Best Things to do in cornwall
England
Cornwall
is beautiful. Surrounded by turquoise waters, sandy beaches and over 300 miles of dazzling coastline, you’d be mad not to go! This part of England is one of my most favourite. There is something for everyone; for families seeking fun activities with their kids, for couples looking for that romantic weekend away, or for the elderly who just want to enjoy the quiet countryside and its beautiful views. Cornwall is also known as being a surfer’s paradise for its rough waters and high waves. It is also an ideal place for solo travellers who wants to explore the beaches of England and feel totally safe. So, here it is, my list of ‘The Best Things to do in Cornwall.’
Fun Facts about Cornwall:
1
Number 1 in the 'British Travel Awards' eight years in a row
300
Over 300 miles of coastline
300
Over 300 gorgeous beaches
80
% OF CORNWALL IS SURROUNDED BY WATER
(Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you do buy items or book hotels via these links, I will earn a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you, but it helps me to run this blog.)
1. Explore Tintagel Castle
Well, Tintagel Castle isn’t really a castle anymore, it is more like ruins with steep cliffs and narrow paths overlooking blue Cornish waters. Built-in 13th century, Tintagel Castle is full of stories about the conceiving of King Arthur. For its complicated build, half on mainland and half on a headland projecting into the sea, Tintagel Castle is definitely one of the most remarkable historic places in Britain.
For the tickets and bookings, please visit: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle/prices-and-opening-times/
2. Visit Port Isaac and eat a locally caught fish
I love this tiny fishing village in Cornwall, criss-crossed with narrow streets lined with cute old fishing cottages. The whole scenery of Port Isaac looks like a perfect canvas print hanging on your living room wall. This magical place is hard to miss; it is the perfect spot to enjoy traditional fish and chips! Melanie and Jon take you to the Michelin starred Restaurant in Port Isaac: https://twoplusdogs.co.uk/outlaws-fish-kitchen-review-fish-restaurants-cornwall
3. Try surfing in Newquay
Did you know that English waters are perfect for surfing? If you are looking for the best surfing places in England, or if you want to try it, Newquay is the place to go. With an abundance of surfing schools, it is the perfect place to try and catch that lucky wave! Newquay is for sure a surfing spot, accommodating people from around the world and students doing their exchange programs during the summer. With plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes it is a very popular place to go. Surfing in Newquay is one of the best things to do in Cornwall; you can read more about this place in Pip’s article: https://pipandthecity.com/top-things-to-do-in-newquay/
For surfing lessons, visit: https://www.escapesurfschool.co.uk/
4. Take a boat trip to watch wildlife
I love wildlife, oceans and whale watching. Last July I took a boat trip around the Cornish waters of Atlantic Ocean organised by Hannah and Duncan from Marine Discovery Penzance and until this day it is one of the best ocean wildlife tours I’ve experienced. Hannah and Duncan are very passionate about wildlife. The tour was very well organised and full of educational information about the animals we spotted; from porpoises, common dolphins, tunas to ocean sunfish. It was a day to remember and I urge you to book this tour with them. You won’t regret it. Plus, doing so, you will not only support their business and passion, but you will learn things about the wildlife you for sure didn’t know! Like – did you know that ocean sunfish can weight up to a ton?
Book your boat trip: https://www.marinediscovery.co.uk/enquiries.html
Spotting Ocean Sun Fish in British Waters
5. Watch Show at the Minack Theatre
Minack Theatre needs to be on your list. This picturesque place is one of the most beautiful outdoor theatres and best things to do in Cornwall that it lures thousands of visitors every year from around the world due to its unique architecture and one of a kind theatre performance right under the starry sky. The theatre is built on rocky cliffs giving that its visitors breathtaking views of the Atlantic ocean. With these views, vivid flowers and Roman style, you will forget about the present and travel back in time to when the Minack Theatre was built. For more information and open-air- showtimes schedule, visit the official website: https://www.minack.com/visit-us
6. Explore Bude by segway
If you are looking to do something different than just surfing in Cornwall, you should definitely try a segway tour in Bude. Segwaybude is a family run business focused on delivering the best value activities for everyone. Take a segway tour of some of the most astonishing views Cornwall has to offer and enjoy your time adventuring around! https://www.segwaybude.co.uk/
7. Stroll around Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
Get lost in this beautiful tropical paradise full of exotic and sub-tropical plants, overlooking the historical St Michael’s Mount. Let nature fascinate you while surrounded by beautiful woods and streams and enjoy the tranquillity. Find out more about this paradise and more things to do around Falmouth on Sam’s blog: http://cocobutterblog.co.uk/the-definitive-falmouth-itinerary/
8. Visit Land's End
Land’s End is the most western place in England and offers unbeatable breathtaking views of the wild Atlantic ocean, where the waves smash its sheer rugged cliffs. It is a spectacular place, and you do feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world! Land’s End is a tourist attraction with interactive exhibitions, a hotel offering outstanding views and luxury, a few restaurants and places to grab an ice cream on a hot day, wildlife centre containing ponies and llamas and a few small shops to buy souvenirs.
9. Watch the sunset at Crown Mines
Bring a blanket, some snacks, a camera, and snuggle up together while sitting on top of the hill and watch one of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever witness. I’m not going to lie, sitting there on my own, surrounded by nothing but the sounds of nature, rough Atlantic ocean and that golden sun- it is one of my most beloved memories. Crown Mines are worth visiting during the golden hour; the views will take your breath away.
