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Cornwall is attractive – particularly when the solar is shining and also you’re having fun with a wonderfully chilled beer or wine on a pub’s terrace overlooking the glistening ocean. Nevertheless, the perfect locations to go to in Cornwall aren’t simply restricted to the coast, and Cornwall’s points of interest span Tudor castles, prehistoric ruins, seal sanctuaries and futuristic botanic gardens.
In fact, in the summertime months, us Brits make a beeline for Cornwall’s greatest seashores, which means crowds and better costs are a given. Nevertheless, out of season, the scenic South West England shorelines – particularly alongside the Lizard Peninsula – are simply as inviting, albeit extra for rambling than sunbathing.
With an enchanting historical past associated to the UNESCO-listed old mining sites, a wealthy and storied tradition due to the Cornish language and the area’s impartial previous, and people lovely golden sands, Cornwall’s attraction is infectious regardless of the place or once you go to.
Whether or not you’re planning a protracted weekend or an prolonged trip, listed here are among the greatest locations to go to in Cornwall to get you began.
The place to remain in Cornwall and different FAQs
Cornwall provides quite a lot of lodging choices starting from small B&Bs to lavish fort stays. Cottages and vacation houses are well-liked choices, with corporations equivalent to Aspects Holidays offering an area and specialist different to Airbnb.
Selecting the place to base your self will depend upon if you would like a quaint city (Penzance), a coastal retreat (The Lizard), an remoted village (Mousehole) or a bigger hub like Truro. For extra concepts, see my information on the place to remain in Cornwall.
Cornwall is likely one of the prettiest areas of England with an attention-grabbing historical past as a result of mining and nationwide minority language. Nevertheless, the principle purpose to go to is for browsing, sand, seafood and the dramatic shoreline.
For the climate alone, summer season is the perfect time to go to Cornwall. Nevertheless, within the peak summer season months of July and August, and likewise UK faculty holidays, the area turns into busier. I counsel visiting in spring for wild-flower-lined trails or late September for a extra peaceable, but hopefully nonetheless sunny, seaside break.
Cornwall is right as each a protracted weekend break or a one-week street or seaside journey – it actually is determined by how a lot time you could have. With a automobile, you could possibly ‘tick off’ among the important points of interest in three days, however you’ll wish to take it slower for a seaside vacation.
The area’s coast is actually the star. Personally, I discover probably the most scenic a part of Cornwall to be the Lizard Peninsula, particularly spots equivalent to Kynance Cove.
Mevagissey, Port Isaac and Polperro are a few of Cornwall’s prettiest villages. St Ives is the prettiest city, whereas the prettiest seashores embrace Kynance and Porthcurno.
If you happen to solely have time for a brief go to, then don’t miss Tintagel Fortress, St Ives, St Michael’s Mount and The Eden Challenge. These 4 points of interest are among the high locations to go to in Cornwall. Nevertheless, it’s a area greatest explored slowly with the intention to see many extra locations on this record.
Port Isaac and Tintagel Fortress
Snuggled round a small harbour in North Cornwall, Port Isaac is your typical dreamy coastal village and among the best locations to go to in Cornwall for first time guests. A cluster of white-fronted houses atop a low-slung cliff, the village seems down on the pocket-sized seaside and bobbing fishing boats beneath.
Port Issac’s historical past is tied to fishing – an business that peaked right here within the early nineteenth century – and fortunately, as a result of protected standing of the harbour, the fishing village has remained quaint and historic, even when the business is much less distinguished.
Additional north, round a 30-minute drive alongside the coast, is likely one of the most famed Cornwall points of interest, Tintagel Fortress. Nevertheless, the easiest way to reach is by following the Cornish Coastal Path, which hyperlinks the 2 places collectively. This 10-mile stretch takes in dramatic rock formations and lesser-visited seashores. It’s significantly spectacular in spring when the wildflowers arrive.
Whereas not a lot stays of the fort itself, the legend of King Arthur and the dramatic footbridge between two dramatically-rising cliffs make this spot unbeatable. Being some of the well-liked points of interest in Cornwall, it would be best to book your tickets in advance, particularly throughout holidays or weekends.
St Michael’s Mount
Maybe you’ve heard of Mont St Michel, the Abbey-crowned island which is a well-liked weekend break in France. Properly, do you know Cornwall has its personal ‘little sister’ to this famed location?
