Cornwall was always one of my biggest UK travel oversights. I’d been just once, for two days, in January, 11 years ago, without a car. So, when the opportunity came to spend over two weeks here last summer, I jumped at it! I managed to squeeze in a LOT during a short amount of time, thanks to lots of logistical planning. And I got to see some of the most beautiful spots in the entire country!

A trip to Cornwall, especially during the busy period over the school holidays, will mean lots of crowds and premium prices. Honestly, it was off-putting at times – whenever I go back, I’ll definitely go at a different time of year. But the weather was superb and I loved soaking up the sunshine in this beautiful coastal county! Here are the most stunning destinations you can’t miss in Cornwall.

The Best Places to Visit in Southwestern Cornwall

Penzance

At the very southern tip of Cornwall, you’ll find Penzance. This seaside town has a lovely promenade and harbor, some nice gardens, and a swimming pool built into the cliffs. It’s also a convenient base for exploring more of the area around southern Cornwall, and for visiting the Isles of Scilly!

Isles of Scilly

I’ve been dreaming of going to the Isles of Scilly for years. And when I found out that I could do a day trip from Penzance for just £35, I knew I couldn’t miss the chance to go! You definitely need to visit the Isles of Scilly for more than a day trip – I loved exploring St. Mary’s, the main island where the ferry port is, but didn’t have enough time to go elsewhere. I’d love to go to Tresco to see Tresco Abbey Gardens, and see the beautiful sandy beaches on St. Martin’s. Sadly the weather was overcast when I went, but the bright blue water and white sandy beaches here can make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean. If you’re planning a trip to Cornwall, you don’t want to miss the Scilly Isles!

St. Michael’s Mount

This is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Cornwall, and one of the best things to do in all of England! St. Michael’s Mount is connected to the mainland (at the village of Marzion) by a tidal causeway. When the tide is in, you need to travel to the island via boat – but when the tide is out, you can walk across the causeway! The castle, perched on top of the hill, and the gardens are the main attractions here. The castle was first built in the 12th century, and the chapel inside the fortress was built in the 15th century. The terraced garden is gorgeous – it was built back in 1887, with great views out to sea. The site is run by National Trust – I actually (re)joined National Trust as a member, because I saved about 30% of my membership by visiting this one site alone!

Mousehole

Mousehole is a pretty fishing village, with lots of cute houses and an array of boats in the harbor. There’s not all that much to do here, but it’s a nice place to just be. Wander around the harbor and cobblestone streets, and stop for an ice cream or fish and chips.

Penberth Cove

This is a beautiful spot on the Cornish coast. It’s easy to access from Treen – park at the campsite/car park and walk down the public footpath to reach the water. It’s a small place but the water is gorgeous! I did a long walk from Penberth to Land’s End, seeing a number of beaches and sites along the way.

Pedn Vounder

Pedn Vounder is a sandy beach, perfect for getting away from the crowds. Accessing the beach is tough – it requires a steep, scrambling descent over the rocks to get down to the beach. Use this path at your own risk, and note that there are no facilities whatsoever at the beach.

Porthcurno Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall, with good reason: Porthcurno Beach. Located right next to Minack Theater, this sandy beach is often busy with families and folks soaking up the sunshine. It’s patrolled with lifeguards in the summer and there’s a cafe.

Minack Theater

Minack Theater is one of the most unique places to visit in Cornwall. This outdoor theater was carved into the rocky cliffs thanks to the passion and work of Rownea Cade. The stage and seating make for an unbelievable setting to see performances – there is a regular program throughout the year! Pre-booking is required for visits during the busy summer months. I got very lucky to show up on my walk and be able to nab a timeslot, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to go inside! Book your tickets for shows in advance, too.

Portchapel

Portchapel is another pristine beach on the Cornish coast, on the other side of Minack Theater, and a great alternative to avoid the crowds at Porthcurno. There are no facilities here, but the sandy stretch is great for relaxing in the sun.

Porthgwarra

This is a small beach, further west along the coast from Porthcurno and Portchapel. There are more rocks here and less sand, so it’s not as spacious.

Nanjizal Sea Cave

One of my favorite parts of exploring this part of Cornwall was swimming in Nanjizal Sea Cave! The water was cold, but so refreshing. Leave the coastal path and head down to Nanjizal Beach, where you might see some ponies. Then head to the left and you’ll see the sea cave. Depending on the tide, you can swim through the first pool to another rocky area, and then through the cave and out to sea! I definitely recommend having water shoes if you want to do that, in addition to checking the tide times.

