Cornwall
Why we love Cornwall
Renowned for its glorious countryside, striking coastline and unique attractions, you’ll find an abundance of places to visit in Cornwall that leave lasting memories. From catching a performance at the open-air clifftop Minack Theatre to surfing the waves at Newquay’s Fistral Beach or delving into the Arthurian legend at Tintagel Castle, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have something for everyone.
Wander the South West Coast Path to discover picturesque coves, golden beaches and quaint harbours, and explore the world’s largest greenhouse at the Eden Project. Hop over to the Isles of Scilly with its crystal clear waters, venture to the tidal island of Saint Michael’s Mount at low tide, or tuck into a delicious Cornish pasty. Take in the subtropical paradise of Trebah Garden, and go back in time at Henry VIII’s coastal fort, Pendennis Castle. Regardless of what you want to do when you visit Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, you’ll discover a county packed with charm and intrigue.
Surfs up
Cornwall’s waves are made to be surfed – across the county find surfing schools that’ll teach you the basics of hitting the water. Or for seasoned surfers, take to some of Cornwall’s best-known surfing spots including Fistral Beach and Porthleven.
Going underground
Discover Cornwall’s subterranean world of tin mines, excavated tunnels and rocky passageways with Cornwall Underground Adventures. From entry level underground expeditions to a full day exploration, this experience will show you a different perspective of Britain’s coastal county.
Rock out in Eden
Set against the iconic backdrop of the Eden Project’s biomes, this is a breathtaking setting to catch the world’s greatest musicians at the Eden Sessions. With new gigs announced every year past performers who have rocked the stage include the Chemical Brothers, Kylie Minogue, Diana Ross and The Who.
Explore the Isles of Scilly
A short distance from Cornwall’s coast, the Isles of Scilly are unspoilt island escapes packed with adventures and experiences. Britain’s largest archipelago of islands, explore five inhabited islands and island-hop some of the 140 uninhabited destinations that make up a colourful tapestry of landscapes. From the white sands of St. Martin’s to the largest island St. Mary’s and everything in between.
Clifftop theatre
For a truly unforgettable experience, head to the Minack Theatre in Penzance, an outdoor theatre hewn out of a cliff-top. With a packed schedule of events, this unique space is extremely popular - so advance booking is essential.
Cornwall
Embracing the south west coastline, Cornwall is home to glorious beaches, fabulous seafood, and epic maritime history.
Head to the open-air Minack Theatre, spectacularly carved into the cliffside, for comedy, Shakespeare classics or opera performances.
Marvel at the plants and rainforest of the world’s largest greenhouse at the Eden Project, or explore the legend of King Arthur at Tintagel Castle on the rugged north coast.
Discover golden beaches and harbour villages along the South West Coast Path, head to the tidal island of St Michael’s Mount or catch the world-class surf at Newquay’s Fistral Beach.
Fun fact
Fun fact
Cornwall has the longest coastline of any county in England, spanning 422 miles (697 km), with the Land’s End peninsula the most westerly point of mainland England.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Henry VIII’s coastal fortress, Pendennis Castle, is home to a collection of Tudor, Napoleonic, Victorian and 20th century cannons, as well as events including knights tournaments and pirate shows.
The Cornish Way cycle trail runs for 195 miles (314km) from Land’s End to Bude, passing through coastal towns including St Austell and Padstow which are renowned for their seafood restaurants.
The Geevor Tin Mine in Penzance, now an award-winning heritage attraction, is the largest preserved mining site in the UK.
Cornwall is home to the largest number of different plant species in Britain, as well as the biggest rainforest in captivity, at the Eden Project.
Cornwall has some of the UKs best surfing beaches, with Newquay’s annual Boardmasters Festival attracting thousands each August for live music, surf and skateboarding.
Things to do in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
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Featured things to do
Glorious gardens
Thanks to Cornwall’s warm microclimate, the region is lush with plant life. Pinetum Gardens has been four decades in the making, with ten themed garden rooms, over 6,000 types of plants, and wildlife-filled waterways where deer, herons and dragonflies thrive.
See Pinetum Gardens in bloom
Two wheeled adventures
Head out into the Cornish countryside for a cycling journey. From some of the steepest gradients in the county on the North Torpoint coastal road, to gentle country cycles - there's something for everyone here. Follow the Cornish Way for over 200 miles (321kms) of walking and cycling trails.
Explore Cornwall by bike
Take a trip to Padstow
A town with bags of charm, Padstow is a must visit for foodies and adventure seekers. Kids will love trying their hand at crabbing at the harbour, while Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant serves up the flavours of the county. Take the time to explore the Camel Cycle Trail, which starts and ends in Padstow.
Explore Padstow
Wintery wanders
Brace the cooling weather for a wintery walk across Cornwall's beaches. From Chapel Porth, Kennack Sands and Mousehole, take an invigorating stroll across the sands.
Winter walks in CornwallPlaces to stay in Cornwall
North Coast
B&B’s with sweeping scenic views across all of Cornwall’s beautiful northern coastline. You’ll find the area filled with places to rest your head, from the likes of buzzing Bude to hidden coves.
West Coast
Discover the ends of Britain at Cornwall’s West Coast, filled with tranquil beaches, beautiful bays and an abundance of places to stay - you’ll find the West Coast has everything you need.
South Coast
With unique glamping spots atop the rocky coastline, quaint B&B’s in the county’s towns and hotels with sweeping coastal views, the South Coast is great for a holiday and even better for your budget.
Explore nearby
Getting to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
Cornwall Newquay Airport welcomes direct flights from several European destinations, alongside international connections from around the world. A public bus service connects the airport to Newquay and Padstow.
Direct trains from Bath and Bristol provide regular links to Cornwall with Great Western Rail. The Night Riviera Sleeper service operates nightly from London Paddington to Penzance (apart from on Saturdays), taking around eight hours. In addition to the main train line between Plymouth and Penzance, five branch lines serve different parts of the county.
National Express coaches also link Cornwall with the rest of Britain, including a service from London Victoria to Newquay, which takes around seven hours.
Visitors to the Isles of Scilly can take the Skybus from Land’s End, Newquay or at Exeter Airport, with a travel time of between 15 to 60 minutes. The Scillonian III Passenger Ferry from Penzance harbour takes around 2 hours 45 minutes. Or travel in style with Penzance Helicopters in just 15 minutes.
Getting around
An extensive Cornwall public transport network links the many different attractions and places to visit in Cornwall, providing a reliable means of getting around. Park and Ride schemes run in peak season at Lelant Saltings for the town of St Ives and at Liskeard for Looe, while two parking sites at Langarth Park and Tregurra Park serve Truro. For information on travelling around the Isles of Scilly, see Visit Isles of Scilly.
By foot
Large parts of Cornwall can be explored on foot, including a 300-mile section of the South West Coast Path, a walking and hiking route that takes in rocky headlands, picturesque harbours, coastal valleys and gently rolling hills.
By bus
Cornwall has a great range of local public bus connections, that you can plan via Travel Line South West. First Bus operates largely across Cornwall accepting contactless payments. The Go Cornwall Bus app is also a handy tool for planning.
By bike
With stunning coastal routes and countryside tracks, cycling in Cornwall is a must. Several companies offer bike hire in Cornwall to explore its coastal tracks and golden beaches at your own pace.
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