If you’re searching for the best places to visit on your trip to Cornwall, you’re in the right place.

Located on the rugged southwestern tip of England, Cornwall is a peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on three sides. You’ll find Cornwall at the very bottom-left of England, and most travellers miss it when they visit the UK because it’s a 5-hour drive from London. Little do they know they are missing out on what, in my opinion, is the best part of the UK. If you’re considering Cornwall on your UK adventure, take my advice and make it happen.

IMO, the golden sand beaches in Cornwall rival many in Australia, and the raw, rugged coastline is breathtaking (making it one of the country’s best spots for coastal walking trails). Cornwall’s quaint fishing villages, famous surf beaches, cosy countryside pubs and rich history make it a dream destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to connect more deeply with nature.

I visited Cornwall annually for 10 years as a kid and then lived in Cornwall (Newquay to be exact) for the last 3, so I feel very ready to show you around and let you in on the secrets to planning an epic Cornish adventure. This complete Cornwall guide covers everything from the best time to visit Cornwall, the best places to stay in Cornwall and, of course, the very best things to do in Cornwall during your days here.

Tip: Make sure you pick up a fresh Cornish pasty from a bakery on your trip here. These hearty pastry parcels were originally created for tin miners working underground and are the best post-hike meal or lunchtime snack to go.

Whether you’re planning a coastal road trip, a hiking weekend, a surf trip, searching for hidden beaches, or simply want to discover the best things to do in Cornwall, this Cornwall guide will walk you through the best places to visit in Cornwall, UK and help you plan an adventure-packed trip along this incredible coastline.

P.s. I have created the ultimate Cornwall resource, which is like having me and ALL my recommendations in your back pocket, on the go. See my Cornwall Google Map here.

Getting To Cornwall

• By Air: The nearest airport to Cornwall is Newquay Airport, which has domestic UK flights and some European connections. Newquay Airport is a tiny airport right on the cliffs, and on a good day, flying in and out of NQY feels like a scenic flight. Alternatively, you can fly into Bristol or London and then hire a car or take a train down into Cornwall.
• By Train: The Great Western Railway runs direct from London Paddington to Cornwall, with services to Penzance, Truro and St Ives. This is my favourite way to travel to Cornwall. Bring a book, your favourite snacks and make sure you sit on the left side as you travel through Dawlish and Devon – one of the most beautiful train journeys in the UK!!
• By car: Cornwall is very road‑trip friendly, and to be honest, if you’re planning to explore Cornwall and not stay in one place, I highly recommend having a car. Whether that’s driving one down, or hiring one when you get here. A road trip also gives you the freedom to hop between surf spots, campgrounds, and viewpoints with ease and without relying on public transport.

The best areas to stay in Cornwall

Choosing the right base is going to be paramount to making your trip as smooth and as enjoyable as possible. Cornwall is larger than many visitors expect, so staying in the right area will help you access the best places to visit in Cornwall, UK, more easily and avoid spending all of your holiday in the car. Here’s a lowdown of the most popular places to stay in Cornwall and who they are suited to the most…

Newquay

• Great central hub on the north coast with an addictive buzz
• Popular spot for families and for surfers
• Home to Fistral Beach, one of the UK’s most famous surf beaches
• Lots of accommodation options: hotels, apartments and beachfront stays
• Oceanfront spa hotels like The Headland Hotel and Fistral Beach Hotel

Padstow

• A popular harbour town on the north coast
• Close to surf beaches and camping spots like Constantine Bay and Trevone Bay
• Amazing foodie spot and lots of galleries and coastal walks to enjoy

St Ives

• Located further west in Cornwall
• Busy, small harbour town with beaches and amazing coastal walks
• Good option if you want to stay local rather than explore the whole county

Penzance

• Good base and hub for exploring the far southwest of Cornwall
• Close to Land’s End and St Michael’s Mount, a short drive to St Ives
• A growing hub for boutique hotels, restaurants and bars

Falmouth

• Located on Cornwall’s south coast
• Good option if surfing isn’t your priority
• University town with lots of restaurants and nightlife
• Ferry away from St Mawes and a great gateway for exploring the Lizard Peninsula

Best Time to Visit Cornwall

Cornwall is beautiful year-round, but the experience absolutely changes with the seasons. So have a think about what you’re prioritising on your Cornwall adventure by reading this entire blog post, and then consider the month you will visit.

• Summer (June–September): Chance of warmest weather, longer days, and perfect for camping and hiking coastal trails. July and August are peak times, so be prepared for crowds, busy roads (lots of traffic) and higher priced accommodation.
• Spring & Autumn: The shoulder seasons are my personal favourite. Though it’s not technically the ‘warmest’ time of the year, you often get stunning weather, AND you get to experience Cornwall without the crowds.
• Winter (Dec – March): The waves can be epic for experienced surfers, and the dramatic coastline comes alive under the winter skies and through the storms that pass over it. That said, some campsites and attractions close through the winter, so bear that in mind if you do choose to visit Cornwall in Winter.

