Expansive beaches, chic hotels, and moody Poldark filming locations – it seems picturesque Cornwall is rarely off British TV screens. However, while the county is full of sandy beaches and quaint pubs, there’s a much richer narrative to explore.
This adventure may see you seaweed foraging, vineyard visiting, barefoot beach combing, or soaking in an open-air geothermally heated pool. Therefore, it’s time to star in truly awesome adventures of your own with our pick of the best things to do in Cornwall.
Go for a Gorgeous Geothermal Soak
Although Cornwall has some of Britain’s warmest seas, an outdoor swim can still feel somewhat chilly. Enter Penzance’s art deco, open-air Jubilee Pool. This triangular 1930s saltwater lido, situated right beside the sea, offers a geometric vision in blue and white. However, what makes it a sensational swim spot is the geothermal section, heated to a blissful 30 to 35°C (86-95°F) by water extracted from a geothermal well that plunges 410m into the ground. It’s not only an unforgettable place to float, but it’s sustainable as well, with the heating process maintaining a tiny carbon footprint.
Eat in an Authentic Pub
Cornwall is renowned for its lush scenes, but visitors may be surprised to find that not everything is picture-perfect. Cornwall is one of Britain and Europe’s poorest regions, stemming from a decline in traditional industries, lower-than-average wages, high property prices, and a seasonal gig economy. Nevertheless, this creates an opportunity to support the fishing industry and a talented chef while enjoying a fantastic meal. The Tolcarne Inn, located by the harbor wall in the gritty port of Newlyn, offers a superb and unpretentious dining experience. Opt for whatever’s come in on the day boats to ensure it’s sustainable and freshly landed just yards away.
Walk the Causeway to St Michael’s Mount
A rocky, tidal island crowned with an ancient castle and steeped in Cornish folklore, St Michael’s Mount is one of the most enchanting spots to visit in Cornwall. The causeway that connects the island to the mainland is only exposed at low tide, so timing is essential. Pilgrims have been crossing this path for centuries in homage to the island’s namesake, the patron saint of fishers. As you climb to the castle, look for the heart-shaped stone set in the cobbled path; local legend claims it is the heart of the giant Cormoran, slain by Jack the Giant Killer.
Unearth the Real Stories Behind Those Photogenic Mines
Poldark – the BBC TV series (also available on Netflix) capturing life and love in 18th-century Cornwall – remains a huge draw for visitors. While many flock to the filming location of ruined Botallack Mine for a selfie, more profound narratives await exploration at Levant Mine, a few miles north. Here you can witness the world’s only still-working steam beam engine in operation and venture into the Man Engine tunnel. This site marked the tragedy where 31 men lost their lives when a transport system collapsed in 1919. Therefore, watching Poldark will never feel quite the same again.
Surf the North Cornish Coast
Cornwall is globally recognized as a premier surfing destination, particularly on the north coast, where Newquay’s Fistral Beach is dubbed the “Home of British Surfing.” Whether you’re an enthusiastic surfer or an absolute beginner, hitting the waves in Cornwall is essential.
Beginners can enroll in a surf school in Newquay, or head to gentler spots like Polzeath Beach or Harlyn Bay. Meanwhile, more experienced surfers might relish the challenge of Porthleven’s reef break, or during winter, the cove at St Agnes. If big waves aren’t your thing, consider trying stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) at Polkerris Beach or Falmouth’s renowned Gylly Beach.
Sample Cornish Wines Besides the Vines
While foodies flock to Cornwall’s harborside eateries, wine lovers venture inland – the county stands as one of the best locations to sample superb local vintages in the UK. The wine produced at Camel Valley is among Britain’s finest; under winemaker Sam Lindo, Camel Valley’s fizz has outperformed French Champagne house Bollinger in international competitions. This site also boasts beautiful vistas, with rows of vines adorning the sun-soaked slopes adjoining Bodmin Moor. For a delightful experience, arrange a guided tour or enjoy sipping chilled wine by the glass on their vine-side sun terrace.
Catch the Eco Bug and a Concert at Eden
The pioneering eco attraction known as the Eden Project tops many visitors’ lists of things to do. Famously, it was built in an abandoned China clay pit, and this collection of gigantic geometric greenhouses houses massive biomes that recreate two essential world climate systems. The Mediterranean biome immerses you in temperatures of 9 to 25°C (48-77°F) surrounded by fruits, herbs, and flowers of Italy, Greece, and Spain. Within this biome, vibrant flora such as bougainvillea, cotton, aloes, olive trees, and vines flourish.
In the Rainforest biome, temperatures soar to 18 to 35°C (64-95°F) as you wander past rubber tree groves, sugar cane plantations, and banana trees. You can also traverse a swaying wooden bridge suspended high in the canopy. This biome further delves into issues related to palm oil and deforestation. Throughout Eden, art installations and imaginative displays highlight environmental issues and encourage a greener, clearer future. The best way to experience Eden is during one of the legendary Eden Sessions – a series of summer concerts featuring artists from Tom Jones and Kylie Minogue to Paloma Faith, Oasis, Elbow, and Muse; tickets include public access to the wider site.
