best places to visit in cornwall in a motorhome

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Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary (& MAP)

Planning a Cornwall road trip? Want a map and itinerary to help guide your route and decide what to visit? No worries- we’ve shared our Cornish itinerary ideas here for 5, 7 10 or longer days, as well as 40 of the best places to visit in Cornwall- with a map!

Don’t forget to download your FREE Cornwall road trip planner below (complete with map and itinerary ideas)

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Why plan a Cornwall Road Trip?

Cornwall is one of our favourite places in England to road trip around.

The combination of Cornish coast, beautiful beaches, cute villages, history, incredible scenery and delicious cream teas is just too much to resist.

I was lucky enough to be based in Cornwall when I was stationed there in the Navy- so there are some secret places on this itinerary which you don’t often hear about until you live there… ssssh !

Here are some of our favourite places to visit in Cornwall, along with our suggested Cornwall road trip itinerary and a handy Map of Cornwall so you can plan your own trip! 

Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary- where to start

Like anywhere, planning a road trip to Cornwall takes a little time and research. There are so many beautiful places to visit in Cornwall (as you will see below) that if you only have a week to visit, you’ll need to plan your itinerary carefully.

Our suggestion is to not try and do too much. We spent 7 days in Cornwall with our motorhome, which made it easy to move around from place to place and explore. If you’re going to be staying in one area, we highly recommend hiring a car or a campervan, to make it easier to explore the Cornish roads.

Much of Cornwall is quite remote and public transport can be hit and miss, so having your own vehicle will make things much easier.

We recommend Europcar and Booking.com

NOTE: This is a HUGE Itinerary and post- over 4000 words! If you would like, you can download it:

Cornwall Road trip Itinerary for 7-10 days

We spent a week in Cornwall during October; (“we” being two adults and teenage girl. We travelled in our motorhome, using campsites and wild camping wherever possible.

Here’s the Cornish itinerary we did:

• Day 1- Mevagissey.
• Day 2- Falmouth and Pendennis Castle
• Day 3- St Michael’s Mount (although we had horrible weather, so we carried on to Land’s End instead of stopping. Stayed at Sennen Campsite
• Day 4- Land’s End/ Sennen, back to St Michael’s Mount and Minack Theatre
• Day 5- St Ives, Newquay, Perranporth and Boscastle. Parked at Tintagel Car Park overnight
• Day 6- Tintagel Castle and Merlin’s Cave . Don’t forget St Nectan’s Glen if you have time.
• Day 7- Bude Beach

NOTE: We visited Cornwall with our teenager, who loves road trips, which means we did a lot of driving around. If you’re visiting Cornwall with younger kids, you might want to add more stops and cover less ground.

Cornwall trip planner for 5 days or a long weekend

You can easily enjoy a road trip around Cornwall for 5 days, or even a weekend. Just pick and choose your itinerary wisely and remember you won’t be able to drive as fast as usual due to the tiny Cornish roads, so plan accordingly and don’t take on too much.

Cornwall Road Trip Map – Cornwall Itinerary

Here’s a map of the places we visited in Cornwall during our 7 day Road Trip. We didn’t visit all the places listed below in one week- there’s far too many, but at least that gives you an excuse to some back again!

Hopefully, this map helps you plan your Cornwall travel and decide where to stay along the way.

Common Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary questions:

These are questions we and many other people have asked:

How long does it take to drive around Cornwall?

Like anywhere, your Cornwall road trip can be as long or short as you make it. The coastal road of Cornwall, from the Cornish border near Plymouth, stopping at St Austell, Falmouth, Lands End, St Ives and Bude, is about 200miles (320km) and you could possibly do it in a weekend if you didn’t sleep or stop very much.

Don’t forget, Cornish roads are NOT motorways- you will not be driving at 70mph. Heck, you’ll be lucky if you do a regular 30mph. So 200 miles on the Cornish coast will take you a lot longer than you expect!

Cornwall Trip Planner- How many days do you need in Cornwall?

We highly recommend going for as long as you can! Depending on where you are travelling to or where else you’re including in your England road trip , it can take a while to reach Cornwall, so at least a long weekend but ideally a week to really make the most of it!

How far is it from London to Cornwall?

The distance from London to Cornwall is about 250 miles (depending on starting and stopping point) and will take you about 4 and a half hours to drive on a clear traffic day.

TOP TIP: DO NOT TRY TO TRAVEL TO CORNWALL ON A BANK HOLIDAY! Or on the first day of a school holiday. Seriously- the roads are tiny, busy and sloooooow. You will regret all your life’s choices. Go earlier, later or ideally avoid the school holidays all together.

What is the best time to visit Cornwall?

There are plenty of good times to visit Cornwall, away from the busiest months of July and August. Personally, we love May, June and September- it’s also one of the best places to visit in Europe in Autumn .

Where to stay in Cornwall

Of course, what you include in your itinerary is up to you (and where you’re going to stay.) If you’re visiting Cornwall in the school holidays, we recommend choosing and booking your accommodation first, and THEN creating an itinerary for travel around the area which suits you. You can pick and choose from the ideas below as you wish.

Of course, there are a HUGE range of places to stay in Cornwall, from exclusive hotels with breathtaking views of the Cornish coastline, to cheaper B and Bs and AirBnBs.

Campsites in Cornwall

If you’re travelling by motorhome, campervan or car with tent, there are plenty of GREAT campsites to enjoy. Again, many of them are incredibly popular, so book as far in advance as possible.

We used Brit Stops and also stayed at Sennen Campsite (close to Lands End). For the rest of the time we found motorhome parking places as we travelled and stayed off-grid as much as possible.

Planning a road trip? You might find these useful:

• How to plan a UK road trip
• The best England road trip destinations
• 21 Fun car games for kids
• 12 ideas for unforgettable UK road trips

Best places to visit in Cornwall- 40+ ideas for you

Below, you’ll find 40+ places we love to visit in Cornwall, for different reasons. We’ve included many on the Cornish coast, as we love the beaches in Cornwall, but there’s plenty away from the crowds too.

So, in now particular order, here are some of our favourite places in Cornwall:

Historical & Famous Places to see in Cornwall

Cornwall is a land full of history. From Pirates and smugglers, to beautiful houses, castles and lighthouses, there are some incredible places to visit in Cornwall. Here are a few of our favourites:

Land’s End- a destination on every Cornwall Road Trip

You can’t go all the way to Cornwall and NOT go to Land’s End. It’s a long way to drive, I know, but such a beautiful place- and it’s the furthest west you can get on mainland England. Next stop- America!

There’s plenty of parking, as well as toilet facilities, cafes and trinket shops.

I love the fact that the year is changed on the Land’s End post so it always shows the year in your photos!

Tintagel Castle and Merlin’s Cave

Tintagel Castle and Merlin’s Cave were one of the highlights of our roadtrip to Cornwall. We were so lucky with the weather- especially in October half-term- but just LOOK at the colour of that water. 

Tintagel Castle is part of English Heritage, which you can join HERE for only a few pounds a month (it also gives you free access to famous places like Stonehenge (we saw the most INCREDIBLE sunrise at Stonehenge ever- see it here) 

Historic Places to see in Cornwall- St Michael’s Mount

St Michaels’ Mount is on the south coast of Cornwall- and well worth a visit. It’s on an island and is actually a twin to Mont St Michel (one of the most historic places to visit in France! )

You can walk out to the castle and back at low tide- just be careful about the tides as the water flows in very fast. If it’s not low tide, there’s a boat which you can take to get out and back.

We flew our travel drone out over the sea and got some spectacular shots of the castle in the sunshine.

Best place to go in Cornwall? The Minack Theatre

The Minack Theatre is unlike anywhere else we’ve ever been- an open-air theatre carved into the cliff. 

I’ll be honest, we didn’t know what to expect and when we saw the motorhome parking was at the bottom of the cliff, we were so close to not bothering. But boy are we glad we did!! It’s SPECTACULAR- and so unique- definitely one of the best places to visit in Cornwall.

The Theatre is still a working theatre, and people travel from miles around to view a play there- if you’d like to do the same, make sure you book up well in advance as it’s very popular!

When shows aren’t scheduled, you can walk around the theatre and seating, have a picnic, take advantage of the cafe and enjoy the views. 

Restomel Castle

Restormel Castle   is a  13th Century Castle built in a circle which is in remarkably good condition! Open from April-October, it’s a beautiful place for a picnic, with stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

Cotehele is one of my favourite National Trust properties. It’s a medieval house with some Tudor additions- and it’s really beautiful. There is also Cotehele Quay which has ‘Shamrock’, a Victorian sailing barge, and a beautiful tearoom right on the river. If you have time, be sure to add this stop to your Cornwall Road Trip itinerary.

This is a breath-taking Victorian country house. Seriously, there aren’t many estates left like this one. It’s another National Trust property , with plenty of activities taking place throughout the year.

Jamaica Inn- worth a road trip to Cornwall!

Cornwall’s most famous smuggling pub. Located high up on Bodmin Moor and made famous by Daphne du Maurier, Jamaica Inn has been there for over 300 years, welcoming weary travellers. Apparently, it’s haunted too- so I’ll let you decide if you want to stay in one of its 36 bedrooms! There is also a museum and a restaurant.

Pretty villages & towns to visit in Cornwall

You can’t visit Cornwall on a road trip without driving through at least one beautiful stone village. They’re EVERYWHERE. However, if you want some help with your Cornwall trip planning, here are a few of our favourites:

It’s hard to believe that this beautiful village is one of the main gathering for witches in the UK, but it’s true. It has a great witch museum, which is touristy in parts but really interesting in others.

Boscastle has endured horrendous floods twice in the last few years, with the worst being in August 2004. Waters reached over 2m deep in some places- you can see the markers on the buildings as you walk around. It’s incredible that no-one died.

Our favourites were the ice cream and the incredible pottery factory, which sold some beautiful and unique pieces.

Cornish road trips should always include Newquay. It’s beautiful and has one of the best surfing beaches in the UK. Although that has almost become a problem- it has become a mecca for Stag and Hen parties, as well as surfers and teenagers.

All these happy visitors give it a great party atmosphere and the nightlife is lively, but it is VERY touristy and sometimes can be far too crowded (although in fairness the same can now be said for many other parts of Cornwall too.)

Still there is a huge amount of accommodation options, from posh hotels to large houses for parties. See the latest deals here:

St Ives is one of the best summer holiday destinations in the UK – beautiful, quaint and with a couple of incredible white sandy beaches- possibly the best in Cornwall. However, it also has the downsides you expect from a Cornish town- it’s a NIGHTMARE to park and gets incredibly busy in the summer.

There is a park and ride on the top of a hill (which tolerates motorhomes during the day but doesn’t encourage them). Don’t expect to be able to park near the beach unless you get there first thing in the morning; even then I think there is now a waiting limit on the parking of a few hours.

Still, it’s definitely worth a visit- the harbour and the beaches alone are worth the effort.

If you do get the option to stay in St Ives for a couple of days, here are some great options for you:

Here are some other activities to do in St Ives:

Tate St. Ives

If you like museums, the Tate St Ives  art museum is well worth a look. Even if you don’t the views from the gallery are spectacular or you could always enjoy an ice cream and sun yourself on the beach for a few hours!

Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Museum St Ives

If you haven’t heard of her, no judgement- I hadn’t either! But her sculptures are beautiful. This museum is small, but interesting if you enjoy crazy sculptures in the garden… (don’t we all??!!)

Newquay or St Ives- which is better?

Many people wonder whether they should visit Newquay or St Ives. The answer is: it depends on what you want.

St Ives is more ‘arty’ and general has a quieter crowd. Newquay is party town- lots of stag and hen parties and more families and a younger, surfer crowd.

Both places are ‘cool’ in their own way, but one is more overtly loud and proud than the other.

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Tintagel village is famous for being the home of King Arthur’s Tintagel Castle and Merlin’s cave, but there is so much more to it than that.

The village is built from built Cornish stone and is full of cute houses, shops and delicious tea rooms (as is most of Cornwall!) There are also a couple of decent pubs too, including the Cornishman Inn which has a pub garden and serves great food. 

Don’t miss King Arthur’s Great Halls in the village itself (the stained glass window is incredible) and the fitter of you must make the walk up to St Materiana’s Church, which stands proudly on the headland overlooking the Castle and the breathtaking views out to sea. 

Talking of sea views, if you’d like to stay in Tintagel for a night, head to the Camelot Hotel. This building looks impressive, the decor is opulent and the views from the bedrooms are insane. Well worth the (pretty steep!) price. 

My Mother-in-law used to talk about Mevagissey all the time- it was one of her favourite places in Cornwall. And honestly, it’s one of ours now.

It’s VERY touristy, and some of the shops are crazy expensive, but it’s such a beautiful village with a cute harbour and DELICIOUS pasties. (Most places in Cornwall have delicious pasties, but these seemed to be even better. Or maybe we were just hungry!) Again, here are some of the best places to stay in and near Mevagissey.

Ferry from Mevagissey to Fowey 

This is a lovely way to see more of the coastline from the water and is a great trip on a calm, sunny day (I wouldn’t advise it if the weather is bad- being on that sea in a storm can be miserable- I speak from experience!!)

You can take a ferry from Megavissey to Fowey, which takes about 40 minutes and runs daily from April- September, weather permitting. In 2018 returns cost £14 and cycles were £8. Well-behaved dogs go free!

I love Falmouth. It’s one of our favourite places in Cornwall. Falmouth is a big city, but everything feels very ‘seaside resort’ and relaxed.

It’s the third deepest natural harbour in the world and there’s so much history to explore- if you get a chance, visit the area for at least a couple of days so you can try to see everything. There are plenty of wonderful hotels and guesthouses if you don’t have a van or tent- have a look at the latest deals here:

Pendennis Castle 

Positioned on the headland with impressive views, this castle is well worth a visit (although possibly not if you’ve already been to St. Michael’s Mount- it’s not got the same ‘wow’ factor.)

Having said that, this castle was very important in both World Wars and there are exhibitions which are pretty interesting. It’s run by the English Heritage, so worth becoming a member. Find out more HERE

National Maritime Museum

This museum now has 3 floors and 12 exhibitions, so it’s not for the faint-hearted or as a quick ‘looksee’, but if you are at all interested in the sea, naval history, the history of the boat or want to sail model boats on the lake inside, it might be just the place.

Take a ferry ride 

This is one of my favourite ways to explore any harbour- and Falmouth has several great options. My personal favourite is St Mawes- Falmouth ferry, which passes some beautiful parts of the harbour, including Pendennis Castle and St Mawes Castle. You might even see some dolphins! More info can be found  HERE

Skinners Brewery.

In Truro, just outside Falmouth, you’ll find Skinners Brewery – an award-winning producer of pale ales and bitter. You can book a tour, enjoy an evening of live music, or just sample some of their famous brews!

Places of Nature to visit in Cornwall

Any good Cornwall itinerary should include plenty of time to enjoy some of the ‘great outdoors’. Cornwall is a county made for being outdoors- from beautiful beaches to the wildness of the moors, and everything in between. Some of the best things to do in Cornwall involve getting out and about in nature.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan 

Near Mevagissey is a real-life secret garden- the Lost Gardens of Heligan. It was literally found 25 years ago through a secret door, which led to the entire estate being renovated and is now open to the public.

The play areas and outdoor attractions are mostly seasonal, but many parts are still open over winter.

Visit The Lizard… (but only if you have time on your Cornwall Road Trip )

the Lizard is the most southerly point in the UK and it’s beautiful if you catch it on a nice day. There are some lovely Cornish coastal walks and the wildlife is stunning. But then, that’s true of most of Cornwall.

As a ex-Naval aircrew who used to be based down in RNAS Culdrose, I get quite excited by the Lizard (we did all our navigation training using the Lizard as a reference point!)

But honestly, if you’re going to any of the other cliffs on your Cornwall Road Trip, it’s probably not worth your time unless you REALLY want to visit the most southerly point in the UK. The Lizard is a National Trust property- click here to find out more.

Secret places to visit in Cornwall- St Nectan’s Glen

St Nectans Glen is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe. It’s near Tintagel Castle, so you can tie the two in together for a great day out.

This breathtaking series of waterfalls is nestled into a secret gorge and the whole area looks like something out of a fairytale.

To get there, you walk along a path through beautiful woodlands, often following the path of the river, before suddenly arriving in front of the magnificent St Nectan’s Kieve- the main waterfall.

St Nectan’s Kieve is 60ft high and falls through a hole in the rock. It used to be a basin, but the water eventually eroded it into what you see today. 

Many people are unaware of the existence of St Nectan’s Glen- so it’s a lot less crowded and ‘touristy’ than other places in the area- especially in summer, although it’s open most of the year. 

For the best experience, arrive early in the morning and try to be first on the trail so you can experience St Nectan’s Kieve by yourself (and get the best photos!)

Climb Brown Willy- Cornwall’s highest point

Who wouldn’t want to climb Brown Willy…..?!?!?! (oh go on, I know you’re smiling at that one! I couldn’t resist putting this just before the fertility hole below…..!! )

It’s Cornwall’s highest point, which I know isn’t saying much, but it’s a nice stretch of the legs on a summer’s day and the views from the top are magnificent.

Men-an-Tol stone at Morvah- a bit of magic on your Cornwall trip

This is one of those fun things that is STILL on our list, as we didn’t get a chance during this visit. This stone is thought to be from the Bronze Age, making it around 3,500 years old.

There are actually 4 stones in the area, but only one has the hole through the middle. Passing through this hole is said to aid fertility, both for women wanting children and farmers wanting crops… who am I to argue??!

Places to see in Cornwall- Eden Project

The Eden Project is one of the most family-friendly things to do in Cornwall – kids of all ages love it.

There are different sections showcasing jungle, desert and other diverse nature settings. But there is also a zip line (I love ziplines!) Also, big bands regularly play there (think Blondie, Bryan Adams, Muse and Tom Jones!)

Dozmary Pool

This is said to be the pool where the lady of the lake resides. Apparently, it was here that King Arthur received his sword, Excalibur. The pool was once thought to be bottomless, but sadly it’s become much shallower in recent years. In 1976 it dried up completely!! Still, for anyone interested in Arthurian myths and legends, it’s a nice addition to your Cornwall road trip.

Bodmin Moor- road trip to Cornwall legend!

Bodmin Moor is definitely the stuff of legends. Wet, windy and wild, it’s the highest part of Cornwall, and if you can catch it on a good day it’s spectacular.

In 1983, a report was given to the police of a ‘wild beast’ said to be haunting the moor, with ‘sharp teeth like those of a leopard’. Those reports still continue today- don’t say I didn’t warn you…

Golitha Falls

While you’re at Bodmin Moor, visit the nearby Golitha Falls. If this isn’t a place which can convince you of fairies and magic, nothing will!

Bedruthan Steps

Apparently, a giant used to use these steps as a shortcut across the bay… (hmmm, now where have I heard that before!?? Oh yes, at Giant’s Causeway on our Ireland road trip )  Whether you believe in legends or not, this bay is STUNNING with clear turquoise waters and soft sands. Just beware- getting down to it takes some effort, which is why it stays fairly quiet, even in high summer.

Best Beaches in Cornwall

Some of the best places to visit in Cornwall are the beautiful beaches. And they also house some of the best things to do! Beachlife in Cornwall is literally a way of life for many, from surfers to beach combers (and, of course, pirates and smugglers!) You’ll enjoy many sea views on your Cornwall trip, but try to make time for a visit to a beach- or at least a walk on one of the many Cornish coastal paths.

Bude- Cornwall’s best surfing beach?

Bude is right on the border between Devon and Cornwall and is on the North Coast, which is the best side for surfing if that’s what you’re looking for.

The nightlife is much more relaxed than at Newquay and there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy, including a sea pool cut into the rock at Summerleaze Beach. Bude has twice been voted best UK Coastal destination – so it does get busy during the summer. If you have time, combine a trip to Bude with a North Devon road trip and enjoy more of the incredible beaches and coastline.

Porth Joke- Cornwall’s best secret beach?

Talking of beautiful Cornish beaches, here’s a secret gem not many people know about.

This tiny cove has incredibly soft sand and, most importantly, is relatively quiet throughout the year- despite the popularity of Newquay only a short distance away.

We were recommended to add Porth Joke to our Cornwall road trip itinerary as somewhere to get away from the people- even in high summer.

The beach is a short walk from the car park and there are no toilets, cafes or other facilities, which is probably why it remains so empty all year round, but it’s definitely worth the effort. 

It’s sheltered on 3 sides, so you’re fairly well protected from the wind, but you can still enjoy some of the famous surf. It’s quite shallow, so safe for swimming or snorkelling (but please be aware of rip tides which are common all along this coastline- don’t let children go too far offshore.) 

There is no shade, so I highly recommend taking a parasol if you’re going to spend the day (and you are definitely going to want to spend the day!) 

Bring a cooler with lots of drinks and food (yes, you’ll need to carry it from the car) and settle down to do nothing but listen to the surf, paddle, poke at rock pools and watch the sunset. Sheer magic. 

Perranporth Beach

Beautiful beach with lots of sand, and a great arch for your Instagram photos. We love it because of this cool arch, the gorgeous sand and the fact that it’s dog-friendly all year around.⁠

Nanjizal Beach- Song of the Sea Cave

This is one of the prettiest coves in all of Cornwall. There are caves and even a waterfall to enjoy as you head to the beach. Directions can be found HERE

Lusty Glaze Beach

I couldn’t not include a beach with a name like Lusty Glaze Beach !! This beach near Newquay is privately owned but you can visit for free. The high cliffs give it some great protection and it offers a huge variety of activities including climbing, abseiling, a restaurant and a creche!

Dogs are banned from May-September. The beach can be accessed at low tide by walking around the headland, or reached by many, many steps (368 apparently!), so plan accordingly!

Fun Activities to do in Cornwall

There are plenty of fun things to do in Cornwall- some more energetic than others! We’ve already included some of the best places to visit on your Cornwall trip, but here are a couple of other fun activities that you can add to your Cornwall trip planner.

Zipwire at Adrenalin Quarry near Liskeard

I love ziplines and this one looks AMAZING!! It zips you 490m across a quarry, over a lake and through/ over various vegetation, at speeds of up to 40mph.

There are twin zip-wires, so you can race your friend! Apparently, they’ve had riders as young as 3 and as old as 90- sign me up!! At Adrenalin Quarry , there is also a wipeout Aqua Park, coasteering, a giant swing and axe throwing!

Surfing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Cornwall- and there are PLENTY of places to get involved. You want to head to the north coast for the better beaches and waves, and if you’re visiting in school holidays I’d recommend booking in advance.

For a fantastic beach with surfing, visit Westward Ho! (yes, the exclamation mark is part of the name). This is one of the safest beaches in Cornwall, and there’s plenty of places to eat, facilities, play areas and surf schools- perfect for some outdoor exercise to keep fit on your road trip !

Silly Surfing for Charity

Every June for one weekend only, Porthmeor Beach (next to St Ives) becomes…well… a bit silly! Surfers dress up in fancy dress and surf; there’s an open-air cinema, as well as many other attractions.

Tickets for the open cinema and other events sell out in advance, so if you’re planning to go please book early. All proceeds currently go to the charity Surfers against Sewage. Porthmeor also has the open cinema at other times throughout the year- you can find out more HERE

Watch silver ball hurling at St Columb Major

I’m a sucker for bizarre and crazy things (like these bizarre European traditions and events!) but this may be the craziest yet. It happens once a year in early February and…well… I’m really not sure I can explain the rules.

Shopkeepers barricade their doors and windows and thousands of spectators flock to watch fully-grown men fight for a ball and try to get it…somewhere. The ‘pitch’ is about 20 square miles, making it the largest pitch for any ball game in the world. Now there’s a fact for the pub quiz!

Fun Places to visit with kids in Cornwall

Here are some ideas for places to take kids (both young and old!) when visiting Cornwall!

Newquay Zoo and animal wildlife park

Like most zoos, it’s a great place to bring the whole family and has a wide range of animals. A current list can be found on their website HERE

Lappa Valley Steam Railway

I’m a sucker for a good steam railway, but honestly, this one is more geared towards younger children. However, there’s also crazy golf, canoeing and playparks, so it’s a great day out to get them exhausted!

Pirates Quest

This is an indoor attraction, which can come in VERY handy in Cornwall (seriously, go prepared for rain.) This exhibition is an hour-long history of piracy, depicted by real-life actors and interactions. It’s only seasonal, so check if it’s open on their website HERE

Flambards Theme Park

One for the kids or a rainy day, but this theme park will put a smile on anyone’s face. There are rides, exhibitions and indoor attractions- perfect whatever the weather!

Travelling with kids? You might find these useful:

• Best children’s car games
• Quiet and fun activities for kids while they travel

Cornwall Road Trip Tips

To really make the most of your Cornish road trip travels, you’ll need several things:

• A Vehicle. Personally, we love travelling by motorhome. If you don’t have your own, you can always hire a motorhome or campervan to give yourself more flexibility for your trip. If not, hire a car and use hotels. We recommend Europcar and Booking.com
• We highly recommend joining the National Trust and English Heritage – even if it’s just for a month if you’re visiting from abroad. They will save you a lot of money if you visit more than one property and the money goes to a great cause- protecting our Nation’s heritage.
• Lastly, don’t forget that there aren’t any motorways in Cornwall. The roads are small and can be very (very!) busy, especially in summer. Plan accordingly and don’t expect to be driving at 70mph anywhere. The weather can also turn quickly, going from warm and sunny to raining and foggy. Be prepared for all eventualities, whatever the weather forecast may say!!
• Most of all, enjoy your Cornwall Road Trip! It’s a stunning part of the world and I hope you have an amazing time. Let me know how you get on.

