Known for its cracking coastline, sandy shores and wicked waves, Cornwall is a beach lover’s paradise. Add to that mouth-watering food, family fun and a festival atmosphere, and you’re all set for a great holiday. Take a look at our best places to visit in Cornwall and find your own mini-oasis for your next visit.
Some of the Cornwall’s top attractions can rival those of anywhere in the world; take our word for it. As one of the sunnier parts of the United Kingdom, you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking beaches and scenery, which will leave you in awe of this region. Offering a range of beach activities, such as surfing, safe swimming, wildlife spotting and even a secluded nude beach — it’s a great destination for all ages.
If beaches aren’t for you, then there’s plenty more to get excited about. From art galleries to a thriving food scene, Cornwall caters for the masses. If you’re travelling with kids, you can keep them entertained by visiting zoos and aquariums, whereas if you’re on a holiday with friends, you’ll love the party scene.
What is the best part of Cornwall for history?
St Michael’s Mount
An iconic monastery set on a tidal island around 500 metres from mainland Cornwall, this destination is a must-see for any tourist. Maintained by the National Trust, it is twinned with the famous French monastery, Mont-Saint-Michel, in Normandy. You can reach St Michael’s Mount via the causeway from the nearby town of Marazion, which in itself is a great place to visit. However, it is best to ensure you go there during low to mild tide, you can also make the crossing by boat if it is high tide.
On the island, you will find a small harbour village, which is home to only around 30 people. Here you can enjoy a range of food and drink establishments looking out over the bay. After climbing the cobbled pathway to the top of St Michael’s Mount, you’ll be treated to breathtaking sea views from the castle. In addition, the castle offers spectacular artefacts and a sub-tropical garden.
Which Is the Most Visited Town in Cornwall?
St Ives
One of the best places to visit in Cornwall is St Ives, which is great throughout the year. Deemed one of the prettiest places in Cornwall, this is an accolade in itself considering the competition it’s up against. In the summer months, you can relax and swim in the turquoise waters of St Ives Bay. These beaches are perfect for families, too, with lifeguards often patrolling the golden sands.
During the winter months, you’ll find St Ives just as entertaining. Well known for its museums and galleries, you will be able to fill your schedule with a range of memorable activities. The art gallery Tate St Ives plays host to numerous local artists, whereas the Barbara Hepworth Museum gives you a different kind of experience, with a collection of her famous sculptures displayed in her former studios and gardens.
The rest of your time in St Ives will be equally splendorous. You can meander through the cobbled streets, stop at quaint cafes and restaurants or take in exquisite views of the coastline.
Which Is the Best Seaside Town in Cornwall?
Newquay
With so many great seaside towns to choose from in Cornwall, you are spoilt for choice. Whilst Newquay has a range of splendid beaches for you to enjoy, it also has the buzz of a popular tourist town, if you are feeling in the mood for a livelier atmosphere. Boasting 12 sandy beaches, you won’t struggle to find a space to swim, surf or relax, should that be what you’re after.
For those that want to delve a little deeper into Newquay life, you won’t have to go far before you can indulge in the party atmosphere or family-friendly attractions. Catering for a diverse range of tourists, there’s something for everyone. If you’re with little ones, why not visit Newquay Zoo or Blue Reef Aquarium? Or if you and your friends are in search of a party, take a look at Tom Thumb Cocktail Bar or Whiskers.
Best Beaches in Cornwall
Kynance Cove
Cornwall’s top attractions include its beaches. If it’s a picturesque, sandy beach you’re after, then look no further than Kynance Cove. Located only a short walk from a National Trust car park, it’s easy to reach if you are looking for a tranquil piece of paradise close to Helston. With its famous white sand and turquoise waters, you’ll be forgiven for forgetting that you’re still in the United Kingdom.
Porthcurno Beach
Another one of the best places to visit in Cornwall if you’re after a beach is Porthcurno Beach. During low tide, this beach combines with two other beaches to create a vast expanse of golden sand. Surrounded by high cliffs on either side, it also offers protection on windy days. If you’re with kids, there’s a stream they can paddle in if they’re not confident swimmers. In addition, during the summer months, lifeguards patrol the beach for added peace of mind. With the beach being only a short journey from Penzance, it’s perfect for a day trip.
Best Surfing Beaches in Cornwall
Fistral Beach
Known to be the surfing capital of England, Cornwall offers unbeatable surfing. With Cornwall sticking out into the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a magnet for big swells and big waves. Fistral Beach in Newquay is one of the most popular surfing beaches in Cornwall, with waves often reaching around 8 feet. If you’re new to surfing, then you can take advantage of lessons that are offered on the seafront, whereas seasoned professionals can head straight into the swell to get their adrenaline hit.
Gwithian Towans Beach
Gwithian Towans Beach is another top spot where surfers, windsurfers and kiteboarders can ply their trade. Only a short car journey from St Ives, it won’t be long before you’re paddling out for your first wave. Offering a vast golden beach, sand dunes and wild grass, it’s a great and safe place for children to explore, too, as there are plenty of rock pools for the little ones. With a range of wave sizes along the beach, it’s the perfect place to visit for surfers of all levels to improve their skills.
Best Places to Eat in Cornwall
Mine
A trip to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without a visit to some of the great restaurants on offer. If you’re looking for a popular establishment that caters for those who want meat, fish and vegan food, then Mine is one of the best places to eat in Cornwall. Located in Falmouth, you can enjoy a delightful lunch in a cobblestoned courtyard. You can expect a lot of classic dishes to be served, with the chef’s own playful twist making each meal unique.
The Hidden Hut
The Hidden Hut, which was once a hidden gem on the peninsula, is now a little more well-known than the name suggests. Nonetheless, there is good reason for its popularity, which makes it a Cornwall must-see. Located on the Roseland Peninsula near Truro, this beach restaurant makes for a well-earned reward if you decide to hike to it along the coastal path. Offering a vibrant range of salads, fresh fish and vegetarian dishes, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Excited for your next adventure? Our friends at Where to Go, produced by the team behind the award-winning DK Eyewitness travel guides, are here to help!
Each fortnight, hosts James and Lucy talk to local experts about the destination they have chosen to call their home, exploring their personal connection to the place, what makes it so special and the best things to see and do.
Listen to the podcast below for more inspiration and tips from Cornwall:
