Top Things to Do When Visiting Cornwall

Since starting my own blog, I have had so much fun being a tourist in my own home county. I often get quite a few messages from followers asking me about the best things to do in Cornwall, places to visit and sights to see during their holiday.

I thought this would be the perfect time to jot down my top Cornish recommendations. There are still so many new spots on my “Cornwall places to visit” list that I have yet to explore, so this will most certainly be a work in progress blog post. Any new gems I discover later on I will be sure to add.

For now, read on for my top recommendations on the must-see beaches in Cornwall, places to visit and attractions to check out, including top landmarks and towns. How many have you ticked off your Cornish bucket list?

Visit St Michael’s Mount

Floating in the middle of the ocean like something out of a Disney film, St Michael’s Mount is an absolute must-see in Cornwall. You’ll find this iconic Cornish landmark in the seaside town of Marazion.

A vibrant tapestry of delightful cafes, bakeries, galleries and souvenir shops, make your way through the narrow streets decorated with pretty hanging baskets and Cornish flags, towards the tidal island.

The most unique part of St Michael’s Mount is the brick-laid causeway. At low tide, watch the Cornish sea part ways, revealing the seaweed-strewn pathway that leads straight up to the iron gates of the magical mount. If you’ve visited at high tide, water taxis are available to whizz you across in a matter of minutes.

With a few residents, a castle and some beautiful gardens, it’s a lovely area to explore and admire the views back across to Marazion.

Make Footprints on Pedn Vounder Beach

Probably Cornwall’s worst-kept ‘secret beach’, Pedn Vounder has gained a lot of popularity over the last few years thanks to the power of Instagram. Nonetheless, I can understand why this breathtaking patch of sand is sought out by keen travellers and Cornish locals alike.

Set along the west Cornish coastal path between Logan Rock and Porthcurno, Pedn Vounder is a clamber down a cliff face to an idyllic lagoon that looks like it’s been ripped out of the pages of an exotic travel mag.

On a summer’s day visit Pedn Vounder for iridescent waters, lukewarm swimming conditions and velvety sand. It is even more beautiful in real life!

Please note: whilst a stunning spot to visit, Pedn Vounder often experiences strong rip currents. This is not a lifeguarded beach so precautions should be taken.

For more on beach safety tips, click here.

Explore Mousehole

Everything about Mousehole screams Cornwall. If you want to visit a village with proper Cornish history and that strong sense of regional identity, head to the fishing harbour in the west of Cornwall just past Penzance.

Learn all about Mowzer, the famous feline from the tale of The Mousehole Cat. Treat yourself to a refreshing ice-cream. Peruse the cute little boutiques or dip your toes in the tidal pool on Mousehole Beach.

If you are feeling energetic, there is also a great walk from Mousehole to Larmorna Cove. Be warned, this walk isn’t for the faint-hearted, so make sure you’ve strapped your hiking boots on!

Wander the Biomes at The Eden Project

The Eden Project is one of those attractions you just HAVE to see at least once in your life. I’ve probably been about six or seven times and it never gets old. As you can imagine, growing up in Cornwall meant plenty of school trips were spent learning about the environment and different climates in the educational biomes.

Built in a reclaimed china clay pit, it’s the only place I can think of in Cornwall where you can literally transport yourself out of the UK without having to hop on a plane or train.

The Eden Project is home to the world’s largest rainforest in captivity, England’s longest zip wire, an indoor Mediterranean garden and a stage which has hosted the likes of Kylie Minogue, Gary Barlow, Jess Glynne and Nile Rogers. There’s also an ice-rink over the Christmas period and lots of other fun events throughout the year.

Make Magical Memories in St Ives

A day trip to St Ives needs to be a top priority when looking for things to do in Cornwall. The seaside town feels like its own little island, where the scent of pasties and sea-salt lingers in the air of the winding streets and seafront.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches in St Ives. From harbour beaches where boats sink into the soft sand when the tide is out, to surfing spots and tourist favourites like Porthmeor Beach. Somehow, the water seems to be the bluest and clearest in St Ives.

If you’re visiting Cornwall for a decent amount of time, I’d suggest putting a whole day aside for exploring St Ives. Arrive in the morning and visit the beautiful galleries, boutiques and fudge shops, or pop into Tate St Ives.