Land’s End

Land’s End is the most southwestern point of mainland Britain, and one spot you can’t miss in Cornwall. There’s a lot to see here: the famous signpost, where you can pay a (slightly extortionate) fee to take a personalized photo. There’s also the Land’s End Hotel, the First & Last House, and interactive exhibits like indoor mini golf, which are popular with kids. I loved the view out to Longships, a group of rocky isles, and the lighthouse from here. I came here on my trip in 2014 and felt like I’d reached the ends of the earth!

Botallack Mine

Botallack is a former mining location for tin and copper, perched on the coast in Cornwall. It was used as a film location for the series Poldark. The Crown engine houses, right on the cliffs, make for an iconic sight, and there’s a number of coastal paths for exploring.

Sennen Cove

A popular spot in southwestern Cornwall, Sennen Cove has a long beach and is great for surfing. But even if you’re not out catching a wave, it’s still a nice spot for swimming and relaxing. Parking here can be a bit of a challenge, as it’s a sharp turn to get into the car park and the streets are very, very narrow. I watched in shock and awe as a bus came through and managed to turn around!

Carbis Bay

If you want a day out in the sun, Carbis Bay is sure to deliver. The beach here is huge – a mile long – so there is plenty of space to spread out, and there are a few restaurants with facilities. The cost of parking down the hill by the beach is wild – £20 for all-day parking – so I recommend parking in one of the car parks at the top and walking down.

St. Ives

St. Ives was one of the busiest places I visited in Cornwall! There are a number of beaches here: Porthminster, Porthmeor, and Porthgwiddwn, plus art museums like Tate St. Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Walk along the harbor and headland and enjoy the views – but be prepared in peak season for big crowds in the streets.

Gwithian Beach

Gwithian Beach is a stunning beach across the water from St. Ives and Carbis Bay. Although I haven’t been at this time, it’s meant to be a great spot to watch the sunset!

Godrevy Head

I did a short walk around Godrevy Head, and enjoyed seeing the lighthouse in the distance. I also spotted seals on the rocks! The beach here is much quieter than some of the other bigger and busier beaches in the area.

The Best Places to Visit in Southeastern Cornwall

Lizard Point

Lizard Point is the most southerly point of mainland Britain, and it’s well worth visiting to see the seals – you might even get lucky and see dolphins! There’s a large National Trust car park at the top and a cafe at the bottom.

Kynance Cove

Kynance Cove was probably my favorite place in all of Cornwall. I couldn’t believe my eyes! The golden sand was so pristine, and the water was an incredible shade of turquoise blue-green. Lots of people were snorkeling here, the water was really clear! It was busy and did feel crowded, so I’d try to avoid this one at summer weekends if possible.

The Best Places to Visit in Northern Cornwall

Newquay

Newquay is one of the biggest towns in Cornwall, with lots to see and do. Fistral Beach is the main beach, which is great for surfing. But there are other beaches spread out several miles from town. Other attractions in town are the zoo and the aquarium – there are loads of bars, restaurants, and shops, too.

Crantock Beach

On the other side of the Pentire headland from Newquay is Crantock Beach. There’s even a ferry that runs across the water! For a special view in early summer, head to the Field of Poppies at West Pentire – the flowers bloom and create a peaceful and beautiful picture.

Polly Joke Beach

This was one of my favorite beaches in Cornwall. You’ll need to walk about 10 to 15 minutes down to the water, but it’s worth it. There are two coves here, with deep sandy bays and fairly calm water. If I wanted to spend all day relaxing in the sun, I’d go here. Just note that there aren’t any facilities by the water!

Perranporth Beach

Perranporth Beach is another surfing beach, with lots of space for people to spread out. I visited in subpar weather, so I probably couldn’t appreciate it fully. But with so many shops and restaurants around town, it’s a good choice for a day out.

Holywell Bay

While the beach here is pretty, the main attraction is the sand dunes, which offer loads of adventure for all ages! At low tide, apparently there are caves along the sea you can explore. There’s a surf school here, plus a pub by the car park.

Bedruthan Steps

Bedruthan Steps is one place in Cornwall I’d been dreaming of visiting for ages. The massive, jagged rock formations here stick up out of the sand. Legend has it, a giant used the rocks on the beach as stepping stones. Sadly, there is no access to the beach itself – due to a rock fall in 2019 – but seeing this part of the Cornish coast is a must do.