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Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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20 comments.

We missed visiting Cornwall on our last trip to the UK. Perhaps next time. This will surely come in handy. Great post and super helpful!

Hope it helps when you finally get there!

Wow, this really inspires me to return to Cornwall. I’ve had some fabulous trips there in the past but for some reason I’ve been nipped across the border into Wales more recently instead of heading down to the southwest. Must make my way back in 2019. So much inspiration for new places to try – and a happy reminder of just how much I love Perranporth.

I know- we loved Perranporth too!! But we also love Wales, so I understand your predicament!!

I love your way of writing, put a smile on my face. And that sunset picture, OMG you really wouldn’t think that was in England! Really enjoyed this post and it does make me want to visit Cornwall, my in-laws went last year and really loved it too.

Thank you- I appreciate that. 🙂 I hope you make it to Cornwall soon!

I’ve been to England several times, but I haven’t had the chance yet to make it to Cornwall. I’ve always heard such amazing things about that part of England and now I know why. It looks incredible! I’m definitely saving this for when I can visit the area. I didn’t know there was so much to do in that area. Thanks for sharing!

You’re welcome- hope you get to visit one day.

Can you believe that I’ve lived in the South West of England for a year but never made it down into Cornwall?! I’m so gutted – this post is amazing. There’s so much more to see than I thought (I thought it was just beaches tbh!) how silly of me. Lusty Glaze beach reminds me of a beach back in Australia! Except I suppose it’s a bit more nippy than Aust 😛 Looks stunning though, let’s hope i get to do my own Cornish roadtrip one day 🙂

Nooooo!! You need to go next summer- May/ June is good normally.

Cornwall looks amazing! I once had a roommate from Cornwall…so neat to see some pictures of where he was from! (Being a huge English Lit nerd I always think of it as the birthplace of King Arthur, haha!) I hope I can visit one day. <3

I hope you get there too- it’s a gorgeous part of the world.

Hi Kat and Jade – loved your home movies of the Cornwall trip and it’s really inspiring me! I am coming from France in August to hire a motorvan from Plymouth and do a week moving around Cornwall. I will be with my wife and 3 kids so thought to play it safe at first and have booked a camping place near Lands End for the first 3 days but then thought about going where the road leads us for the rest of the time – including some of the places you mentioned like Falmouth or Bude. But I have a question cos I have no experience of motorhome in UK; do you think we will be alright to find a place to park or pitch up as we move along in August or do you think it’s really necessary to book places in advance? I know it’s a difficult question but if you could just give a sense of how flexible and open it is in Cornwall to find a place to stay spontaneiouly in Cornwall? thanks so much Andy

Thanks for this have saved and downloaded to really go through later. I am so excited to go to Cornwall but we only have 4 days!

Hi Kat I too LOVE Cornwall and agree with most of your suggestions. I’d just like to add a couple of suggestions – first off, Lamora Cove – on the way to Lands End from Marazion (where St Michael’s Mount is). Beautiful cove and cliff top walks. Secondly, if you decide to take in a show at the Minack wrap up warm – whatever time of year it is… I’m talking long John’s, fleeces, coats AND blankets. Trust me – we made the mistake of just a couple of layers!! And finally the Minack theatre overlooks, IMHO, the best beach in Cornwall (and possibly also some of the best history), Porthcurno

Wow! What a great road trip with some amazing places to see and things to experience! I’ve always heard wonderful things about this part of England. Time to make that trip!

Hope you make it one day- it really is beautiful.

This is a great itinerary. I always forget just how big Cornwall is. I have only done St Ives and Lands End so looks like I will need to go back and plan another trip. We got so close to St Michael’s Mount but never saw it which is a shame.

Oh no! How sad to get so close and not see it. Hopefully next time!

There is definitely a great deal to find out about Cornwall. I really like all the places you mentioned.

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build you own campervan and live the van life

With miles of beautiful coastline and endless sandy coves and beaches Cornwall is an ideal place to visit in a campervan.

Summer school holidays (late July and August) are extremely busy times. To stay during this period book ahead and plan your travel well to avoid delays and traffic queues.

If you can visit in quieter times such as June and early July, or September.

Get the most of of a trip to Cornwall with a guidebook.  See from our recommendations below.

Cornwall is a busy place to camp all summer long, especially during the school holidays.

Be sure to book ahead with campsites to ensure you get a place.

North Cornwall

A pretty town, the site of King Arthur’s castle.

Free camping in Tintagel

King Arthur’s Car Park, opposite The Old Post Office, Fore Street. Large level car park in centre of Tintagel town, easy access for large motorhomes. Reasonably secluded at far end of car park. Officially licensed for motorhomes to stay overnight. £3 for the night (4.00pm to 10.00am approx). No services. Public toilet block in the car park closes at 10pm.

Bodmin Moor

A vast area of outstanding beauty.

Free camping at Bodmin Moor

Very rural site at Rough Tor on Bodmin Moor. Just east of Camelford two roads head towards Rough Tor and Brown Willy (these are mountaintops). Narrow road and great switch back road – excellent at full speed but DO make sure road is clear. Great walks up to the Tors.

Several layby’s on the A30, but the road is busy. One layby in particular: on top of moors 1 mile north of Bodmin approx layby on left (going south) with burger van in situ, sign posted to Temple Fishery. Parking in pull-ins of road loop.

Widemouth Bay

Free camping near widemouth bay.

A layby next to the Budemeadows campsite on the A39. The layby is used by loads of surfers, no reports of any problems.

Free camping near Launceston

Heading into the county on the A30, past Launceston, you come off the dual carriageway and, on the left-hand side, there is a small lake and fishing advertised. Pull in and turn to left but not down to the fishery. Empty moorland in front of you!

South Cornwall

Just off the Penzance/St Just road near to the airport. Last hill in Cornwall – flat level site but very isolated.

Lamorna Cove

Free camping at lamorna cove.

Spectacular parking area, but inaccessible for campers over 6 meters and overnight parking not allowed. Great position on edge of harbour wall – great views with walks on either side. Could be fantastic in a winter storm.

Free camping at Marazion

Overnight parking is allowed at Kings Road car park. Owners of large motorhomes would be wise to check the availability of spaces before attempting to drive into the town. Price £4, no facilities.

Two layby’s, one either side of the road. Take A30 from Penzance and off on to the A394. Lay-by’s are only a short distance along. They are well back from the road and are landscaped with bays. Bins are provided for rubbish and views are great.

Free camping in Penzance

The parking layby on the coast road to Marazion. Once the pub traffic goes it is quiet. Outstanding views to St Micheals Mount.

Free camping in Hayle

There are three car parks, although they are sometimes patrolled by Police and overnighters sent away.:

• By the north Quay as you come into Hayle from the south. It is wide open and a little windy but only a very short walk to the shops. Park near the arches to get out of the wind.
• As you go thru town there is a very narrow road across a bridge signposted swimming pool. There’s a car park alongside with a nice view across the copper pool.
• Instead of turning to swimming pool car park go straight on. It is signed as a private road but has access to a beach car park.

Free camping at the Lizard

The National Trust car park by the Lizard lighthouse. Toilet block open all night. Lovely spot, but be warned, the lighthouse beam flicking across the fields may look pretty but if a fog comes in at night you’ll be woken up by a loud fog horn that blasts for 5-10s every 45s or so and it is only a couple of hundred feet from the car park.

Free camping in Redruth

Lookout for a small lorry park.

Free camping in Portreath

A good place to wild camp is on the B 3301 coast road from Portreath to Hayle. Follow that road out of Portreath up the big hill, after about 2 miles from Portreath you will pass on the left hand side an entrance for Tehidy Country Park. Virtually opposite to the entrance there is a track leading to basset cove car park. Very good sea view.

An historic and pretty town set on the south coast.

Free camping in Falmouth

Long stay Lorry and coach park

Portscatho on the Roseland Peninsula

Idyllic small harbour with pubs.

Free camping in Portscatho

Come into the village off the main Tregony/St Mawes road – car park on left and short walk into town.

Eden Project

A fantastic biological attraction.

Lost Gardens of Heligan

A once lost gardens that have be restored. A great place to visit.

Free camping near the Eden Project / Heligan

Follow the A390 into St Austell from Liskeard, after large roundabout and before ASDA-supermarket, turn left towards Penrice Hospital and Porthpean. Road narrows, continue until cross road. Turn left towards Trenarren (Black Head). Great views over St Austell Bay and towards the Gribben (Fowey). Car park before houses. Take left hand lane – rather uneven but passable – until you come to large open space with level parking. Superb walks out to Black Head

A beautiful and historic Cornish town. The roads are very narrow so enter the town with care.

Free camping in Mevagissy

• There is a layby between St Austell and Mevagissey, where you can park up.
• The car park in Mevagissey will allow you to overnight at a nominal charge and it is in the middle of town and handy for shops, quay, restaurants etc. Beware : Do not try to drive through Mevagissey as it is very narrow, just go straight into the huge car park on the left.

Free camping on the A39 road

After entering Cornwall over the Tamar bridge on the A390, onto dual carriageway after Trerulefoot Roundabout, up the hill past Menheniot turning, toilets and layby on the left. Alternatively, continue on for approx. 1/2 mile, turn left towards Looe and then immediately left again (Old road left abandoned).

Recommended Websites

• North Coast Log Cabins   – have been making beautiful log cabins in Devon & Cornwall for years.  They have an excellent reputation for quality and craftsmanship.

Any suggestions on overnight parking in Looe please ?

Please be aware..Full restrictions have recently been implemented all around the Bude area this summer,C.C.Council have stopped all overnight stays in many usually used lay-bys and carparks in cars,campers,caravans. National trust have put up height restriction barrier at northcott and doing daily patrols to move people on at Duckpool,Sandymouth etc.Minimal places you can now free camp without hassles or hefty fines!

Can you use any of these in a caravan? we really want to tour cornwall on a budget with our little un, only got an old 3 berth? please let us know

Anyone know anywhere to park st ives

Currently in Praa sands, near Penzance. £8 for 24hr parking and doesn’t appear to have any restrictions. Beautiful sea views, nice bar/restaurant and free toilets, though I’ve not used them yet.

Nice chap who owns it he normally has green Larry that’s converted to camper .AND HE DOES CHECK TICKETS beware.

Currently staying in King Arthurs carpark in Tintangel, £3 overnight or £4 for 24 hrs for self contained vans, as no facilities, though pub will let you use theirs during opening for 50p charge. Beautiful place, beautiful cove and plenty of places to choose from, for eating and drinking.

As a campervanner, I look for free overnight stops. As a resident of St Just, I hope that no-one overnights in our car park! It’s for short stay visits to the town, and is often full these days – if campervanners continue to stay overnight, we’re likely to lose its free status, height barriers erected, and no vans will be able to visit the town at all. Please use the St Just Rugby Club at the bottom of the hill – £5 per night, and facilities.

Found your camper stop in Gwithian, just outside Hayle by the beach. Perfect spot for campervans a you can wake to a view of the ocean right behind you and lots of greenery everywhere. Highly recommend to everyone who wants to wake up with great views!

Near Hayle, Gwithian there are a lot of different places to park and loads of motorhome park here on the weekend. Very handy place to look around Cornwall and return back to. My favourite spot is a little car park gps 50.21652n -005.39239w Enjoy we did the walk to the beach is lovely and the beach is amazing

Just out of Penzance Cornwall. There is an amazing parking place overlooking St Michael’s mount car park is called Long Rock. Cost is 1 pound 24hrs but machine is out of order. 15 min walk into Penzance.

You can park overnight in campervan on the promenade in Penzance for free. Make sure you walk accross to Newlyn and grab some delicious food and drink at the Newlyn Meadery.

Hi great page, I have used a Hi great page, I have used a number of your sites in the last 3 weeks hayle is great and probably my fav. Right by the beach. Even bumped into the couple in the bus. Still using the same 3 spots. Also spots near St austrell very good. I’m heading to truro tomorrow so will try portscatho tomorrow night. Thanks…

The Rugby Club has overnight coach parking: http://www.coach-driver.co.uk/parking.html

Also a coach park run by the council, but the website suggests this for coaches only (upate: it says no motorhomes or coaches): https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/parking/cornwall-council-car-parks/car-park-locations-charges-and-facilities/falmouth/gyllyngvase-beach-coach-park-queen-mary-road-falmouth-tr11-4dp/

camping Hi Darren we are going to falmouth and need to camp in our hymer for free, i notice you say there is a long stay carpark, can you tell me where it is in falmouth?

Thanks or if you have any other suggestions near by would be greatly appreciated

I camped up for months last year when working in Falmouth on pendennis point with no problems and an amazing view. There were always a fair few vans there. I would always get there after 6pm and leave at about 630am.

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Home › Travel Guides › Cornwall

Your Tour: Cornwall’s Coast and Country

Sam and Rosemary Johnson find there is so much to enjoy in Cornwall's gorgeous coast and country

By Practical Motorhome Published: December 8, 2021

The story of this holiday begins at the end of our previous trip. Rose’s cousin Fran, to whom we had paid a flying visit while in Cornwall for the New Year, invited us to return for longer in summer. We were only too happy to oblige and by late February, all of us had got as far as booking time off in late July.

We all know what happened next. A certain pesky virus saw non-essential travel prohibited, brought the hospitality industry to a standstill and meant that a planned weekend away for my birthday in April had to be abandoned.

The lockdown continued into May, and it was looking as though summer holidays might not be a feature of 2020. But in June, things began to improve, until it was finally confirmed that campsites could reopen from 4 July.

We booked two sites, planning a week’s stay at each. A prompt start on Sunday morning saw us arrive at the first, East Crinnis Holiday Park, near St Austell, by early afternoon.

The staff gave us a warm welcome, showed us to a beautiful pitch and advised that the nearest beach, Carlyon Bay, was a 20-minute walk.

With the sun blazing in a manner quite unsuited to a typical British summer, we lost little time in making our way along the cliff path. My swim in the sea was the first of many over the coming two weeks, and the presence of a bar and pizza oven on the beach really was the icing on the cake.

Walking onto a film set

The next morning, we had a look at a map and realised that if we walked past Carlyon Bay and continued on the cliff path for about another 20 minutes, we would arrive at Charlestown.

Built as a Georgian ‘New Town’ at the end of the 18th century for exporting copper and china clay and importing coal, Charlestown is named after its creator, local entrepreneur Charles Rashleigh.

The town remains almost entirely unspoilt by modern development, and is a popular location for films and TV shows, with Poldark, Hornblower and Mansfield Park among its many credits.

The sun was beating down from a clear sky and our walk included inventive moves on Rose’s part to find shade. We didn’t mind, because the views were breathtaking and Charlestown was rather wonderful. With a fleet of square-rigged ships moored in the harbour, it felt as though we were strolling onto a film set.

There’s another reason for it being memorable – it was the location of my first (but by no means last) Cornish pasty of this holiday!

Charlestown hosts the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, in a historic china clay building. We were told this is well worth a visit, but with the temperature rising, we opted for the beach.

Porthpean, a mile along the coast from St Austell, is a wide, sheltered bay, popular for kayaking, windsurfing, rock pooling and swimming. The only disadvantage was its east-facing position, which meant that by the time we arrived in the late afternoon, the beach was largely in shade.

In the morning, though… wow! I got up early next day to go and have a look, and was rewarded by stunning scenes of the sun reflected off the sea, all the way to the horizon. The temptation to swim was irresistible – even though the water proved to be much colder than it looked!

Fowey and Mevagissey

Later – after an excellent bacon sandwich from the campsite café – we drove the six miles to Fowey (pronounced ‘Foy’). Named after the estuary on which it lies, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this is a charming town, with medieval buildings complemented by more recent Georgian developments.

Fowey’s streets have many independent shops selling clothes, jewellery, art and other such items. Personally, I preferred to experience the view from the water, and there are plenty of boat operators catering for that. We chose a very scenic 45-minute cruise along the estuary, which takes in plenty of interesting sights.

Among them are two 14th-century gatehouses on either side off the harbour mouth. These were once used to suspend chains to close the harbour when needed. Ferryside, meanwhile, on the other side of the river at Bodinnick, was the home of author Daphne du Maurier, where she wrote her first novel, The Living Spirit , in 1931.

Point Neptune House could also be seen on the cruise – it is on the mouth of the Fowey Estuary and was built in 1862 by the Rashleigh family, who were prominent landowners. Until recently, it was the home of Dawn French, whom the boat skipper claimed was often to be spotted walking her dogs here. Then there was the former Lloyds Bank on Fowey Harbour. This luxury holiday home, then owned by TV chef Gordon Ramsey, could be rented – at up to £7000 per week.

Unfortunately, we were unable to board the ferry to Mevagissey (‘Meva’ to the locals), because social distancing constraints prevented it from operating. We drove there instead, which was the next best thing.

Mevagissey is a charming fishing village that has largely resisted any form of development. The harbour has been updated to accommodate modern fishing boats, but otherwise the narrow streets and alleys feel like they’ve barely changed. We loved it, especially Hurley Books, which sells a good selection of secondhand books, as well as maps, guides and works by local authors.

On your bike

I had decided before coming to Cornwall that one ‘must do’ activity would be to cycle the Camel Trail, which follows the route of an old railway line from the ancient county town of Bodmin to Padstow, on the coast.

However, discovering that there was an official cycle route to Bodmin from St Austell, crossing part of Bodmin Moor, I decided to expand my cycling journey to include this, at a total distance of 26 miles. Rose would drive to Padstow to spend time browsing the local shops and I would get an easy journey home.

I made this plan in blissful ignorance that first, the next day would be the hottest of our holiday, and second, the initial three miles out of St Austell are steeply uphill. By the time I managed to reach level terrain, so much sweat had run into my eyes, it was getting rather tricky to see!

And while I know it’s physically impossible for at least three-quarters of the rest of the way to Bodmin to be uphill, that’s what it felt like. The relief when I reached the Camel Trail, knowing this had to be sensibly flat, was immeasurable.

But the ride was worth it. The first six miles of the Camel Trail, to the pretty market town of Wadebridge, passed mostly through woodland and felt refreshingly cool. Many of the former station platforms remain intact, and there are several tea rooms where you can enjoy a break.

The next part of the route takes your breath away. It follows the Camel Estuary, a deep valley that became submerged by post-glacial rising sea levels. I was fortunate enough to see the estuary at low tide, when mud flats, sandbanks and reed beds are exposed and teem with wading birds. It’s simply sensational.

Padstow is everything you could want a fishing village to be. You can lose yourself watching the ebb and flow of activity in the busy harbour, and when hunger drags you out of your reverie, there is every possible type of eatery, from bakeries, to cafés selling the catch of the day, to Rick Stein’s gourmet seafood restaurant. It’s also surrounded by glorious sandy beaches.

Sadly, we were by no means the only people to have decided to pay a visit that day, and the narrow streets and small shops felt uncomfortably crowded. So, after a much-needed cold drink and a short but exhilarating ride in a speedboat to the head of the Camel Estuary, we drove north to Port Isaac. This village is perhaps best known for its role as Portwenn in TV series Doc Martin . I could recognise some of the street scenes, but couldn’t for the life of me remember which house features as the doctor’s surgery. Of course, it turned out not to be one that I photographed!

I ended the day with another swim, this time off the beautiful sandy beach at Mawgan Porth, at sunset. It’s almost impossible to put into words how great that was, but ‘perfect’ will do for now.

Looe and Polperro

Sadly, ‘perfect’ isn’t a word we felt able to use to describe Looe, where we decided to visit the following day, after waking to see that it had dawned cloudy and overcast.

Yes, its setting on the river is pleasant, and the wide sandy beach would probably have felt more inviting on a brighter day. But the town features mostly chain stores and lacks the unique feel of some of the other places we had visited.

So – after a consolation cream tea – we drove to the neighbouring village of Polperro, and found this to be much more to our taste.

Built in a river valley, the original settlement here is believed to date back to the 12th century. Now, whitewashed cottages cling to the hillsides around the small harbour. Some of the buildings house the obligatory mixture of boutiques and souvenir shops, but it’s easy to imagine the same places in the late 18th century, when they were more likely to have been used to hide smuggled goods, including brandy, tea, gin and tobacco.

Apparently, Polperro’s very isolated location made it particularly difficult for the customs authorities to catch smugglers in possession of their contraband.

The next day began with another early morning swim off the beach at Carlyon Bay – if only I lived closer to the sea, I could get used to this – followed by a visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

These world-famous gardens were once part of a vast estate, built by the Tremayne family in 1603 and operated totally self-sufficiently. At its peak in the late 19th century the estate included farms, woods, quarries and a brewery.

Sadly, World War I put an end to that enterprise. All of the 22 garden staff signed up for battle, and only six of them were to survive. The house itself became a convalescent home, before being rented out to tenants after the war and later sold as flats.

Horticultural heaven

With no labour or money available to maintain the gardens, they fell into complete disrepair and eventually became overgrown and forgotten.

That is until 1990, when a chance meeting between Tremayne family descendant John Willis, businessman Tim Smit and restoration builder John Nelson led to the discovery of the derelict buildings, glasshouses and pathways beneath the dense layers of overgrowth.

The decision was made to restore the lost gardens to the design and condition of their 1890s heyday. Today, vegetables are grown in walled gardens, meat is produced from their own turkeys, Ryeland lambs and Tamworth pigs and – more remarkable still – the gardens include the UK’s only tropical jungle! Growing in a former quarry, a unique microclimate allows the tropical plants to thrive here. If you’re feeling adventurous, it is also possible to cross above the jungle on the UK’s longest Burmese rope bridge.

Gardens of a different kind

We had waited until our final day in St Austell, when the heaviest showers were forecast, to visit the Eden Project. The transformation from a worked-out china clay pit to the largest captive rainforest in the world in a little over three years was simply spectacular.

The abundant rainforest plants are all housed in a huge bubble-shaped biome, which is apparently large enough to fit the Tower of London inside it, twice over. The main goal of this amazing project is to highlight our dependency on plants, and you can see first-hand how the plants provide natural habitats for birds and insects, and can be used to grow bananas and coffee beans, and to produce rubber, sugar and chocolate.

A second, smaller biome houses more than 1000 varieties of plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa, California and Western Australia. The sights and scents are just beautiful.

By its very nature, the experience promotes the need for conservation, and for me this was exemplified out strongly by Topsy the Turtle. On one hand, this is just an unusually shaped receptacle for the disposal of plastic bottles and packaging. On the other, it highlights, simply and poignantly, the problem of plastic in our oceans.

The Eden Project is fascinating, but with our visit over by mid-afternoon, the rain gone and the sun broken through, we were looking for something else to do.

Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, near Truro, for which admission tickets were still available was the ideal solution. Pandemic restrictions sadly meant they were unable to offer guided tours of the modern cider production warehouse, but it was still possible to take a self-guided tour around the museum, housing cider-making machinery through the ages, and to admire the farm animals.

You can also sample some of the products – nominate someone else to drive and make the most of it! These include not only the excellent Rattler cider, but also spirits from Cornwall’s first distillery in over 300 years, located on the same premises. The single malt was good, but even I balked at paying over £100 a bottle!

The land that time forgot

Our second week had arrived all too quickly, and this meant moving on to another campsite, on the Helford River peninsula. The first thing that greeted us on our arrival at the site was the view of the river in the valley below.

This is quite simply spellbinding, not just because of its beauty – it really is beautiful – but also because there is barely a building in sight. It felt as though we had entered a part of Cornwall that time had forgotten, an illusion which didn’t really go away as we explored the local area.

The villages of Helford, Gweek and Mullion all looked as though they hadn’t changed very much since the days when the pubs were frequented by smugglers plotting their next escapades, only for their dastardly plans to be foiled by the efforts of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five.

And while Lizard Point – the most southerly spot in mainland Britain – is unsurprisingly more developed for tourists, if you visit during a stiff breeze and stand facing the sea, it still feels wild. Time may not have entirely forgotten this lovely part of the world, but there are some things that it remains powerless to change.

Seals of approval

In what was a fortnight of continuous highlights, the next day was among the best, partly because we visited the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. This is a charity whose main mission is to rescue and rehabilitate grey seal pups that become stranded on the local coastline.

Some might be injured or malnourished, while others have become separated from their mother. During the breeding season (September-March), around 70 seals are rescued, treated and released back into the wild. A small number, including the 19-year-old, blind, probably brain-damaged Ray, become permanent residents.

We were lucky enough to visit the enclosure at feeding time, which is a wonderful spectacle. It’s astonishing to see how animals that are really so clumsy on land become so smooth and streamlined when they enter the water. They would probably say the opposite about us humans!

As the work being undertaken at the centre has grown, it’s no longer just seal pups that they treat. Other ‘patients’ now include sea lions, penguins and otters, and they also look after ponies, goats and sheep in their own unique way. Who would have thought that giving the goats a trampoline to play on would be such a success?

However, this day was also special because, after over a week of waiting, we finally got to meet up with cousin Fran and her daughters Alicia (16), Olivia (12) and Uno (10). The reminiscences and chit-chat went on for almost as long as our visits to the animals. During one of these chats, Fran mentioned that her favourite place in Cornwall was St Michael’s Mount. It’s easy to see why.

This small, rocky island, crowned by a medieval castle and a Benedictine abbey, is only accessible by crossing a causeway at low tide. The view from the beach at Marazion – the closest point on the mainland – is absolutely stunning.

We decided that we had to visit but there were a couple of snags. First, the combination of the island being under private ownership and those irksome social distancing restrictions meant that entry was by ticket only. And the earliest day on which tickets would become available was after the end of our holiday.

