The 13 Best Things To Do In Cornwall

If you are looking for the best things to do in Cornwall, this guide has got you covered. 

Situated in the southwest of England, the county of Cornwall is blessed with a wild coastline, stunning beaches and mild climate. It’s not surprising that it’s become a firm favourite amongst UK holiday destinations.  

However, the best things to do in Cornwall are not limited to seaside activities. This region boasts rich history, abundant wildlife and creative gems that are waiting to be discovered.  

I’ve been fortunate to visit Cornwall several times. Every trip allows me to discover a different side to this unique region.  

I hope this article on the top things to do in Cornwall becomes a starting point for your own adventure in this glorious part of the country.  

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The 13 Best Things to Do in Cornwall

From wildlife sanctuaries and historic attractions to world-class seafood and surfing, there is something for everyone in Cornwall.

Visit the Eden Project

It’s hard to imagine that just over 20 years ago, the place where the futuristic looking domes of the Eden Project now stand, was an exhausted china clay pit with no greenery in sight. Thanks to the vision of entrepreneur Tim Smit and a team of architects and engineers, the barren land was transformed into a spectacular global garden.  

The goal of this epic project is to explore the close-knit relationship between humans and plants, as well as the things we need to do to protect our natural world. The two domes, or biomes, that dominate the landscape, are enclosures for two strikingly different natural environments.  

One of the biomes contains the largest indoor rainforest in the world. The other is home to a Mediterranean garden brimming with fragrant fruits and herbs. There is also a vast outdoor garden with over 20 themed plant exhibits. 

You can easily spend a day exploring the gardens and the exhibits. To add more colour to your experience, I would recommend joining a guided tour.  

The tours are free and take place daily. You can find out the tour timetable on the ‘What’s on’ information boards on site. 

You can pre-book your timed slot on the Eden Project website. General admission starts from £38.00 (US $50.30) per adult.   

Connect With Your Artistic Side in St Ives

Tucked away in the far west of Cornwall is a quaint seaside town of St Ives. With its picturesque harbour, narrow cobbled streets lined with independent shops and cafes and beautiful beaches, it is not surprising that the town has become a major tourist destination. 

The beauty of St Ives has also been a magnet for artists, sculptors and ceramists, many of whom have made the town their home. Today, you can enjoy their legacy by exploring the work of iconic artists at the likes of Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum.  

There are also plenty of small galleries displaying works by contemporary Cornish artists and makers. They could be a source of a unique souvenir from this beautiful part of the world. 

If you’d like to flex your creative muscles, why not take a painting lesson? St Ives School of Painting has been running classes since 1938.  

They are led by practicing artists, so you’ll be in good hands. There is a selection of 2- and 3-day courses that could easily fit into your travel itinerary. 

Explore Stunning Beaches

Although there are plenty of things to do in Cornwall, the region’s gorgeous beaches are undoubtedly the jewel in its crown. Whether you’re after a perfect spot for a relaxing family day out or looking to get away from it all, Cornwall will deliver.

No matter which part of Cornwall you’re visiting, chances are there will be a great beach nearby. The picturesque Porthmeor beach is the perfect option if you’re visiting St Ives. It’s sheltered and suitable for swimming with a great selection of cafes and shops nearby.

If you’re in the Penzance area, be sure to check out the stunning Porthcurno beach. With its golden sands and clear waters surrounded by tall granite cliffs, it’s a must-visit for beach lovers.

My personal favourite is Sennen beach in West Cornwall, near Land’s End. It’s a beautiful long stretch of sand perfect for both surfing and swimming. There is a village there with cafes, shops and galleries for when you need a respite from the sun.

Gorge on Delicious Seafood

Cornwall punches well above its weight when it comes to dining. It is especially famous for its excellent seafood, so tasting some should definitely be on your list of things to do in Cornwall.   

From humble fish & chips to fine dining, there are options for every budget. With so many excellent eateries, including over 40 featured in the Michelin guide, one article simply can’t cover them all.  

Foodies flock to Padstow in particular, a picturesque seaside town on the North coast of Cornwall, where world-class chefs have set up shop. Padstow has a strong association with celebrity chef Rick Stein who has several eateries in the area.  