10. Have dinner in St Ives
St Ives has been voted one of the best family holiday destinations by Coast Magazine and it is also considered one of TripAdvisor’s top 10 European Beaches. Little independent shops, plenty of places to have dinner and watch the sunset, St Ives will impress you as soon you enter. The only thing I didn’t like about St Ives is that due to its popularity, food is pretty expensive. Find out more about St Ives and things to do in Eden’s article: https://travelswitheden.blog/st-ives/
11. Take a boat to St Michael's Mount, then walk along its shore
You have to visit St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall. That’s a must. This tidal island is located only 500 metres from the beach and is accessible in two ways. You can either take a boat or walk by the shore. In the morning, when the tides are in, I do recommend paying for the boat to get to the castle, it is approx £2 for one way, and then in the afternoon, once the tides are out, you can walk back to the beach. Yes, you read that right! Once the tides disappear, the secret path will reveal! For more information, please visit: https://www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk/
12. Discover Eden Project
I personally haven’t visited the Eden Project, but next time I’m heading down south, I will make my way and time to visit this garden full of plants from around the world, hidden inside of those massive biomes controlling the climate inside. Basically, Eden Project is a giant greenhouse full of beautiful flowers, grapevines, herbs and other plantation. Allocate a good few hours here for exploring. For more information, check out their main website: https://www.edenproject.com/admission
For a blog inspiration, visit Heels in my backpack: https://heelsinmybackpack.com/2017/07/23/weekend-eden-project-cornwall/
13. Sail to Scilly Isles
Scilly Isles is a-must on the list of best things to do in Cornwall for their white sand beaches and picturesque landmarks. Just 28 miles south-west of Cornwall, this tiny bundle of islands offers long sandy shores suitable for those romantic sunset walks and a variety of wildlife to observe, including seals, puffins and common dolphins. Learn more about Scilly Isles in Emily Luxton’s article: https://www.emilyluxton.co.uk/england/best-places-to-visit-on-south-coast-of-england/
Book your perfect stay in cornwall
Travel Essentials:
Other blogs about Cornwall for your inspiration:
- https://www.chrisandcharliesadventures.com/blog/2018/7/26/beautiful-beaches-in-south-england
- https://www.whileimyoung.com/cornwall-group-holiday-homes/
- https://www.paperplanesandcaramelwaffles.com/how-to-spend-a-day-in-polzeath/
- http://journeyswithjessica.net/2017/12/09/a-travel-guide-to-cornwall-the-capital-of-the-south-west/
- https://jeniferrosena.com/category/cornwall/
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Hi, I’m Karina and ordinary bores me. When I was 22, I felt stuck in my life, so I packed my life into one suitcase and moved to England. I am a strong believer that life is what you make out if it.
In this blog, I share with you not only my travel adventures and best things to do around the world but also a few motivational articles to kick you in the butt and make you get out of your comfort zone and live a happier life.
Are you ready to escape the ordinary with me?
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Cornwall sounds like a great place to visit with lots of seafood and activities. I would love to go somewhere I can try surfing. It looks like so much fun.
You will have fun surfing in Cornish water!! 🙂 It was great and I can only recommend it to everyone 🙂
Cornwall is spectacular, we love it!
What an amazing experience to see a sunfish, I’m going to have to book another trip down there to see if we can spot one too!
Do you think July is the best time to do this?
Hi Sharon, can’t disagree with you on that 🙂 The day before I went with Marine Discovery, there was a whale swimming in Cornish waters! Unfortunately, it didn’t show up when I was there 🙁 But seeing ocean sunfish was amazing, they are so weird but cute looking fishes haha! 🙂 Yes, July/August and September are the best time of the year! 🙂
We are off to Cornwall next year and staying near Tintagel so will definitely be visiting!
Hi Emma, you will have a wonderful time, for sure! 🙂 I recommend getting a National Trust Membership if you don’t have it as Cornwall has so many sites and it will save you money 🙂
This brought back some wonderful childhood memories as we used to holiday in Cornwall a lot. I especially liked Tintagel, such a beautiful spot.
Aww, that is so nice to ready, Wendy! 🙂 Tintagel is beautiful, I loved it there too! You are lucky spending so much time in Cornwall as a child! 🙂
Cornwall sounds like an amazing place to relax and take in the sights. Plus, the photos are making me want to be there as we speak.
Before I talk about your post, I just want to say I love the theme/layout of your website.
I’m born in Brighton and I’ve always been envious of Cornwall because their beaches are better (and much cleaner) than ours in Sussex!
I just turned 30 and it’s one of the only areas in England I’ve never visited. I hear amazing things all the time and your post only confirms what others have said. The Eden Project and surfing are two things I want to experience when I go down.
Love this post, lots of inspiration! I moved from Edinburgh to the South of England last November and am itching to explore far and wide. Of course, Covid has put a spanner in the works for now but as we start to travel again I’ll certainly be looking at trip down to Cornwall.
Looks lovely, I definitely need to explore more. I remember visiting Mevagissey and knowing I want to see more of Cornwall, and now I know what there is to see. Thanks.
Your photos & great info on a beautiful part of England we have not been to- yet! Definitely will add some days here on our next trip to the UK! Liked all the other sources you link to – very helpful!