But with the weather next day possibly the most glorious it had been yet – and that really is saying something – we decided to have a picnic on the beach anyway, in the hope that we might at least be able to wander across the causeway and take a closer look.

But the tide was high when we arrived, and even after our very leisurely lunch, it still hadn’t retreated enough for the causeway to become fully exposed. So, what to do while we waited? Well, finally managing to persuade Rose to join me in a swim was one pleasant distraction. Meanwhile, Olivia had decided that she would use the time to practise doing some handstands. Una promptly followed suit, although her valiant attempts fell a little bit flat (and wet!).

Breakfast, bike, barbecue, beach

Back at the campsite and poring over a map, we discovered that we had somehow managed to miss out the village of Coverack from our tour of the local surroundings a few days earlier.

We redeemed this by visiting this pretty place the following morning for breakfast, bought from Archie’s Loft and eaten outdoors with views of the picturesque harbour. At Rose’s insistence, I must also mention their congress tarts (the south-west’s version of Bakewells), which are – in her words – ‘divine’.

Breakfast was followed by a short (but steep) bike ride around the Helford Peninsula and then a barbecue, which was again hosted by Fran and at which it was wonderful to meet her partner Tamsen, eldest daughter Indie and sister Ayisha, all of whom had been unable to join us before because of their work commitments.

This was in turn followed by a visit to a local beach, where I enjoyed what would be the final sunset swim of our holiday.

Messing about in boats

The next day was the last one of our trip. Where does the time go? We found the perfect way to spend it – accompanied by Fran, Olivia and Una, we decided to hire a self-drive motorboat. No previous experience is required and believe me, if I can drive it, anyone can. We motored up the river exploring coves and inlets.

If our exploration on land earlier in the week had felt like something from Enid Blyton, today’s expedition was more reminiscent of The Wind in the Willows . And Ratty was absolutely right when he said: “there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half as much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”.

Especially if you happen to be on the Helford River at the time. This gorgeous area looks just as unspoilt from the water as it does from the land. Peaceful, beautiful, wonderful.

Home cooking

That evening we enjoyed a special treat when we were invited by Rose’s other cousin, Mark, and his wife, Mel, to their house for a delicious home-cooked meal. I should have taken a photo to mark this occasion, but for some reason, I clean forgot. We still have the memories, though, and they’re wonderful ones to complete our holiday. We returned home feeling happy, relaxed, refreshed, but most of all thankful.

Thankful to lovely Cornwall for being every bit as beautiful as we could have dreamed. Thankful to the weather, for being mostly glorious. And to all of Rose’s extended family for being so warm and welcoming during our stay.

But perhaps most of all, we were unexpectedly grateful to the virus, for remaining reasonably at bay and allowing us to enjoy our summer holiday as we had hoped and intended.

Sometimes, we feel that we have more luck than anyone is really entitled to expect!

TOUR ESSENTIALS

High season in Cornwall is Easter to October, although many of the larger attractions remain open all year round.

Like most people travelling from central England, we followed the M5 and the A30. On Saturdays (the main changeover day for static caravans and holiday homes) this route is best avoided!

Where we stayed

East Crinnis Holiday Park

• Par Moor Road, Par, PL24 2SQ
• Web www.eastcrinnis.com
• Open 12 April – 31 October
• Charges £17-£34

An immaculate site that includes two large toilet and shower blocks, a small shop and cafe, and a pond devoted to conservation of local wildlife. Live outdoor music and children’s storytelling are held on some summer evenings. Accommodation in log cabins and yurts is also available.

Helford River C&CC Certificated Site

• Halanoweth, St Martin, TR12 6DE
• Web helfordrivercamping.co.uk
• Open 12 April – 30 September
• Charges £13-£16

Access to this CS is not the easiest, and facilities are basic. But it’s peaceful, the pitches are level and the views are simply stunning. The pasties from Gear Farm (just opposite the site entrance) are to die for!

You can also get more great campsite inspiration for the county by taking a look at our guide to the best motorhome sites in Cornwall .

Food and Drink

The range is just about endless, and there is plenty to choose from, apart from the pasties, cream teas and fabulous seafood. This is a small selection of the many great places that we sample during our stay:

• The Old Ship Hotel : Padstow, PL28 8AE
• The Britannia Inn: Par, PL24 2SL
• The Black Swan: Gweek, TR12 6TU
• Gear Farm Pasty Company: St Martin, TR12 6DE

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Padstow is everything you could want a fishing village to be You can lose yourself watching the ebb and flow of activity in the busy harbour

Cornwall in a Campervan – our favourite places

Sunshine, seagulls, roaring surf and miles of sandy beaches – add to that a stunning coastline, clifftop walks, views to take your breath away, picturesque harbours, secluded coves and bustling towns, and you have that most glorious of places – Cornwall.

Read on, as we tell you the best spots to visit when you visit Cornwall in a campervan.

TOURING CORNWALL IN A CAMPERVAN

Cornwall is a mecca for people touring in their motorhomes and campervans – us included. We love Cornwall and have been visiting and exploring for many years and feel like we know it inside out. So we decided to share the love, and let you in on some of our favourite places…

Cornish Fishing Villages & Harbours – Our Top 3:

You can’t actually get much better than St Ives, especially if you visit out of season when the crowds have left it to its wonderful quality of light and its raw beauty. Park up on the outskirts and meander down toward the town and the harbour.

St Ives has been an artists colony since the end of the 19th century and still draws artists from all over the world today. Its artistic residents are much in evidence with its many galleries and of course the magnificent Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth museum and sculpture garden.

Don’t just stick to the main streets though, it is worth exploring and taking the time to soak up the atmosphere. Be sure to walk around the higgledy-piggledy streets of the old town surrounding the harbour, where you can see the whitewashed fisherman’s cottages (with marvellous street names such as Teetotal Street). It really is quite magical.

Did you know?

Before the musician Donovan became famous, he busked and lived in St Ives with his friend Gypsy Dave. Donovan wrote the songs To Try for the Sun and Hey Gyp (Dig the Slowness ) about his time with Gypsy Dave.

Best Visited:

At any time really, but to see it at its best avoid the most crowded times and go for a dry clear day out of season.

Don’t attempt to drive down into the town itself – as with a lot of places in Cornwall the streets are narrow and not suitable for campervans or motorhomes.

Padstow was one of the first fishing villages we visited in Cornwall in our campervan, and as such, has a special place in our memories. These days it has become a mecca for foodies due to it being the home of Rick Stein’s restaurant and various other ventures.

Though many moons have passed since we first discovered Padstow, it’s still a lovely place to visit. There are shops to browse and plenty of places to get sustenance and have a relaxing drink. It’s nice just sitting on one of the benches around the harbour and looking at the boats. Or if you fancy it, you can take the ferry over to Rock (the other side of the estuary) it’s a scenic ride across and takes around 5 or 10 minutes.

If you are feeling energetic then we can highly recommend hiring a bike and cycling the Camel trail. Its route takes you out of Padstow and over the bridge (see picture below) and along the side of the estuary. The Camel Trail runs along a disused railway line all the way to Wadebridge (the first section) then onto Bodmin for the second. You can do as little (or as much of it) as you like and the trail is level and traffic free. It’s a fabulous way to see the scenery.

Padstow’s famous ‘Obby ‘Oss festival is a celebration that takes place on May day, and is thought to be one of the oldest surviving festivals in the UK. The streets and harbour are adorned with flags, flowers, and greenery, ready for the grand procession where two “osses”, one red and one blue, emerge from their stables and swirl and dance through Padstow’s streets. The event attracts thousands of people each year.

On a clear calm day to ride along the camel trail, or a warm evening so you can stroll around the harbour and maybe get some fish and chips from Rick Stein’s takeaway.

If you are not exploring the camel trail by bike, it is still a pleasant place to take a walk and enjoy the scenery.

3. Mousehole

Mousehole ( pronounced “Mowzel” ) is a lovely little harbour village not far from Penzance. The pleasure of visiting Mousehole starts on the drive there as it gives stunning views back over Mounts Bay to St Michaels Mount . We parked our campervan on the side of the road (with all the views) and walked along into the village.

Mousehole is only a tiny village but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in charm. Centred around the harbour, the narrow streets are wonderful to explore. We were amazed to discover a plaque outside one of the houses telling the story of how Mousehole was destroyed in a raid by Spaniards in 1595, and that the whole village was burned to the ground.

It turned out that the only surviving building was the one we were standing outside (see picture below). The plaque (not shown) reads – Squire Jenkyn Keigwin was killed here on 23 July 1595 defending this house against the Spaniards. Wow!

That Mousehole is famous throughout Cornwall for its Christmas lights . They are switched on in mid-December, and for 40 years have been drawing people from far and wide to see the quayside, harbour, and cottages, illuminated with lights.

On a dry day when you have time to explore the streets around the harbour, or at Christmas time to see the lights.

Do as we did and park outside the village, then enjoy the sea views and the walk into Mousehole. It’s not too far and there’s lots to see on the way.

It was such hard work narrowing down our top 3 Cornish fishing villages & harbours, t hat we couldn’t bring ourselves to finish without mentioning just a couple more…

Cadgwith Cove on the Lizard is like taking a trip back in time, small and beautiful with a sense of nothing having changed for a 100 years. Be aware that it is quite a walk down to the cove, but the glimpses of thatched roofs and blue ocean make it worth it.

Tip: If you drive past the first large car park, you will find another smaller one further down the hill.

Porthleven – now we know that Cornwall isn’t always sunny, so if the wind is picking up and there’s a storm brewing, then head to Porthleven harbour and experience the exhilaration of watching the crashing waves.

Tip: Make sure to heed the warning signs and stay well back from any danger.

Touring Cornwall in a Campervan – Beaches

We are going to turn our attention to those glorious golden stretches of sand, and tell you about our favourite Cornish beaches…

Cornish Beaches – Our Top 3

We thought it was hard to narrow down the fishing villages and harbours to just three – this is going to be even worse. There are so many beautiful beaches in Cornwall… sigh . We are just going to have to do our best to whittle them down to our absolute, absolute favourites. Wish us luck!

1. Treyarnon Bay and Constantine Bay

For us, a trip to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Treyarnon Bay and Constantine Bay on the north Cornwall coast. If we are not staying on one of the campsites close by (the touring field at Treyarnon Bay Caravan Park or at nearby Trethias Farm ) then we visit for the day. There is a large car park close to the beach at Treyarnon where you can park up and walk down to the sand.

Just a short walk along the clifftop and you come to Constantine Bay . Constantine has a gorgeous golden stretch of sand and when the surf’s up it’s a great place for surfers and windsurfers and on a calm day it can look almost like some south seas tropical beach. Climb the wooden steps at the far side of Constantine beach and you will see Booby’s bay – the perfect place for rock pooling.

Take the cliff path on the far side of Treyarnon beach for some stunning cliff top views. If you are feeling energetic you can walk all the way to Porthcothan beach . If you don’t fancy the walk then Porthcothan beach is only a short drive away, and has a car park just across the road.

Though the roads around this area can be tight and winding, the beaches and cliff path walks are stunning. I’m sure once you’ve visited, you too will be a convert. You can read more about all these beaches here – Seven Bays .

You can take the B3276 coast road from St Merryn (to Newquay) and about 5 miles out, you’ll come to Bedruthan Steps where there is a National Trust car park and cafe – there are walks from the car park and fabulous views across the coast from here.

On a sunny day to enjoy the beaches, a calm clear morning to take a gentle walk along the cliff path, or a windy day to see the waves crashing on the rocks between Treyarnon and Constantine.

While you are in the area pop along and visit Padstow (no. 2. in our top fishing harbours and villages). It is only about 3 miles away.

  2. Gwithian and Godrevy

As soon as we parked up in the car park between Gwithian and Godrevy beaches and saw the dunes, the long stretches of sand and the glistening ocean, we immediately asked ourselves how it was that we’d never been here before. Enjoy a walk across the long flat sands of Godrevy beach –  the views of Godrevy lighthouse are stunning from there.

We stayed pretty close by at Treglisson Campsite at Hayle, and each evening we’d join the other motorhomes and campervans parked up in the car park above the beach – everyone watching the surfers and windsurfers and waiting to experience the spectacle of the beautiful sunsets over St Ives Bay. This really is Cornwall at its very best.

That if you take a drive to North Cliffs, you can park up in one of the free car parks and walk along the coast path toward Godrevy point. There you can peek over the cliff and see the Grey Seal colony in Mutton Cove and also get a great view of the lighthouse on Godrevy Island.

Beaches – best visited in the evening to see the sunsets, or any time to watch the waves and enjoy the surfers and windsurfers. If you are walking up to Mutton Cove to see the seals, then make sure to go at low tide as the seals will be easier to see as they lounge about on the sand and rocks.

While you are in the vicinity, don’t forget to visit St Ives (no. I. in our top fishing villages and harbours).

3. Poldhu Beach

There are three reasons that Poldhu made it into the list of our top beaches. The first, of course goes without saying – it is a gorgeous beach! But as we are also considering the experience of visiting them in our campervan, then the large car park just over the road really helps.

We visited on a crisp, cold, but sunny day and the beach was almost empty, but with a blue sky and white-tipped waves it looked stunning, and the real icing on the cake was the great little beach cafe. We ordered a hot chocolate from the serving window outside and sat on one of the benches, cradling our warm drink while taking in the views.

When we’d finished we took a drive up the hill at the side of the beach to visit the Marconi Centre and Memorial Monument . We were able to park easily and the views from the top of the hill are fabulous.

That, thanks to Marconi, Poldhu Point became the site of one of the great technological advances of the early twentieth century. On 12 December 1901, a wireless signal was sent from Poldhu to Newfoundland in Canada. This first transatlantic radio signal was a forerunner of satellite communications, radio, television, mobile phones, broadband and the Internet. We certainly have a lot to thank Marconi and Poldhu for!

When it’s not too busy and you want to relax outside the cafe with a coffee or hot chocolate.

If you are going to be visiting the Marconi centre, then please check the opening times before you go.

Touring Cornwall in a Campervan – is worthy of a book, not just a blog post. There are so many other places that were screaming out for us to mention them, but we had to stop somewhere, and this is it. I hope you manage to visit some of the places we’ve mentioned and that you too experience the magic that happens when you visit Cornwall in a Campervan!

If you’d like to read about more of our trips (for ideas or inspiration) then check out our post – Where to go in your Campervan.

“Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.”

– jamie lyn beatty.

Cornwall Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips

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The southernmost county in England, Cornwall is famous for its fabulous beaches, picturesque villages, Celtic heritage, and rich inland history. Wrapped together in a breathtaking landscape that is almost surrounded by sea, Cornwall is packed with activities and days out, making it one of the best UK road trips.

One of my favorite holiday spots as a kid, activities like surfing and hiking, spending lazy days on the beach, visiting attractions and learning about history and culture, and sampling the delicious local food means the best of Cornwall has plenty to keep everyone busy!

In this ten day Cornwall road trip guide we share travel tips, a fantastic route that hits all the top spots, things to do and see along the way, and hotel recommendations to help you plan your perfect road trip around Cornwall.

Where is Cornwall England?

Cornwall is a historic and ceremonial county in the southwest of England, bordered to the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean, to the south by the English Channel, and to the east by the county of Devon, with the River Tamar forming the border.

Cornwall forms the westernmost part of the South West Peninsula of the island of Great Britain, with the southwesternmost point being Land’s End and the southernmost Lizard Point. 

The ceremonial county of Cornwall also includes the Isles of Scilly, which are administered separately. Cornwall’s administrative center is Truro, the only city in the county.

Is this your first time visiting the United Kingdom? Get all the information you need in our UK Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Getting to Cornwall

Whether you’re taking a Cornwall road trip in a car, motorcycle, campervan, or motorhome, self-driving is absolutely the best way to explore this spectacular part of the United Kingdom.

You can stop whenever you want, try new activities, visit places you see along the route, and have the freedom to change plans at the last minute.

One of our top road trip tips that will make a huge difference to your Cornish road trip is not to drive to Cornwall on a  Friday ,  Saturday,  or  Bank Holiday !

This is because lots of holiday lets, caravans and campsites have ‘changeover’ day on a Saturday, so the one single A30 main road which crosses into Cornwall just before Launceston is often gridlocked, meaning the A303, which is the main arterial south from the south of England, also backs up. Nightmare!

If you’re coming to Cornwall by plane, fly into Newquay Airport to start your roadtrip, with direct flights from London Gatwick, Manchester, Doncaster, Liverpool, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

If you’re coming from further afield, head to  London Gatwick Airport  and connect from there, or pick up a hire car and take a road trip to Cornwall through the counties of Surrey, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset and Devon, a journey of around 4-5 hours. We recommend booking flights with Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Are you planning to rent a car in Cornwall? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best car rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a roadtrip in England.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in the UK. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Motorhoming in Cornwall can be a challenge, with narrow lanes and small villages – unless you’re an experienced motorhomer , a campervan is probably a better idea 🙂

Best Time for a Cornish Road Trip

March to may.

Early spring can be wet and cold on the Cornish coast but from  late April  and  May  onwards the weather is generally warm and sunny, although you may still get chilly rainy days, so take layers and keep your eye on the weather forecast – a real British occupation!

June to August

During the busiest time in Cornwall, tourist traffic peaks in late July and August , and the roads into the county can become congested. It’s also when Cornwall experiences the warmest and driest weather, making it an attractive place to spend the school summer holidays. But, you’ll need to book your accommodation well in advance, as popular spots book up early.

If you’re not traveling with kids, June is the best month to visit – the weather is mild and sunny, attractions are open and beach days are a real possibility, but there are a lot fewer people around.

September to November

Early autumn , between September and early October, is a lovely time to visit, with warmth still in the air but a sense of peace as the season comes to a close.

Towards the end of September , the Cornish weather starts to turn and becomes unpredictable. Some days can be sunny and dry, but the chances of rain and windy Atlantic storms increase by the day.

December to February

You’re unlikely to see snow, but it most definitely will be cold, wet, and pretty miserable. You may well be the only tourist in the entire county, but it wouldn’t be our choice to road trip Cornwall in winter !

RELATED POST: 14 Stunning Places for Autumn Breaks in the UK

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting England . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices and excellent service.

Cornwall Road Trip Map & Route

The region can be explored in 3 to 4 days, but you will only touch the surface. Instead, take 9 to 10 days to appreciate Cornwall’s breathtaking coastal views, historic landmarks, myths and legends, and exceptional cuisine.

The starting point for our ten day Cornwall itinerary is Looe on the south coast, an hour’s drive from Newquay Airport across the county on good main roads.

From there, you’ll follow the gentle and picturesque coast south, right down to the most southwesterly tip of Land’s End, before heading north along the wilder Atlantic Coast to experience some of Cornwall’s most famous spots.

You probably won’t be able to do and see all the things we suggest in this itinerary, which we’ve visited over many family holidays in Cornwall. But we wanted to include as much detail as possible, so you can pick the things you enjoy most and maybe spot others along the route.

• Get the Travel Guides
• Lonely Planet Devon & Cornwall
• The Rough Guide to Devon & Cornwall
• West Cornwall: Land’s End Guidebook: Penzance, Lamorna, Porthcurno, Zennor & St Ives

Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary

Looe – Mevagissey – St Mawes – Truro – Lizard – Penzance – Mousehole – Porthcurno – Land’s End – St Just – St Ives – Newquay – Padstow – Port Isaac – Tintagel – Bodmin Moor – Bude

• Distance 250 miles
• Duration 10 days
• Drive Time 8 hours

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Day 1: Looe to Mevagissey

The first day of the Cornwall road trip explores the lively town of Looe before heading southwest to the traditional Cornish fishing village of Mevagissey.

Start your exploration of Looe with a visit to the Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol to learn about the town’s history. Here you can explore the old jail cells and various artifacts, photographs, and records that are hundreds of years old.

Afterward, take a short walk to the harbor to try your hand at crabbing, a fun activity for the whole family. All you need are a bucket, net, and line which you can buy at the harbor, and some bait – crabs seem to like raw bacon best, but anything will do, even a bit of Cornish pasty! Just remember, you can’t eat these crabs and need to put them carefully back into the sea before you leave.

While at the harbor, visit the Looe Harbour Heritage Centre in the old Sardine Factory with exhibitions that detail Looe’s fishing history. Stop by the coffee shop for great views of the river.

See the morning out at East Looe Beach. You can fish, relax on the golden sands, or take a boat tour to Looe Island Nature Reserve, managed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust . The island, also known as St George’s Island, boasts a variety of animals, birds, and fascinating history.

For lunch, go to the charming Lookout or the colorful Island View Café for stunning views of the island. 

About 23 miles from Looe, stop at the 30-acre Pinetum Gardens in St Austell. The gardens boast over 6000 types of plants and offer a lovely backdrop for gorgeous pictures or taking a walk before hitting the road to Mevagissey . 

Once in the charming fishing village of Mevagissey, visit the local museum in the old schoolhouse. It displays the village’s history, fishing, and local life. Model train enthusiasts will also enjoy the Mevagissey Model Railway Museum , which has numerous well-preserved working train models.

Book a boat trip or sea safari at the harbor to try your hand at sea fishing, or if you want to explore the coastal caves and hidden caves, and see the local wildlife, like dolphins and seals.

If you prefer a land-based activity, take the six-minute drive northwest of Mevagissey to explore the fantastic Lost Gardens of Heligan . These beautiful gardens are Europe’s largest garden restoration and are filled with exotic plants, sculptures, and hidden treasures, with productive gardens, pleasuare gardens and even a jungle to explore.

Back in town, treat yourself to something at The Cornish Fudge Shop , your first opportunity to sample one of Cornwall’s most famous foods, handmade with local ingredients and love!

For dinner, visit the Salamander Restaurant or try the exceptional fish and chips at The Fishermen’s Chippy if you don’t mind a takeaway.

• Where to Stay in Mevagissey

Upmarket: Lugger Hotel Portloe – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: The Llawnroc Hotel Gorran Haven – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Wheel House B&B – Booking.com | Agoda

Eden Project Side Trip

Located in St Blazey between Looe and Mevagissey, the Eden Project is one of Cornwall’s huge success stories. Built on a reclaimed china clay pit a few miles from St Austell, this otherworldy place is worthy of a full day’s visit.

A global garden, where you can discover the natural world and explore huge covered biomes, the Eden Project is home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest and a beautiful and fragrant indoor Mediterranean garden. There are also extensive outdoor gardens, contemporary artworks, performance and storytelling and a handful of cool places to eat.

Day 2: Mevagissey to Truro

The second day of the itinerary takes you to the lush Roseland Peninsula and the inland capital of Truro. 

Roseland Peninsula

The Roseland Peninsula is about 16 miles from Mevagissey and boasts stunning landscapes and picturesque villages.

Start your trip to the peninsula on the western part of St. Mawes. Visit the historical St. Mawes Castle, one of King Henry VIII’s best-preserved coastal artillery fortresses, which has beautiful views of the Fal Estuary, or you can admire the views on a boat trip from St. Mawes to Falmouth, the Fal Estuary, and the nearby St. Anthony’s Head.

On the eastern ‘finger’ of the peninsula, you can visit one of several beaches, including Portscatho Beach, Towan Beach, and Little and Great Molunan Beach on the southern tip – the latter neighbors St. Anthony’s Head , which is an excellent spot for birdwatching.

To save some driving time, catch the King Harry Ferry , a vehicular chain ferry that crosses the River Fal in Cornwall from Philleigh to Trelissick in just five minutes.

Truro 

En route to Truro , stop at the Punchbowl and Ladle for classic British pub grub and small plates before continuing your journey.

Approximately half an hour north of Roseland is the beautiful town of Truro. It is the capital of Cornwall and offers travelers a lot of history and stunning natural scenery. 

See what is on at the Gothic Revival-style Truro Cathedral , who provide a rich visitor experience through worship, music, events, arts and learnin. Afterward, take a short walk to the Royal Cornwall Museum , which offers interesting exhibits on Cornwall’s history, culture, and natural environment.

Truro is also known for its shopping. Stroll through the town center to visit various independent shops, boutiques, and larger chain stores.

Go for an early dinner at The Rising Sun Pub or The Cornish Vegan , which serves an entirely vegan menu.

• Where to Stay in Truro

Upmarket: The Alverton – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: County Arms – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Barley Sheaf – Booking.com | Agoda

Falmouth Side Trip

If you have an extra half a day, Falmouth on the beautiful Fal River in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is well worth visiting.

The spirit of the sea boasts a rich maritime heritage and is home to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall , some great beaches, tall ships, traditional Cornish pilot gig rowing, kayaking and diving.

Falmouth is also a creative town, full of art galleries, exhibitions and a loads of independent shops and boutiques. The award-winning Falmouth Art Gallery is one of the leading galleries in the South West.

Day 3: Truro to Penzance

The third day of the Cornwall road trip offers the dramatic Lizard Peninsula and pretty Penzance.

Lizard Peninsula

If you are traveling with children or you’re a big kid yourself, stop at the popular Flambards Theme Park in Helston en route to the Lizard Peninsula. 

Upon arrival in Lizard, known for its rugged coastline and picturesque landscapes, visit the southernmost point of mainland Britain. It offers stunning sea views, towering cliffs and sea stacks, and local wildlife.

The Lizard Heritage Coast stretches from Porthleven to Enys Head, the most southerly point of mainland England, and enjoys the warmest climate in mainland Britain. The Peninsula is a place of rugged coastline of Serpentine rock, gentle heath, and grassland, and hosts several coastal nature trails and the long-distance South West Coast Path .