First imagined as a pilgrimage website and initially owned by France’s Mont St Michel, Benedictine monks constructed the primary church right here in 1135. Later the island turned a fortress earlier than turning into some of the well-liked Cornwall points of interest.
Accessed from the city of Marazion, a typically barely submerged brick causeway hyperlinks the mainland with the island. Whereas St Michael’s Mount doesn’t have fairly the identical stage of grandeur as its French counterpart, the medieval fort atop – now a household house – provides one thing particular, making it among the best locations to go to in Cornwall.
The Lizard Peninsula
The Lizard Peninsula is one in all my favorite stretches of coast in the entire nation, second solely to the Jurassic Coast in my house area of Dorset.
Located in south Cornwall – Lizard Level claims the title of probably the most south-westerly level on the mainland – the entire peninsula has that get-away-from-it-all vibe. Certainly, there are two stuff you’ll wish to convey right here: strolling footwear and a digicam.
Because of restricted street entry, little improvement and swathes of unadulterated verdant-backed coast, it retains all of the attraction of a time passed by. Idyllic villages equivalent to Coverack and Cadgwith are the proper locations to cease for a fish and chips lunch, whereas turquoise-lapped coves like Kynance Cove are among the best possible locations to go to in Cornwall for a dip.
If you would like a Cornwall vacation with a soothing vibe, you would possibly wish to contemplate staying on the peninsula relatively than in one of many bigger cities. Ebook a beach stay in Porthleven for a correct bolthole expertise. It’s some of the dreamy spots on the Cornwall coast, and your morning espresso will style even higher with these breezy sea views.
Truro
Cornwall is a spot you often go to for the coast and quaint villages. Nevertheless, if you would like museums and concrete comforts, head to Truro, the area’s solely metropolis.
Whereas the cathedral towers above all the pieces else and is value a go to, the town nonetheless retains a laid-back Cornish vibe. There are many impartial pubs and low retailers – Lemon Avenue Market is a gem – and it’s a superb base or place to select up provides, particularly from the contemporary produce market.
The primary purpose to go to Truro is for the extra important cultural choices than elsewhere. Head to the Royal Cornish Museum, the place you possibly can be taught extra in regards to the area’s historical past and a bit in regards to the Cornish language. Go to the Victorian cathedral – uncommon for its three spires. And even attempt to catch a present on the Corridor for Cornwall, a well-liked efficiency venue.
St Ives
For hundreds of years St Ives has been some of the well-liked locations in Cornwall for a UK staycation, and the second you lay eyes on the expansive seashores – significantly spectacular at low tide – you’ll see why.
For many individuals, that is the perfect place to go to in Cornwall, because it has rather a lot. There are quite a few breathtaking seashores, each in and a brief stroll from the city. Small cobbled streets hyperlink cute corners, seaside pubs, fish and chip retailers and, after all, pasty makers collectively. Then, you could have boat journeys to identify dolphins or see the Godrevy Lighthouse up shut and the fashionable artwork assortment in The Tate. You’ll additionally discover the attractive Tregenna Castle shut by which I visited when my cousin bought married right here – a really lovely expertise!
If you happen to’re searching for a dreamy Cornwall base, you possibly can’t go fallacious right here. Go for one in all St Ives’ exclusive holiday cottages to rent and also you’ll have all the pieces you want in your doorstep. This does imply it’s well-liked in summer season, but it surely’s a fantastic vacation spot you possibly can get pleasure from year-round. Even after I went for a fast getaway in January it was a delight; the costs and near-empty streets made the low season go to – even with the marginally gray skies – a worthwhile trade-off.
The Eden Challenge
Since opening in 2001, the Eden Project – a set of enclosed botanic gardens – has established itself as among the best locations to go to in Cornwall for these with a curious thoughts and a ardour for unique crops.
Beloved by each adults and youngsters, the expansive house is house to putting exhibitions, interactive experiences, and plant species from all over the world which might be discovered within the biodome-enclosed gardens.
Whereas it should price you to enter The Eden Challenge, I’d say it’s value it – particularly as you could possibly simply spend greater than half a day taking all of it in.
Newquay
For many years Newquay has been topped as England’s surf capital, making it among the best locations to go to in Cornwall to journey the waves or be taught to surf. Nonetheless, there are lots extra causes so as to add a cease in Newquay to your itinerary.
