Cornwall has been attracting visitors for centuries, due to its fine climate (for England), plentiful beaches and pretty fishing villages. It’s a place of smugglers coves, surfy beaches and fine seafood.
Here, then, are ten places to sample the best that Cornwall has to offer:
Porthcurno Beach
Porthcurno Beach is a piece of paradise with fine white sand and clear turquoise waters, often compared to beaches in the Mediterranean.
Just above the beach, you’ll find the Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre built into the cliffs with amazing views and regular performances during summer.
The Eden Project
The Eden Project, near St Austell, is one of the UK’s best examples of an environmental and tourist collaboration.
It has two huge biomes that can be visited all year long, one with the world’s largest indoor rainforest, and the other with a Mediterranean environment. Outside you’ll find beautiful gardens, art installations, and a focus on learning about plants and the environment outside.
St. Ives
St. Ives is a picture-perfect seaside town on Cornwall’s north coast with white-sand beaches, narrow, winding streets, and a lively art scene. It’s now a cultural centre housing the famous Tate St Ives gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
There are lots of unique shops, craft stores, and cafés and seafood restaurants and its beaches are great for swimming, paddleboarding, or just relaxing.
The South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path is more than 600 miles long, but some of the most beautiful parts are in Cornwall, where you can see seals and seabirds and walk along cliffs with stunning views.
The stretch from Padstow to Tintagel is a popular route, passing beautiful headlands and old ruins, and the stretch from Porthcurno to Land’s End has breathtaking views of the sea.
Tintagel Castle
Tintagel Castle is famous for being the (alleged) birthplace of King Arthur and is one of the most famous castles in England.
Its ruins sit on a windswept cliff covering both the mainland and a rocky outcrop now connected by a dramatic footbridge.
In recent years sculptures depicting the stories of Merlin, Excalibur, and Sir Lancelot have added to the mythical atmosphere.
Tour the Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, near Mevagissey, are among the most enchanting gardens in the UK.
Once overgrown and forgotten, they were rediscovered and restored in the 1990s and now cover over 200 acres of stunning landscapes.
Visitors can wander through lush Victorian productive gardens, explore the jungle with tree ferns and bamboo tunnels, and discover whimsical sculptures like the famous “Mud Maid.”
St. Michael’s Mount
At low tide, you can walk to St. Michael’s Mount, a tidal island just off the coast of Marazion, on a cobbled path. When the tide is in, you can take a boat to the island.
The island has a small village, beautiful gardens, and sub-tropical plants. But the best things about it are the beautiful mediaeval castle and church on top of the island that look out over Mount’s Bay.
Falmouth
Falmouth, set around a deep natural harbour, is a maritime gem offering a mix of seafaring history and modern coastal charm.
Boat trips are a top attraction here – cruise along the tranquil River Fal, hop between pretty villages like St Mawes, or join a wildlife safari to spot seals, dolphins, and seabirds.
It’s a perfect base for exploring Cornwall’s waters and marine life.
Newquay
Newquay is the surf capital of the UK and draws wave riders from all over the world due to its exposure to the full Atlantic swell.
Fistral Beach, its most famous surf spot, offers consistent waves, surf schools for beginners, and a lively beachside vibe and attracts a youthful surfie crowd.
Padstow
Padstow is a charming harbor town that’s become a culinary hotspot thanks to celebrity chef Rick Stein.
His flagship seafood restaurant, along with several other eateries and fish & chip shops, make Padstow a foodie’s dream.
Beyond the food, the town offers picturesque harbor views, boat trips, and easy access to the Camel Trail – a scenic cycling route that follows a former railway line along the estuary.
The town retains its traditional fishing village feel while embracing its modern gourmet fame.