There are good sandy beaches south of Porthleven including Gunwalloe Church Cove Beach, Kennack Sands and Kynance Cove . This small yet stunning bay has white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring underwater rock formations with a snorkel.

The Lizard Peninsula has several National Trust properties. Visit the historic Lizard Point Lighthouse , which offers guided tours, or the Trelowarren Estate and the fishing village of Poltesco.

Enjoy lunch at Polpeor Café in Lizard or Wavecrest Café in Lizard’s Point, which has lovely outdoor seating and ocean views.

En route to Penzance , stop at Marazion to visit St Michael’s Mount . This island is roughly 500 meters from the mainland and boasts an ancient castle and scenic gardens. You can reach the island via a causeway during low tide, or by boat from Marazion when the tide is too high to cross by foot.

In Penzance, just five miles from Marazion, you can experience a thriving arts community with plenty of galleries and studios to explore. The Newlyn School artists were attracted by the wonderful Cornish light and landscape, and are famous for  painting outdoors or en Plein air .

You can visit Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange and the Penlee House Gallery and Museum to see local artworks from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Another notable museum is the Cornwall Contemporary on Chapel Street, which celebrates local talent.

Walk along the promenade stretching for miles along the magnificent coast. It offers stunning views of the sea and the town and is a great way to take in the local scenery.

For a peaceful stroll surrounded by local flora, head to Morrab Gardens in the heart of Penzance, known for its Mediterranean and sub-tropical plants including the enormous Giant Gunnera, which benefit from the Gulf Stream climate. Outside of town, you’ll find the traditional Trengwainton Gardens and the natural and dog friendly Tanglewood Wild Garden .

Penzance is known for its fresh fish and seafood. Try some for dinner at the Michelin-starred The Shore Restaurant or Cork And Fork , known for using the freshest local ingredients.

• Where to Stay in Penzance

Upmarket: The Beach Club – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Crown Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Treventon Guest House – Booking.com | Agoda

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, find out how to road trip on a budget , or get ideas and inspiration with our favorite European road trips .

Day 4: Penzance to Land’s End  

The Penwith Heritage Coast wraps around the tip of Cornwall from Penzance to St Ives, and is our favorite part of Cornwall, with gorgeous beaches, legends aplenty and cute fishing ports.

Head south for the charming traditional fishing village of  Mousehole  (pronounced  Mowzle ), one of Cornwall’s hidden gems (as much as anything in this part of the world can be!). With a thriving harbor and a tumble of narrow cobbled streets to explore, there are lots of things to see and do in the village.

The tip of the Cornish peninsula has some amazing coves and beaches and Porthcurno is one of our all-time favorites. The soft white shell sands are overlooked by the open-air, cliffside Minack Theatre that hosts a range of summer performances and boasts breathtaking sea views. You’ll need to get to the beach early in the summer months, as the car park fills quickly.

If Portucurno is too busy for you, try nearby Pedn Vounder Beach which is reached by a craggy cliff path from the South West Coast Path, Porthchapel Beach which requires a similar scramble, or Porthgwarra Beach , which is a bit easier to access and has caves and rock pools to be explored when the tide is out.

A bit closer to Land’s End is the fabulous Nanjizal Beach . Also known as Mill Cove, the boulder-strewn beach is at the end of a shallow valley and boasts particularly clear water. It’s a spectacular 30 minute walk from Porthgwarra to Nanjizal Beach and the last bit is via steep steps – but it’s worth it once you get there!

Land’s End is the most westerly place in England and is famous for its dramatic cliffs, stunning views, and rugged coastline. Visit the Land’s End Visitor Centre , home to several attractions, including a 4D cinema, interactive exhibits, and a gift shop. It’s a great place to learn about the history and geography of the area. 

Ensure to get a photograph of the iconic Land’s End sign dating back to the 1950s and made famous by the thousands of celebrity End-to-Enders who have posed beside it before or after their journeys across the length of Great Britain from Scotland’s John O‘Groats to Land’s End.

Finish the morning with lunch at The Land’s End Restaurant or the Old Success Inn by Sennen Cove.

• Where to Stay around Land’s End

Upmarket: The Ship Inn Mousehole – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: The Land’s End Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Boskennal Farm Pod St Buryan – Booking.com | Agoda

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts and road trip songs for the journey!

Day 5: Land’s End to St Ives

Today sees you continuing along the Penwith Heritage Coast, through an area rich with history and legend, and Cape Cornwall, the only ‘cape’ in England.

Take the coast road from Land’s End past the glorious Sennen Cove, a great spot for a dip or a spot of bodyboarding as you head north to St Just , where you’ll be well into Poldark country!

Properly known as St Just-in-Penwith, St Just is situated on the edge of the moors and was originally the center of the tin mining industry in this part of Cornwall. The town’s past is reflected in the streets of granite cottages and disused engine houses which dominate the landscape. 

There are a couple of art galleries in town, including the Jackson Foundation Gallery , an award-winning and carbon-negative art space that celebrates the relationship between art and the natural world. There are also a good collection of gift and artisan craft shops, cafés, and places to eat in town.

Just to the west of St Just is Cape Cornwall , managed by the National Trust. The distinctive headland juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and is part of the so-called Tin Coast and a Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. There are fantastic walks from Sennen and Pendeen along the South West Coastal Path to the Cape.

As you begin to head north to St Ives, stop at one of the historic tin mines along to coast, to learn more about the industry that Cornwall’s economy was built upon. At Botallack , the famous Crowns engine houses cling to the foot of the cliffs and industrial ruins including chimney stacks and engine houses stretch across the wild landscape.

The Geevor Tin Mine Museum has underground hard hat tours led by ex-miners, and the chance to pan for minerals above ground, and at the Levant Mine and Beam Engine , you can watch the 1840 beam engine worked by steam and follow in the miners’ footsteps through the tunnel to the man-engine shaft.

Don’t miss the ancient landmarks of Lanyon Quoit, a megalithic tomb, and Mên-an-Tol, a Bronze Age site with a rare holed stone, believed to have curative powers.

If you fancy a late-afternoon dip as the sun starts to descend, head for Porthmeor Cove, Veor Cove, or Porthzennor Cove. If you prefer to stay dry, stop in at Rosemergy Farmhouse for a delicious Cornish cream tea – just make sure to spread the jam first, followed by the cream!

About 18 miles northeast of Land’s End is the picturesque coastal town of St. Ives , a popular tourist holiday destination. You’ll be arriving in the late afternoon, so check in and head down to Fore Street for restaurants, bars, and a lively holiday atmosphere well into the evening.

• Where to Stay in St Ives

Upmarket: Carbis Bay and Spa Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Harbour Hotel St Ives – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Stargazy Shepherds Hut – Booking.com | Agoda

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Day 6: st ives.

Make the most of your non-driving day by visiting one of St Ives’ seven fantastic beaches. The long stretch of Porthmoer Beach is where I spent hours bodyboarding in the waves as a kid, now a popular surfing beach along with Porthgwidden Beach and Bamaluz Beach.

Harbour Beach, Breakwater Beach, Lambeth Beach, and Porthminster Beach face into St Ives Bay, making them usually much calmer places to swim and paddle, and great for families with small kids.

If you want a huge, endless and often empty stretch of sand, head for Carbis Bay Beach, a mammoth 25 acres of golden sands lapped by beautifully clear water.

Art lovers can delight in St Ives’ art galleries, including the Tate St. Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden and Museum , in the sculptor’s former studio. These galleries showcase the work of some of the most renowned artists of the 1900s. Another notable gallery worth visiting is the Penwith Gallery hosting contemporary and historical exhibitions.

There is also the Leach Pottery Studio, founded by Bernard Leach, a British studio potter and art teacher, regarded as the ‘Father of British studio pottery’. You can take a tour of the studio and see the pottery being made.

For those with a sweet tooth, visit Moomaid of Zennor on Wharf Road. This popular ice cream parlor offers an array of intriguing flavors, like ‘Prosecco Sorbet’ or ‘Shipwreck,’ which combines sea salt, dulce de leche (caramelized milk), and honey.

Finally, take a late afternoon walk to St Ives Head and the small stone-built St Nicholas Chapel, also known as the Island Chapel. The small peninsula lies on the SW Coast Path and has spectacular sunset views.

If you are dining out, try The Searoom by St Ives Liquor Co. or The Bean Inn Vegetarian Restaurant if you have specific dietary requirements.

Day 7: St Ives to Padstow

The seventh day of the road trip lets you explore Newquay and Padstow. 

About 23 miles from St Ives en route to Newquay , stop at Healy’s Cornish Cyder Farm . You can book a tour of the farm and brewery and pick up some delicious Healy products, like cider jams, preserves, and country wines.

On the Atlantic Highway , Newquay is a seaside town boasting some of Britain’s best beaches, the most iconic being Fistral Beach, popular with surfers. Closer to town, Newquay Beach and Towan Beach with its sea-filled pool are popular with families, as is Great Western Beach with many caves and rockpools to explore at low tide.

Lusty Glaze – I just love that name – is like a theme park beach, with lots going on including junior Baywatch, high ropes courses, kite surfing, a daily BBQ, and even a crèche! And finally, if you want the opposite, with just sand, sea, and peace, head for Whipsiderry Beach, beautifully sheltered by the surrounding cliffs.

A Newquay family favorite is Trenance Gardens and Leisure Park . The park features beautiful gardens, a lake, and a mini-golf course. If you have time to spare before lunch, have a quick exploration of the Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre, dedicated to the aviation history of Cornwall and featuring a collection of aircraft, engines, and other aviation artifacts.

Treat yourself to a light lunch at Gwenna Teahouse or Fore Street Cafe Bar before continuing to Padstow.

Padstow is a charming working fishing port about 17 miles from Newquay. Before you get there, make a stop at Carnewas to see the Bedruthan Steps. This steep staircase features 149 steps that have been carved into the cliff face and serve as the only means to access the Bedruthan Beach beneath the cliffs, as well as giving magnificent views of the nearby rock stacks.

You’ll find lots of things to do in Padstow . Walk a bit of the Camel Trail, a scenic route alongside the River Camel, or stretch your legs and stroll around the colorful harbor full of fishing boats.

For an activity that is slightly less strenuous, visit the Padstow Museum . This small museum showcases the history of the town. It has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Padstow and its people. 

If you are traveling through Padstow between April and September, make sure to visit Prideaux Place , a stunning historic house built in the 1500s. It is open to the public and boasts gorgeous gardens and a collection of antique furniture and artwork.

Another must-see in Padstow is the beautiful interior of the 13th century St. Petroc’s Church, which stands where a church has stood since 518 CE.

If you have time, catch the summer ferry from Padstow to Rock, on the opposite side of the Camel Estuary. Known as ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’, Rock is reputed to be the home of more millionaires than anywhere else in Cornwall. But we’re more interested in the fabulous Rock Beach, a long sandy stretch that fronts the village and is popular with swimmers, sun seekers, and wind surfers.

Afterward, dine at the famous Rick Stein’s restaurant, Stein’s Fish ‘n Chips (open for dinner Thursday to Saturday), or Paul Ainsworth at No. 6 for a Michelin-starred experience.

• Where to Stay in Padstow

Upmarket: Padstow Townhouse – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: The Old Custom House – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Drang House – Booking.com | Agoda

Day 8: Padstow to Tintagel

On the eigth day of the Cornwall road trip, you will pass through Post Isaac and end the day in Tintagel.  

Port Isaac is a charming fishing village on the north coast of Cornwall, known for being the setting of the fictional village, Portwenn, in the ITV comedy-drama series Doc Martin . 

You can even go on a Doc Martin tour , which includes visiting the Doc Martin house at the top of Roscarrock Hill, easily recognizable from the show. Or you can take yourself to the town alone instead to walk around and admire the white-washed cottages, flower gardens, and historical buildings.

Visit the working Port Isaac fishing harbor, the heart of the village. Watch the boats on the slipway from the old-school harbor wall and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean and the charming Cornish cottages scattered around the bay. You can take a boat trip to explore the coastline or even hire a rod and go fishing to try your hand at angling. 

On land, you can explore Doyden Castle, a National Trust property and one of the best Cornwall castles to stay in , and the unique and beautiful handmade ceramics at the Port Isaac Pottery Studio . Afterward, visit the Old Schoolhouse Gallery, which exhibits work from local artists and artisans, including paintings, pottery, and jewelry.

About 10 miles / 16km from Port Isaac is the small coastal village of  Tintagel , known for its dramatic natural scenery, 13th century castle, and connections to the legend of King Arthur. 

Legend has it that the medieval Tintagel Castle on a clifftop overlooking the ocean was the birthplace of King Arthur, who was possibly a warrior that led British armies against Saxon invaders in the 6th century, although historians cannot confirm King Arthur’s existence.

You will also see Gallos, the King Arthur statue, an 8-foot-tall bronze sculpture by Rubin Eynon of a ghostly figure with a crown holding a sword, and Merlin’s Cave, beneath Tintagel Castle. This cave is said to be where the wizard Merlin once lived.

Visit the 14th century Post Office, which now serves as a museum, and St Materiana’s Church. The small chapel sits on a hill overlooking Tintagel, offering visitors panoramic views of the village and the rugged coastline.

Take a stroll around the village as Tintagel has a charming mix of shops, cafes, and galleries, as well as some interesting historical buildings.

Close to Tintagel village in Trethevy is the pretty Saint Nectan’s Glen, a wooded and rocky valley stretching for a mile along both banks of the Trevillet River. The glen’s most prominent feature is  St Nectan’s Kieve , a fantastic sixty-foot / 18-meter waterfall which flows through a hole in the rocks. Many believe the glen to be one of England’s most spiritual sites, and tie or place ribbons, crystals, and photographs near the waterfall.

End your day with a lovely dinner at the King Arthur’s Arms Inn Restaurant or Tintagel Brewery Bar and Bistro .

• Where to Stay around Tintagel

Mid-Range: St Tudy Inn Bodmin – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: King Arthurs Arms – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Dolphins Backpackers Hostel – Booking.com | Agoda

Day 9: Tintagel to Bude

On itinerary day nine, the road takes you to the mysterious Bodmin Moor and the holiday town of Bude.

Bodmin Moor

Pop inland from Tintagel and explore the wonderfully peaceful Bodmin Moor , or Goon Brenn in Cornish.

Bodmin Moor is 80 square miles / 208 square kilometers of granite moorland that dates from the Carboniferous period of geological history and is home to Brown Willy, which at 1,378 feet / 480 meters is the highest point in Cornwall, and Rough Tor, a slightly lower peak.

A deeply historic place, Bodmin Moor hosts countless ancient monuments, such as the Hurlers, Rillaton Barrow, the Trippet Stones, Leskernick, and countless other menhirs or standing stones, cairns, and settlements. The southeast corner of the moor forms part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.

One of the best ways to experience Bodmin is Alpaca trekking when you get to walk with these wonderful creatures and enjoy the far-reaching views of the moor, followed by a Cornish cream tea!

There are several beaches in Bude, including Summerleaze Beach, which is a central hub of sand, surf and sun and all the watersports you could want. Summerleaze is connected to Crooklets Beach, with its vast expanse of sand and rock pools when the tide is out. Between the two is the Bude Sea Pool, popular with swimmers and paddleboarders.

Make sure to visit the Cornish Pie Company for the best Cornish pasties, turnover-shaped baked shortcrust pastries filled with beef and vegetables. There are lots of details that make Cornish pasties Cornish , like the semi-circular shape and side-crimped along the curve, but all we know is that they are yummy!

• Where to Stay in Bude

Upmarket: The Beach – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: The Falcon Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Sea Jade Guest House – Booking.com | Agoda

England Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in England.

• Search for affordable flights to England with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in England with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in England with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in England with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in England

Whether you’re driving Cornwall in a car or camper or riding a motorbike, ensure you’ve got all your documents handy and your spare tire is in good condition. If your Cornwall road trip itinerary is longer than a few weeks , you may want to consider a vehicle service before you go, and breakdown cover is probably a good idea.

• Drivers from non-EU countries may require an International Driving Permit. The general rule is that an IDP will be required if your license is not in Latin script. Check with your car hire company or embassy if you’re in doubt.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Your car must be considered roadworthy in the country in which it is registered.
• Your headlights must be adapted for driving on the left if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
• Unlike France, the UK does not have laws that require you to carry certain equipment in your car, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. Being prepared in the event of an accident or a breakdown is invaluable. Ideally, you should carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit, and a fire extinguisher.
• Understand insurance options, mileage limits, and fuel policies before booking a rental car.
• Check the car for damage on collection and make sure anything you spot is noted, and the same again when you drop it off.
• Remember to drive on the left during your trip to England!

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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Pitch up with your motorhome or campervan

Motorhome sites in cornwall.

With 5-star facilities and just a short distance from the beach its little wonder that Trevornick is considered one of the best motorhome sites in Cornwall!

Old or new, big or small, whatever your motorhome or campervan may be there’s a pitch that’s right for you at our holiday park.

You can choose from six different types of pitches for your stay including grass, electric, hard standing and fully serviced.

Use the filter, below, to find your perfect pitch at our motorhome site in Cornwall!

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Great range of facilities

Our motorhome site in Cornwall: the perfect base to explore!

Here at Trevornick we’re blessed with a stunning location on the north Cornwall close, just a short distance from the resort of Newquay.

This means that we’re handily located so you can see the best attractions, idyllic destinations and beautiful beaches Cornwall has to offer – without having to venture too far!

One of the county’s finest beaches, our very own Holywell Bay, is just a short walk away from our motorhome site, so you can be on the sand or in the water in next to no time.

Great facilities on site

We’ve also got a range of things you and your family can enjoy on park, too. This includes an outdoor swimming pool, which is heated to 28 degrees, Jacuzzi and Sauna. You can even treat yourself to a treatment at the Tranquillity Spa before soaking up the Cornish sunshine on the poolside loungers.

All our motorhome or campervan guests can also make use of the immaculate shower and toilet block and well-stocked on-site shop, café and bar.

If you fancy putting your sports skills to the test there’s also our fantastic Par 3 golf course, football field and fishing lakes.

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8 Best Motorhome Sites in Cornwall

Are you itching to explore more parts of the UK? If so, Cornwall is a great choice.

With tropical beaches that will make you feel as though you’re abroad, amazing food, and many adventures to embark on, it is a great destination for all of the family.

Better yet, there are plenty of campsites to choose from, each with its own unique feel. Today, we will guide you through some of the best motorhome sites in Cornwall to ensure you experience a trip like no other.

To hire a motorhome for your journey, browse our  luxury motorhomes . These range from 2-berth vehicles up to 6-berth, perfect for romantic getaways or family vacations.

1. Perran Springs Holiday Park

Tucked away in the relaxing countryside of Perranporth, this motorhome site is ideal for families or those looking for a peaceful environment surrounded by picturesque landscapes.

With nearby woodlands and greenery, you could walk up by the lakes to enjoy a day of fishing or water sports. Or, you could take a stroll through its quaint villages nearby, taking in the history and enjoying some local dishes.

This park offers various facilities, including showers, laundry buildings, and an on-site shop to stock up on essentials. There are also designated play areas for your children to burn off some energy.

Find out more here:  Perran Springs Holiday Park

2. Trevedra Farm Caravan & Camping Site

This family-owned site is nestled between beautiful cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.

Trevedra Farm offers various on-site facilities, including laundry and shower services, children’s play areas, and an onsite shop. This location offers the opportunity for various activities, including hiking, surfing, kayaking, and coasteering.

You could wander into the charming village of Sennen nearby for a day trip or take in the beauty of the iconic Land’s End landmark.

Find out more here:  Trevedra Farm Caravan & Camping Site

3. Polmanter Touring Park

Located on the outskirts of St. Ives, this motorhome site has a bit of everything for thrill seekers and peacekeepers alike.

Perched atop a hill, this site promises amazing views. Better yet, it has a range of great facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, restaurant, and dog exercise area. There are also shower and laundry areas and Wi-fi access for nights spent streaming Netflix.

Why not grab a snack at their on-site shop or spend a relaxing day in the sauna?

Find out more here:  Polmanter Touring Park

4. Tregarton Park

Set in the heart of Cornwall, Tregarton Park is a great destination. Some of their notable facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool and a well-stocked shop.

Located nearby is the beautiful village of Mevagissey, a popular place for fishing. There are various landmarks around the site, including the world-famous Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Without venturing too far, you can enjoy a game of tennis with the kids or spend a day in the games room.

Find out more here:  Tregarton Park

5. Chacewater Camping and Caravan Park

This motorhome site is a hidden gem. Surrounded by rolling hills and wistful meadows, Chacewater offers a relaxing atmosphere with easy access to famous attractions, such as the Eden Project and Falmouth.

With on-site shops, showers, and laundry facilities, everything you need is in one place. There is also a barbecue area for late-night dinners and a playground to keep the children busy.

Guests can indulge in delicious local cuisine at nearby restaurants and cafes or soak up the stunning views of the Cornish countryside from the comfort of their pitch.

Find out more here:  Chacewater Camping and Caravan Park

6. Pentire Haven Holiday Park

Situated near the seaside town of Bude, Pentire Haven provides a stunning backdrop of the countryside, along with direct access to coastal paths.

You could take a trip to the beach to swim in the sun or relax with a book in hand. The site also offers indoor heated pools and a games room, so you don’t have to venture too far for fun.

Guests can explore the town’s shops, restaurants, and attractions just a short drive away from the motorhome park.

Find out more here:  Pentire Haven Holiday Park

7. Atlantic Bays Holiday Park

Just a short drive from Padstow, this motorhome site offers a peaceful retreat, ideal for older travellers or romantic getaways, with easy access to beautiful beaches.

Guests can explore the town’s historic harbour, sample fresh seafood, or embark on scenic boat trips along the Camel Estuary.

For days on site, Atlantic Bay offers family-friendly Tennis courts, a bar and restaurant, and launderette, providing endless entertainment and efficiency for all guests.

Find out more here:  Atlantic Bays Holiday Park

8. Treen Farm Campsite

This tranquil retreat is located near the coastline of Cornwall, not far from the village of Treen.

Treen Farm offers a rustic camping experience, ideal for those seeking an escape from everyday life. From exploring nearby beaches and coastal paths to visiting historic landmarks, including Minack Theatre, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Some notable coastal walks include Porthcurno and Pedn Vounder. There is also a wide range of on-site facilities, including laundry and shower rooms, and a shop filled with fresh produce and camping facilities.

Find out more here:  Treen Farm Campsite

Hire a Motorhome with Melling Motorhomes

At Melling Motorhomes, our mission is to make travelling fun and affordable for every customer.

For as little as £110 a night, you can hire on of our luxury motorhomes to embark on the trip of your dreams. So, what are you waiting for? Browse our options today and tick one more thing off your bucket list.

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• May 4, 2019

THE ULTIMATE CORNWALL ROAD TRIP! 1 Week & 2 Week Itinerary, What To Do & Where To Visit!

You just can’t beat Cornwall… Wild landscapes, beautiful beaches and a breathtaking coastline - and the charm and lifestyle to match!

It might be England’s worst kept secret, but that’s of course only for good reason!

What better way to experience it than packing up a VW bus with your wetsuit and surfboard, spending the day at the beach and picking a good spot up on the cliffs to watch the sun go down?

That said, if it’s quaint fishing villages, good food and art galleries that sounds better to you then you can do just that and we've got it all in this blog post!

Check out our North Cornwall road trip guide & itinerary here!

Here is the ultimate Cornwall road trip itinerary, including all the must visit places and a bunch of hidden gems as well!

About The Itinerary!

If you’re driving down to Cornwall, then that’s simple enough - start at “PART ONE”. Of course, another option is to get a train and hire a vehicle once you’re here - you could get the train to St Austell, Newquay or Falmouth to name a few, and easily amend the itinerary to create a sort of circular route.

We've designed our ultimate Cornwall road trip itinerary to be a bit of a 'choose your own adventure' so you can tailor it to you and make it your own. There's going to be a lot to see and do along the way, and it will make for an incredible 1 week adventure! However, if you don't want to leave quite as much out of your itinerary, then it could quite easily be a 2 week road trip, or even 3!

Read Our Top 5 Drives In Cornwall HERE!

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Important Info!

It’s also worth knowing that a lot of the amazing locations and car parks around Cornwall are run by The National Trust, and that’s great! Not only is conservation a big part of what they do, but you can save a lot of money with an annual membership!

Finally, we should warn you about the narrow country lanes around Cornwall - especially so when the roads get a bit busier throughout the Summer months ! So, with that in mind, we would recommend planning your visit for the Autumn or Spring time, but avoiding school holidays of course!

Still, when driving off the A roads, you'll want to drive at a reasonable speed because you never know what's coming right around the corner, which also means that you'll probably have to pull in and let people pass, or someone else will have to do the same for you, so give them a smile and a wave when they do - and remember that it’ll all be well worth it when you arrive at one of the many beautiful beaches or cliff top spots ! Now, Let’s hit the road!

PART ONE - Bodmin Moor

For most, the A30 is going to bring you into Cornwall via Launceston with it's very own castle to explore, and then directly into the wildly beautiful landscapes of Bodmin Moor . Turning off towards Camelford will take you to a few places where you may want to head out on a hike - Rough Tor and Brown Willy . The latter of which is the highest point in Cornwall at 420m above sea level, and both offer impressive panoramic views.

Exiting the A30 and heading south takes you to Colliford Lake , which definitely makes for a scenic and enjoyable drive through the moorland. Golitha Falls makes for a lovely woodland walk alongside the River Fowey and more hikes around the town of Minions and Caradon Hill are not too far away at all.