Padstow

Padstow is a cute little fishing village, with a picturesque harbor. Boat trips across the water to the beach on the far side are available, or you can wander through the many shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs.

Harlyn Beach

Sadly, I never made it to Harlyn Beach, but it’s meant to be a lovely spot. The sand is soft and the water is clear, and it’s a nice spot for beginner surfing with a surf school.

Port Isaac

Port Isaac is another fishing village on the coast, with quaint whitewashed buildings stacked along the harbor. But it’s main claim to fame is as the film location for the TV series Doc Martin – take a film location tour to see all the spots! There is a large car park for visitors at the top of the town.

Tintagel Castle

One of the most famous historic attractions in all of Cornwall is Tintagel Castle. Supposedly the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur, the site is all ruins now – but it’s massive. Cross over onto the headland via the suspended bridge, see the famous statue of the king, walk through the Insta-famous doorway, and explore Merlin’s Cave near the beach. The site is run by English Heritage – if you’re not a member, it may be worth joining English Heritage as you’ll make your money back if you visit just a few other sites!

Boscastle

I sadly ran out of time to visit Boscastle, but I really would have liked to visit the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic here. If you visit in summer, it’s best to pre-book as it can get busy here.

The Best Places to Visit in Southern Cornwall

Truro

Truro is a busy inland city, with a stunning cathedral. The cathedral was built in a Gothic Revival design, which was completed in 1910. You can also visit the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery and Victoria Gardens; I loved my dog walks around Daubuz Moors.

Falmouth

Falmouth is another pretty seaside town, home to the National Maritime Museum of Cornwall and Falmouth Art Gallery. I loved walking along the main street with all the bunting! The real reason I visited was to see Pendennis Castle, a coastal fortress built between 1539 and 1545 as part of Henry VIII’s fortification of the Cornish coastline. The castle was also the command center for coastal defenses in Cornwall during both World Wars.

You can take the ferry here across the bay to see St. Mawes Castle, built as part of the same defensive program as Pendennis Castle in the 1540s. I so wish I’d had enough time to do this! It would have been an even better day out, getting to see both of the castles.

Polperro

If you’re dreaming of a quaint coastal village, with white cottages and narrow lanes meandering throughout, it might just be Polperro. The harbor and town are worth a wander, there’s a small beach outside the harbor, and you can even take a boat trip up the coast to Looe or down to Fowey. Note that the car park here is cash only, and a minimum of £7 for 3 hours. I walked along the coast from the (free) Hendersick National Trust car park instead of paying that!

Talland Bay

Talland Bay was one of the most underrated places I visited in Cornwall. To avoid steep parking charges in Polperro, I parked a ways away and walked via Talland Bay And I’m so glad I did, because otherwise I never would have seen this stunning spot! The beach here isn’t huge, and there are rocks to navigate on part of the coastline. But it’s a great way to avoid the crowds of other honeypot spots. There are two cafes but not much else – parking can also be tough here. I parked at Hendersick National Trust car park for free and walked along the coast here!

Looe

Buildings stacked along the cliff overlooking the harbor, a nice beach, loads of places to eat and drink plus plenty of shops – what more could you want in Cornwall? While the crowds here were immense when I visited, it’s a pretty spot. For a bit of history, visit the Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol.

Fowey

Fowey was one of my favorite places in Cornwall. It really has it all: a gorgeous sandy beach, pretty harbor, excellent Cornish pasties, pretty pedestrianized side streets, and some historic ruins to boot. I parked at the National Trust Coombe car park and walked into Fowey, exploring the ruins of St. Catherine’s Castle and the gorgeous Readymoney Beach as I went. You’ll find lots of cafes, restaurants, and pubs in town, plus an aquarium and some art galleries.

Lanhydrock

This National Trust site is massive – you could easily spend a whole day here! The imposing house was mainly built in the 1600s, with many renovations and rebuilds through the centuries. After a remodel in 1885, it became a family home again. The gardens are lovely, and there’s a pretty church and thatched cottage to explore, too. The grounds are extensive – there are lots of walks you can do here.

Eden Project

One of the most famous places to visit in all of Cornwall is the Eden Project. This fascinating global garden, with its multiple Biomes (big glass domes), allows you to travel the world and experience different natural landscapes like rainforest and the Mediterranean. It’s recommended to book your ticket in advance, especially if you’re visiting in peak season.