Pause for lunch in one of the many restaurants or bakeries – for burgers, Hubbox is a must! Sink your toes in the sand and bounce from beach to beach, taking a dip in the crystal clear sea. Then, end the day with an indulgent Moomaid ice-cream sundae – (just make sure the seagulls don’t get there first!)

Watch the sunset on the north coast

For epic Cornish sunsets, look no further than the north coast. Some of my fave beaches to watch the sun and moon swap shifts are Portreath, Perranporth, Porthtowan and Watergate. They’re free to watch and happen once a day, what’s not to love?

Shop ’til you drop in Truro

Venture to the Cornish capital and indulge in a little retail therapy. Our picturesque cathedral city has a great mixture of big high street retailers and independent shops, as well as plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes.

After a day of hardcore spending, Bambu Cafe is my fave little eatery to pause for lunch, tucked away along one of Truro’s many narrow alleyways. If you’re fancying a tipple in the city, I’d suggest Roccos Gin and Retro Bar in town, or The Alverton Hotel‘s outdoor terrace in the summer, a ten minute walk from the city centre, for delicious cocktails.

Discover the Hidden Hut

Located just outside of Portscatho, above Porthcurnick Beach lies the Hidden Hut, an absolute must for ticking off your Cornish bucket list. The outdoor beach kitchen serves up freshly cooked soups, chowders, salads, curries and baked delights (including one of the best pasties I’ve ever tasted!), alongside cakes, coffees and ice-cream too.

Once you’re done indulging your taste buds, continue on the Roseland Peninsula’s coastal path for dreamy beaches and secluded coves. I’d recommend bringing your swimming stuff along in case you fancy a dip in the sea!

Take a dip in The Helford River

A dip in The Helford is honestly one of the most invigorating feelings, the perfect way to connect with nature and the beauty of life in Cornwall.

There are so many picturesque walks around The Helford, regardless of the season or section of the riverside you choose to explore. Think shingle coves, thatched-roof villages and unmapped beaches and caverns. There’s something so enchanting about life by the river.

Learn about the history of The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Nestled on the outskirts of St Austell lies every gardener’s dream. Claiming the impressive title of Europe’s largest garden restoration project, The Heligan Estate was home to a thriving community in the 18th and 19th centuries, but following WW1, the 200-acre estate was abandoned, and it’s ruins only rediscovered thirty years ago by chance. Now known as The Lost Gardens of Heligan, the fruits of the gardeners’ and estate workers’ labour can be enjoyed by all for a small ticket price.

Whimsical, breathtaking and bursting with botanical beauty, no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll get to soak up the benefits of being immersed in nature’s bounty. From seasonal vegetable patches, a jungle rope bridge, sub-tropical plant life and greenhouse crops of all shapes and sizes, to farm yard animals, enchanted woodland walks and Mediterranean-inspired gardens, Heligan is a feast for the eyes.

Alongside stunning surroundings, the Kitchen Garden is also a fantastic lunch spot, with all the ingredients in their meals sourced from their very own garden. Straight from soil to saucepan, it doesn’t get much fresher than that!

Head to movie hot-spot Charlestown

Fans of Poldark, Pirate’s of the Caribbean and BAFTA award-winning Bait will love this next recommendation. Charlestown has been a set location for all of the above films and TV series. Towering tall ships wow as you enter the fishing town to be greeted by the famous eighteenth century Georgian port.

If you’re interested in Cornwall’s maritime heritage, head to the Shipwreck Treasure Museum. You’ll also stumble across a couple of sandy beaches next to the iconic harbour walls. I’d also recommend the short but incredibly scenic coastal path walk to Carlyon Bay if you’ve got time.

Picnic at Kynance Cove

Picnic spots don’t get much better than this. If you’ve not been before, you may have seen photos of Kynance Cove when researching Cornwall places to visit. It is an utterly breathtaking part of the county, looked after by the National Trust.

Ever-changing depending on the weather conditions and tide times, the sea and sand snakes around colossal rock formations and rugged coastline to create a wondrous white sand tidal beach.

Pack your hamper, fold up your picnic blanket and fill your flask for a dreamy dinner accompanied with a fiery skyline sunset. If the tide is in, it is still a beautiful location to watch the waves crash against the rocks. In winter, wrap up warm for a blustery walk around to The Lizard Head and stop off for a hot chocolate in the village.