Our favourite places in this area are The South Caradon Mines and The Cheesewring . Nearby is also Lanhydrock House , Bodmin Jail and Jamaica Inn - not to mention Adrenaline Quarry just outside of Liskeard, which offers an inflatable aquapark, a giant clifftop swing and more!

Our Top Picks For Bodmin Moor:

In the day time:

Woodland walks at Golitha Falls

The Cheeswring, Rough Tor or Brown Willy

In the evening:

Sunset hikes at The Cheeswring, Rough Tor or Brown Willy

Read Our Top 5 Spots For Sunset In Cornwall HERE!

PART TWO - South East Cornwall

Often referred to as the forgotten corner of Cornwall, you’ll be sure to find some peace and serenity in the south east. Not only do you have the impressively rugged Rame Peninsula , but secluded, sandy beaches too. From Rame Head all the way to Looe, you have a number of beaches worth visiting sat within Whitsand Bay , plus Portwrinkle or Seaton a little closer to Looe.

Just the other side of Looe, you have yet another peaceful little place to stop, Talland Bay , followed by one of our favourite little Cornish villages called Polperro with a semi-natural harbour and even a semi-natural tidal pool!

Continuing down the coast, you’ve got the really lovely Lantic Bay before finally getting a ferry (£5 per car) from Bodinnick to Fowey - a town situated at the mouth of a stunning estuary within an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, famous for it’s maritime history and favoured amongst sailing fans. Alternatively, you could take a detour north of Fowey Estuary and pay a visit to the ruins of Restormel Castle .

Our Top Picks For South East Cornwall:

Coastal walks around The Rame Peninsula

In the day time / evening:

Read Our Top 5 Harbour Towns In Cornwall HERE!

PART THREE - St Austell & The Roseland Heritage Coast

After Fowey, the next place of interest is Polkerris - a charming little village backing onto a beach offering a nice walk out onto the harbour wall. Par Sands is the next beach along, followed by Carlyon Bay , either of which could make for a nice place to spend the day.

For something a little different, you could head to Charlestown and take a tour of a spectacular collection of old tall ships. Alternatively, there's also The Eden Project nearby, with a whole host of reasons to visit - from it's eco friendly ethos, to a zip-wire and other adrenaline inducing activities! Other options in the area would be The Lost Gardens Of Heligan or Caerhay’s Castle .

From St Austell, the drive to Mevagissey is particularly nice via Porthpean and Pentewan, but you’ll probably want to stay away from Mevagissey’s town centre - especially in the middle of summer! Both Portpean and Pentewan are pretty nice beaches, with plenty more beaches to pick from further on such as Vault Beach , Hemmick Beach and Carne Beach , and even more quaint, little villages such as Gorran Haven , Portholland and Portloe.

The real bucket list locations for us, however, would have to be a bit further down in an area known as The Roseland... In particular, one of our favourite fishing villages in Cornwall , St Mawes , with breathtaking scenery and views from the mouth of the Percuil River. St Mawes is home to an impressive and well preserved coastal fortress built in the 1540's, St Mawes Castle , and also offers boat trips to St Anthony's Head via the Place Ferry, where you can enjoy incredible coastal walks over to the lighthouse there and a few quiet coves along the way.

Our Top Picks For St Austell & The Roseland Heritage Coast:

The Eden Project

Caerhay’s Castle

St Mawes & St Anthony's Head

Read Our Top 5 Quiet Harbour Towns In Cornwall HERE!

PART FOUR - Falmouth & The Lizard Peninsula

Certainly an experience in itself, leaving St Mawes you'll want to cross The Fal River via the King Harry Ferry (£6 per car), which will take you right to Trelissick Gardens if you want to visit (free with The National Trust). Alternatively, you could choose to visit one of our favourite woodland walks on the way to Falmouth - a Cornwall Wildlife Trust nature reserve called Kennall Vale , with a river running through and the remains of an old gunpowder works.

Falmouth itself is home to Pendennis Castle which looks back over towards St Mawes and St Anthony's Lighthouse, so a pretty cool place for a quick visit. There's also a couple of stunning beaches in and around Falmouth, such as Swanpool , but are top picks for the area are actually still to come at The Lizard Peninsula .

Journeying on towards The Lizard Peninsula, on the way you have the optional detour to Trebah and Glendurgan Gardens - the latter of which is the one you want if you’re with The National Trust. Also on the way, you could visit The Cornish Seal Sanctuary in a town called Queek or Flambards Theme Park near Helston.

The list of places you could visit at The Lizard Peninsula is almost endless, and it gets a bit tricky being so spoilt for choice! Coverack , Kennack Sands , Cadgwith Cove or Mullion are all great options, but the absolute must-see spots are Kynance Cove and Lizard Point ! The two could even be combined with Mullion Cove for an amazing coastal walk , or independently as sunset spots.

Our Top Picks For Falmouth & The Lizard Peninsula:

Pendennis Castle in Falmouth

Coastal walks around The Lizard Peninsula and Lizard Point

Sunset at Kynance Cove

Read Our Top 5 Beaches In Cornwall HERE!

PART FIVE - West Cornwall & Mount’s Bay

Continuing on from The Lizard, you’ll quite quickly come to Porthleven , which is probably at it’s most impressive in stormy conditions with huge, crashing waves. In late April, it’s home to The Porthleven Food Festival, and is also a popular spot amongst some of the more experienced surfers, so a great place to get a good look at some surfing!

The same can be said about the next beach along, Praa Sands , but before that there’s Rinsey Head , and just a short walk away, Trewavas Mine standing tall up on the cliff top. Another nice coastal walk could be from one of our favourite secret beaches , Prussia Cove , round to the even quieter, Kenneggy Cove . Alternatively, walking in the opposite direction will take you to Cudden Point with breathtaking views of Mount's Bay, and even walking on towards Perranuthnoe Beach to make the walk more substantial and rewarding.

Whatever makes it onto your to do list today though, at the top of that list, without a doubt, should definitely be St Michael's Mount , a castle quite literally sat out in the bay on it's very own island! Even the first little glimpse you get of St Michael's Mount through breaks in the trees and quaint cottages is jaw dropping - only to then be exceeded again by walking the causeway at low tide. Words do not do St Michael’s Mount justice, and you should probably spend the majority of the day taking it all in.

Further down the coast, West Cornwall still has plenty to offer which could be squeezed into the same day, and for that we'd recommend watching the sunset at Land's End - the most south westerly point of mainland Britain. However, the list doesn't stop there, so you may want an extra day to ensure you don't miss a visit to Mousehole Harbour , Porthcurno Beach and The Minack Theatre , the coastal walk to Nanjizal ( the best secret beach in Cornwall ) or a day of surfing at Sennen Cove .

Our Top Picks For West Cornwall & Mount's Bay:

St Michael's Mount

Porthcurno and The Minnack Theatre

Coastal walk from Sennen Cove / Land's End to Nanjizal

Sunset at Land's End

Read Our Top 5 Secret Beaches In Cornwall HERE!

PART SIX - St Just, St Ives & St Agnes

With much more of West Cornwall still to see and explore, the road trip continues just past Sennen Cove to St Just and Cape Cornwall , where you'll find another great spot for sunset if you have the time and want to stay. You'll also find epic coastal walks and the impressive beaches of Porth Ledden and Porth Nanven - known to some as Dinosaur Egg Beach.

A little further up the coastline are astonishing views at Botallack Mine and Levant Mine - meaning more opportunities for coastal walks - and finally Geevor Mine , where they offer an underground tour.

If those locations don't really take your fancy, then you can push straight on towards St Ives , with the coastal road via Morvah and Zennor being what could easily be the most scenic drive in all of the UK. More stops along the way could be Pendeen Lighthouse or Gurnard's Head .

Arriving in St Ives , you might be surprised to find yourself in a subtropical paradise, with numerous beautiful beaches, lush vegetation and the UK’s mildest climate. Oh, and even one of only four Tate Galleries in the world. The town does get overwhelmingly busy though, so t he best way to visit is to travel via train from Lelant, getting to see Carbis Bay along the way.

Our favourite things to do in St Ives would have to be the walk out onto The Island , spending the day enjoying the white sandy beach of Porthmeor and of course treating yourself to some great food... But beware of seagulls!

If you'd prefer to avoid the crowds at Cornwall's most popular holiday location, you could follow the road around the bay to the stretching, sandy beach that is Gwithian Towans or just a little further for Godrevy Beach and it's phenomenal views of the fantastically photogenic Godrevy Lighthouse out in the bay.

Following the road further up the coast, you'll get to enjoy more of Cornwall’s wild and rugged side as it winds it's way around The North Cliffs all the way to Portreath , which is then followed by Porthtowan - both of which are popular surf spots.

The next beach along is Chapel Porth , but at this point, you may just be hoping for a good spot for the sunset. Fortunately, sitting on the cliffs just above Chapel Porth Beach is one of Cornwall’s most impressive mines, Wheal Coates , with it's own carpark quite a bit closer to it. Also nearby is St Agnes Head and St Agnes Beacon , but the views from Wheal Coates pretty much beats the two.

Our Top Picks For St Just, St Ives & St Agnes:

Coastal walks and sunset at Cape Cornwall

Coastal walks around Botallack and Levant Mines

St Ives & Porthmeor Beach

Gwithian Towans or Godrevy Beach

Sunset at Chapel Porth

Read Our Top 5 Spots For Instagram Photos In Cornwall HERE!

PART SEVEN - Newquay & North Cornwall

The first of many surf spots coming up around Newquay is Perranporth , which is home to “the UK’s ONLY bar on the beach”, music festivals throughout the year and also a tidal pool. Holywell Bay and Crantock are next, and both have high-rising sand dunes with the former offering the iconic “Gull Rock” as an awe-inspiring backdrop. All three are some of our favourite beaches in Cornwall ! Just before Crantock, however, sits the beautiful little secret beach , Poly Joke , with the walk from Crantock or West Pentire taking you through fields of stunning wildflowers.

Coming up next is Newquay itself - the surf capital of the UK, with too many beaches to count on one hand and also Boardmasters Music Festival. The beaches in Newquay that we recommend the most are Fistral Beach (home to the world renowned Cribbar surf break), or Lusty Glaze - followed by spending the evening at either if you have the time. Similarly, not too far further up the coast is Watergate Bay , which can also be great for a surf and watching the sunset.

On the way to Padstow, you're definitely going to want to stop at Bedruthan Steps to take in the impressive and iconic sea stacks. Better yet, you could do one of our favourite coastal walks round to Bedruthan from Porthcothan Bay via Park Head - a bit of a long one, but it's got to be a must-do for Poldark fans.

Porthcothan Bay is in fact one of the famous “seven bays for seven days” that surround the village of St Merryn - Porthcothan , Treyarnon , Constantine , Booby’s , Mother Ivey’s , Harlyn and Trevone - each with their own unique character and qualities. For beginner surfers, Harlyn Bay could be the one to choose due to it's surf school. Treyarnon Bay has an impressive tidal pool, and so does Trevone Bay . So, those factors should help you decide which you'd most like to visit.

And yet again comes another reason why you may want to make this epic road trip two weeks long instead of one! There's just so much to squeeze in and we haven't even made it to Padstow yet! So, because of that, we recommend staying for sunset at Trevose Head for spectacular views right from the car park and one of the most impressive lighthouses in Cornwall, perhaps staying the night at Mother Ivey's Bay Holiday Park before a full day in Padstow the following day.

Chances are, you’ve already heard of the harbour town of Padstow and probably regard it as a bit of a foodie destination all thanks to Rick Stein. The truth is that it’s so much more than that, with activities ranging from cycling The Camel Trail to water sports on the Camel Estuary, or even the coastal walk round to Trevone via Tregirls Beach, Hawkers Cove and Stepper Point - another of our favourites !

Just across the estuary from Padstow is the village of Rock , which you can get the ferry to, although the ferry’s not suitable for cars. Rock offers it’s very own beach with a walk across the sand dunes to Daymer Bay , as well as all of the same water sports that Padstow does, if not more! Most surfers however will head to the next nearby beach, Polzeath . Just up the road is a coastal walk to The Rumps which is sure to leave you lost for words - the view is well worth the mile or so walk.

For fans of Doc Martin, a visit to the harbour town of Port Isaac might be an absolute must and you may even be able to catch Fisherman's Friends singing down on the slipway there. Further up the coast is another favourite beach of ours, Trebarwith Strand , followed by the village of Tintagel , steeped in myth and legend, and heavily associated with the legend of King Arthur. You'll even get to see the supposed home of Merlin and explore the old castle ruins sat atop the cliffs.

About a ten minute drive from Tintagel is one of the most amazing waterfalls you’ll have ever seen, St Nectan’s Glen - well worth the fairly long walk through woodland to get to it from the car park.

One of our final locations that could be of interest is the harbour town of Boscastle . The natural harbour itself, sat within an impressive natural inlet, will almost certainly leave you speechless - particularly when views from above via the coastal path. In Boscastle, there's also The Museum Of Witchcraft And Magic, which is perfect for Harry Potter fans.

With the road trip nearly coming to an end, we still have a stunning stretch of coastal road to enjoy. For those that are faint of heart may want to avoid it with it's steep, winding roads, but the drive between Crackington Haven and Widemouth Bay via Dizzard and Millook Haven is not one that you’re going to want to miss either!

Widemouth Bay is an absolutely lovely place to pull into before the road trip eventually comes to close in Bude . Bude itself is a very nice place as well, with a number of sandy beaches and a tidal pool. From Bude, you could even continue the road trip on across the Devon border, with stops such as Hartland Quay and Clovelly. We talk a bit more about exploring North Devon in our dedicated North Cornwall road trip itinerary, and we'd also recommend checking it out if you want a road trip more focussed on the north coast. You can read it here !

Our Top Picks For Newquay & North Cornwall:

Perranporth, Holywell Bay, Crantock, Poly Joke, Fistral Beach or Lusty Glaze

Bedruthan Steps

Porthcothan Bay, Treyarnon Bay, Constantine Bay, Harlyn Bay, or Trevone Bay

Tintagel Castle

Disclaimer: This blog post was written in partnership with The National Trust , although all opinions are our own. All images and content copyright www.bythecompass.com .

Also read: Our Top 5 Beaches In Cornwall! Our Top 5 Secret Beaches In Cornwall! Our Top 5 Spots For Instagram Worthy Shots In Cornwall! Our Top 5 Coastal Walks In Cornwall!

What's your favourite place in Cornwall? Leave a comment below to let us know!

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A 4-day Cornwall road trip itinerary: Padstow, Lands End and Eden Project

Updated On 2nd February, 2024

Waking up to freshly cooked eggs, an ocean view and someone you love is a pretty dreamy scenario, right? Add in a vintage (1973 to be exact) VW camper van, Cornwall and four days to explore the coast on an epic Cornwall road trip and it’s a bucket list adventure worthy of a pretty high placement. In fact, I’d go as far as saying that Cornwall is one of the  best places to visit in the UK .  Check out the best things to do in Cornwall here.

Well last week I did exactly the above, and it did not disappoint one bit.

Sure, driving a 43 year old VW camper isn’t always smooth sailing, but it is SO much fun and it adds SO much character (and so many memories) to the adventure. I’ve done road trips all over the world (they are my absolute favourite) and honestly, this one in Cornwall was up there with the best.

The UK has the most stunning rugged coastlines, so combine that with Cornwall’s incredible seafood, walks, pubs and activities and we already had a recipe for success.  Check out the best beaches in Cornwall here.

However, in case any of you guys aren’t aware about the English weather situation… it can never be predicted or relied upon. We can, quite often, have 4 seasons in a day and summer can means weeks of endless rain (we just had this in June).

This factor alone can make planning holidays in the UK rather annoying. However, saying that, Cornwall is one of the only places in the world that I love even when it’s raining, cold and grey. The cozy English pubs, glasses of cool Cornish cider, cream piled hot chocolates and wrapped up walks on the beach all hold some of my favourite memories.  Check out the cutest villages in Cornwall here.

Conclusion?

There is no perfect time to plan a road trip to Cornwall. I would honestly go whenever.

My mum and I embarked on our Cornwall road trip last week (mid July) and amazingly timed it with a heatwave here in the UK, so the scenes I managed to capture were beyond epic.

Wondering how to plan your very own Cornwall road trip?

The beauty of road trips really is in the spontaneity. The concept of pulling up somewhere, wandering around and discovering random places is what it’s all about. Wonderfully, this means you don’t need to do  too  much planning before hand. Well I don’t like to anyway.

Just grab yourself a vehicle, a rough idea of a route, an open mind and you’re all set!

Before you go:

– book your campervan.

We hired ours through  The Cornwall Camper Company  and had amazing service. Ben, one of the two owners was on 24 hour help and assistance and made sure we had absolutely everything we needed.

– Plan your mode of transport to pick up the Campervan

Top tip:  The train down to St. Austell (a 5 minute walk to pick up our VW) from Reading is absolutely gorgeous. I SO much prefer hopping on the train as opposed to driving the 4-5 hours from where I live. Book your train tickets  here !

Top tip: Insure everyone that is going on the road trip, or at least 2 of you. It can be demanding driving the vintage vehicles (no power steering etc) and will mean you can swap over.

– Plan a rough route

Like I said, leave some room on your road trip for spontaneity. Have an idea of where you’d like to see but don’t create a full blown, hour-by-hour itinerary, trust me.

Grab a pen and paper and take some notes from our itinerary. Not going to lie it was pretty epic…

Here’s my 4-day itinerary for your Cornwall road trip in a camper…

We picked up Lilly the gorgeous VW campervan in St.Austell, equipped with everything we needed (minus towels and clothes) for our adventure. Ben and Jess (TCCC owners) showed us around Lilly and we headed for a test drive before she was left in our capable hands.

Wonderfully, we were only 15 minutes from  The Eden Project  – one of Cornwall’s most popular attractions and home to the biggest indoor rainforest in the WORLD. So we went!

What I was actually more excited about though (being the adrenaline junkie that I am) was  the zipline  we were booked on to do over the Eden Project. Yes, you heard!  You can watch the footage  in my vlog !

Basically we got a bird’s eye view of the lot. If that wasn’t enough, I opted for the ‘big swing’ ride straight after for an increased dose of tummy dropping adrenaline. I had no idea  these activites  were even at Eden Project – how cool is that! I would definitely recommend leaving at least half a day for the Eden Project during your Cornwall road trip as there is SO much to see in the different biomes and we hardly got to scratch the surface.

There is also a pretty epic live venue at  The Eden Project  and they hold ‘Summer Sessions’ every summer with a cracking line up of artists so should it fall on your visit – I believe you will not be disappointed.  Check the line ups and dates here.

By evening we headed down to Carlyon Bay, 2km from the centre of St. Austell where I was transported to a scene that felt nothing short of a tropical summer holiday. It’s crazy how much of a difference the sun can make. But with the green tones of the countryside and the dark blue altlantic backdropping the bay, you couldn’t mistake it for anywhere but England and I saw my home country in a very beautiful light.

As the sun begun dropping all shades of golden and we tucked into some seriously perfect oysters and crab from  Ostraca , washed down with some sparkling wine. Ranger, the guy who catches the produce here and serves it up, sources the seafood in the local waters so dining here really is a testament to Cornwall.

We had arrived in the dark to  Mother Iveys Bay  Holiday Park and so waking up to the view over the ocean and to the sound of the waves crashing on the private beach was a lovely start to the day.

I haven’t stayed in many campsites in my ‘older years’ to compare this to, but the whole thing seems pretty legit. Just a 2 minute walk from it’s private bay, views of the ocean from the pitch, a pleasant toilet and shower block, a shop with essentials in, the peace and quiet of no nightlife bars or discos on site and very pleasant staff. We only really rested our heads here but we did so with ease and with no disturbance. It’s a site I am already looking forward to returning to.

Day 2 had us drive an hour up to Tintagel where we bought a ticket to explore the  Castle ruins  and enjoyed a stunning coastal walk. The heritage site is right beside a gorgeous village – filled with shops, pubs and places to grab lunch or a pasty! There are enough walks to occupy you for days ( see here) .

For lunch we drove Lilly onwards into Padstow where we dined in one of the four Rick Stein restaurants that sit in the Cornish fishing village. We chose the  Seafood Bar  which is a casual, come as you like, dining experience perfect for a snack or a full blown feed as we did. The crevettes, lobster and beetroot cured salmon were my favourite dishes here. If you’re a massive seafood lover consider booking onto one of Rick Stein’s cooking classes  here .

After, we browsed the art shops and walked harbour in Padstow, before grabbing a Salted Caramel Roskillys Icecream and heading to Watergate Bay to watch the sun go down.

Check out my complete guide to Padstow here.

Day 3 was to set for us to navigate Lilly to Lands End – the most western point of England {right down at the very tip of the UK} and we were to do this via the coastal route I had heard so many wonderful things about (B3306).

As chief navigator I decided it would be totally rude to not stop off at my all time favourite beach cafe in Cornwall located on Porthmeor beach on the way. If you’re facing the horizon in the busy, but beautiful harbour of St. Ives, Porthmeor is just a few minutes walk to the left on the adjacent cove.  The cafe  is just as stunning in winter as it is in the summer, boasting views over the turquoise waters and serving up, arguably, some of the best cafe dishes I’ve ever set eyes on, including milkshakes and hot chocolates {with the works} but with extensive healthy options too.

Joining the B3306 at St. Ives, we continued all the day down to the tip, with ice cream and snap happy picture stops at Cape Cornwall and Sennon before arriving at the magic that is –  Lands End .

We had provisionally noted stops off at Marazion and Penzance as we made our way back to Hayle {our camping location for the evening} but by this point we were tired and in need of a cool shower after sweating it out on the hottest day of the year so far – 34 degrees!

And so we did. We pitched up at Gwithian Farm Campsite, prepared Lilly for our last overnight sleepover and freshened up in the onsite showers.

Ever curious, we wandered over the dunes that sit directly behind the small campsite to find Godrevy Beach and the sun setting over her. Staying true to our adopted Cornish influence, we tucked into some fresh fish and chips and some luxury hot chocolates from The Rockpool – a beach side seafood restaurant about 25 minute beach walk from the campsite.

The restaurant had super cute quotes all over the walls and so it was a winner before I even indulged in the menu.

We had only the morning to enjoy on Day 4 but it was a beautiful one. We had endless cups of coffee in the sunshine and cooked up another camper-style brekkie on Lilly’s stoves.

Should we have had more time to explore before we took Lilly back home, I would have loved to revisit the beach around the corner on which I filmed my  debut music video  –  Hayle Beach .

In fact, should we have had more time, there are SO many places I would still love to uncover in Cornwall. I will just have to save those spots for next time.

Watch my adventure come to life in my videos…

Have you been to Cornwall?

What were your favourite places? I’d love to know!

Love as always + happy adventuring,

IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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25 Best Places to Visit in Cornwall (+ map & tips)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 4, 2023

Are you planning a trip to Cornwall? Not sure what must-visit places and attractions to include in your itinerary? In this article discover 25 of the very best places to visit in Cornwall including the best things to do plus top sights and attractions.

The beautiful county of Cornwall located in England’s South West offers visitors an epic coastline dotted with secluded coves, sandy beaches and pretty fishing villages, stunning landscapes, heritage and history and a wealth of foodie experiences.

If you are planning your visit to Cornwall actually choosing where to go from the many wonderful destinations can be tricky. We love Cornwall and have explored the region many times including for 7 days in the summer of 2022 when we toured around the county – check out our Cornish road trip itinerary .

In this article you will discover the very best of Cornwall – the best places to visit in Cornwall and the best things to do in Cornwall – so you can experience everything this beautiful region of England has to offer.

You will find practical tips to help plan your trip (including how much time we recommend in each place) plus a map showing all the best Cornwall attractions included in this article.

Looking for the best place to stay in Cornwall and accommodation options to suit your travel needs? We recommend reading our Cornwall destination guide which details the best places to stay plus accommodation options for all travel styles and budgets. Click here to discover the best places to stay in Cornwall .

See the best of Cornwall with our preferred tour partner Meneage Tours

Whether you are arriving in Cornwall by train or would like to take a break from driving so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery without negotiating those country lanes a private tour with Meneage Tours is the perfect option.

⭐️ Click here for more information and experience the extraordinary magic of Cornwall with Meneage Tours

2. Eden Project

3. tintagel castle, 4. lost gardens of heligan, 5. porthcurno and the minack theatre, 6. st michael’s mount, 7. port isaac, 8. trebah gardens.

• 9. Land's End

10. The Lizard and Kynance Cove

11. polperro, 13. mevagissey, 14. padstow, 15. falmouth, 17. newquay, 18. mousehole, 19. lanhydrock, 20. helston, 22. penzance, 23. heartlands, 24. isles of scilly, 25. the south west coast path, map of the best places to visit in cornwall, faqs – planning a visit to cornwall, 25 best towns, beaches, landmarks & attractions to visit in cornwall.

Located on the north coast of Cornwall, the seaside town and port of St Ives is one of the most popular destinations in the county. Once a sleepy fishing village, it has grown into a charming and bustling town known for its long golden beaches and excellent winter surfing conditions.

The semi-sheltered Porthmeor Beach is an excellent spot for surfing, with surf schools and rentals. Other great beaches in St Ives include the picturesque Blue Flag Porthminster Beach, the small Porthgwidden Beach, and the relatively secluded Bamaluz Beach.

Take a year-round boat trip to Seal Island to watch grey seals frolicking in the waves and to spot other wildlife in the scenic setting. You’ll find the most creatures in August.

