tate St Ives, opened.

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One of Cornwall's most imaginative and original visitor attractions is the Eden Project, a complex of bubble-like biomes enclosing thousands of plant species. The facility also has an outside botanical garden, which is home to many plants and wildlife native to Cornwall and the UK.

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Cornwall's big-name public art gallery is the Tate St Ives. The interior features a rotunda at the center of the gallery, looking over Porthmeor Beach. Work by modern British artists with links to the St Ives area are exhibited with that of international contemporary artists.

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Looe is divided in two by the River Looe, but both towns center around a small harbor and along a steep-sided valley. Tourism is the main business, with plenty of hotels, guest houses, and vacation homes providing overnight options.