We went to Stein’ St Petroc’s Bistro for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed it. The bistro’s menu combines traditional French cooking techniques and the best of Cornish produce, with a focus on seafood. The place has a cosy atmosphere and the food, including scallops, monkfish salad and tuna steak, was lovely. 

Take a Surf Lesson in Newquay

With its collection of white sand beaches, Newquay, a town on Cornwall’s Atlantic Coast, is one of the best surfing destinations in the UK. It hosts major competitions and attracts pro surfers from around the country. There are lots of opportunities for newbie surfers too.  

If you’ve always wanted to try surfing, Newquay is a great place to do that. The spectacular Fistral beach is a great starting point for a lesson.  

Considered to be the home of British Surfing, it offers consistent surfing conditions and great facilities including cafes and shops. You can arrange a lesson at the Fistral Beach Surf School. It is the only school located at Fistral. 

For our lesson, we opted for the West Country Surf School located at Watergate Bay, a stunning beach just a short drive away from Newquay. The beach is slightly quieter than Fistral and offers great surfing conditions as well.  

he lesson was about 2 hours long and we got to spend lots of time in the water with a great instructor. It was a fantastic experience, and I highly recommend it if you’re visiting Newquay. 

Go to St Michael’s Mount

One of the most iconic historic spots in Cornwall is St Michael’s Mount, located on the south coast of the peninsula. It is a tidal island that is home to a striking medieval castle, picturesque gardens and a small village.  

The island is linked to a village called Marazion with a man-made causeway which you can access during low tide. At high tide you can only reach the island by boat. 

On your visit to St Michael’s Mount, you will learn about the history of the castle, stroll through the sub-tropical terraced gardens and enjoy spectacular views of Mount’s Bay. If you need some sustenance, there is a café serving sandwiches, pastries and traditional Cornish cream teas.  

The St Aubyn family, whose ancestors originally purchased St Michael’s Mount in the 17th century, still live on the island today. The local village is home to a small island community of around 30 people. It’s fascinating to see how modern life intertwines with hundreds of years of history.   

You can pre-book tickets to St Michael’s Mount via their website. General admission that includes both castle and gardens is £26.00 (US $34.40) per adult. 

Do a Section of the South West Coast Path

The epic South West Coast Path invites you to explore 630 miles (1,014 km) of stunning coastline. It starts in Minehead in Somerset, running along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, and ends in Poole Harbour in Dorset.  

Doing the full trail is a major undertaking which is not for everyone. Thankfully, those who are not into long-distance hiking can focus on specific sections of the path instead. 

Since the path covers the whole of Cornwall’s coastline, you’ll be spoilt for choice in terms of available walks. From relaxing strolls to challenging hikes, there is something for every type of adventurer. You can find a comprehensive list of day walk ideas on the South West Coast Path website.  

So far, we’ve done a section of the path around the Newquay area which includes some great beaches, varied coastline and historic sites. If you’re staying in the area, I recommend including it in your itinerary.  

We also took the South West Coast Path to walk from Penzance to Marazion to visit St Michael’s Mount. It was an enjoyable easy walk but not as dramatic as other sections of the trail. 

Enjoy a Wildlife Encounter

Cornwall boasts an abundance of wildlife both on land and at sea. There are many ways to experience it during your trip, from nature reserves and wildlife cruises to aquariums and animal sanctuaries.  

Cornwall Wildlife Trust manages over 50 nature reserves that are scattered around the peninsula. These are perfect for a relaxing day out spotting wildlife and enjoying the varied landscapes of Cornwall. You can see the full list of the reserves on the Trust’s website.  

If you’re looking for an indoor wildlife experience on a rainy day, you can check out the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay. Although compact, it showcases a good variety of marine wildlife, from local species to sea creatures from faraway lands.  

It’s also a great opportunity to learn about the challenges that marine life is facing due to human activity and climate change. You can pre-book your tickets on the Blue Reef website. Adult tickets are £14.75 (US $20.00).  