Stroll around the pretty harbour and step back in time along the quaint cobblestone streets of the Down-a-long. Admire the collections of modern art in the Tate Gallery, a striking round building next to the sea. Admission costs £10.50 for adults and those under 18s are free.

How much time do I need in St Ives? It is possible to see the best of St Ives in one day but we recommend booking accommodation and spending at least a couple of days in the town.

When is the best time of year to visit St Ives? Winter is the best time for surfing, while summer is ideal for sunbathing on the beaches.

Read more – 10 best things to do in St Ives

Lying three miles outside of the large market town of St Austell, the Eden Project is one of Cornwall’s premier tourist attractions.

Covering an enormous area of around the size of 30 football pitches, the Eden Project sits on the site of a former clay pit. It features gigantic domes filled with a massive selection of plant life from three climatic zones from around the world.

Inspiring awe and fascination, the attraction shows the vital reliance of humankind on plants. It is also a major centre for sustainability and education.

Immerse yourself in the world’s biggest indoor rainforest, complete with cascading falls and exotic jungle. Experience the flora of the Mediterranean in another indoor dome, and discover native plant species in the outdoor botanical garden.

Head into the treetops on the canopy walkway and admire plenty of artwork.  

Open all year round, displays vary according to the season. It is, however, magical at all times. Adult tickets cost £29.50 off-peak, £32.50 standard, and £35 peak. Children under 16 are £10 at all times and children under four are free.

How much time do you need at the Eden Project? With so much to do and see we recommend planning to spend an entire day at the Eden Project.

Built half on the jagged cliffs of the mainland and half in a rugged promontory, you’ll find the atmospheric remains of Tintagel Castle on Cornwall’s north coast. Tintagel Castle bridge connects the two dramatic areas.

The ruins date back to the 1200s, part of a once-mighty stronghold constructed on the orders of Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall. The site’s history stretches back even further, though, with evidence of earlier settlements discovered during excavations.

Steeped in legends and lore, the marvellous castle has strong associations with King Arthur; this is said to be the place where the mythological King Arthur of Camelot was conceived.

Let your imagination run wild as you discover the remains of medieval buildings, cross the stepping stones in the old walled garden, and explore the once-magnificent Great Hall.

Go down onto the rocky beach at low tide to peer inside the 100-metre-long Merlin’s Cave, a sea cavern that runs all the way through Tintagel Island underneath the castle.

Beautiful views stretch in all directions and the clifftops are a haven for interesting wildlife. Admission costs £17.30 for adults and £10.40 for children. Members of English Heritage can visit for free.

How much time do you need at Tintagel? Half a day is usually enough time to enjoy the castle.  

Located slightly inland from the coast of southeast Cornwall and close to the villages of Pentewan and Mevagissey, The Lost Gardens of Heligan is one of the best Cornwall attractions.

Wrapped up in mystery, the gardens were created between the mid-1700s and early 1900s. After World War One, the gardens were abandoned and neglected, left untended for Mother Nature to take control. Discovered again in the 1990s, the beautiful gardens have now been restored to their former glory.

Covering around 200 acres, the serene gardens are home to many species of plants and lots of attractive features like lakes, slopes, historic paintings, and ornaments. Don’t miss seeing the Mud Maid and Giant’s Head, two large figures made from stones and plants.

Stroll through the magical Pleasure Grounds, home to colourful flowers throughout the themed gardens. See a wide assortment of produce growing in the Productive Gardens, where you can also pay your respects to the estate’s Victorian gardeners in The Thunderbox Room.

Follow the raised boardwalk through the enticing jungle, explore the enchanting woodlands, and wander through the picturesque Lost Valley.

Kids are sure to love meeting farm animals like pigs, sheep, and horses, and the area is home to a rich diversity of wildlife.    

The Lost Gardens of Heligan is open all year round and admission costs £17.50 for adults, £8.50 for children aged five to 17, and free for kids under five.

How much time do I need to visit? Most people spend an entire day exploring the gardens.

Porthcurno is a small village on the south coast of West Cornwall. The area is famous for having been the endpoint of submarine telegraph cables that once reached all the way from Great Britain to India.

You can learn more at PK Porthcurno: The Museum of Global Communications (admission is £9 for adults and £5.50 for children).

The area is also known for the paradisiacal Porthcurno Beach, where towering cliffs surround soft white sands lapped by aquamarine waters.

The stunning Minack Theatre is another top attraction along the Cornish coastline. Built in the 1920s, the open-air theatre sits high on the cliff overlooking the shimmering sea.

Step inside to admire the ornate carvings, splendid views, and beautiful botanical garden, or book tickets (prices vary) to watch a performance in a truly unique setting.

Shows are held from spring to autumn, but the theatre is open to simply view throughout the year. Admission costs £5 for adults and £2.50 for kids.

Also near Porthcurno is a place called Porthgwarra which you may recognise as the fictional Nampara Cove from the recent remakes of the TV show Poldark. (If you are a fan of the show you may enjoy this Poldark tour of Western Cornwall which includes a stop at Porthgwarra)

How much time do you need? We recommend allowing half a day to explore Porthcurno.      

St Michael’s Mount is a stunning sight in southwest Cornwall’s Mount Bay. Located on a tidal island, a causeway connects St Michael’s Mount with the mainland town of Marazion.

You can easily walk the half-mile to the island at low tide, and regular boats (£2.50 adults / £1.50 children) shuttle passengers across the water at other times.

The fairytale-like castle could be the twin of Le Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France. Cornwall’s magical island castle was built in the 12th century. Bought in the 1700s by Colonel John St Aubyn, it is still the residence of the St Aubyn family today.

Steeped in legends and with a long history, the island was once a destination for religious pilgrims. Inside the spectacular castle you’ll find many historic artifacts, including rare and unusual items.

The glorious coastal gardens feature striking tumbling terraces, a charming walled garden, and numerous types of plants. You can also wander around the island’s small residential village and harbour.

Although you can visit the island for free, you cannot visit most places of interest without a ticket. Combination tickets (for the castle and gardens) cost £24 for adults and £13 for children. Cheaper tickets are available for either the castle or gardens on their own. Admission is free for National Trust members.

How much time do you need? Plan to spend around four hours at St Michael’s Mount.     

Good to know – The attraction is closed during the winter months. The castle is closed every Saturday, and the gardens are closed on different days of the week. It is important to plan your visit in advance to avoid disappointment.

The small, idyllic fishing village of Port Isaac lies along the coast of north Cornwall. Narrow streets wind through the village, lined with traditional Cornish homes and quaint whitewashed cottages.

The Birdcage is one of the village’s more unusual dwellings. The narrow three-level home is taller than its neighbours and was once a cobbler’s workshop.

Fun fact: Port Isaac’s Squeezy Belly Alley is said to be among the narrowest streets in the country!

Once a bustling port, the village still boasts a picturesque harbour today. You can book fishing excursions during the summer months, or simply wander around to enjoy the views and ambience.

You can also stroll along the pretty shingle beach. Pretty at all times of the year, Port Isaac is especially charming in the warmer months.   

You may have a feeling of déjà vu as you explore Port Isaac. The village has been used as a filming location for several TV shows and films, including Poldark from the 1970s and the 2000 movie Saving Grace.

You may recognise the village as Portwenn, from the more recent TV series, Doc Martin.

If you are a fan of the TV series why not book a Doc Martin & North Cornwall Tour with Meneage Tours? This is the best way to explore this area of Cornwall and enjoy all your favourite Doc Martin filming locations too.

Close to the Helford River Estuary and just six miles south of Falmouth, the award-winning Trebah Gardens is one of Cornwall’s many dazzling botanical attractions.

Experience the changing of the seasons in the lovely sub-tropical gardens, with ancient rhododendrons and fragrant magnolias taking centre stage in spring and the huge leaves of the giant rhubarb making a striking impression in the summer.

With autumn comes the blues and whites of the attractive hydrangea, while in the winter months you can admire an array of flora from the southern hemisphere.

Of course, there’s lots of other verdant foliage and vibrant colours throughout the year. The 25-acre gardens are home to plants from across the planet, including towering bamboos, Australian ferns, and Mediterranean cacti.

Leading down to its own stretch of sandy beach, the garden contains a relaxing spring and an attractive pond filled with koi carp.

Trebah Gardens is open year-round, though only on selected days of the week; check opening hours in advance of your visit. Admission for adults costs £12 in the summer season and £6 in the winter season. Children aged five to 15 are half price, and under-fives go free.

How much time do you need? Plan to half a day exploring the gardens. Refreshments are available from the cafe next to the ticket office.

9. Land’s End

An iconic British landmark, Land’s End is the most westerly point of England. It sits on the tip of the Penwith peninsula. The start or endpoint of the famous cross-kingdom walk (England’s Land’s End to Scotland’s John O’Groats ), it takes a couple of months to walk the 870+ miles from England’s extreme west to Scotland’s extreme north.

A popular tourist destination, there are many ways to enjoy Land’s End. Visiting costs nothing (though you will have to pay for parking if you drive there), making it one of the best free things to do in Cornwall.

Follow the scenic drive from St Ives for a memorable journey. Feast your eyes on amazing coastal views and follow historic walking trails.

Plan a stop at Mên-an-Tol, a Bronze Age site consisting of four stones one of which is circular with a hole in the middle. According to Cornish folklore, this stone has curative and magical powers!

Call in at one of the cute cafes for a traditional Cornish pasty or cream tea, and cool down with an ice cream on a warm day.

Various family-friendly events take place throughout the year – find out more on the Land’s End website . Of course, don’t leave without a photograph in front of the famous Land’s End sign.

Good to know – Land’s End is particularly busy during the summer school holidays from late July to early September.

The Lizard is a village at the bottom of Cornwall’s Lizard Peninsula. It is the most southern village in mainland UK and boasts some of the best opportunities for seeing diverse wildlife. Visit Lizard Point to watch for large marine creatures like whales, dolphins, and seals, as well as a wide selection of sea birds.

Kynance Cove, at Lizard Point, is a spectacular sight, with impressive serpentine rocks rising from the white sands and clear blue waters. It’s no wonder it’s often listed as one of the best beaches in Cornwall!

Interesting local landmarks include the serpentinite stone Church of St. Winwallow, which is Britain’s most southerly church, the 1752 Lizard Lighthouse, which is the oldest in Cornwall, and the collapsed sea cave of Lion’s Den.

How long do you need? You can take in The Lizard’s highlights in half a day, though you’re sure to want to stay longer!

When is the best time of year to visit? The Lizard is at its best in the warmer months, though the summer holidays can be exceptionally busy.

Located in southeast Cornwall, Polperro is one of Cornwall’s prettiest villages. A craggy cliff ravine has protected the traditional fishermens’ homes that lie jumbled along the narrow, twisting streets.

As well as a long fishing heritage, Polperro also has a darker side to its history; it was a hotbed for smuggling in times gone by, with lorry loads of contraband passing through the harbour.

You can learn more about Polperro’s nefarious past at the fascinating Museum of Smuggling, housed in an old pilchard factory. Entrance costs £2 for adults and 50p for kids.

Polperro Model Village is another local highlight, with its quaint replica of Polperro and the working model railway. Step into the animated Land of Legend to uncover Cornish myths and folklore, all in miniature.

It’s one of the top fun things to do with kids in Cornwall. Adult tickets are £3, child tickets are £2. The attraction is closed every Saturday and through the winter.

Explore tidal pools and relax on the sands of the small but lovely beach. Join a fishing trip from the harbour, admire the vistas from the coastal paths, and step into cellars once used by smugglers and now converted into shops, cafes, and galleries.  

How long do you need to visit? Plan at least a day to enjoy the best of Polperro.

Good to know – Cars are banned in Polperro which makes it ideal to explore on foot. Note that the main car park is 750 uphill from the village.

Close to the Looe Estuary in southeast Cornwall, where both the East and West Looe Rivers meet the sea, the pretty seaside town of Looe is a popular tourist destination and a working fishing port. The town is famous for its fresh fish—sample delicious bounties from the ocean in one of Looe’s many excellent restaurants.

A great place to visit at any time of the year, Looe offers a variety of attractions for people of all ages. The town hosts the energetic Looe Live! each September, with diverse bands and singers gracing the stages.

Visit the Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol (admission £2 for adults, free for children) to learn more about the town’s history, and uncover the area’s maritime past on a tour of the Old Sardine Factory Heritage Centre (£15–20 for family tickets). Seasonal opening hours operate at each attraction.

Join a boat trip to the tranquil Looe Island to observe rare flora and fauna, relax on the sandy beach, go crabbing along the harbour wall, and take leisurely walks through the countryside.     

How long do you need to visit? Plan at least a day to explore the attractions of Looe.

Tip – If you enjoy walking the coastal path between Polperro and Looe is particularly scenic. The 5-mile route takes about 1 hour 30 mins and there are regular buses back to Looe. Note this walk is not suitable for families with children, prams, pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Lying along the south-central Cornish coast, Mevagissey is an idyllic fishing village that was once at the heart of the county’s pilchard industry. Sit in one of the harbourside cafes to watch boats coming and going.

You can soak up some sun and swim at the laid-back beach, stroll around the 1891 harbour, take a boat ride, and go fishing. In the summer you can hop on the Mevagissey to Fowey ferry to compare and contrast two of Cornwall’s charming villages.

Mevagissey’s waters are home to various wildlife, including dolphins and seabirds. You may also spot porpoises and seals in the shimmering emerald waters. Alternatively, learn more about marine life at the small Mevagissey Aquarium, housed within an old 1897 lifeboat house. Admission is free.

Kids are sure to love Mevagissey World of Model Railways, where a small train winds its way through various landscapes and where little ones can see Thomas the Tank Engine. Admission is £5/£3.50 for adults and children respectively.

One of Cornwall’s most popular tourist towns, Padstow lies on the county’s north coast. The gorgeous harbour is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, where people can watch the fishing boats, fish for crabs, and enjoy a meal in one of the waterside eateries.

Padstow is known for its excellent dining scene and even boasts a few restaurants owned by TV chefs, like Paul Ainsworth and Rick Stein. Pop into Stein’s Fish and Chips for an iconic British lunch and grab a traditional Cornish pasty from Stein’s Deli.    

Bask on Padstow’s beaches, visit the National Lobster Hatchery, and explore the gorgeous 1592 Elizabethan country house of Prideaux Place. Board the Black Tor ferry to cross the river to explore the elegant and high-class village of Rock.

Active visitors often enjoy walking sections of the Camel Trail, a 17-mile track along a disused railway line. Hop in the saddle to cover more ground along the scenic route; cycling the Camel Trail Padstow to Bodmin is a great way to explore the local area.

If you’re in town in early May, don’t miss Padstow’s unusual Obby Oss Parade for May Day. Beat the summer crowds and plan your trip for outside of the school holidays.

Falmouth is one of the biggest towns in Cornwall. It sits on the edges of the River Fal on Cornwall’s south coast. It features one of the biggest natural harbours in the world.

Falmouth is known for its excellent beaches, with Swanpool, Maenporth, Gyllyngvase, and Castle top place for family days out. Grab a bucket and spade and build a sandcastle, take a dip in the sea, and bask in the sunshine.

History lovers can explore the remains of Pendennis Castle, a massive stronghold built by Henry XIII in the 1540s.

Travel back in time and experience Cornwall at war, with awesome exhibits like huge cannons and guns from different eras, immersive installations in the keep, and an interactive observation post. Admission costs 11.30–13.10 GBP for adults and 6.80–7.90 for children (depending on whether you visit at off-peak, standard, or peak times).

Entrance is free for English Heritage members .

The award-winning National Maritime Museum is among the top Cornish attractions for families. Discover more about science, nature, folklore, and seafaring heritage. Tickets are £14.95 for adults and £7.50 for children under 18. It’s free for kids under five.  

How long do you need to visit? Spend a couple of days in Falmouth to really appreciate the town’s many delights.

The historic inland town of Bodmin is located on the edge of Bodmin Moor in east Cornwall. The former county capital offers a wealth of exciting things to see and do for everyone, from toddlers to older adults.

Attractions include the large 13 th -century St. Petroc’s Church, the hilltop obelisk of Bodmin Beacon, and the elegant country house of Lanhydrock.

Tour the eerie old 18 th -century Bodmin Jail, visit the Military Museum, and experience legal drama at the Shire Hall Courtroom Experience.

One of the coolest things to do is a trip to Bodmin Moor. Wild, remote, rugged, and windswept, the moor is steeped in legends—look out for the Beast of Bodmin! Classed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the moor covers some 77 square miles and has quaint villages, historic spots, lakes, and caverns.

Climb to the top of Brown Willy, the highest point in Cornwall, and go on a literary adventure at Jamaica Inn, home to the world’s only museum dedicated to famous writer Daphne Du Maurier. It costs £3.95 to visit the museum.      

Vibrant and lively, Newquay is one of Cornwall’s most-visited towns. Lying on the county’s north coast, it is famous for surfing, beaches, and nightlife. Indeed, Newquay is often referred to as the UK’s Surfing Capital.

There are many surf shops, instructors, and rentals throughout the town. You’ll find the best waves during autumn and winter. Fistral Beach is a surfer’s paradise, and it hosts several international competitions and surfing events.   

In summer, the beautiful beaches beckon too. Fistral Beach draws large crowds in the warmer months, with lifeguards on duty. Other great Newquay beaches include Great Western, Crantock, Watergate Bay, and Towan.

More Newquay adventures can be found at the world-class Concrete Waves skate park. Ride the Newquay Land Train for leisurely sightseeing.

Spend family days out at the 13-acre Newquay Zoo, home to numerous animal species from around the globe, a maze, and a play area. Tickets are priced at £12.60 adults and £9.50 children aged three to 15.

Newquay is a year-round destination, though it is very busy during the height of summer and during British school holidays.  

The village of Mousehole is in southwest Cornwall on the southern edge of the Penwith Peninsula. Sitting on the shores of Mount’s Bay, it oozes character and charm. A major fishing port in times gone by, visiting Mousehole today is like stepping back in time.

Take time to roam the narrow streets and discover cute cafes, lovely homes, colourful galleries, welcoming pubs, and quirky boutiques. You’re sure to understand why literary giant Dylan Thomas famously referred to Mousehole as “the loveliest village in England”.

The gorgeous harbour provides exceptional ocean views and towards the nearby St. Clements Island. If you visit in the winter, do step outside after dark to admire the many twinkly Christmas lights that deck the harbour and homes.

At low tide you can relax on the sandy Mousehole Harbour Beach, or ride the waves on a surfboard. Alternatively, stroll along the pebbles of Newlyn Beach. Call into a local eatery for a bite of stargazy pie. Created in Mousehole, the dish might give you a bit of a shock—sardine heads poke right out through the pie crust!  

How long do you need to visit? You can enjoy the best of Mousehole in a day.

Good to know – Try to visit outside of the peak summer season to dodge the crowds.

Managed by the National Trust , Lanhydrock is a superb country estate close to Bodmin. Spread across almost 900s acres, the estate features a fine Victorian Mansion, an olde-worlde church, scenic woodlands, and well-tended gardens.

Although most parts of the historic country house were built in the late Victorian period, parts of the handsome building date as far back as the 1620s. It was once the property of an Augustinian priory.  

The interiors are affluent, yet unassuming. Tours provide glimpses into two sides of life in Victorian Britain, visiting both the lavish main family areas and the staff quarters. Peek into grand reception rooms and bedrooms, wander through kitchens and nurseries, and see where servants used to sleep.

You can also visit the Church of St. Hydroc, built in the late 1600s. A large Cornish cross stands outside the church.  

The formal gardens feature an abundance of plants and flowers and the woodlands are home to lots of wildlife. Follow picture-perfect riverside pathways and backcountry cycling routes.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and are half price for children. Entrance is free for National Trust members. Allow around three hours to visit, longer if you wish to explore the extensive woodlands in detail.       

Referred to as the Gateway to the Lizard Peninsula, Helston is a fairly large market town in southwest Cornwall. It’s known for its vivacious May celebration of the Floral Dance, complete with cool depictions of St. George and St. Michael conquering a dragon and a demon.

There are many architectural gems around the town, with a mixture of Victorian and Georgian styles.

Highlights include The Monument, an exquisite structure built in the 1830s to commemorate a local philanthropist, The Guildhall, St. Michael’s Church, and the historic Angel Hotel. Helston Folk Museum offers insights into local life and is free to enjoy. Call into The Anchor for a quick drink, once a monk’s lodging and later a tavern.

Visit Flambards for family fun. The attraction park has rides suitable for all ages, with tamer attractions for little ones and adrenaline-inducing rides for thrill-seekers.

The indoor areas are great for wet-weather days. Take a walk through a replica Victorian village, experience London during the Blitz, and see the socio-economic divide from the past in a Victorian home.

Open on selected days all through the year, do check opening times before visiting; certain areas are closed on some days, and other days the entire attraction is closed. Inclusive tickets cost £19.95 for adults and £14.95 for children. Tickets are valid for seven days.    

Truro is the only city in Cornwall and it is the county capital. It’s located inland in Central Cornwall, on the banks of the Truro River. Spend a couple of days exploring the city, or stay longer and use it as a base for discovering one of the most picturesque regions in the UK.

Start your city break with a visit to the Royal Cornwall Museum to delve deeper into Cornish culture and local life.

The museum also features eye-catching art and global artefacts from ancient civilisations. Entrance costs £5 for adults (kids go free), and this includes admission for the entire year.

Admire the stunning Gothic Revival Truro Cathedral, relax in the serene Victoria Gardens, and shop ‘til you drop in Lemon Street Market. Don’t forget to pick up some locally produced fudge to take home with you.

From spring to autumn, you can catch a cruise from the harbour in Truro to Falmouth. Sail through beautiful scenery and make a stop at the picturesque country estate of Trelissick, where you can have a delicious cream tea amid exotic plant life. (Tickets are £8/£4 for adults/children. Admission is free for National Trust members .)   

Cornwall’s most westerly town, Penzance lies on the edge of Mount’s Bay on the Penwith Peninsula. Famous for bandits and buccaneers, the town inspired Gilbert and Sullivan to produce the well-known opera, The Pirates of Penzance . Each midsummer solstice the town holds a lively week-long festival, called Golowan.

There are several ancient Stone- and Bronze-Age sites close to Penzance, including the stone circle known as the Merry Maidens, Lanyon Quoit, and Mên-an-Tol. The West Penwith Area of Natural Beauty is also easy to access.

In town, Morrab Gardens offer pleasant walks through rare and interesting botanical life, and there’s no charge to enter the pretty gardens.

Eureka Escape Cornwall is a fabulously fun attraction for families and friends (one-hour experiences vary in price depending on group size).  

Walk along the town’s most historic thoroughfare of Chapel Street, inspire your inner creative in the many art galleries, and see the interesting collections in the Penlee House Gallery and Museum (open year-round, closed on Sundays, admission fee £6 adults, £3 people aged 18 to 26, free for kids).   

Heartlands is a cool cultural centre in the Cornish town of Redruth. Situated in west Cornwall and slightly inland from the north coast, Redruth was once the 19 th -century hub of Cornwall’s tin mining industry.

Heartlands was created on a former mining site, turning unsightly industrial wasteland into a fun family-friendly attraction. Spread over 19 acres, Heartlands is a terrific place to discover more about Cornwall’s mining history.

In addition to interesting displays and exhibitions, the centre also has an awesome adventure playground for children and well-kept landscaped gardens. Visit the old carpentry shed, now a café, for a bite to eat.

One of the most eye-catching features is the gaping Robinson’s Shaft, an engineering marvel that reached more than 1,400 feet into the ground. You can still see a historic pumping engine too.      

Open all year round, the combination of indoor and outdoor spaces makes this a top place no matter the weather. Best of all, Heartlands is completely free to visit.  

How long do you need? Allocate around an hour for a visit.

The Isles of Scilly lie just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall and are easy to visit on a day trip. Regular boat services connect the island with ports around West Cornwall, or you can fly to the islands from Newquay and Land’s End.

The archipelago has several islands and islets, with the largest being St. Mary’s. Other major islands include Tresco, St. Martin’s, and St Agnes.

An absolute treasure for archaeology buffs, the islands have almost 300 ancient sites. From burial grounds to monuments, there are whispers from the past everywhere.

Historic hotspots include the centuries old Dungeon Bar, which was once a prison, the old Garrison Walls on St. Mary’s, Tresco Abbey Garden, and Bishop Rock Lighthouse.

It’s easy to find secluded beaches lapped by clear waters, and the islands are a magnet for lovers of water sports; enjoy sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and diving to see enigmatic shipwrecks.

Coastal paths open up the most incredible views, and you can see lots of wildlife, including seals, bats, birds, and butterflies.     

Tracing the coastline of the UK’s south west peninsula, the South West Coast Path runs for a whopping 630 miles from Somerset’s Minehead, through Cornwall, into Devon (home to the English Riviera), before finally finishing in Poole, Dorset.   

The UK’s longest national trail, the South West Coast Path is also one of the longest walks in the world. Don’t worry if you don’t have the stamina to complete the full trail—you can tackle smaller sections and still have an amazing experience.

There are five paths in Cornwall, which is little surprise given that almost half of the total route is found in the county.

The coastal pathways boast immense diversity, from gentle flats and sheer valleys, to stunning headlands and peaceful estuaries.

Discover bustling harbours, vibrant towns, scenic villages, secluded coves, and more. Fasten your boots and embark on a rewarding hike to remember, with glorious vistas, fascinating wildlife, amazing adventures, and interesting heritage.   

Whether you want to spend several days hiking or fancy an hours’ walk, it’s tough to find better walks than those along the South West Coast Path.

As there you have it – the very best places to visit in Cornwall including beaches, seaside towns, stunning coastlines and more.

