World renowned beaches, indulgent cream teas, steaming pasties and bustling harbour towns, what’s not to love? A trip to Cornwall can be anything from relaxing and restorative, to adrenaline filled and full of fun. We’ve made a list of our top ten Cornish places to give you a head start on planning this year’s trip.
Where is Cornwall?
Cornwall is found in South West England. It boasts the longest stretch of coastline in England, with over 300 awe-inspiring beaches to visit. You can expect to see rolling hills, moorland, rocky coves, sandy beaches and cliffs, as well as fishing villages, winding rivers and oceanic views. Cornwall is bordered both North and West by the Atlantic Ocean. It’s closest neighbouring County is Devon, which can be found to the East of the area.
1. St ives
St Ives, found in West Cornwall, is well known for its beauty. A member of the exclusive club “The Most Beautiful Coves of the World” and listed as the best seaside resort in Britain in the British Heritage Magazine, think rugged cliffs, beautiful beaches, cosy bays, and quaint seaside towns.
Things to do:
If you love being on the water, you certainly won’t be disappointed. The sea here is known for being tranquil and warm (well..warm for Britain!) Take part in surfing, windsurfing, or if you’re feeling confident, you can even take a sea kayaking tour. If you prefer your oceanic activities to be a little calmer, hop on a boat trip to Seal Island, home to a colony of grey seals as well as a host of other wildlife.
Places to see:
There are a huge number of beaches to feast your eyes upon, the most famous being Porthmeor beach. While there, visit Tate St Ives and take in some of the contemporary art on display. From here, wander across the harbour for a delicious lunch of fresh seafood while admiring the view.
Where to stay:
2. Newquay
Found on Cornwall’s Atlantic Coast, Newquay has a diverse selection of restaurants, activities, beaches and attractions. With adventure parks for the kids, and a thriving nightlife for the grownups, you certainly won’t be bored!
Things to do:
Kids are spoilt for choice in this bustling town, walk on the wild side at award winning Newquay Zoo, or take a nostalgic steam train ride at Lappa Valley. For something a little different, visit the Cornwall Zorbing Park, and speed down the custom made 200m run inside your own zorb.
Places to see:
For anyone interested in aviation, the Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre is well worth visiting. Climb into real jets ranging from the 1940’s – 1980’s, or discover how to fly your very own Hawker Hunter in their simulator. For a peaceful day out, visit the National Trust property Trerice, an Elizabethan Manor House where you can explore the many historic rooms, or wander through the beautiful grounds complete with a labyrinth maze.
Where to stay:
3. The Fal Estuary
The Fal Estuary is the largest of its kind in the county, found on the south coast of Cornwall. In stark contrast to bustling seaside towns and crashing waves, the area is known for secluded coves and wood-lined riverbanks.
Things to do:
Enjoy the tranquil waters on one of the many boat trips available. If you want to take your time, why not purchase a hop-on hop-off pass? For an adventure, test your balance at Kernow Adventure park, which offers on the water assault courses, wakeboarding, and open water swimming.
Places to see:
Take a trip to the beautiful Trelissick Garden, owned by the National Trust. Trelissick sits on its own peninsula in an unspoilt area of the river. Visit the four summerhouses, stroll through the Cornish orchard, or spot the magnificent Japanese red cedar tree, planted in 1898.
Where to stay:
4. Penzance
Penzance is a Cornish harbour town, famous for its pirates! A historic port on the shores of Mount’s Bay, the area boasts one of the mildest climates in the UK.
Things to do:
Visit the Art Deco Jubilee Pool, the largest surviving seawater lido in Britain. Designed to celebrate King George V’s Silver Jubilee, this cleverly designed pool is heated by it’s own geothermal well! For an adventure, head to St Michael’s Mount, a tiny island only accessible at low tide. Take a walk up to the 1100’s castle, and explore it’s sub-tropical gardens.
Places to see:
For a jaw-dropping beach experience, hop in the car and visit Porthcurno. With soft sand, and turquoise water, you could easily mistake it for a tropical beach. While you’re there, and if the weather permits, head to the top of the cliffs to visit the amphitheatre style Minack open-air theatre, which puts on a varied programme of drama, musicals, comedy and opera every summer.