So far, my favourite wildlife experience in Cornwall has been a visit to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. This charity rescues and rehabilitates seals from around the Cornish beaches. 

Most of them are eventually released back to the wild. Those who are unable to survive out there can continue living in the sanctuary. 

Apart from the seals, the sanctuary is also home to a couple of sea lions, penguins, beavers and paddock animals. There are talks throughout the day that help bring the stories of the sanctuary residents to life.  

To top this off, the sanctuary is located in a picturesque area near a village called Gweek, making this a great spot for a day out. 

Watch a Show at Minack Theatre

Another iconic landmark that is worth adding to your list of things to do in Cornwall is Minack Theatre. It is a famous open-air theatre that sits on top of the granite cliffs of Porthcurno beach.  

Although Minack has an air of antiquity about it, it is actually less than 100 years old. It was created by Rowena Cade, an artist and theatre-maker who purchased the headland where the theatre now sits in the 1920s.  

Rowena and her team of helpers built the theatre pretty much by hand. It was such a huge undertaking that the construction work took the rest of her life.   

As Minack is a living theatre, the best way to appreciate it is, of course, by seeing a show there. The theatre boasts a busy programme with over 200 performances a year including plays, musicals, opera and live music.  

If attending a show is not possible, you can still visit the theatre to explore its picturesque surroundings and enjoy spectacular views over Porthcurno Bay. You might even be able to catch a rehearsal or workshop on your visit.  

You can pre-book your tickets for a specific time slot on the Minack Theatre’s website. 

Enjoy the Coastal Trails of Land’s End

Land’s End is the most westerly point of mainland England that has grown into a popular tourist attraction. This site features an entertainment complex complete with shops, eateries, audiovisual experiences and a hotel.  

The site is also home to a famous signpost offering photo opportunities. However, you need to pay a fee to get your picture taken next to it.  

Don’t worry, if this doesn’t sound like you, Land’s End is still worth going to for its dramatic coastal scenery that you can enjoy on foot. Last time my husband and I visited we walked along the cliffs to the beautiful Sennen beach. 

Explore the Gardens of Penzance

Located in the southwest of Cornwall, the coastal town of Penzance boasts its own sub-tropical climate. This is the reason why so much diverse flora, some of which is unique to the UK, calls this area home. 

If you are spending some time in the area, I highly recommend including visits to the gardens of Penzance in your itinerary. The easiest ones to visit are the Morrab Gardens and Penlee Gardens, which are located right in town. 

Further out, you will find the beautiful Trengwainton Garden, managed by the National Trust. It boasts a large collection of exotic plants as well as stunning views over Mount’s Bay. 

Another great option is the Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, which combine tropical planting with contemporary art. Alongside the permanent artworks that you can spot outside, Tremenheere is also home to a small art gallery that showcases local and international artists whose works are available for purchase. 

Learn About Cornwall’s Mining Heritage

Cornwall boasts a fascinating history, including playing an important role during the Industrial Revolution. The county was a crucial center for copper and tin mining, which fueled the technological expansion of the time. At one point, Cornwall provided two-thirds of the world’s copper. 

While the peak of the mining industry is long past, visitors to Cornwall can explore many historic sites associated with this part of the region’s history. Several of these sites even form part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

These sites include former miners’ settlements, engine houses, and the mines themselves. Some sites are well-preserved, while others are in a state of disrepair, blending into the surrounding landscapes. 

The UNESCO World Heritage sites are scattered throughout Cornwall. The official Cornish Mining Heritage website is a great starting point for planning your visit. 

Have a Cornish Pasty

No trip to Cornwall would be complete without having a taste of its specialty dish, the Cornish pasty. Although this hearty shortcrust pastry with delicious fillings is available throughout the UK, it’s always nice to enjoy it at its source. 

Variations of Cornish pasties have been known since the Middle Ages. However, in the 17th century, they became popular with Cornish tin miners who needed an unfussy and nutritious meal to get them through the workday. 

Miners’ wives cooked these pasties with potato, onion, swede, and a bit of beef, all sealed in a rich gravy. The turnover-shaped pastry served as a casing for the meal, so it could easily be taken down the mine. 