Bar crawl in Falmouth

After a long day of exploring, relaxing with a few drinks is the perfect way to spend the evening in Cornwall. I live and work in Falmouth, and one of the things I love about it is the range of bars, pubs and restaurants. You can easily arrange a cocktail night, pop to a pub for a pint with views across the harbour, or let loose and dance the night away in a club.

For proper Cornish pubs, I love The Working Boat and The Chain Locker. If you’re after insane cocktails in Falmouth, try The Brig, Kona, Lemon Twist or The Shed. These are just a few of many options. And with everything within walking distance, Falmouth is the perfect town in Cornwall for a bar crawl.

Sunbathe at Gwithian Beach

Gwithian Beach is a spectacular three-mile stretch of sand. Accessible via sand dunes, this beach is so vast, spacious and idyllic for a day of sunbathing and swimming in the summer. Look out towards views of Godrevy Lighthouse and Carbis Bay as you soak up the sun and the sea breeze.

In the winter months, Gwithian is every dog’s dream. Operating on a seasonal dog ban, take advantage of the autumn-winter months and let your pooch make paw-prints in the sand and run wild!

Brunch at the most southerly cafe in the UK

One for all you brunch-lovers. Have you ever tucked into a full-English with a view like this? Polpeor Cafe, situated on The Lizard peninsula, is Britain’s most southerly cafe. Rise and shine with incredible ocean views and scrummy food, from breakfast favourites to homemade cakes and ice-creams.

If you’re looking for cream tea in Cornwall, I’d highly recommend a jam and clotted cream scone and a pot of tea at this cliff edge cafe.

Learn about Cornwall’s mining history

Cornwall’s history is fascinating, and there are so many reminders and landmarks we can visit to learn more about how the past has shaped the future. Tin and copper mining was a huge commodity in Cornwall, with records of it being traded dating back 4,000 years!

Old mine shafts, stone chimneys and abandoned engine houses are scattered around the county. Some are part of attractions and museums where you can pay to have a tour and read up on Cornwall’s mining heritage. Others, such as Botallack Mine pictured above, can be stumbled upon along coastal walks.

Check out a walk I tried recently, from St Agnes to Perranporth, where I came across mining relics and the remains of a WW1 dynamite factory. Read more here.

Grab a pint at The Watering Hole in Perranporth

Another reason to love Cornwall – we are home to Britain’s only beach bar! Who needs to holiday abroad when you can sink a few tipples in Cornish paradise? Rock up in your flip-flops for local brews and delicious food, or if you’re staying sober, a coffee or hot chocolate with a side of sea views.

The Watering Hole is also a great venue for live music. Bands in the Sands has previously welcomed a whole range of artists, from the likes of Sigma, Tom Walker and Craig David. Sadly most of their 2020 gigs had to be rescheduled due to the pandemic, but I certainly look forward to when they announce new performers next year.

Hop on a boat or water taxi

Have you even been to Cornwall if you haven’t travelled by boat? There are many brilliant boat trips available if you want to experience life on the water. From ferry trips to marine tours and adrenaline-rush RIB rides.

I love catching the ferry from my hometown in Falmouth across to St Mawes, a little village with a castle and cute shops, pubs and walks.

Adventure to Land’s End

Last, but definitely not least on the Cornwall places to visit list. Travel to the edge of the map with a trip to Land’s End. Stunning scenery awaits alongside the various tourist attractions. Take a photo beside the iconic signpost and the ‘first and last’ house, feed the animals at Greeb Farm, read about the End to End challenge and immerse yourself in a Jolly Roger 4D film experience.

Land’s End Hotel is also a great spot for lunch, dinner, drinks or an overnight stay. It has a special place in my heart, as my parents got married there!

I’d highly recommend the walk from Land’s End to Sennen, taking in the sweeping coastline and ending at Sennen Cove. Perfect for surfing, swimming or chilling on the beach.

What are your fave Cornwall places to visit?

Does your list sound like mine, or have you got any recommendations for me? I’d love to hear from you and always appreciate suggestions for new Cornish haunts to check out! Get in touch with me, or comment below with your thoughts…

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