Cornwall
Why we love Cornwall
Renowned for its glorious countryside, striking coastline and unique attractions, 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, Cornwall has something for everyone.
Wander the South West Coast Path to discover picturesque coves, golden beaches and quaint harbours, explore the world’s largest greenhouse at the Eden Project, venture to the tidal island of Saint Michael’s Mount at low tide or tuck into a delectable Cornish pasty. Take in the subtropical paradise of Trebah Garden or go back in time at Henry VIII’s coastal fort, Pendennis Castle. Regardless of what you want to do when you visit Cornwall, you’ll discover a county packed with charm and intrigue.
Going underground
Discover Cornwall’s subterranean world of tin mines, excavated tunnels and rocky passageways with Cornwall Underground Adventures. From entry level underground expeditions to a full day exploration, this experience will show you a different perspective of Britain’s coastal county.
Surfs up
Cornwall’s waves are made to be surfed – across the county find surfing schools that’ll teach you the basics of hitting the water. Or for seasoned surfers, take to some of Cornwall’s best-known surfing spots including Fistral Beach and Porthleven.
The sounds of Cornwall’s coast
Bringing live music, surfing and skateboarding to Cornwall’s shores each year, Boardmasters is a summer festival not to be missed. Camp on the cliffside or bag yourself a boutique tent for a jam-packed weekend of dance vibes and adventure sport.
Things to do in Cornwall
Places 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
Direct trains from Bath and Bristol provide regular links to Cornwall. At the same time, 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 country. National Express services also link Cornwall with the rest of Britain.
Getting around
An extensive public transport network links the many different attractions and places to visit in Cornwall, providing a reliable means of getting around. Visit Cornwall has a useful interactive map to help plan your trip to Cornwall. 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.
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
First bus operates nearly 100 routes across Cornwall and has several network maps to help you plan your journey. Tickets can be purchased via the First Bus All or from the driver using cash and contactless payment options. Go Cornwall Bus also has extensive routes across the county.
By bike
Several companies offer bike hire in Cornwall to explore its coastal tracks and golden beaches at your own pace.
Want to know more?
Head to Visit Cornwall for insider tips from those in the know.