Why we love Cornwall
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.
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 bloomTwo 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 bikeTake 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 PadstowWintery 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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