Cornwall blends wild beauty, rich heritage, and vibrant coastal life into one irresistible destination. It is difficult to narrow all of the amazing things to do in Cornwall into one article. From our local perspective and knowledge we have put together the top 15 things to do in Cornwall. Whether you’re coming for surf, sunsets, or sleepy fishing villages, this guide includes insider tips and handpicked places to stay nearby.
1. Walk the South West Coast Path
BEST STRETCH | St Ives to Zennor or Cape Cornwall to Pedn Vounder
This jaw-dropping clifftop trail offers some of the best views in the UK. The route from St Ives to Zennor is challenging but incredibly rewarding, with secret coves, wildflowers, and the occasional seal. The South West Coast Path recently shot to fame because of the book the Salt path and the movie by the same name.
TOP TIP | Go in spring when wildflowers are blooming and the paths are quieter.
WHERE TO STAY | Trevose Harbour House, St Ives – Stylish boutique B&B with harbour views and walkable access to the coast path.
2. Swim at Pedn Vounder – Cornwall’s Most Beautiful Beach
LOCATION | Near Porthcurno
A remote paradise only accessible via a steep cliff path, Pedn Vounder rewards you with crystal-clear water and soft golden sand. Often compared to the Mediterranean (and yes it is a nudist-friendly beach). Regarded as one of the best beaches in the world, Pedn Vounder is not to be missed.
GOOD TO KNOW | Nudist-friendly and no lifeguards, go early to avoid crowds.
WHERE TO STAY | Treen Farm Campsite – Peaceful, scenic site just a 10-minute walk to the coastal path.
3. Visit St Michael’s Mount
LOCATION | Marazion
This tidal island is topped by a medieval castle and surrounded by myth and legend. Walk the cobbled causeway at low tide or hop aboard a ferry. Entrance fees are broken down between the castle and gardens. Castle entrance fee per adult is £16, Garden entrance fee per adult £12 or purchase a combined ticket for £28, there are also family ticket options. Walk the causeway to the mount and catch a boat back at high tide.
TOP TIP | Check tide times so you can walk back or you might be swimming.
WHERE TO STAY | Marazion Hotel, with unbeatable views of the Mount.
4. Learn to Surf at Fistral Beach
LOCATION | Newquay
Cornwall’s surf capital has consistent waves, beach bars, and one of the best surf schools in the country. Perfect for total beginners or pros. Fistral beach is also home to the UK’s largest professional surf competition Boardmasters which takes place at the end of August each year.
LOCAL FAVOURITE | Grab a post-surf burger at The Stable overlooking the beach.
WHERE TO STAY | Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa – Adults-only hotel overlooking the surf with a top-tier spa and balcony rooms. Check out our stay!
5. Watch the Sunset at Bedruthan Steps
LOCATION | Near Mawgan Porth
Towering sea stacks and golden light make this a photographer’s dream. While beach access is currently closed, the clifftop path is still a must. The dramatic rocks catch the dipping sun in a way that looks magical. The turqouise ocean also adds to the wonder of Bedruthan Steps.
TOP TIP | Come 1–2 hours before sunset and bring a picnic blanket.
WHERE TO STAY | Bedruthan Hotel & Spa, Mawgan Porth – Family-friendly eco-hotel with sunset views and a clifftop hot tub.
6. Eat at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Top Pick | Paul Ainsworth at No.6, Padstow
Expect elevated Cornish cuisine in a relaxed setting. Padstow also offers great harbour views and boutique shopping. Cornwall is a food lovers paradise, with limited chain restaurants and instead a focus on independent high quality restaurants and cafes. Cornwall boasts a total of 4 Michelin-Starred restaurants for you to choose from places it amongst the top 5 locations outside of London with the most Michelin-Starred restaurants .
OTHER PICKS |
The Idle Rocks (St Mawes)
Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen (Port Isaac)
WHERE TO STAY | The Pig at Harlyn Bay – Charming luxury hotel in a converted 15th-century house with its own kitchen garden.
7. Discover Dog-Friendly Beaches
TOP PICKS | Crantock, Holywell Bay, Perranporth
Cornwall is super dog-friendly, with 140+ beaches that welcome pups. These three offer year-round access and big open sands. Many beaches do have restrictions during the summer months but only a handful have total dog bans. So there will be plenty of beaches to explore with your pup.
BONUS | Many cafés and pubs offer water bowls and treats too.
WHERE TO STAY | Lewinnick Lodge - Dog-friendly cliffside hotel with coastal trails on the doorstep.