Being one of many bigger cities within the area, you’ll discover many wonderful eating places and ample lodging. As such, Newquay makes for a good base. Simply take into account in summer season, the inhabitants of 20,000 can multiply some 5 instances.
Whether or not you’re staying right here or visiting for the day, it’s effectively value exploring the city and surrounding areas. If chasing swell isn’t your factor, then fret not, for there are lots extra journey actions, equivalent to coasteering experiences alongside the low-slung but dramatic cliffs.
Different Cornwall points of interest in Newquay embrace the family-friendly Zoo, dazzling Fistral Seashore, and a few Nationwide Belief manor homes barely inland. By night time, particularly in summer season, there’s additionally some pretty respectable nightlife right here, one more reason it’s a superb Cornwall base.
Minack Theatre
Distinctive and engaging, the Minack Theatre is one in all my favorite locations to go to in England and definitely one of many extra uncommon of Cornwall’s points of interest.
Practically 100 years in the past, Rowena Cade set about to create one thing extraordinary. Chiselling the theatre into the cliff face herself, the Minack Theatre was born, bringing a novel spectacle to the south coast of Cornwall.
What makes the Minack so particular is the backdrop of the ocean and the ocean breeze all through the open-air performances in the summertime months. Even when there isn’t a present scheduled throughout your go to, you possibly can nonetheless go to the theatre throughout the day. It’s a marvel, each for the ingenious design but additionally the magnificent setting.
Bodmin Moor
Whereas most guests to Cornwall will get pleasure from their treks and rambles alongside the coast, a particular point out is reserved for inland Bodmin Moor.
An enormous moorland in northeast Cornwall, Bodmin is a wild place which might be of specific curiosity to these desirous about geological historical past. What makes Bodmin stand out as among the best locations to go to in Cornwall, although, is its historical past.
Amongst the granite slabs and barren pastures, you will discover an abundance of historical monuments. The truth is, the situation is famous as among the best locations in all of Europe for Neolithic and Bronze Age websites. King Arthur’s Corridor, a megalithic ceremonial website, is likely one of the most well-known.
St Austell and Mevagissey
These two cute spots not removed from the Devon border might be simply mixed, as Mevagissey is only a 20-minute drive or bus from St Austell’s prepare station.
An outdated market city, St Austell has performed an important position within the area’s mining and China Clay industries. You’ll nonetheless spot reminders of the city’s historic significance, such because the bygone Cornwall Coliseum. These days, it’s the gateway to a few of Cornwall’s greatest points of interest, and residential to the St Austell brewing firm, which you’ll go to for each a tour and a pint.
Coastal Mevagissey, nonetheless, is the postcard-perfect Cornish village. It’s among the best locations to go to in Cornwall to devour contemporary seafood in a wooden-clad pub, with the colorful houses and boats across the harbour being the cherry on high.
Land’s Finish
This Cornwall landmark has lengthy been a spot of myths and legend – even the traditional Greeks adored this spot and named it ‘Belerion’, which means the place of the solar. This historical past, and the spectacular vistas, have ensured that Land’s Finish has firmly cemented its place as among the best locations to go to in Cornwall.
These days, it’s turn out to be a bit too ‘theme park’ for my liking. Nevertheless, there is no such thing as a denying it’s a magical spot to benefit from the sundown with a chilly one. Pop into the Seventeenth-century pub for a pint and myths of seafaring pirate historical past, or take the youngsters to one of many child-friendly points of interest.
Simply bear in mind that it’s not the most cost effective place to go to in Cornwall. Between the automobile park, points of interest and higher-priced meals and ice lotions for a household, the prices can shortly add up.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Cornwall is house to loads of seals, and on some seashores – equivalent to Padstow Harbour and Mutton Cove – you’ll see them basking on the sand or jetties. Sadly, some seals turn out to be injured on account of fishing boats or different illnesses and are handled on the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
Whereas it’s at all times greatest to see wildlife within the wild relatively than captivity, this spot isn’t one in all your typical Cornwall points of interest like a zoo as the first objective is rehabilitation relatively than leisure.
So, whereas it’s nice to go to and admire the seal’s and pups’ therapeutic, it’s even higher to know that after they’re robust and wholesome once more, they are going to return to the wild to get pleasure from life in nature.
The Misplaced Gardens of Heligan
Near Mevagissey you’ll discover The Lost Gardens of Heligan, one thing of a hidden gem in Europe. Even if you happen to’re not a ‘backyard individual’, chances are you’ll discover your curiosity piqued by one in all Cornwall’s greatest points of interest, particularly once you be taught its story.