Whenever you visit, there are always plenty of best things to do in Cornwall and spectacular landscapes waiting to be explored.

The Best Places to Visit in Cornwall, UK

Okay, here is my round-up of the locations you cannot miss during your time in Cornwall.

St Ives

Few destinations appear on a Cornwall guide as often as St Ives does, and it’s very easy to see why. This picturesque harbour town is everything you dream about in a Cornish holiday destination.

St.Ives will have you ticking off many of the best things to do in Cornwall, including wandering the narrow streets filled with galleries, cafés and bakeries. The town is also home to Tate St Ives, one of the UK’s most famous coastal galleries. If you’re not eating your way around the bakeries or enjoying a Cornish ice cream on the harbour wall, you can spend the day at Porthmeor Beach watching surfers and enjoying the golden sands and turquoise waters. For something a little more active, you can hire a SUP, a kayak, or walk the South West Coast Path from town towards the village of Zennor for some of the most scenic coastal views in the region. St. Ives is without a double one of the best places to visit in Cornwall, you can check out my full travel guide below.

• The best things to do in St. Ives, Cornwall

P.s. I have created the ultimate Cornwall resource, which is like having me and ALL my best recommendations (brunch, adventures, coffee spots etc) in your back pocket, on the go. See my Cornwall Google Map here.

Newquay

Newquay is the centre of the region’s surf culture. This lively coastal town is famous for its incredible beaches and consistent Atlantic waves. People wander barefoot, and there’s a contagious free-spirited energy in the air. When exploring Cornwall, it’s very common that travellers (including myself) find themselves returning to Newquay again and again. I think of Newquay as the Byron Bay of England, IYKYK. Newquay has a way of capturing people’s hearts and keeping them from ever wanting to leave.

The biggest highlight of Newquay, of course, is Fistral Beach, widely considered the best surf beach in the UK. Though the town also has multiple other beaches to surf on.

And if you don’t surf, Newquay is still one of the best places to visit in Cornwall, UK, for coastal walks, sunset viewpoints and relaxed beach cafés with a view. It also makes a great base, and due to its growing popularity, there has been a lot of recent investment in properties, infrastructure, and connections to other Cornish towns, making it a great hub for exploring the county! See my complete guide to Newquay and all the best things to do in this town in my full travel guide below.

• The best things to do in Newquay, Cornwall

Padstow

The charming harbour town of Padstow is a favourite stop on many Cornwall road trips and one of the best places to visit in Cornwall, UK.

Food lovers are drawn to this town to enjoy the famous seafood restaurants (namely the Rick Stein collection), the bakeries, and then there’s the gorgeous galleries set up to explore here, too. If you love outdoor adventure, there are plenty of coastline trails that venture off from the town, including walking to Stepper Point or Tregudda Gorge. One of the best things to do in Cornwall is here in Padstow and includes hiring a bike and cycling the Camel Trail – a scenic path that follows an old railway line through countryside and estuary views. Highly recommend doing that for a half day or full day!

See my full travel guide for Padstow below and get access to my specific recommendations for brunch, adventure and exploring this north coast hotspot.

• The best things to do and see in Padstow, Cornwall

Tintagel

Perched on the rugged north coast and one of the first stops for many as they enter Cornwall on a road trip is Tintagel.

The highlight of the area is Tintagel Castle, dramatically positioned on the edge of the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Take some time to wander the coastline and explore the paths, bridges and walkways here. As you can see below, it’s a stunning stretch of coastline. Tintagel is steeped in myth and history and is famously linked to the legend of King Arthur, so there’s plenty of depth and wisdom to tuck into during your time here.

• A 7-day road trip itinerary for Cornwall, England

Land’s End + Sennen Cove

No list of the best places to visit in Cornwall would feel complete without mentioning Land’s End, the westernmost point of mainland England. For many travellers, reaching Land’s End marks the finish line of the famous journey from John o’Groats in northern Scotland all the way down to Cornwall. Because of this, there’s often a sense of achievement in the air, with walkers, cyclists and road trippers celebrating the end of their adventure.

You can park nearby and walk out to the clifftops to enjoy panoramic views across the Atlantic. That said, it’s worth knowing that Land’s End has become quite a tourist attraction over the years. The main visitor area includes paid parking and a purpose-built complex with souvenir shops, arcades and cafés, which can feel a little staged compared to the wild coastal scenery found elsewhere in Cornwall.

If you’re chasing those raw coastal views, you might not feel the need to spend long here — for many people, it’s more of a bucket-list stop than a true highlight of their trip.

