Simon Reeve returns to Cornwall to see what life is like when the summer crowds have gone.
Simon Reeve is back to visit one of Britain’s favourite counties to discover what life is really like for the locals after the crowds have gone. In this new journey, Simon returns at a time of year when there are few visitors and many of the industries the county relies upon shut down.
In the hour long special, Simon Reeve’s Return to Cornwall which will air at 9pm Sunday 2nd April on BBC Two, Simon will also investigate how communities, businesses and industries in Cornwall are faring under the cost of living crisis.
Two years ago, Simon came to Cornwall during the summer that fell between pandemic lockdowns and got under the skin of what makes Cornwall one of the most desirable parts of the country and an iconic holiday destination, but also one of the poorest counties in England.
Once again, he meets some extraordinary and inspirational characters, as well as some familiar faces, who make Cornwall so unique.
Simon travels to Newquay, one of the area’s best known tourist destinations, famous for its beautiful surfing beaches. At the Sandy Lodge Hotel, the owner tells Simon it would normally be doing a decent trade with weddings and functions, even during winter.
READ MORE: Why Cornwall has the perfect beach for you
In Cornwall, agriculture is still the biggest industry and Simon heads into a rainy cauliflower field to find out why the sector doesn’t seem to be providing a livelihood for many local people. Simon meets migrant workers from Tajikistan who are sharing a caravan for the winter, who earn vastly more than they can ever earn at home.
Simon then meets employees at a five-star Cornish hotel which is trying make a change and offer year-round contracts and training to local people to provide stable career opportunities.
Simon also catches up with Don Gardiner, who captured viewers’ hearts in 2020 when Simon visited his food bank in Camborne. Don’s beloved wife had just died but he was straight back to work helping Cornish families who struggle to put food on the table.
Don’s story was so moving that BBC viewers who watched the programme donated more than a quarter of a million pounds to the food bank. Meeting up with Don again, Simon discovers that this Christmas is the busiest the food bank has ever experienced. They are sending out 400 Christmas day parcels to struggling families.