Where to stay:
5. The Helford River
Snuggled between Falmouth Bay and the Lizard Peninsula, the Helford River is a large estuary known for its stunning beauty, quiet beaches, and secluded coves.
Things to do:
Take a trip to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, a Sea Life Trust charity that rescues grey seal pups from around the Cornish Coastline before rehabilitating and releasing them back into the wild. This adorable animal isn’t the only species you’ll come into close contact with, penguins, sea lions, and beavers are common inhabitants, as well as paddock animals such as ponies and goats. If you prefer to be in the water yourself, try your hand at paddle boarding lessons at the Wavehunters.
Places to see:
The Helford River offers several circular routes, download the iWalk Cornwall app to see the many trails available. Areas such as the sunken water gardens of Rosemullion, Frenchman’s Creek and the subtropical Trebah Gardens are not to be missed, and are easily accessible by foot.
Where to stay:
6. Bodmin Moor
Bodmin Moor is famous for being one of Cornwall’s designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A remote, black heather covered granite moorland, home to numerous Bronze Age cairns, Neolithic hut circles and wild moorland ponies.
Things to do:
Walkers won’t be disappointed by the many trails in this area. Boasting Cornwall’s two highest peaks, Rough Tor and Brown Willy, as well as calmer, flatter moorland, there are routes for all abilities. Visit Siblyback Lake, where you can walk the 3 mile lake path, visit the bird-hide, or hire a kayak, canoe or paddleboard and head out onto the lake itself.
Places to see:
Bodmin Moor is famous for the sheer volume of ancient standing stones and burial mounds. You don’t need to walk far to take in the wonder of these sights. The moor is also famous for Smugglers, with over 100 known smuggling routes from the coast and over the treacherous moor. Visit the Jamaica Inn, a 1750 coaching inn, a famed stopping place for smugglers looking to hide their brandy and tea. Now featuring a museum, you can examine an array of artefacts, and learn about the history of the inn.
Where to stay:
7. The Camel Estuary (Padstow and Rock)
The Camel Estuary is a vast river valley, which covers seven miles of the River Camel, and stretches over half a mile at Padstow. The area is teeming with woodland and creeks, and is a recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Things to do:
Hop on a bike from Padstow Cycle Hire, and take a leisurely trip along The Camel Trail, which runs alongside the estuary to Wadebridge. For the more serious cyclist, continue your trip for a further 6 miles to visit the market town of Bodmin. For adventure seekers, visit Hangloose at Eden, where you can whizz down England’s longest and fastest zip wire, tackle the high-ropes course, or leap from a platform onto a giant airbag!
Places to see:
The birdwatching along the Camel Estuary is well known, grab your binoculars and visit the Tregunna bird hide opposite the Amble marshes. To take in a little history as well as spectacular views over the estuary, Prideaux Place is worth a visit. Wander around the Elizabethan manor house, watch the feeding of the herd of fallow deer who live in the grounds, or explore the historic gardens with some help from a small teddy bear with a big story…
Where to stay:
8. The Lizard Peninsula
The Lizard Peninsula is the most southerly point of the mainland in the UK, famous for geology and rare plants. The area is well loved, and protected by Natural England, the National Trust, and Cornwall Wildlife Trust, and boasts eight Sights of Scientific Interest.
Things to do:
For a family day out, Roskilly’s Ice Cream Farm is a must. Visit the menagerie of farmyard animals, stroll around the wild meadows, then treat yourself to a Roskilly’s ice cream, made exclusively with milk and cream from their own Jersey herd. The Lizard Lighthouse Heritage Centre is also a fantastic family day out. Tour the lighthouse and see the breathtaking views from the top, learn how lighthouses work, and even learn morse code!
Places to see:
Kynance is one of the better known coves in the area. Turquoise waters, golden sands, and unspoilt views will certainly help you to relax. If you want a little adventure, explore the caves and islands that are easily accessible, just remember to keep an eye on that tide. Lizard Point is also well worth a visit, and is the best place to spot the famous local serpentine stone, a unique metamorphic rock coloured green, white and red. While this stone is less fashionable now, there are still several serpentine turners working through the summer months.