8. Explore the Eden Project
LOCATION | Near St Austell
The world’s largest indoor rainforest and a beacon of sustainability. Great for kids, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to fly over a jungle on a zipline. There is also the Mediterranean dome to explore, science centre, outdoor gardens and wonderful gift shop. Even spending a day here you might not see all that is on offer!
The Christmas light show at the Eden Project is also spectacular!
DON’T MISS | The zip line over the rainforest dome!
WHERE TO STAY | The Cornwall Hotel & Spa -Set in 43 acres of gardens, just 10 - 15 minutes from The Eden Project.
9. Take a Boat Trip from Falmouth or Penzance
BEST FOR WILDLIFE | Orca Sea Safaris Falmouth
Enjoy seal sightings, secluded coves, or dolphin spotting tours. Evening cruises are especially magical in summer. There are also boat trips availble from Newquay, St Ives and Padstow with various different operators. In the summer season these boat tours can be booked quickly.
TOP OPERATOR | Orca Sea Safaris Falmouth
WHERE TO STAY | St Michaels Resort - relax at the outdoor spa garden.
10. Step into Arthurian Legend at Tintagel Castle
LOCATION | Tintagel
Perched dramatically above the sea, the ruins of King Arthur’s legendary birthplace are accessed via a cliff bridge. Magical and moody. There is a large carpark and the site is run by English heritage with an entrance cost of £24.50 per adult. However, if you book online in advance then an adults ticket only costs £20.50 a saving of 15%.
PHOTO SPOT | The bronze statue of the cloaked king overlooking the ocean.
WHERE TO STAY | The Camelot Castle Hotel – Quirky, castle-themed hotel with unbeatable sea views (very on-theme!).
11. Wander the Streets of St Ives
LOCATION | St Ives town
Winding lanes, whitewashed cottages, and a working harbour. St Ives is bursting with charm and creativity. Don’t miss the Tate and Hepworth Gallery. While St Ives is one of the most beautiful town in Cornwall, it is best avoided in the school summer holidays as the streest can become very crowded.
TOP PICKS |
Tate St Ives
Barbara Hepworth Museum
Porthmeor Beach
WHERE TO STAY | Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate – Location of the G7 summit in 2021.
12. Watch a Show at The Minack Theatre
LOCATION | Porthcurno
This outdoor theatre is literally carved into the cliffs. Bring a blanket and enjoy drama under the stars. Even if you do not watch a show here, it is well worth exploring the incredible tropical gardens of the theatre with dramatic views of Porthcurno and Pedn Vounder beaches below.
BOOK EARLY | Tickets sell out quickly in peak season.
WHERE TO STAY | The Sea View Cabin - Porthcurno – Secluded coastal cabin walking distance to the theatre.
13. Explore the Lost Gardens of Heligan
LOCATION | Near Mevagissey
These once-abandoned gardens are now a wonderland of giant sculptures, jungle bridges, and romantic ruins. Possibly our favourite gardens in Cornwall. They have an enchanted feel about them and are best explored in the summer months. Don’t miss the suspension bridge over the valley.
HIGHLIGHT| The Mud Maid and Giant’s Head sculptures hidden among the greenery.
WHERE TO STAY | Pebble House - Mevagissey – Stylish B&B with panoramic sea views and walking access to Heligan.
14. Try a Real Cornish Pasty
BEST BAKERY | Philps, Hayle
Served hot and hearty, a proper pasty is a Cornish rite of passage. Grab one and head to the dunes. The correct way to eat a pasty is how the miners used to do it. Holding the plait and eating the centre. This was so the miners dirty hands didn’t spoil their lunch!
LOCALS SAY | Avoid the big chains and instead go for a family bakery!
WHERE TO STAY | Three Mile Beach - Gwithian – Luxury self-catering beach houses with fire pits and BBQ decks.
15. Explore the Fishing Villages of the South Coast
TOP VILLAGES | Mousehole, Mevagissey, Cadgwith
Wander cobbled alleys, meet local fishers, and enjoy a pint by the sea. Peaceful, slow, and romantic. Be aware that the streets in some of these fishing villages can be very tight and narrow! (We almost got stuck in Mousehole in a motorhome)
HIDDEN GEM | Cadgwith — a working fishing cove on the Lizard.
WHERE TO STAY | The Old Coastguard - Mousehole – Laid-back boutique hotel with sea-view rooms and incredible seafood.
