Best Things to Do in Cornwall: Planning Your Perfect Trip
With its stunning coastline, majestic castles, beautiful beaches, and quaint towns and villages, it’s no wonder why Cornwall is a favorite destination among British holidaymakers. The historic county has something to appeal to every visitor and is an ideal destination for solo travelers, couples, and families.
This list of the best things to do in Cornwall will feature all the top options and will help you plan your perfect trip. With this list, you can enjoy all of Cornwall’s sights, sounds, culture, etc. Whether you are a solo traveler, traveling with a group, or with kids, this list will have you covered.
When you finish with this list of the best things to do in Cornwall, visit our lists of the best travel sites and best travel accessories to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
Top 8 Places to Visit in Cornwall
St Ives
Highlights: The go-to place for a beach holiday in Cornwall, is home to a stunning harbor, and features some fabulous beaches.
About Cornwall Destination: St Ives has everything you could ever want for a relaxing beach getaway. It’s an ideal base for your holiday, as it’s home to some of Cornwall’s best hotels and resorts. There are also numerous fun activities in the area, including boat trips to Seal Island, where you can observe a colony of seals up close.
Porthmeor Beach is a stunning sandy beach, a stone’s throw from the town center. It’s often bustling with tourists, especially during the summer months. Meanwhile, St Ives Harbour is a lovely place to enjoy a relaxing walk, where you’ll find a fantastic array of art galleries, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. And the iconic Tate St Ives, perched above Porthmeor Beach, is a must-visit for art lovers.
Polperro
Highlights: Small fishing village, famous for its idyllic beaches and ancient fisherman’s cottages, lies in the Southeast area of Cornwall, and is a fun place to explore on foot.
About Cornwall Destination: Polperro is a quintessential Cornish fishing village that seems to freeze in time. It has excellent restaurants and pubs serving locally sourced seafood dishes. A walk in its scenic harbor is enough to appreciate the unique charm of this beautiful fishing village.
Like St Ives, Polperro is an ideal base for your Cornish holiday because the area is home to some luxurious rental cottages in Cornwall, providing a lovely place to stay. These cottages are especially suitable for families and those traveling in groups.
The Shell House is one of the must-see attractions in Polperro. It’s a fisherman’s cottage decorated with all kinds of seashells, a truly interesting place to see. Among the main reasons people go to Polperro is to hike in its coastal trails, famous for their beautiful scenic views.
Tintagel
Highlights: Associated with the legend of King Arthur, Merlin, and Excalibur, a beautiful village, and plenty of cozy shops and cafes to explore.
About Cornwall Destination: Believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur, Tintagel Castle is a medieval fortification and one of the most spectacular historic sites in Cornwall. Beneath this amazing castle, you’ll find Merlin’s Cave, about a hundred meters long.
Another attraction worth seeing is the Tintagel Old Post Office housed in a 14th-Century stone house. Its counter is still intact and decorated with black and white photographs, antique documents, and an inkwell. Whether you’re a fan of King Arthur or not, Tintagel is definitely worth visiting. It has many specialty shops, cozy cafes, and exoteric haunts, making it a fun place to explore.
Port Isaac
Highlights: Small, picturesque fishing village set amidst the north coast of Cornwall, narrow winding streets and white-washed cottages, and a charming harbor.
About Cornwall Destination: What’s great about visiting Port Isaac is you get to explore the coast of Cornwall from a different perspective. It’s the perfect place to enjoy scenic coastal hikes. You can also take a fishing trip or a dolphin-watching tour from the harbor. When you visit, you will also have access to Port Gaverne, Port Quin, and Doyden Castle, all of which are worth exploring.
Located about half a mile from the port, you’ll find the stunning cove of Port Gaverne. It has a wonderfully sheltered sandy beach with rock pools offering hours of entertainment for small kids. On the west of Port Issac, you’ll find Port Quin, which you can reach by walking a 3.5-mile coastal trail. When you get to Port Quin, you’ll see Doyden Castle, a tiny castle sitting at the edge of a cliff overlooking spectacular sea views.
Padstow
Highlights: Spectacular sea views, a charming harbor, and stunning natural attractions.
About Cornwall Destination: Padstow is one of Cornwall’s most popular places to visit. Like everywhere in Cornwall, you’ll find plenty of coastal trails in Padstow, making it an ideal destination for scenic hikes. When exploring Padstow on a hike, you need to hit the following places – the fabulous family beaches like Hawker’s Cove, the National Lobster Hatchery, and the Padstow Harbour.
Located at the mouth of river Camel, Hawker’s Cove is a beautiful beach with a vast expanse of sand stretching to about 1.5 miles. A visit to the National Lobster Hatchery is another highlight of Padstow. It’s a research and education facility helping to conserve vulnerable lobster populations. After your scenic hike, the best place to relax is at Padstow harbor, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, and cozy pubs.
Penzance
Highlights: Historic Cornish town, nestled along the shores of Mount’s Bay, and boasts some of the warmest climates in the UK.
About Cornwall Destination: By simply strolling through Chapel Street, a historic street running from the town center towards the Penzance harbor, you’ll appreciate the unique charm of Penzance. You’ll find an eclectic mix of shops, hotels, and houses, with some dating back to the 18th century. One of the houses that will stand out is the Egyptian House, which features colorful Egyptian decor and sphinx-like adornments.