9. Fowey
Fowey is known as one of South Cornwall’s most beautiful areas. Think winding rivers, babbling creeks and tiny villages.
Things to do:
Take a stroll along the Esplanade, a narrow street with beautiful views. At the top end of the street you will find the town centre, with the Fowey Museum and Fowey Aquarium. From here, head onto Fore Street, where you will find fresh Cornish Pasties, beautiful galleries, and even a traditional Cornish Cream Tea (remember…jam first)
Places to see:
Cross the Fowey Estuary on the Polruan Ferry and visit the ancient fishing village of Polruan, complete with a ruined castle, quaint streets, and even a Hidden Valley Garden. If gardens peak your interest, hop in the car and take the short 20 minute drive to visit the Eden Project. One of the best known visitor attractions in Cornwall, the Eden Project has a number of exhibitions and gardens to explore. Notably the Mediterranean and Rainforest Biomes, two giant indoor gardens bursting with thousands of species.
Where to stay:
10. Tintagel and North Cornwall
A place of Arthurian legend, Tintagel boasts stunning sea views, a Celtic monastery, and a 12th Century Castle.
Things to do:
You can’t come to Tintagel and not visit the legendary castle, said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. Explore the remains, then head to the gardens to learn about the history of the site. While we’re on the subject of legends, take a trip to find Merlin’s Cave, which is only available to explore at low tide, so make sure to check tidal times before you head out.
Places to see:
One of the most beautiful sights to see in this area has to be St Nectan’s Glen. A wooded valley, shaped by the Trevillet River. Full of rare species of flowers, moss and Late Devonian slate, the centre piece to this beautiful glen has to be the beautiful 18 metre waterfall, St Nectan’s Nieve. Rumoured to inhabit the cell of Saint Nectan, this really is a true fairytale glen.
Where to stay:
FAQ’s
How do I travel to Cornwall?
By car: Take the M4 from London, or M6 from Manchester, then the M5 to Exeter. From the M5 you can take the A30 which is mainly dual carriageway. If you’re travelling to South East Cornwall, you’ll want to take the A38. If you’re coming from North Devon, take the scenic Atlantic Highway (A39) through Bude from Junction 27 on the M5. It’s worth bearing in mind that during the busy summer months, you can expect very busy roads, so it may be worth considering driving outside peak rush hours.
By train: Great Western Railway runs trains from London Paddington, alternatively from Paddington you can take the Night Riviera Sleeper Service. You can take a direct train from Bath or Bristol with National Rail. From the Midlands, the north of England and Scotland, you’ll want CrossCountry.
By bus or coach: National Express takes you to various towns in the area and travels as far down as Penzance. Megabus will take you either to Bodmin, Newquay or Falmouth.
How do I get around Cornwall? Do I need a car?
Public transport is generally known for being reliable in Cornwall. There are a number of small train lines and stations in many of the towns, as well as a great bus network. Park and Ride is available in the larger towns, as well as Park and Float which operates in the Falmouth area!
How many tourists visit Cornwall each year?
Around 40 million tourists visit Cornwall annually, making tourism Cornwall’s biggest sector.
What time of year should I visit Cornwall?
For the most reliable weather, and long days on the beach, visit between July and August. If you want to avoid the crowded roads and beaches, it’s best to visit during May, June or September, when the daylight hours are still lovely and long, and temperature is still (hopefully) more than pleasant.
Can I visit Cornwall for a day trip?
Absolutely, as long as you’re close to the area as it generally takes a few hours to get to Cornwall from most of the UK. In fact, Cornwall offers a number of specifically designed day trips to help you make the most of your time there. Tour Cornwall is one great example, but there are plenty to choose from!
You really will be spoilt for choice across Cornwall, we certainly hope that our top ten destinations help to give you a little inspiration. For access to all the best properties both in the UK and abroad, sign up to our newsletter today.
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