We have even more great resources to help you plan your visit to Cornwall (and other fabulous destinations in the South West of England) –

• PLAN YOUR TRIP – Cornwall Travel Guide
• PLAN YOUR ITINERARY – Guide to the beautiful Cornish seaside town of St Ives
• WHERE TO STAY – Best places to stay in Cornwall
• Top 10 places to visit in South West England
• 24 famous landmarks in England to visit (Top 3 for every region)
• 10 most scenic train journeys to take in Britain
• Devon Travel Guide
• Dorset and Jurassic Coast Travel Guide

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17 of the best campsites in Cornwall

Choosing where to stay in one of england’s most sought-after regions is no easy task. our expert is here to help with her pick of the best campsites in cornwall.

C ornwall has long been a favourite of campers, glampers and caravanners — and with more campsites and holiday parks per square mile than any other English county except North Yorkshire (the largest county in the land), there’s plenty of choice. Whether you’re looking to pitch your tent in a calm meadow or roll up to a holiday park packed with activities, you should be able to find the ideal destination — and if you don’t have your own camping equipment, several organisations in Cornwall hire out bell tents, such as Ysella Glamping and BellaKernow, and camper vans, such as Happy Days Camper Hire.

Many campsites are open all year, so make the most of the shoulder seasons — it’s even possible to tuck up beneath your duvet for a winter weekend. Here’s our pick of the best campsites in Cornwall.

Main photo: the heated pool at Trevornick Holiday Park, Holywell Bay

1. Highertown Farm Campsite, Lansallos

Best for supporting the National Trust This is relaxed countryside camping in Cornwall at its best, without the formalities of check-in desks or allocated pitches. Pitch up where you like on the cosy camping meadow, which is surrounded by mature hedgerows for shade and shelter; one of the National Trust rangers (the NT owns this farm campsite) will be along to check all is well once they’ve finished looking after the surrounding coastline around Lansallos for the day. Small motorhomes and caravans no more than 6m long may stay here (the approach lanes are narrow) in addition to camper vans and tents.

Pets welcome Y Accessible N Shower and toilet facilities Y Electricity ports Y Price from £10 per night

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nationaltrust.org.uk

2. Perran Sands Holiday Park, Perranporth

Best for glamping The thought of a full-scale holiday park might not be for you. Perran Sands is different; the touring and glamping (safari tents, geodomes, yurts) area is totally separate from the main holiday park and its static caravans and chalets. But, if you wish to make the most of the restaurants, the well-stocked supermarket and all the entertainment facilities, including two swimming pools, they are only a five-minute walk away; the three-mile, golden beach is less than a ten-minute walk. Perran Sands is located in 500 acres of an impressive sand dune system and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There’s a minimum three-night stay (glamping) or seven-night stay (touring pitches); no tents allowed.

Pets welcome Y Accessible Y Shower and toilet facilities Y Electricity ports Y Price from £67.50 for seven nights (minimum stay)

3. Pentewan Sands, Pentewan

Best for direct beach access Award-winning Pentewan Sands provides what few Cornish campsites can: the use of a private sandy beach. This lovely site, within five miles of charming Mevagissey, has a large, flat pitching area, together with static holiday caravans for rent. There’s a holiday-park feel to the site, with a restaurant, a fish and chip takeaway and as well-stocked supermarket. There are also tennis courts, bike hire and a water sports centre based on the beach, with opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing and boat hire. Kids will love the adventure playground, also on the beach.

Pets welcome N Accessible Y Shower and toilet facilities Y Electricity ports Y Price from £13.10 per night

pentewan.co.uk

4. Sun Haven Valley Country Holiday Park, Mawgan Porth

Best for peace and quiet Guests will appreciate the “middle of nowhere” peace and quiet at this site with glamping and camping lodges for rent, thanks to a complete lack of traffic noise. Just below the entrance and reception area to the site is a collection of smart-looking static holiday homes within immaculately kept grounds. The shepherds’ huts, which sleep four, are below alongside the camping lodges, on level ground adjacent to a pretty, bubbling stream in a coastal valley with woodland opposite and surrounding hills for a backdrop. There’s a very pleasant ten-minute woodland walk to the lovely cove-like beach at Mawgan Porth, with its handful of restaurants and shops.

Pets welcome Y (not in shepherds’ huts) Accessible Y Shower and toilet facilities Y Electricity ports Y Price from £190 for three nights (minimum stay)

lovatparks.com

5. Beacon Cottage Farm, St Agnes

Best for mining heritage Plan to stay here in summer if you can — the flowers are flawless, including the spring daffodils that sit atop a fine Cornish wall at the farmhouse entrance. Also flawless are the striking sea views of the St Agnes Heritage Coast and that of Wheal Coates, a former mine and Unesco world heritage site. Stay in late summer and the colours of the coast, smothered in heather and wild broom, will drag you from your pitch for a respectably long stomp along the headland footpaths. There’s a minimum seven-night stay during school holidays.

Pets welcome Y Accessible Y Shower and toilet facilities Y Electricity ports Y Price from £28 per night

beaconcottagefarmholidays.co.uk

6. Tristram and Southwinds, Polzeath

Best for surfing Polzeath is renowned as a surfer’s paradise and is home to the HQ of one of the biggest surf schools, Surf’s Up. Within a longboard length of the beach in, arguably, the best position in the village, is Tristram. It may sound like the hip name of a surfer, but Tristram is a campsite that overlooks Polzeath’s wonderful beach; the South West Coast Path also trips right by. Only camper vans and touring caravans can pitch at Tristram; tent campers stay at sister site Southwinds, on the outskirts of the village but still within easy reach of the beach and with excellent sea views.

Pets welcome Y Accessible Y Shower and toilet facilities Y Electricity ports Y Price from £23 per night (minimum two nights)

polzeathcamping.co.uk

7. Trevornick Holiday Park, Holywell Bay

Best for golf As locations go, Trevornick is right up there for incredible views of the north Cornwall coast and Holywell Bay from many pitches. Although it’s a large site covering 200 acres, Trevornick is broken up into several fields, each with its own character; many pitches are terraced, some have privacy hedges between, and there are six different pitch types, from a basic grass pitch to extra-large Super Plus pitches on hardstanding with their own water and waste connections, electricity hook-up and TV connection. Families will remain entertained for a fortnight without the need to head off-site, with facilities that include an 18-hole golf course. Holywell Bay, though, is only a ten-minute walk away.

Pets welcome Y Accessible Y Shower and toilet facilities Y Electricity ports Y Price from £18.09 per night (minimum two-night stay)

trevornick.co.uk

• Best things to do in Cornwall

8. Dennis Cove Campsite, Padstow

Best for a Padstow fish supper Dennis Cove Campsite is a few minutes from the town centre and, among its many amenities, has a shower block that includes a family shower room with oodles of hot water. The 100 pitches for tents, camper vans and small touring caravans are spread out across five different fields to provide maximum space for everyone. Padstow’s maritime micro-climate means that frost is rare even in spring and autumn, so you can enjoy a camping holiday in the low season when the town is less busy with day-trippers. With the short walk into town from your pitch, there’s no need to fight for a hard-to-find car parking space.

Pets welcome Y Accessible Y Shower and toilet facilities Y Electricity ports Y Price from £32 per night

denniscovecampsite.co.uk

9. Sennen Cove Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Sennen Cove

Best for England’s most western point You’ll be hard pressed to find many campsites further west than this one; it’s situated only two miles from Land’s End. It’s also roughly equidistant between the north and south coasts of Cornwall with attractions such as the Minack Theatre and Geevor Tin Mine Museum both close. The nearest beach, Gwynver, is a 25-minute walk, while the beach at Sennen is a 45-minute walk from the campsite. There’s a relaxed family feel to the site, which is run by the Camping and Caravanning Club, with non-members welcome. There are sea views from many of the 72 pitches for tents, motorhomes and touring caravans.

Pets welcome Y Accessible Y Shower and toilet facilities Y Electricity ports Y Price from £10.20 per night

campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

10. Polmanter Touring Park, St Ives

Best for access to St Ives It’s easy to visit ever-popular St Ives when you stay at Polmanter; there’s a regular shuttle bus into town, or campers can take a short walk through the neighbouring Steeple Woodland Nature Reserve. The touring park has been run by the Osborne family for more than 50 years, and has bagged multiple awards. You’ll want to give one of your own to the amazing view over the Atlantic coast — the perfect accompaniment to your morning croissants and coffee.

Pets welcome Y Accessible Y Shower and toilet facilities Y Electricity ports Y Price from £21 per night

polmanter.com

11. Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay

Best for facilities Hendra Holiday Park covers 80 acres with more than 500 touring pitches and a large area of static caravans — though it’s anything but impersonal. Hendra has exceptional facilities including a vast leisure pool complex, plus activities for both children and adults. However, if you wish to stay away from the bustle, select a pitch in one of the quiet touring paddocks with sweeping south-facing views of hills and valleys. The park prides itself on its green credentials: solar power supplies 70 per cent of its electricity requirements, while a fuel-efficient biomass boiler heats the water for the swimming pools.

Pets welcome Y Accessible Y Shower and toilet facilities Y Electricity ports Y Price from £18.50

hendra-holidays.com

12. Treveague Campsite, Gorran Haven

Best for home cooking Treveague Farm already has plenty going for it thanks to its stirring sea views. What stands out is the back-to-basics, no-frills approach to camping and the opportunity to appreciate the views and location without a host of on-site entertainments. There are three gorgeous beaches within a 30-minute walk and the South West Coast Path passes by the campsite. Enjoy freshly prepared food in on-site restaurant the Secret Garden, which serves breakfasts and excellent home-cooked food alongside beers from the nearby St Austell Brewery.

Pets welcome Y Accessible Y Shower and toilet facilities Y Electricity ports Y Price from £18 per night

treveaguecampsite.co.uk

13. Treloan Coastal Holidays, Portscatho

Best for campfires There’s always a great vibe at Treloan, located on the Roseland Peninsula and within a short walk of Gerrans and Portscatho. The open-plan campsite has incredible ocean views and it’s only a two-minute walk from the main camping fields to a pebbly beach for rockpooling fun. Personal fire pits are allowed but there’s also a weekly, communal campfire to sit around for a sea shanty and storytelling. Creative family workshops take place during the day; children can help the campsite owners feed the sheep and chickens, and collect the eggs.

Pets welcome Y Accessible Y Shower and toilet facilities Y Electricity ports Y Price from £20.50 per night

treloancoastalholidays.co.uk

14. Trewethett Farm Caravan & Motorhome Club Site, Tintagel

Best for clifftop views One of the most spectacular coastal views from any campsite in Cornwall is that from Trewethett Farm, a cliff top site that overlooks Bossiney Cove on the north Cornish coast. Motorhomes, campervans, touring caravans and tents can pitch here, with non-members welcome. Both the site and the amenities are always kept immaculately clean and tidy. The South West Coast Path runs past the site and the clifftop walks to nearby Boscastle and Tintagel — where the castle is the birthplace in the legend of King Arthur — are not to be missed.

Pets welcome Y Accessible Y Shower and toilet facilities Y Electricity ports Y Price from £16.10 per night

caravanclub.co.uk

15. Teneriffe Farm Campsite, Helston

Best for homemade sausages This is a working farm, owned by the National Trust and managed by tenant farmers, on the west coast of the Lizard Peninsula. There are sea views from many pitches to enjoy while you barbecue sausages and burgers bought from the farm. A ten-minute stroll will lead you to the South West Coast Path for a good walk to nearby Mullion Cove. Touring caravans, motorhomes and tents are invited to the all-grass site. Anticipate some overhead noise from the air-sea rescue helicopters, based at nearby RNAS Culdrose and Predannack.

16. Sea Forts, Maker Heights

Best for hidden Cornwall High on a hill in a tiny, forgotten corner of Cornwall is Sea Forts, with its collection of luxury bell tents sited within a Napoleonic fort. By camping here you’re helping to preserve and bring the historic barracks back to life as part of a major restoration programme. There’s no slumming it, though; each bell tent has a cosy double bed and, for family-sized bells, single beds too. Each tent, with its own viewing deck, has a picnic table, a fire pit, a skillet and Dutch oven. Oh, and a candelabra. On no-cook days, the Guardhouse offers tasty fare from breakfast to evening tapas. Be sure to take a walk or cycle ride in the neighbouring Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. And hop on the ferry from either Cawsand or Cremyll to Plymouth, crossing the county boundary to Devon.

Pets welcome Y Accessible Y Shower and toilet facilities Y Electricity ports N Price from £180 for two nights (minimum stay)

seafortscornwall.com

17. The View at Watergate Bay, Watergate Bay

Best for breakfast with a sea view Surfers are likely to be familiar with Watergate Bay. Just two miles north of Newquay, it is one of Cornwall’s finest beaches on the north coast, and a go-to for those wishing to ride the waves. On the cliffs above the bay is the View at Watergate Bay. There’s no need to explain why the campsite is named so. For a hearty brunch, take a morning stroll down to the Beach Hut, a laid-back restaurant with giant picture windows at sea level. The menu has local, seasonal produce that’s 50 per cent plant based. If you really can’t be fussed to move a muscle from your pitch-with-a-view, the campsite serves up fresh baked croissants and baguettes.

Pets welcome Y Accessible Y Shower and toilet facilities Y Electricity ports Y Price from £17.40 per night

watergatebaycamping.co.uk

• Best beaches in Cornwall • Best places to camp wild (or wild-ish) in the UK

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9 Best Campsites in Cornwall

Welcome to Cornwall. A land defined by a spectacular coastline which tapers out into the Atlantic Ocean, dramatic granite cliffs, picture-postcard fishing harbours, and wide sandy beaches. A revered surfing haven with a rich cultural heritage, which remains visible in the landscapes, ancient stones and mining structures. The spirit of the place is decidedly different, and once you get your campervan to Cornwall, you’ll find yourself wondering if you’re still in England. They don’t call it Kernow-fornia for nothing! 

There’s a dizzying array of campsites to choose from, a testament to Cornwall’s popularity as a holiday destination. From holiday parks to simplistic, back-to-nature pitch-ups, there’s almost too much choice. So, we have collected nine of the best campsites in Cornwall to make planning a trip to the UK’s southwestern tip that much easier. We’ve arranged them by tariff from high to low, though all are reasonably priced, with ample facilities, breathing space and stunning views. They’re also all independent and family-run, which we think makes a difference to both you and the hosts you share an experience with. By the end of this blog, you'll understand why Cornwall is one of our top 5 weekend destinations in the UK .

1. Ayr Holiday Park, St Ives

Ayr Holiday Park, St Ives boasts an incredible vista that, even amongst camping sites in Cornwall, is hard to beat. Overlooking the sandy stretches of Porthmeor, its gorgeous sunsets and consistent surf waves, this campsite is also just a 5-minute walk from artsy St Ives. Explore the Tate art gallery, join up with the coastal path (direct access from the campsite), stock up on local food provisions at the Cornish Deli, and try Blas Burgerworks after a long surf session. There’s also a 14th Century Inn right on the harbour. Just remember the steep walk back up to your pitch. 

As for the campsite itself, there are 80 pitches, half of which with electric hook-ups, 30 hardstanding. There’s a main shower and toilet block with warm, spacious showers, disabled and family rooms, shaving points, and hairdryers. There’s also a laundry, a games room, and WiFi. No campfires or disposable BBQs are allowed. An on-site café caters to all immediate needs. The slightly higher tariffs reflect the spectacular view and location and is definitely worth it!

Ayr Holiday Park, Alexandra Road, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1EJ

2. Elm Farm, Redruth

Elm Farm capitalises on its location beside the Mineral Tramways cycle network and serves as a family-run campsite and cycle centre with a cute café. Be sure to get your bikes on board before bringing your motorhome to Cornwall, because this site is bang in the middle of the Coast-to-Coast trail . Tracks weave away across Cornwall’s 19th-century mining history, past moonscape quarries and ancient copper mines, cliff tops and countryside, and lie in wait for adventurous campers who come here. If you don’t bring your own bike, you can hire from the farm café for a discounted camper rate. A great viewpoint nearby is Laity Moor. It stretches out in the distance to Carn Brea Hill, one of the highest points in the local area, from which you can see both the north and south Cornwall coast. Elm Farm is also less than two miles by bike from the nearest beaches. Choose between Portreath and Porthtowan, or explore secret swimming holes like Fisherman’s Cove. The surf school at Porthtowan can take care of all your board hire and lesson needs if you’re more water-baby than a trail rider. 

The site’s two camping meadows are simple, off-grid, and have been left purposefully alone in order to maintain their natural appeal – to people and wildlife alike. Amongst the 25 pitches, buzzards, barn owls and stoats can be spotted or heard. Great elm trees border the fields and give the farm its name. There’s a pair of family shower rooms with sinks, and 4 compost toilets (the café has flushing loos, too). There are also drinking-water taps, solar lights dotted around, 2 dish-washing/laundry sinks, and a chemical disposal point beside the café. You can use braziers (upcycled washing machine drums) and campfires, which are provided with logs for £6. 

Elm Farm Cycles, Camp & Café, Tram Road, Nancekuke, Redruth, Cornwall TR16 5UF. 

3. Bush Farm Wild Camping, Saltash

Along the theme of camping sites in Cornwall that are run a bit differently (and are all the better for it), Bush Farm Wild Camping is a unique, family-run site on rewilded land. Formerly a cattle farm, the family have planted 100 acres of wildflower meadows and 20 acres of crops for wildlife. This conservation and biodiversity project complements a low-key, off-grid camping experience for adults and kids with wild imaginations and a love of nature. It’s easily accessible from Plymouth and opens up the rest of Cornwall. The nearest beach is the lovely, quiet Whitsand Bay, and nearby that is the harbour town of Looe. Drive up to the stunning Kit Hill and have a traditional Cornish fair (cream teas, pasties, full English brekkies or hearty homemade meals) whilst overlooking the rolling country at Louis Tea Rooms https://www.louistearooms.co.uk/. Otherwise, fill your boots with burgers, burritos and craft beer from Foreign Muck (so named as an affectionate jab at the chef’s old man, whose hesitance to try new cuisine inspired them to bring more adventurous menus to their hometown).   

When you rock up to Bush Farm, you’ll be given a map and encouraged to explore and settle wherever you like. The 40 ‘pitches’ are more than generous, but aren’t neatly groomed hard standings. Also, facilities aren’t the campsite's selling point. However, there are two toilets, two hot-water showers, and a sink for washing up which cover the necessary bases. It’s the 200 acres of land worth exploring that make this place special, with a lake and a river that you can take to in the Canadian canoe. Campfires are allowed, firepits are provided free of charge and recycled wood is available for £5 a bag.

Bush Farm Campsite, Bush Farm Wild Camping, Pillaton, Saltash, Cornwall PL12 6QY

4. Trelispen Caravan and Camping Park, St Austell

Trelispen Caravan and Camping Park is a perfectly quiet spot for a laid-back, classic touring campervan experience of Cornwall. It’s half a mile from the beaches of the Roseland Peninsula, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These beaches, such as Vault and Hemmick, are beautiful, safe, and lesser-known, where shoals of mackerel attract dolphins and friendly seals. Nearby walks around Dodman Point take you to an Iron Age hill fort, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are only 10 minutes away. A friendly face around the campsite is Ray, who operates the local kayak hire in Gorran Haven. 

There are 10 of the 40 pitches with electric hook-ups, but other than that, it’s pitch-where-you-like. The facilities block has 7 toilets and 4 showers, a washing-up sink, a free-to-use washing machine and tumble dryer, and a communal fridge-freezer. Campfires aren’t allowed, but BBQs are so long as they’re off the ground. 

Trelispen Caravan and Camping Park, Gorran Haven, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6NR.

5. Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay

Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay has been named by the AA Caravan and Camping Awards as one of the UK’s best, let alone one of the best campsites in Cornwall. It’s also one of the refreshingly independently owned and managed campsites near Newquay, the county’s busiest holiday destination. So, if you’re looking for a lively holiday option, this is the one for you. It also offers a skate park, fish and chip shop, coffee shop, and indoor and outdoor pools, just to keep you busy. 

The touring pitches occupy 12 fields and, some have fully serviced facilities. There are 548 pitches, so you can pick your aspect; open countryside or under the shade of the site’s mature trees and shrubs. While the five toilet and shower blocks are spotlessly maintained, they’re also open to the public. This site generates most of its own electricity from a 1.5-megawatt solar farm. The Hendra Pod Village area has 10 smart wooden pods for hire. This is where all your holiday needs can be met in one go, at a campsite conveniently near Newquay .

Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4NY

6. The View Campsite, Newquay

Another one of Cornwall’s great campsites near Newquay is The View Campsite. Here, you get all the advantages of being just half a mile away from the best beach in Cornwall, Watergate Bay, with its cliffy backdrop, 2 miles of golden sand and an exciting array of year-round events. The view is a smaller, tranquil campsite, but the Watergate Touring Park is just 300 yards away. Along a quiet road, all of its amenities – which include an indoor heated swimming pool, skate park, tennis courts, pool tables, arcades and more – are available for guests at the View to access. There’s also a charming little onsite café at the View, laundry facilities, a heated toilet and shower block including disabled and family bathrooms, indoor washing up area, drinking water points, waste facilities, ice-pack hire, hair-dryers and electronic device charging. For a small site, it really has it all.  

The View at Watergate Bay, Bostaran, Tregurrian, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 4AE. 

7. East Crinnis Farm, Par

For an idyllic countryside retreat, head to the heart of Cornwall and stay at East Crinnis Farm . Even here, you’re still only a 15-minute walk from dramatic coastlines! From the campsite, you can easily join up with the South West Coastal Footpath. Towering above Crinnis Beach’s cliffs, you can follow it to Charleston Harbour. Easily reached by car for exciting day trips are the Eden Project and King Arthur’s Castle in Tintagel, as well as the traditional fishing ports of Fowey and Mevagissey. Nearby eateries include the Smugglers Den Inn in Cubert, a friendly thatched pub with traditional food and local ales, and Sam’s, a 60s-style joint renowned for its fish and burgers. 

For all its rustic feel, this campsite really has it all: a shower block with hot water, changing rooms, family bathrooms, hair dryers, a disabled bathroom with modern facilities, a kitchen with a freezer, kettle, microwave, and washing-up facilities. All pitches are within close reach of water points, the showers and the toilet blocks. There’s also a laundry room with ironing facilities, coin-operated washing machines and tumble driers, and there’s Wi-Fi. The reception has a small shop, ‘the Shack,’ for takeaway food and groceries. During the school holidays, they have weekly story-telling around a campfire and a free pasty supper, which, of course, all ages can join. Whilst campfires are allowed at pitches, they must be off the ground in BBQs or fire pits (these aren’t provided). They’ve also taken the time and effort to provide waste recycling, modern chemical disposal and greywater drop point. On the more scenic side of things, there’s a small nature reserve with a pond. 

Par Moor Road, Par, PL24 2SQ

8. Granary Barn Camping, Helston

Granary Barn Camping is also one of the more traditional camping sites in Cornwall and is perfect for exploring the rugged Lizard Peninsula. You can join up with the coastal path for some stunning walks, such as from Loe Bar to Porthmeor. Again, Porthmeor is the surfer’s beach of choice nearby, but Porthmister is also among the UK’s finest and close at hand. It’s worth driving a few minutes to Porthleven to check out the 3-mile beach, traditional net lofts and fisherman’s cottages. For the more adventurous, Lizard Adventure specialize in outdoor activities such as cliff climbing, coasteering and sea kayaking. Don’t forget to cross the tidal causeway to St Michael’s Mount; a must-do, this fairy-tale island is immersed in myth and legend. The campsite itself is astride Helston, Cornwall’s second oldest town, and is full of ancient pubs and old miner’s cottages.

The campsite is easily accessible, sitting on the B3302 Holiday Route. The simple facilities are suitable for any traditional campsite; a washing-up area with hot water and draining board, free fridge and freezer access, a toilet block, showers for £2, and a free washing machine. The owner, Tom, is an asset himself. Affably welcoming and ever accommodating, he prides himself on making the camping experience at Granary Barn a breeze. 

Nantrisack Farm, B3302, Sithney, Helston, TR13 0AE

9. Cerenity Eco Campsite, Bude

Last but not least, Cerenety Eco Campsite is so priced thanks to the volunteers that help to run it. Spacious, peaceful and green, in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, this campsite boasts ‘happy eco-camping,’ and has won awards for sustainability as well as its excellent reviews. It’s suitable for smaller campervans, so unfortunately if you’re bringing a big, roomy motorhome to Cornwall, this pitch isn’t for you. It’s a bit more back-to-nature; the site is also an animal rescue centre and is committed to protecting the natural habitats within its fields. Spot herons, butterflies and moths in the wildlife pond, feed orphan lambs in lambing season and get to know the other animals on site: horses, alpacas, ducks, dogs, and chickens. 

A 5-minute’ walk brings you to the campsites’ ‘secret beach,’ or another 20 minutes to Bude’s stunning, surfable Summerleaze, Crooklets and Widemouth beaches. Bude can offer any holiday-maker an array of surf schools, such as Raven or Big Blue, waterfront café, pubs and eateries and amusement arcades. You can dip in the tidal pool, or row a boat along the canal (boat hire at Lower Wharf: 07968 688782). For cyclists, there’s a gentle route along the canal towpath, or a more demanding ride all the way from Bude to Land’s End along the  Cornish Way . 