Follow the King Arthur Trail to Tintagel
Powerful wizards, noble heroes, and swords trapped in stone… indeed, here lie legends. Whether King Arthur was a romantic myth or a real-life figure, he has undeniably become woven into the fabric of Southwest England’s story, originating in North Cornwall.
Trace the King Arthur Trail through these legendary landscapes to unearth the myth at sites like Camelford, thought to be home to Camelot where a 6th-century stone inscribed in Latin is believed to mark Arthur’s last battle against his traitorous nephew Mordred.
Although the castle we see today was constructed in the 1230s, Tintagel has served as a seat of Cornish kings since the 5th century BCE, including King Arthur, at least according to legend. Cross the narrow bridge to access the eerie ruins perched on a jagged headland before descending to the sheltered bay below to explore Merlin’s Cave.
Take a “Stank” on Bodmin Moor
While Cornwall’s coastal paths are well-trodden, inland areas offer enticing opportunities for walkers, too. Take a “stank” (a local term for “walk”) on Bodmin Moor – a remote, heather-strewn moorland where the bleak yet beautiful landscapes set the stage for adventure.
Enjoy the spectacular views from atop Brown Willy, the highest point in Cornwall and one of the UK’s best hikes, or investigate the stone circles and bronze age barrows surrounding the slopes of Rough Tor. Admirers of Cornwall’s most famous author, Daphne du Maurier, should not miss the real-life Jamaica Inn located at the heart of the moor. As depicted in the novel, the isolated inn was once utilized for concealing smuggler’s contraband in the late 18th century.
Cook a Cornish Pasty
The Cornish pasty – a culinary treasure cherished by 17th-century miners, valued at £65 million to the Cornish economy, and granted protected status (only pasties crafted in Cornwall can use this geographic designation) – can be purchased at various locations, from rugby grounds to surfer hangouts to quaint village stores. For a more enriching experience, consider learning to make them yourself. The pasty-making course at the Philleigh Way Cornish Cookery School near Falmouth will familiarize you with the delicacy’s history and culture while practicing essential techniques, including the signature crimp. A demonstration on homemade scones and a Cornish cream tea is part of the experience, gifting you two quintessentially Cornish culinary delights in one session.
Explore the Cornish Mainland’s Second-Most Westerly Point
The issue with travelers’ totems is that they can become overcrowded. At Cornwall’s westernmost mainland location, Land’s End, dramatic cliffs are adorned with a theme park featuring a hotel, pub, and 4D cinema. Therefore, consider venturing 7 miles north to the rugged headland at Cape Cornwall. Here, you’ll discover a genuine end-of-the-world atmosphere, alongside a ruined early-Christian chapel, a dilapidated mine stack, and charming Priest’s Cove, which – at low tide – reveals a pocket-sized pool. Up until about 200 years ago, Cape Cornwall was thought to be the most westerly point in mainland Cornwall, losing that title to Land’s End thereafter. Today, it remains far quieter than its rival headland.
Discover Cornwall’s Forgotten Corner
Most vehicles speeding west into Cornwall cross the county border and continue directly ahead. However, if you turn south instead, you’ll enter the often-overlooked Rame Peninsula. This area is home to three-mile Whitsand Bay and the charming fishing villages of Kingsand and Cawsand, as well as Rame Head – a rocky promontory that juts into the sea, providing 360-degree views to south Devon and west to the Lizard peninsula, roughly 50 miles away. For a true taste of the area’s wild beauty, hike to Whitsand Bay from Mount Edgcumbe Country Park – a 10-mile cliff path trek, passing through Kingsand, Cawsand, and Rame Head, showcasing exceptional vistas.
Catch a Show at the Minack Theatre
At the forefront of Cornwall’s cultural highlights, the Minack Theatre is an open-air venue set in an unparalleled locale. Perched on a cliffside near Penzance, this stunning setting appears as if it were always meant to be there, with its stone seats facing the Atlantic Ocean.
In reality, the Minack is less than 100 years old, built in the 1930s by Rowena Cade, who envisioned her cliff garden as the perfect backdrop for a performance of The Tempest. Today, more than 200 live performances a year grace this unique stage, featuring a blend of plays, operas, and events for children.
Paddle Off on a Sea Kayaking Expedition
While Cornwall’s coast and rivers are stunning from land, they are best explored by kayak. Picture gin-clear seas, towering cliffs, tree-lined creeks, and hidden coves waiting to be discovered. For an immersive experience, participate in a five-day sea kayaking trip with Evoke Adventure. This expedition, guided by international adventurer Erin Bastian, enables you to explore the coast and estuaries near Falmouth, from gliding through the sheltered waters of the delightful Helford Passage to paddling alongside the rugged cliffs of the Lizard peninsula. Consequently, it’s a truly unforgettable way to experience this beautiful region.