The highlights of your visit to Penzance are the Morrab Gardens and Penlee House Gallery and Museum. Covering 1.2 hectares of land, the Morrab Gardens consist of stunning gardens featuring Mediterranean and sub-tropical plants. The Penlee House Gallery & Museum houses an excellent collection of artworks by the Newlyn School and Lamorna artists.
Bude
Highlights: Compact seaside town northeast of Cornwall, well-loved for its chilled-out vibe and beautiful beaches, and is one of the best surfing spots in the region.
About Cornwall Destination: While you can’t resist taking a dip at Bude’s beautiful beaches, head to the Bude Sea Pool if you want to avoid the giant waves of the Atlantic. Sheltered by the cliffs of Summerleaze Downs, the tidal lido is a much calmer place to swim.
This area has a vast expanse of golden sands with a pretty little harbor where River Neet meets the sea. Another highlight of Bude is the Bude Castle, a castellated mansion with views overlooking Summerleaze Beach, built by Sir Goldsworthy Gurney in 1830.
Mousehole
Highlights: Picturesque Cornish fishing village on the south coast of Cornwall, one of the few villages that managed to retain much of their old charm, and offers beautiful narrow streets home to shops, galleries, and cafes.
About Cornwall Destination: Not many visitors know that Mousehole is home to a small, sandy beach that’s safe for even the little kids to swim since it’s sheltered. You will find it within the harbor and a popular spot for local families, especially those with little kids.
While you are there, you can also take advantage of a small number of shops, restaurants, and cafes. And just offshore from the harbor is St Clement’s Isle, with clusters of rocks believed to be the home of an ancient hermit.
Editor’s Pick: Best Overall Cornwall Destination
St Ives takes the top spot as our Editor’s Pick for the best overall Cornwall destination. With its stunning harbor, breathtaking beaches like Porthmeor, and a thriving art scene, St Ives offers the perfect blend of relaxation and culture. Whether you’re there for the beach, art galleries like Tate St Ives, or a boat trip to Seal Island, St Ives offers something for everyone. Its relaxed vibe combined with an array of restaurants and cafes makes it the ideal base for exploring Cornwall’s highlights. For the ultimate Cornwall experience, St Ives should be your go-to destination.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Cornwall
1. What is the best beach in Cornwall?
St Ives’ Porthmeor Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall. With golden sands, great surf, and clear waters, it’s a perfect spot for sunbathing or beach sports. Additionally, it’s surrounded by picturesque views, cafes, and art galleries, making it a top choice for beach lovers.
2. What is the best time to visit Cornwall?
Cornwall is a year-round destination. However, spring and summer (May to September) are the best times to visit for warm weather and vibrant coastal activities. Autumn also provides a quieter atmosphere and beautiful fall foliage for scenic walks.
3. Are there any kid-friendly activities in Cornwall?
Absolutely! Cornwall is very family-friendly, with plenty of activities for children. Popular attractions include the National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow, Seal Island boat trips from St Ives, and the Bude Sea Pool, which is perfect for a calm swim with kids.
4. What are the best hiking trails in Cornwall?
Cornwall offers many scenic hiking trails, particularly along the South West Coast Path, which stretches for miles along the coastline. For an easy hike, the Polperro Heritage Coast Walk offers fantastic views, while the Tintagel Castle Trail is perfect for history buffs.
5. Is Cornwall expensive to visit?
Cornwall can be as affordable or as luxurious as you want it to be. You can find affordable accommodation in charming cottages or budget hotels. However, the more popular towns like St Ives and Padstow may have higher prices, especially during peak season.
Tips for Visiting Cornwall
1. Plan Ahead for Accommodation
Cornwall can get busy, especially in summer. To avoid missing out on the best spots, it’s advisable to book accommodation early. For a unique stay, consider renting one of the luxury cottages in towns like Polperro or Penzance for an authentic Cornwall experience.
2. Use Public Transport or Bikes
Many of Cornwall’s destinations, like St Ives, are best explored on foot or by bike. The Cornwall Cycle Network offers easy access to the region’s most scenic routes. For travel between towns, Cornwall has a good public transport system that’s convenient for tourists.
3. Explore Off-the-Beaten-Path Towns
While St Ives, Padstow, and Polperro are popular, consider visiting smaller, lesser-known villages like Mousehole and Bude. These locations offer stunning views, peaceful atmospheres, and unique local culture without the tourist crowds.
4. Be Prepared for All Weather
Cornwall can be unpredictable when it comes to weather. Be sure to pack layers, waterproofs, and comfortable walking shoes for hiking and exploring. Don’t let rain ruin your plans—there are plenty of indoor attractions like the Penlee House Gallery in Penzance.
5. Try Local Seafood
Cornwall is famous for its fresh seafood. Be sure to visit local fish and chips shops or book a table at a coastal seafood restaurant to try dishes like Cornish pasties, crab, and lobster. Don’t miss the local cream teas either!
Best Things to Do in Cornwall Conclusion
As you see, there are many beautiful places to see in Cornwall. Even if you’ve already been here in the past, there are many more reasons to go back. While it’s a popular spot for a summer break, it’s just as beautiful in autumn and winter, where you can enjoy scenic coastal walks and cozy pub fires.
So, if you’re looking for a fun place to visit in the UK on your next holiday, make it Cornwall.
Have you been to Cornwall before? If so, please feel free to share your feedback below in the comments.