The campsite’s 3 sprawling fields have no set pitches, so be sure to check with the owners which meadow is best for your stay. A field shelter houses 2 showers, 3 compost loos and 2 washing-up sinks (hot water is powered by solar panels). The owner, Jake will happily freeze ice blocks for you, if you ask. A small shed shop sells basics such as toothpaste and loo roll. Everyone’s welcome to pick fresh veggies from the patch and explore the forest garden. Campfires and BBQs are very much encouraged, and portable solar shower bags are also available to rent for £6. 

Cerenety Campsite, Lynstone Lane, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 0LR. 

Before you hit up one of the best campsites in Cornwall, remember that our recommendations here are not exhaustive – there are too many amazing experiences to list here! From coast to coast and everything in between, there’s a whole world to be uncovered in this small, stunning county (which many consider to be a country in its own right). You can even hire a motorhome in Cornwall for your trip. A campervan cruise really is the best way to wrap as much as you can into one break, so grab your surfboards and check out our campers ready to take you on your next road trip in Cornwall !

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• May 21, 2020

The 7 Best Campsites in Cornwall

• Categories: Camping , Places to Visit

Each year, Cornwall welcomes 4 million visitors across the height of the summer camping season.

Aside from holidaying in this wonderfully picturesque part of the UK, some of the highlights of which are mentioned in this guide , there are plenty of festivals, beaches and events to attract campers too.

But when it comes to the best campsites in Cornwall, which ones tick all the boxes?

Camping in Cornwall is something that everyone should experience once in a lifetime.

Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back for more. a rugged coastline combined with pretty town and villages, there is something for every visitor here.

The South West Coast Path offers both gentle and challenging walks, all whilst enjoying panoramic sea views.

There is a plethora of other outdoor activities to enjoy here too, with most people taking to the water for a surf.

Villages and towns offer a mix of local, independent retailers as well as larger, high street brands in Truro.

A myriad of country lanes will bring you out in the most beautiful of places.

One of the best and most affordable ways of staying in Cornwall and enjoying everything from a fortnight’s holiday to a long weekend is to camp.

Camping is arguably one of the best ways to see the world, especially this small part of it and it actually does have tangible health benefits .

For some visitors, camping means nights under the stars and canvas, for others, it means pitching up at a campsite with all mod cons and facilities, ideal for campervan owners.

For others, camping is staying in a static caravan, enjoying everything that a relaxed holiday on a pleasant and well-maintained site has to offer.

Whatever your camping preference, we have trawled the Cornwall for the best campsites that will make your stay here a pleasant and comfortable one. Whether its 5 star campsites in Cornwall or a more back to basic type sites we have covered them all.

Gwithian Farm Campsite, Hayle

There are so many places to visit in Cornwall that it can be hard to know where to start which is why many first-time visitors head for the hotspots of popular towns such as St. Ives.

Not a bad introduction to the delights of Cornwall at all, the quaint town and beautiful beachfront make this an obvious choice. Locally, there are plenty of campsites and holiday lets but if you want to enjoy the cuteness and hub-bub of St.Ives ‘from a distance’, then opting to camp at Gwithian Farm Campsite in Hayle is a great choice. And if you are going to Cornwall, camping sites near beach is what you really want. They have some of the best beaches in the whole of the UK.

You’ll find this campsite just north of the town although it is not within easy walking distance. What you will get is St.Ives close-by but with enough of a ‘gap’ to kick back and relax after a busy day on the tourist trail.

Gwithian beach is not to be underestimated either. A vast expanse of beautiful beach this is within walking distances of the campsite. It also boasts more or less consistent surf (weather and tide dependent, of course!). In fact, in our opinion this is the best campsites in cornwall near a beach. It’s not quite on the beach but its close enough. 

The small village of Hayle is within easy reach. You’ll find a very pleasant café with an extensive and popular menu for visitors and local alike, as well as a friendly pub. They hold events here too throughout the summer and so if you want a mix of lively entertainment but a relaxed camping experience look no further.

Gwithian Farm Campsite welcomes camper, caravans and campers, and is open from April through to the end of September.

Contact Details

Website: https://www.gwithianfarm.co.uk/

Telephone: 01736 753127

Treen Farm Campsite

Admittedly, there are very few parts of Cornwall that are not within easy reach of the sea, meaning that the opportunity of falling to sleep and waking up to the sound of the surf hitting the sand is a real possibility.

So say hello to the clifftop campsite that is Treen Farm. Perched on the edge of a cliff, it is one of the best campsites in Cornwall by the sea and is the camping spot that will offer you the sea views and beaches you want.

There are two beaches close by that you can access for days lazing on the beach but follow local advice when it comes to swimming and surfing. There is also a dog ban on the beaches from May through to September which may be off-putting if you have Fido in tow.

As well as sun, sea and sand, this is a haven for campers who enjoy long, languid walks. You can walk to Land’s End from the site in about three hours, and there are plenty of other scenic walks too.

In terms of local activities, there is plenty to choose from including the Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre in the village which is within 20-minute walking distance. Open all year round, there are performances throughout the summer to enjoy.

And whilst you are in the village, you can enjoy wholesome and delicious food at the Logan Rock Inn, as well as enjoy Cornish afternoon tea in the many cafes local to the site.

The amenities on site are clean but basic, although the views and location make up for any perceived shortfall. Welcoming both campers and campervans, you can also book one of the many spacious pre-erected tents for a two or three-week stay here.

All in all, a fabulous campsite in a stunning location at very affordable prices.

Website: https://www.treenfarmcampsite.com/

Telephone: 07598 469322

Camping in a Tipi, St. Kew

Cornish Tipi Holidays is a site inland and away from the hub-bub and tourist trails that Cornwall is known for. But it’s no less attractive…

If you want to be nestled under the protective canopies of native woodland, then this is the site for you. Within 16 acres of woodland, there are 40 tipis. You’ll find yours at the end of a winding track having passed through marsh, meadows and woodland.

This is a back-to-nature, reset your mind, body and soul campsite. As well as the trees that whisper gently in the breeze, there are crystal clear lakes in which you can swim, fish or go boating – kayaks and life vests are provided.

How can also chop your own logs for the fire and cook over the flame… but there are flushing toilets and shower blocks close by if you don’t want the complete back-to-nature experience.

Just outside Pendoggett, (the site is remote so you’ll need a car to get to and from it) with the nearest train station some 18 miles away. It is a site that bills itself as a destination in itself and so you’ll find that you’ll be more than happy to laze the days away here.

A great place to spend a week or two in this beautiful part of the world, with a slice of your own paradise on the doorstep, for a week or two at least.

Website: https://www.cornishtipiholidays.co.uk/

Telephone: 01208 880781

Beacon Cottage Farm, St Agnes

St. Agnes is a delightful town on the west coastline of Cornwall and the location for Beacon Cottage Farm campsite.

Occasionally, you’ll come across a gem of a campsite that you want to keep to yourself and this is one of them. It has the best of everything from sweeping sea views to woodland, all of which is accessible from your tent or campervan door.

You’ll find this campsite on the lower slopes of St Agnes Beacon, one of the highest points in Cornwall. Just yards from the cliffs, there are uninterrupted sea views as well as panoramic displays of the rugged coastline for ad far as the eye can see.

And why is this such a find? Simply because this is one of the most uncommercialized sites you’ll find in this tourist hotspot. A working cattle farm, cows graze over 300 acres of prime pasture with the farmhouse at its centre. The outhouses have been converted into various facilities and so you are presented with a pleasant, but no-frills camping experience.

Should the gentle breeze turn to a westerly, however, you’ll need your expert pegging to come to hand as the gales from the sea can be quite something…

They have room for 70 tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as two cottages that can be hired for a reasonable tariff even during the height of the season. You’ll find the campsite open from Easter through to September.

Website: http://www.beaconcottagefarmholidays.co.uk/

Telephone: 01872 552347

Treloan Coastal Holidays, Roseland Peninsula​

Hopping on over to the eastern fringe of Cornwall, you’ll find Portscatho, the quaint seaside location for Treloan Coastal Holidays.

The popularity of Cornwall as an ideal summer retreat is well known and there are few areas untouched by the hand of tourism. But occasionally, you do come across less-well-known areas, one of which is this small hub.

There is something wildly romantic about this area which is possibly why it attracts campers who are more than willing to leave the realities of modern living behind and pare back to basics for a few nights.

There is nothing basic about this campsite, however. With modern and clean facilities, it makes an ideal base to explore everything that Cornwall has on offer.

Rivers merge with the sea here but is an area protected from the ravages of the Atlantic by the Lizard peninsula. There is a windswept, magical landscape to this part of the Cornish coastline. Woods offer silent, reflective places whilst the sea pounds the cliff base.

Let the landscape colour your soul whilst you stay at this campsite with generous sized pitches in a space that is a field width away from the beach. As well as tents, there are also yurts available for hire and is also an ideal spot for caravans and they cater for a small number of motorhomes too.

Website: https://treloancoastalholidays.co.uk/

Telephone: 01872 580989

Namparra Campsite, Helston

You’ll find this wonderful campsite nestled on the thumb of Cornwall and is a campsite that is an ideal base for exploring. A sleepy hollow it may be, but it has everything that you’ll find it hard to leave it gentle embrace.

A family run site, the six-acre campsite has sea views, a shower block and a small onsite shop, and is an ideal location from which to explore the Lizard peninsula. The Cornish coastline is known for coves and caves, hence the reason why it was a smuggler’s paradise, and you’ll find plenty along this section of Cornish coastline.

And if you want a day or two at the beach, a 20-minute walk at a gentle pace through a field will bring you out onto the golden sands of Kennack sands, a  Blue Flag beach that is ideal for everyone but especially families. Spend the hours rock-pooling and swimming. The gentle waves are also ideal for boogie boarding and surfing newbies.

There is also a gentle stretch of the South West Coast Path you can walk here if you can tear yourself away from the sandy beach that is.

There is also a small bar on site, but the emphasis is still on family camping. There are plenty of play facilities for children, including two trampolines. And then there are the goats to say hello to, and the chickens and the pigs…

Exclusively for tents, the pitch fees are more than reasonable. Opt for a non-electric pitch or pay for a hookup – the choice is yours.

Website: https://www.namparracampsite.co.uk/

Telephone: 01326 290040

South Penquite Farm, Bodmin

It might not be as big as Dartmoor but Bodmin has more than enough drama to offer the camper… and that’s why you should check out South Penquite Farm campsite.

For those that enjoy a ‘primitive’ really nack-to-nature camping experience, you can’t get better than this organic certified farm who welcome campers throughout the summer season. You’ll wake to birdsong, hike off the beaten track and enjoy the fruits of the farm that you can buy on site.

Set amid dramatic, rustic farmland, the facilities are clean, modern and eco-friendly. Hot water is heated by solar power, but you’ll need your wellies to get to and from it. The campsite makes no apology for being a working farm first and a place to camp second. But you’ll have chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks for company as well as other campers.

Pitch fees are more than reasonable but if you want a little more luxury, you can hire a yurt for a week that sleeps six.

Website:  http://southpenquite.co.uk/

Cornwall is a camper’s paradise. Where will you stay when you visit? We feel we have found the b est camping spots Cornwall. Agree or disagree let us know in the comments. 

Heading to Cornwall

Check out these other great articles about Cornwall, from places to stay to places to visit.

10 Hidden Beaches in the UK for the Ultimate Seaside Escape

Top 6 Castles to Visit in Cornwall

Best UK Beach and Seaside Festivals

The Monkey Sanctuary in Cornwall

Camel Creek Adventure Park Cornwall

Cornwall’s Top 5 Naturist Sites

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Discovering Cornwall’s Best Motorhome Destinations .

A popular destination for travellers from around the UK and beyond, Cornwall is synonymous with glorious beaches, stunning landscapes, and fresh seafood. Situated on the southwestern tip of England, Cornwall is a paradise for motorhome travellers seeking diverse experiences and offers a myriad of destinations that are perfect for exploration in the comfort of a motorhome. There are so many incredible touring routes and campsites, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

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This artists' haven is renowned for its colourful houses, bustling harbour, and stunning beaches. There are plenty of things to see and do in St Ives, including visiting the Tate St Ives gallery, exploring the town's narrow cobbled streets with boutique shops and cosy cafes, taking in breathtaking coastal views at nearby Carbis Bay or Zennor, or simply relaxing on the beach.

Plan your dream Cornwall Holiday today

As the westernmost point of England, Land’s End is a popular spot for those who want to visit the iconic signpost that marks the end of the country and capture memorable photos against the dramatic backdrop of the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged cliffs. Walkers get to enjoy the South West Coast Path and witness stunning panoramas, or simply spend the day exploring the cliffs and taking in the rugged beauty of the coastline.

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A picturesque fishing village on the north coast of Cornwall, Padstow is famous for its seafood restaurants, charming streets, and beautiful harbour. It's a great destination for a motorhome holiday and a recognised foodie heaven, with plenty of campsites and parking areas available to leave your motorhome while you savour the fresh seafood available. You can also take a scenic boat trip along the Camel Estuary and visit Rock and Daymer Bay, perfect for water enthusiasts and beach lovers.

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Although a popular surfing destination due to its long sandy beaches and consistent waves, Newquay has plenty of other things to do, such as visiting the Blue Reef Aquarium, exploring the town's lively nightlife, and hiking in the nearby cliffs. Lots of amenities for camping can be found in the area, with a great range of sites available suited to all budgets. Be sure to check and book in advance in the peak summer season.

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Falmouth is a historic town on the south coast of Cornwall that offers a mix of maritime history and coastal beauty. Known for its beautiful harbour, visit the National Maritime Museum and learn about the county’s maritime heritage, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and watch the boats sail in and out. Just a short ferry ride takes you to St Mawes or Flushing for more scenic delights and a taste of Cornish coastal life.

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The best places to visit in Cornwall, from coast to cove

These are the best places to visit in Cornwall, from seaside villages to remote islands

Cornwall may be one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK, but in such a sprawling and varied county it can be hard to know the best places to visit. From magnificent castles, to spectacular headlands, to a cluster of beautiful, remote islands, the south west county is one of the most stunning parts of the country, with a tonne of amazing things to see. Luckily, we've rounded up some of the best places to visit in Cornwall here, so you can save yourself the pain of digging through an old guidebook you found in the Airbnb. 

We recommend seeing the area by car – aside from a few trains its public transport system is famously shoddy, plus it means you can access all those hard-to-reach, remote spots down windy country lanes – just watch out for locals speeding around those bends. So fire up the engine and get down to some of the spots mentioned below. We can picture the seagulls stealing your sandwiches already. 

RECOMMENDED:   🏖️  The best beaches in Cornwall 🥧  The best attractions in Cornwall 🏘️  The best Airbnbs in Cornwall

This guide was recently updated by Time Out writer   India Lawrence , who is originally from Cornwall .  At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines .

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Beautiful places to visit in Cornwall

1.  Isles of Scilly

Small, quiet and extraordinarily beautiful, the Isles of Scilly are a low-lying archipelago strung out across the Atlantic, some 28 miles off Land’s End – the last dots of land before North America. Basking in the warmth of the Gulf Stream in summer, the islands paint an exotic scene: softly curving, silver sand beaches are splashed by clear, shallow waters and a shock of weird and wonderful flowers and plants, many of which would struggle to survive in any other part of the country, run riot. Fiery red-hot pokers and purple-headed agapanthus, natives of Africa, make themselves at home, and the waxy ‘cactus roses’ of aeoniums, originally from the Canaries, crawl over garden walls.

2.  The Lizard

South from Helston, the peninsula takes on an altogether more untamed character. The underlying serpentine rock, a greenish metamorphic stone, is covered by dour, dramatic sweeps of heathland (collectively named the Lizard National Nature Reserve), whose unusual geological make-up means it is home to some of Britain’s rarest plants. The swathes of pink-flowering Cornish heath (Erica vagans), at its prettiest in summer, are particularly glorious. On the coast, there are towering cliffs and rousing seas, preposterously pretty fishing villages and tempting sandy coves. Most visitors gravitate inexorably to Lizard Point to spend a few moments as the most southerly person in mainland Britain.

3.  Rame Peninsula

Cornwall’s ‘forgotten corner’ – as the Rame Peninsula is often dubbed – is also one of the county’s most beautiful areas. Bafflingly overlooked by tourists and travel guides, the southeastern tip of Cornwall, on the Devon border, is the stuff of daydreams: romantic creeks, historic country mansions and snug waterside villages that give way to wild, unspoilt cliffs. It is perhaps the out-of-the-way location and the proximity of Plymouth across the water that has saved this small peninsula from development – most people dart straight over the Tamar Bridge rather than detour into the meandering country lanes, which culminate in a breathtaking dead-end when they reach the sea.

4.  Mevagissey

Mevagissey is an ancient port and fishing village that dates back to the 14th century. In the 19th century, pilchards were the main catch here, and fish were salted and stored in cellars in the town and exported. The painted cob and slate houses cling to the hillside overlooking the two harbours, and the old fish cellars have been converted into tourist-oriented shops and eateries. These days, the fishermen supplement their income by taking visitors out on fishing trips; there is shark fishing for the adventurous and mackerel trips for families who want to catch their own supper.

5.  Mousehole

On a sunny morning, before the summer crowds throng the harbour walls and car-owners make misguided attempts to navigate its minuscule streets, Mousehole (pronounced Mowzel) seems too perfect to be true. Its tiny harbour is fringed with soft, yellow sand, while the granite cottages huddling together behind are made all the more irresistible by carefully tended window boxes and the odd cat peeking out. But even if Mousehole has, by dint of its beauty, become a tourist magnet, with cramped fisherman’s cottages attracting mindboggling offers, the village has retained plenty of character and has a strong sense of community year-round.

6.  Marazion

Home of the frankly magical St Michael's Mount – a castle on an island that can only be reached on foot during low tide – Marazion makes for an excellent day trip. After spending a few hours getting lost on the ancietnt cobbled streets of the mount (construction began on the site in 1135), you can also walk the coastal path, sunbathe on Marazion Beach (weather permitting) or visit Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens. 

7.  St Ives

The approach to St Ives by train (a journey holidaymakers have been making since the line was built in the 1870s) is a veritable sight for sore eyes. The single-carriage train chugs along the curve of St Ives Bay, opening up glorious vistas of golden sands and treating you to a bird’s-eye view of the UK’s most perfect seaside town: a pretty old granite harbour scooped out of the bay, filled with water the colour of lime cordial, and a tangle of cottages and lanes nudging each other for space. Long a magnet for artists, on account of the extraordinary quality of light, St Ives still has a wonderfully exotic feel. The vivid colours rebel against the restrained English palette, and its island-like setting means there are soft, white-sand beaches and glimpses of the sea at every turn. A scattering of Cornish palms – not to mention the more recent arrival of frothy cappuccinos, fancy restaurants and fluffy white towels–combine to make it all feel considerably more French Riviera than Cornish Riviera. 

8.  Looe

In contrast to upscale Fowey, with its multi-million-pound riverside properties and chichi interiors boutiques, a feel of pre-gentrification British seaside prevails at Looe, with buckets and spades, fudge and bags of chips unashamedly courting the summer trade. What it may lack in sophistication, however, it does make up for with a fantastic town beach and a memorable setting – not to mention the bonus of landing some of the freshest fish around, thanks to its day boats.

9.  Falmouth

The seat of the county’s first and only university, hotly tipped as Cornwall’s boomtown and home to the new-this millennium National Maritime Museum, Falmouth has the feel of a town that’s on its way up. Where other Cornish seaside towns tend towards old-fashioned bucket-and-spade charm or cutesy chic (St Ives, Padstow, Fowey), Falmouth has a more youthful, cosmopolitan air, thanks largely to the creation of University College Falmouth, which specialises in arts, design and media. There is now a plethora of hip bars and cafés and a full calendar of festivals and events.

10.  Fowey

You can swiftly identify a newcomer to the south Cornish coast by his stated intention to visit ‘Fowee Hall’. It is pronounced ‘Foy’, and the place is as intriguing as its name. With its steep winding streets and busy little port, located at the mouth of the river of the same name, this natural harbour is always busy with visiting yachts and boats. Regatta week in Fowey, usually the third week of August, is considered one of the best local regattas in the country; the spectacular Red Arrows display over the harbour is a highlight. With its classy boutiques, galleries, delis and cafés, and smartly painted houses, Fowey makes a well-heeled base for trips upriver and out to the nearby beaches. Taking to the water is a must. It is thought that Kenneth Grahame drew inspiration for The Wind in the Willows from the creeks and quiet waters of the Fowey estuary, and most of Fowey would agree with Ratty’s sage advice to Mole: ‘There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.’

11.  Penzance

The best way to arrive in Penzance is by train. Partly for the feeling of having escaped to the end of the line, but also because when the track emerges from the Cornish countryside onto the curve of Mount’s Bay, it reveals a perfect view of the town on the hill above. The commercial centre for the western district of Penwith, Penzance was once a fashionable seaside resort – the trappings of which can still be seen in the fading but elegant architecture along Cornwall’s only seaside promenade, notably the art deco Jubilee Pool.

12.  Padstow

An unparalleled destination for gastronomy, estuary views and coastal charm, Padstow is the epitome of fishing-village-turned-chic. A warren of cobbled streets leads to the hubbub of the harbour, an animated mix of crabbers, netters, working boats, yachts and pleasure cruisers, with slate-hung, red brick and grey stone cottages trimming the edges, accommodating pasty shops, boutiques, chippies, pubs and increasing numbers of classy restaurants. The Tourist Information Centre by the quay is a good starting point for exploration.

13.  Morwenstow

Ducking out of the bullying Atlantic gales, between Bude to the south and Hartland Point to the north, Morwenstow fits tidily into a small wooded combe close to the Devon border. The tiny hamlet is most famous for its connection to the eccentric, opium-smoking Victorian vicar Reverend Stephen Hawker, who served at the parish church and is credited with introducing the Harvest Festival in English churches. Hawker’s presence looms in the stepped mock-Tudor gables and Gothic windows of the Morwenstow Vicarage, where each chimneypot mimics the spire of a church. The Grade I-listed church itself, set against the ocean backdrop, is a memorable sight.

14.  Newlyn

Almost joined to Penzance to the south, Newlyn nevertheless retains its own identity, with a history strongly linked to art and fishing. Despite the decline in the fishing industry, this is still the county’s biggest fishing port and the site of the Newlyn Fish Festival, held over the August bank holiday. In contrast to Mousehole, a few miles around the coast, Newlyn has the look and feel of a working port, and anyone interested in fishing should take a closer look at the harbour – or at the very least, invest in some gleaming fish or fresh Newlyn crab from W Stevenson and Sons on the main street.

15.  Bodmin

The sober, no-frills town of Bodmin is the largest of the settlements around the moor. An important religious centre in the Dark Ages, thanks to the foundation of a priory at St Petroc in the sixth century, the town has an impressive 15th-century granite church dedicated to the saint. Bodmin was also once the county town of Cornwall before judicial and administrative powers moved to Truro, as evinced by some important-looking public buildings in the centre. Beyond the old-fashioned high street there is a handful of visitor attractions, including the foreboding Bodmin Jail on the outskirts and the quaint Bodmin & Wenford Railway.

16.  Newquay

While the discussion about its reputation as a magnet for boisterous young boozers rages on – the police calling for a clean-up, others enjoying the funfair – Newquay’s natural assets retain an indelible appeal. For an idea of the raw materials that first made Newquay a resort, make your way to the western side of the harbour; from here, you can take in the entire sweep of cliff-vaulted beaches across the bay.

17.  Helston

The only town of any size on the Lizard Peninsula is the pretty country town of Helston, famous for its annual Flora Day celebrations held on 8 May (unless it falls on a Sunday or Monday). During this ancient festival, the town is decorated with bluebells and gorse, and schoolchildren dress in white and wear garlands in their hair. Festivities include the play-like ritual known as the Hal-an-Tow, in which St Michael slays the devil and St George slays the dragon, and culminate with the processional ‘Furry Dance’, in which townsfolk dress up in their finery and dance in and out of the houses. Amid the springtime revelry, much Cornish ale is imbibed.

18.  Launceston

Launceston (pronounced ‘Lanson’ locally), the ancient ‘capital’ of Cornwall, is a charming, richly historic market town. It acts as the traditional gateway between Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor and is one of the area’s most interesting inland towns for a wander. Although not much of the 12th-century town wall remains, evidence of Launceston’s medieval fortifications endures in the shape of Southgate Arch (originally one of three entries to the town) and the 11th-century castle, the seat of the first Earl of Cornwall. The 16th-century St Mary Magdalene Church, famous for its ornate carved exterior, is a striking sight.

19.  Hayle

Gently curving around the northeastern reaches of St Ives Bay are Hayle’s impressive (and much-touted) ‘three miles of golden sand’, reaching from the mouth of the Hayle estuary all the way around the bay to Godrevy Point, an epic spot guarded by the Godrevy Lighthouse (thought to have been the inspiration for Virginia Woolf’s novel To the Lighthouse). A world away from the cuteness and crowds of St Ives across the bay, the beaches of Gwithian and Godrevy, joined at low tide, are altogether more elemental scenes, pounded by some of Cornwall’s best surf and with big open skies and sunsets.

20.  Truro

Located at the head of the Carrick Roads estuary, the capital of Cornwall has more than just a stunning Gothic Revival cathedral (which is almost certainly worth a visit). Head to Lemon Street Market to shop at independent boutiques or grab a coffee at the cute Fig Cafe. If you're a fan of digging around in second-hand shops, it's worth paying a visit to Enjoy Clothing , one of Truro's most beloved vintage stores. Or you can check out the Royal Cornwall Museum , showcasing Cornish arts and culture, or catch a show at the newly renovated theatre, the  Hall For Cornwall.

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