Today, Cornish pasties can be found in bakeries and pasty shops throughout the county. There are many fillings available to choose from, so you can always try something new. 

If you’d like to find out more about other great things that are unique about this area, check out these fun facts about Cornwall. 

When is the Best Time to Go to Cornwall

Cornwall enjoys its best weather in July and August. This is when sunshine is more consistent than usual, and the average temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities, with highs of 19°C and lows of 14°C. 

However, this period also coincides with the high season and school holidays, so expect crowds and high accommodation costs. Be sure to book far in advance to secure the best prices. 

May, June, and September are also great months to visit, with relatively stable weather and fewer people. I’ve had two trips to Cornwall in June, and although we experienced some drizzle on a couple of days, overall, it was still warm enough to enjoy the county’s outdoor activities. 

How Many Days Do You Need in Cornwall

Four to five days in Cornwall should be enough to see the highlights. Obviously, if you have more time, such as a week, you will be able to cover more ground and take the time to explore the places that interest you without having to rush. 

If you only have a couple of days in Cornwall, I would recommend focusing on just one area. For example, you could base yourself in Newquay to go for a surf lesson and explore the dramatic coastline of that area. 

Alternatively, you could base yourself in the southwest, in St Ives and Penzance, and enjoy everything that this part of the world has to offer. Here is an itinerary for 48 hours in Cornwall for some inspiration if you are heading there. 

For more information on different trip durations, check out this guide on how many days in Cornwall you need for a great trip. 

How to Get to Cornwall

One of the most popular ways of getting to Cornwall is by car. It takes about five hours to reach Cornwall by road from London and about seven from Manchester. 

The main roads that lead into Cornwall are the A30, which passes through Exeter, and the A38, which goes through Plymouth. If you are travelling along the coast of Devon, you can also enter Cornwall via the A39. 

Cornwall is also home to Newquay Airport, which is connected to cities across the UK and even Europe. Air travel is often the fastest alternative to train and car travel, depending on your departure point. 

The county is served by a train network, with the mainline service running between Plymouth and Penzance. There are even direct services between London Paddington and Penzance. 

The five branch train lines connect to different destinations within Cornwall, including St Ives, Looe, Newquay, and Falmouth. Many of the journeys are quite scenic, making the trip even more pleasant. 

Last but not least, there are coach services operated by National Express and Megabus that connect destinations in Cornwall with other parts of the UK. It’s the slowest way to get to the county but also one of the most budget-friendly options. 

How to Get Around Cornwall

Getting around Cornwall by car will give you the most flexibility and freedom. You won’t be tied to a public transport timetable, and you’ll be able to visit places located off the main tourist routes. 

It’s worth keeping in mind that driving in Cornwall can be a challenge. As a rural county, it has many narrow, winding roads, some of which are one-way. These take time to navigate, so don’t always trust the timing provided by Google Maps when travelling. 

However, if driving is not an option, it is still possible to travel around Cornwall car-free. Although you may not be able to cover as much ground as you would by car, the local public transport system, which includes buses and trains, can still help you see all the highlights without the stress of driving. 

This guide to traveling around Cornwall without a car provides more information on how to explore the county by public transport and other means. 

Where to Stay in Cornwall

The choice of where to stay in Cornwall ultimately depends on what you want to do while there. For example, Newquay on the north coast is the perfect place for those looking to try their hand at surfing and explore the dramatic sections of the South West Coast Path. 

I personally love the southwest of Cornwall with its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and charming villages. If you are looking to stay there, I’d recommend basing yourself either in St Ives, especially if you are into the arts, or in Penzance, which provides easy access to iconic sites such as St Michael’s Mount. 

If you would like to find out more about the latter, check out this guide to the best things to do in Penzance. The town also offers many great accommodation options for every budget. This guide to the best places to stay in Penzance has all the information you need. 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Cornwall is brimming with exciting activities and sites for every taste. From stunning beaches and unforgettable hikes to delicious food and world-class art, it’s no surprise that Cornwall is such a popular UK holiday destination.  

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