Forage for Your Food
While Cornwall’s sweeping sea views capture attention, there’s much to be gained from focusing inward. The Family Foraging Kitchen invites you to explore the shores, hedges, fields, and woods in your surroundings. Courses on the Rame Peninsula offer seaweed foraging beside the golden sands of Kingsand Bay. Each session encompasses local history, science, folklore, ethical foraging practices, species identification, and cooking techniques. Additionally, by participating, you support a noble cause – the kitchen aids in combatting food poverty by providing free wild food education to local families in need.
Spot Naïve Art in St Ives
The crystal-clear light and stunning scenery of Cornwall have long attracted artists, from the impressionists of the Newlyn School in the 1880s to the abstract figures of the St Ives School in the 1940s. The local creative heritage was a significant factor in the establishment of one of Britain’s most prestigious art institutions, the Tate, which opened a beachside outpost in St Ives in 1993.
Among the array of artworks, search for pieces by St Ives resident Alfred Wallis, a self-taught artist and retired fisherman. He famously used marine paints on scrap cardboard to depict quintessentially Cornish scenes. His unique style resonated with artists seeking fresh perspectives after the turmoil of WWI, leading to his recognition as a prominent figure in naïve folk art. Make sure to visit the gallery’s ongoing Modern Conversations display and discover Wallis’ Schooner under the Moon and The Hold House Port Mear Square Island Port Mear Beach, then wander outside onto Porthmeor Beach and identify similarities between Wallis’ work and the scene today.
Give a Little Back with a Beach Clean
Despite their breathtaking beauty, Cornwall’s beaches are susceptible to plastic pollution, just like many others worldwide. The Cornish environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage initiated campaigns to clean up the seas in 1990, now recognizing plastic as a significant environmental threat. In addition to supporting organized coastal litter picks and inspiring acts of individual initiative, the charity has established a map of Cornish beach boxes where you can store any trash you’ve collected. This presents an excellent opportunity to explore Cornwall’s vast beaches while contributing positively to the environment.
Blast Across Falmouth Harbour by Boat
Cornwall’s coastline boasts a sequence of stunning beaches and bays, and few experiences surpass the joy of exploring them by boat. One of the finest boat trips in Cornwall is this 20-minute sail from the busy port of Falmouth across the expansive Falmouth Harbour to the exclusive yachting destination of St Mawes. The village features cottages lining a sandy harbor and the well-preserved 16th-century St Mawes Castle overlooking the picturesque setting. Many visitors choose to explore the village and enjoy a meal or refreshment in one of its many classy restaurants and pubs. If possible, walk north along the water for over 2 miles to the less-visited village of St Just In Roseland, where you’ll encounter a tranquil tidal creek and an exquisite 13th-century church, with its graveyard ablaze with color during summer and spring.
Lose Yourself Among the Lost Gardens of Heligan
Cornwall’s mild microclimate – a result of the Gulf Stream’s proximity – fosters the growth of an array of exotic gardens, particularly along the south coast. However, the romantic history of the gardens at Heligan provides an element of intrigue that’s hard to match.
Forgotten and overgrown since WWI, the once-glorious gardens of this historic estate were nearly lost to time. It wasn’t until 1990 that the chance discovery of a door in the ruins led to the revival of the Lost Gardens, restored to their previous splendor.
Explore the China Clay Trails
Walkers rightfully admire the Cornish stretches of the mighty 630-mile South West Coast Path for epic hiking and stunning views. Families on bicycles enjoy the 18-mile Camel Trail, especially the flat and scenic 6-mile section between Padstow and Wadebridge. However, for fewer crowds and a distinctive understanding of Cornwall’s history, explore the Clay Trails. Radiating from St Austell, this network of 3-to-5 mile walking and cycling paths leads into the heart of China claycountry – an area mined for kaolinite for centuries.
Along the trails, behold immense clay tips (often dubbed the Cornish Alps), active clay pits, drying chimneys, luminous blue lakes, and shimmering turquoise dams. Much of the landscape has been reclaimed by wildlife, so your exploration of industrial heritage coincides beautifully with breathtaking flora and fauna. One of the routes even passes right by the Eden Project – a suitably environmentally friendly approach to arriving.
Get Cast Away on an Uninhabited Scilly Isle
The Isles of Scilly, situated 28 miles west of the end of mainland Cornwall, comprise an exquisite archipelago of five inhabited islands. Characterized by white-sand beaches, azure seas, a mild microclimate, and a relaxed pace of life, they make for one of Cornwall’s most alluring locales. A multitude of boat trips radiates from the main island,St Mary’s, to the other four inhabited isles. Tresco is the most popular destination due to the subtropical Tresco Abbey Garden. St Martin’s allegedly boasts the best campsite on Scilly. Rugged Bryher’s western shore features the refined Hell Bay Hotel, while rugged St Agnes houses the Turk’s Head, which claims the title of the UK’s most south-westerly pub. Each island presents enriching opportunities for exploration. However, consider arranging to be dropped off on uninhabited Sampson with the Isles of Scilly Boatmen’s Association. The twin hills and sandy beaches of this remote isle were home to a handful of farmers and fishermen until the mid-1800s and now feature remnants of their homes and boat sheds, inviting exploration between refreshing swims in crystal-clear waters.
This article was first published on Feb 5, 2020, and updated on Jul 7, 2022.
