Discover Cornwall – Coast, Countryside & Culture

Cornwall is one of the UK’s most loved holiday destinations – and with good reason. With over 300 miles of coastline, golden beaches, quaint harbour towns, rolling countryside, and a deep-rooted cultural heritage, it’s a county that offers something for every type of visitor.

Whether you're a nature lover, thrill-seeker, foodie, or history buff, Cornwall has a unique mix of experiences waiting to be explored.

🌊 Coastal Beauty & Beaches

Cornwall is famed for its spectacular coastline – a mix of rugged cliffs, sweeping bays, hidden coves, and turquoise waters. Top beaches include:

• Porthtowan – A Blue Flag beach surrounded by cliffs and a popular surf spot.

• Fistral Beach (Newquay) – One of the best surfing beaches in the UK, with surf schools, board hire, and competitions.

• Kynance Cove – A National Trust gem near the Lizard Peninsula, known for its white sand and dramatic rock formations.

• Porthcurno – A stunning bay near the Minack Theatre, ideal for family days and swimming.

• Perranporth – Three miles of golden sand, perfect for surfing, swimming, and beach walks.

Beach activities:

• Surfing lessons & board hire – available in Newquay, Perranporth (Peg's Surf Coaching), Porthtowan (Tris Surf), and Polzeath.

• Paddleboarding and kayaking – hire available in St Ives, Falmouth, and the Helford River.

• Coasteering & wild swimming – organised in areas like St Agnes and Tintagel.

🥾 Walking & Outdoor Adventures

Cornwall’s wild beauty is best explored on foot. The South West Coast Path runs the length of the county and offers incredible cliff-top views, hidden coves, and wildlife.

Top walking spots:

• Porthtowan to Chapel Porth - head over and enjoy a famous Hedgehog ice cream.

• St Agnes to Perranporth – A dramatic clifftop route with mining heritage and sea views.

• Bedruthan Steps – Rugged cliffs and rock stacks along the north coast.

• Lizard Peninsula – Explore the most southerly point in the UK with diverse landscapes.

• Cardinham Woods & Bodmin Moor – Inland walks through woodland and open moorland.

Cycling trails:

• Camel Trail – A scenic, family-friendly route from Padstow to Bodmin via Wadebridge.

• Elm Farm Cycle Trails (near Porthtowan) – Quiet countryside rides, bike hire available on site.

• Mineral Tramways Trail – Follows old mining routes between the north and south coasts.

🏛️ Culture & History

Cornwall has a rich history, from ancient stone circles to maritime heritage.

• Tintagel Castle – Linked to the legend of King Arthur, with dramatic clifftop ruins.

• St Michael’s Mount – A magical tidal island with a medieval castle and gardens.

• The Minack Theatre – A world-famous open-air theatre carved into a cliff above the sea.

• Geevor Tin Mine – Explore Cornwall’s mining heritage in this underground museum.

• Pendennis Castle (Falmouth) – A coastal fortress built by Henry VIII.

🎨 Art, Shopping & Local Life

Cornwall has long inspired artists and creatives. You’ll find art galleries, studios, and craft shops throughout the county.

• St Ives – Visit the Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden.

• Penzance & Newlyn – Explore local art scenes and independent shops.

• Truro – Cornwall’s only city, with a striking cathedral, great shopping, and food markets.

Don’t miss a visit to Cornish villages like Mousehole, Mevagissey, or Boscastle for cobbled streets, seafood cafés, and postcard-perfect harbours.

🌱 Family Attractions & Wildlife

Perfect for rainy days or family fun, Cornwall offers a host of popular attractions:

• Eden Project (Bodelva) – Iconic biomes housing rainforest and Mediterranean ecosystems, plus gardens, exhibitions, and play zones.

• Newquay Zoo & Blue Reef Aquarium – Ideal for younger children.

• Paradise Park (Hayle) – Wildlife park with tropical birds and farm animals.

• The Lost Gardens of Heligan – Historic gardens lost to time and rediscovered in the 1990s.

🍴 Food, Drink & Local Produce

Cornwall is a foodie haven, known for fresh seafood, artisan produce, and of course, the Cornish pasty.

Local food experiences:

• Seafood restaurants in Padstow, Newquay, and Falmouth

• Rick Stein’s eateries in Padstow

• Nathan Outlaw’s restaurants in Port Isaac

• Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm – Just inland from Perranporth; take a tour and sample cider, jams, and juices.

• Farm shops & markets – Found across the county, great for picnic supplies or local gifts.

🚗 Getting Around & Access

Cornwall is best explored by car, but public transport connects most key locations.

• Trains run from Truro to towns like Penzance, Newquay, and St Ives.

• Buses and local services run to most towns and major attractions.

• Car hire is available in Truro, Newquay, and Bodmin.

• Fly & Drive; Fly into Newquay airport and hire a car to get around

Park-and-ride services operate in St Ives and Truro, and most major beaches have dedicated car parks (often pay-and-display).

📍 Make the Most of Your Stay

Whether you’re surfing Atlantic waves, wandering historic ruins, exploring gardens, or savouring a clotted cream tea overlooking the sea, Cornwall promises a rich, unforgettable experience. From adventurous days out to peaceful moments of reflection, this beautiful part of the UK has something for everyone – and it’s all waiting for you.

Come and explore Cornwall – where every day brings a new view, a new memory, and a new adventure.