Cornwall
Dramatic coastline, beaches, fishing villages and a strong sense of place.
Best time to visit
- May to June – Good weather, longer days, and fewer crowds than peak summer.
- September – Often excellent. Sea is still relatively warm and the busiest period has passed.
- July to August – Warmest weather and best for beaches, but also the busiest and most expensive.
- October to April – Quieter and atmospheric, though weather is more variable and some attractions reduce hours.
How long to stay
- 3–4 days – Enough for one area (e.g. south coast or north coast).
- 5–7 days – Ideal. Cornwall is larger than many people expect and rewards slower travel.
- A week or more – Best if you want to see both coasts and take days at a slower pace.
Getting there
- By car – The most practical option for exploring. The A30 is the main route into Cornwall.
- By train – Good services to destinations such as Truro, St Austell, Penzance and Newquay. Once there, local travel is easier with a car.
- By plane – Newquay Airport has some connections. Useful but limited.
Overview
Cornwall has some of the most distinctive coastal scenery in England. The north coast is known for cliffs and surfing beaches, while the south coast is generally milder with sheltered harbours and fishing villages. Distances can take longer than they appear on the map, so it helps to focus on one or two areas rather than trying to cover everything.
Things to do
Coast & beaches
- North coast beaches (e.g. around Newquay, Polzeath, St Ives)
- South coast beaches and coves
- Coastal path walks
- Clifftop views and dramatic headlands
Towns & villages
- St Ives – Artistic, scenic, and popular
- Padstow – Known for food and the harbour
- Fowey – Attractive estuary town
- Mousehole and other small fishing villages
- Falmouth – Larger town with a good atmosphere
Other
- Eden Project (near St Austell)
- Tintagel Castle
- Boat trips along the coast or on the Fal estuary
- Surfing (especially on the north coast)
Where to stay
- St Ives area – Scenic and well placed for the west.
- Padstow / north coast – Good for beaches and food.
- Fowey / south coast – Attractive and slightly quieter.
- Falmouth – Practical base with more facilities.
- Newquay – Best if surfing or a livelier atmosphere is the priority.
Practical tips
- A car is strongly recommended. Public transport exists but is limited for exploring freely.
- Popular places (St Ives, Padstow, certain beaches) get very busy in summer. Arriving early helps.
- Distances take longer than expected because of the roads.
- Weather changes quickly — always useful to have layers and a waterproof.
- Some of the best experiences are simple: coastal walks, harbours, and quieter coves.
Suggested short trip
Day 1 – Arrive and settle in your chosen base. Day 2 – Explore the nearest coast and a well-known town (e.g. St Ives or Padstow). Day 3 – Coastal walk or a quieter village. Day 4 – Flexible day or visit a major attraction such as the Eden Project, then depart.
GoToVisit 