Where to Stay in Cornwall

Cornwall is one of the most popular “classic holiday” destinations in Britain, so there are simply too many accommodation options to choose from. Where you stay will likely depend on what you want to see and where you want to go! My housesit was in Truro, so I was based there for my Cornwall trip – it was central enough that I could make day trips out to pretty much everywhere, and had all the big shops and amenities I needed.

I spent several nights around Penzance at the beginning of my trip, which was a good base for exploring the far southwest of Cornwall and visiting the Isles of Scilly. Larger towns by the water like St. Ives, Newquay, and Falmouth are also good for transportation. Wherever you choose to stay, remember that parking is a premium – if you’re traveling by car, it’s well worth booking accommodation that comes with parking to save you stress. Here are a few options on where to stay around Cornwall.

• Penzance: YHA Penzance – excellent budget accommodation in a clean and comfortable hostel, a short 15-minute walk from the sea – I stayed here on my trip back in 2014!
• Padstow: YHA Treyarnon Bay – dorms, private rooms, and glamping tents are available at this beachfront hostel that also has a communal kitchen and on-site restaurant
• Bodmin: Bodmin Jail Hotel – a super-unique boutique property, housed in a historic jail built in 1779
• Newquay: Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa – superb ocean views await at this adults-only property, which has an indoor swimming pool and on-site spa
• Fowey: Fowey Hall Hotel – a family-friendly luxury property with both indoor and outdoor pools, a gorgeous terrace, and cozy, spacious rooms
• Marazion: The Godolphin Hotel – this excellent mid-range hotel has unbeatable views overlooking St. Michael’s Mount and serves a great breakfast

Travel Tips for Visiting Cornwall

A trip to Cornwall, especially in summer, can be a bit daunting to organize. A lot of roads in Cornwall are single-track roads, many with very high hedges, zero visibility, and barely any passing places. It will take a long time to drive places, particularly during peak season with more people on the roads! Parking can also be a major headache. Car parks are expensive, and many use ANPR systems, which clock your license plate the second you enter the car park. They have no mercy if it takes you 5 or 10 minutes to park your car and pay for your ticket (which can often be the case in summer) – you’ll receive a fine in the mail for going mere seconds over your paid time. Google reviews of car parks are really helpful in planning where to park!

Some attractions need to be booked in advance, so plan this ahead of time. Minack Theater, for example, was sold out for every timeslot a few days before I went; I got very lucky that I showed up on foot during my hike and was able to get in. Check attractions well in advance and book your tickets beforehand to avoid disappointment!

While there is public transport in Cornwall, it’s one part of England where you really want a car to get around and make the most. A lot of beaches and places are accessible only by car, and you’ll maximize your time and see SO much more with your own vehicle. Even though parking can be an expensive pain, I’m glad that I had a car on this trip to make the most. Penzance, St. Ives, Newquay, Truro, and Bodmin all have train stations, and buses run between many of the villages. But it might not be very frequent, or you might not want to stop at a place for 20 minutes if you have to wait 2 hours for the next bus.

National Trust and English Heritage memberships are well worth it. I (re)joined both programs for my trip to Cornwall – adding up all the places I planned on visiting, I knew I could make back most of my money from the annual membership fee with just a handful of other site visits! National Trust is especially good value for money here, as members can park in their car parks for free. I tried to use National Trust car parks wherever I could, for this reason! St. Michael’s Mount cost £28 and an annual individual adult membership is £96, so I pretty much made my money back in this one trip.

Planning Your Trip to Cornwall

The main airport in Cornwall is Newquay Airport. I always use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. Cornwall is definitely a seasonal destination – it’s extremely popular and busy during the school holidays (middle/end of July to the end of August). While this is a solid choice for the best weather, the crowds (and prices) can have a negative impact. If I visit again, I’d probably go back in May, June, or September. If you want to avoid crowds altogether, visit in winter!

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. There are so many fun activities and tours in the area – check out some of the options below!

Cornwall is a spectacularly beautiful part of England to explore – there is so much to see and do here! From historic sites and unique attractions to gorgeous beaches and coastal walks, you could spend weeks and weeks here and not get bored. I hope this post helps planning your trip to Cornwall!

Have you visited Cornwall before? What were your favorite places?

You might also like my posts:

Isles of Scilly Day Trip: How to Spend 1 Day in Paradise

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