One experience that is absolutely worth doing, however, is the coastal walk from Sennen Cove to Land’s End along the South West Coast Path. This scenic stretch of coastline is beautiful and means you can enjoy the hike, tick Land’s End off the list, and then head back to relax on the golden sands at Sennen Cove – one of the most beautiful beaches in this part of Cornwall.

• Beaches in Cornwall you need to visit

P.s. I have created the ultimate Cornwall resource, which is like having me and ALL my best recommendations (brunch, adventures, coffee spots etc) in your back pocket, on the go. See my Cornwall Google Map here.

Marazion and St Michael’s Mount

Rising out of the sea in Mount’s Bay, St Michael’s Mount is one of the most recognisable landmarks featured in any Cornwall guide. The island is home to a historic castle and gardens, and is connected to the mainland by a stone causeway visible (and walkable) at low tide. Walking across to explore the island is one of the best things to do in Cornwall, with incredible views across the bay as you go. Be sure to check tide times if you’d like to walk it; otherwise, at high tide, there is a little boat that will take visitors back and forth for a small fee.

The gateway to St. Michael’s Mount is the gorgeous village of Marazion, and many of the cafes, restaurants, and accommodations here offer views across to the mount (just like the image below). It’s well worth spending a morning or afternoon enjoying the bakeries, cafes and beaches here on your Cornwall adventure.

Lizard Peninsula and Kynance Cove

If you’re seeking wild coastal scenery and hidden coves on your Cornwall adventure, the Lizard Peninsula is one of the most underrated and best places to visit in Cornwall.

This rugged stretch of coastline is home to dramatic cliffs, stunning bays and some great sections of the South West Coast Path to embrace. One of the highlights is Kynance Cove, pictured below, known for its white sand, clear water and rock formations that appear at low tide. Many of the best places to visit in Cornwall are revealed at low tide so being tide savvy on your Cornwall trip is essential to maximise the epic views and photo opportunities!

Some of the best things to do in Cornwall here include walking to Lizard Point, the most southerly point of mainland Britain, stopping at Cadgwith Cove for a classic Cornish fishing village scene, and exploring quieter beaches like Church Cove. The coastal walk between Kynance Cove and Lizard Point is one of the most scenic short hikes in the area, with plenty of spots to stop for a picnic overlooking the Atlantic.

• The Best Things To Do In Cornwall, England

Porthcurno + Pedn Vounder Beach

Hidden between towering cliffs on Cornwall’s south coast, Porthcurno is one of the most breathtaking beaches in the region.

The turquoise waters here and soft sands make it feel like a faraway tropical paradise on a sunny day. Porthcurno is a little easier to access, but if you have adventure in your bones, get yourself down to Pedn Vounder at low tide. Thank me later.

This area is also home to the famous Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre carved into the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Check what’s on and combine your time here with watching something at this iconic venue. I watched Russell Brand live here a few years ago and it’s one of my favourite memories overlooking the Atlantic! Watching a performance at Minack Theatre at sunset is one of the most unique and best things to do in Cornwall and a highlight of many travellers’ trips.

Port Isaac

You may already be familiar with this spot because, yes, it was the filming location for Doc Martin. Port Isaac is another quaint fishing village on the North Coast with narrow streets and historic cottages to explore.

The best things to do in Cornwall include wandering the harbourside, discovering local art galleries, and enjoying fresh seafood at waterside cafés. If you want to try some of the freshest seafood and most creative dishes in Cornwall, book yourself a table at Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen. It’s on the pricier side of dining, but it is worth every single penny.

St Agnes

And finally, perched on the north coast also, between Newquay and St.Ives, is St Agnes – a spot known for its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches and historic mining heritage.

If you visit, I’d suggest starting with a coffee at The Sorting House or an Acai bow at Genki and then either exploring a coastal walk or going for a surf at Trevaunance Cove. Post hike or post surf, head to St. Agnes bakery for an awardwinning Pasty or sausage roll! You’re welcome.

Yes, I know – SO MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM!

With its wild cliffs, surf beaches, historic villages and spectacular coastal trails, Cornwall is one of the most exciting outdoor destinations in the UK. It is so worth making the trip down.

P.s. Remember, I have created the ultimate Cornwall resource, which is like having me and ALL my best recommendations (brunch, adventures, coffee spots etc) in your back pocket, on the go. See my Cornwall Google Map here.

Hopefully, this Cornwall guide has helped you uncover some of the best places to visit in Cornwall, UK, and inspired your next adventure along one of Europe’s most beautiful coastlines. Any questions for me? Pop them in the comments below!

Have you visited Cornwall?

What are your favourite places to visit in Cornwall? Anything you’d add to this Cornwall bucket list?

Love as always and happy adventuring!

Mollie Bylett