Firstly, the gardens are huge, masking greater than 200 acres once you embrace the woodlands. Suspended bridges and moss-covered statues dot the gardens, which, till round 30 years in the past, have been being reclaimed by the weather.
Whereas the Heligan property’s historical past dates again to the thirteenth century, the gardens have been landscaped and planted within the 18th century. Then, round 1915 and the beginning of WWI, the gardens have been forgotten and ‘misplaced’. Fortunately, following restoration works and the passionate work of horticulturalists, Heligan has practically been restored to its former glory.
Penzance
This city in west Cornwall is maybe most well-known for its pirate previous, highlighted within the opera The Pirates of Penzance, relationship to the times of Queen Victoria. But, whereas the real-life pirates are lengthy gone, the city retains loads of different causes to go to.
With lots to see and do, from galleries and gardens to museums and the open-air lido, Penzance has established itself as among the best locations to go to in Cornwall. Of specific curiosity is the Egyptian Home, a listed constructing with an attention-grabbing facade. Penlee Home, house to some wonderful work from the close by artwork faculty’s alumni, can also be value a go to.
Whereas Penzance is a well-liked base in Cornwall, due to the various facilities, I’d counsel reserving a cottage near the harbour. This manner, you possibly can have the perfect of each worlds; a waterfront view with all the advantages of being in a city.
Padstow and Bedruthan Steps
On Cornwall’s north coast, two of the perfect locations to go to in Cornwall might be simply mixed. Both by a 20-minute drive or an roughly 17-mile path across the Trevose Headland. Whereas it’s one of many longest stretches of the South West Coast Path, the unimaginable surroundings makes it effectively value rising early for.
In Padstow, you’ll discover a tranquil coastal city fronted by a still-working fishing port. These common catches guarantee it’s the go-to for contemporary seafood dishes served by celebrities. Each Rick Stein and Michelin-starred chef Paul Ainsworth have eating places right here.
On the path’s finish, Bedruthan Steps Seashore awaits some of the breathtaking in Cornwall. Nevertheless, the actual magic is discovered alongside the trail, with sheltered coves and rocky vistas aplenty. If this lengthy stretch is an excessive amount of, the turquoise waters of Porthcothan Seashore are simply as splendid. From Padstow, it’s round 13 miles a technique thus far, or there’s a round six-mile route from Bedruthan.
Falmouth
Life in Falmouth – like a lot of Cornwall – is all in regards to the sea. Nevertheless, on this coastal city, it’s taken a bit additional due to the Nationwide Maritime Museum.
Inside this spectacular house, you’ll discover loads of tales of Cornwall’s seafaring previous and full-size replicas and actual boats from days passed by. Sadly, the ticket costs are a bit steep, in my view, as London’s outpost is free, however they do enable entrance for one full yr.
Close by, you’ll additionally discover the Tudor Pendennis Fortress, one in all Cornwall’s greatest points of interest. Henry VIII constructed this fortification to defend the nation from the French, and far of the unique construction – primarily the maintain – nonetheless stands right this moment. You possibly can stroll the intensive grounds, full with historic cannons, go to the museum, and be taught extra in regards to the outposts’ position in WWII.
Isles of Scilly
Welcome to arguably the perfect islands to go to within the UK, the Isles of Scilly. This (usually) sun-kissed archipelago of some 50 isles is breathtaking, incomes it the title of probably the most magical place to go to in Cornwall.
To reach, you’ll must take a brief flight or ferry – the latter being my private tip. Not solely is it much less carbon intensive than flying, however the quick journey provides nice views of the coast and may usually be cheaper.
The primary bonus of constructing the marginally additional journey is that searching for out quieter seashores than the mainland is a a lot simpler job. The sands are a beautiful salt-like white and on a sunny day, the waters sparkle and turn out to be virtually Caribbean-like (if you happen to squint). Whereas solely a handful of the islands are inhabited, many extra might be visited, making island hopping very a lot a welcome deal with.
If you happen to’ve made it this far south, you’ve seemingly lined all of Cornwall’s greatest locations to go to and earned your self one other celebratory fish and chips on the seaside! Subsequent up, it’s time to find among the different greatest locations in South West England!
*Article produced in partnership with Points Holidays, written from my very own experiences travelling via Cornwall
