Places to visit in Cornwall

To begin your Cornwall itinerary, first break the – let’s face it – long journey down to the county, with a picturesque pit stop just off the A30, at Coombeshead Farm, set in 66 acres of meadows and woodlands. Stock up on treats for the road at its bakery.

As you reach the coast, take time to enjoy the magic of Tintagel Castle. Linked with the legend of King Arthur, this enchanting spot overlooking the rugged coastline is high on the list of things to do when holidaying in Cornwall.

Popular Port Isaac, otherwise known as Port Wenn, is the fictional home of Doc Martin and as such, appears on many a visitor’s  Cornwall itinerary. A great way to see it is on a Doc Martin’s Locations Walking Tour – which is even better in the shoulder seasons, as there are less crowds and more photo-opps.

Continuing south down the coast, you come to famous foodie-haven Padstow, home of Rick Stein. Check into one of the top chef’s guestrooms or cottages, then explore the beautiful fishing port. Top of the things to do here, of course, is enjoy some fine-dining at one of Rick’s restaurants, or at Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth at No6.

For a unique thing to do in Cornwall, how about an evening class perfecting dishes such as lobster thermidor, for example? Rick Stein’s Cookery School has evening, half-day and full-day courses, for all kinds of cooks. Pro-tip: you’re more likely to get cooking class slot if you visit during the off-peak season.

Continuing down the coast, call in at famous Newquay, with its surfing beaches and low-key cafes. Chill out or catch a wave at Fistral Beach – the thing to do for anyone visiting Newquay. Or simply enjoy the laid-back vibe with a coffee and cake from Box & Barber, which uses local, sustainable produce.

Around 30 miles further south, you’ll come to the final destination of day two of your Cornwall itinerary – glorious St Ives. Stretch your legs on the seafront, walking around the harbour and across Smeaton’s Pier to the lighthouse, and stopping for a scoop of rum-and-raisin at Willy Waller's Ice Cream Factory along the way. For wild sea views, continue ten minutes further to St Ives Head, before dropping down onto Porthmeor Beach: a lovely spot for a paddle.  

Delve into the town’s surprising artistic heritage at Tate St Ives, which features works by the likes of acclaimed local artists Barbara Hepworth, Marlow Moss and Ben Nicholson – as well as touring pieces by national and international talents. The gallery itself is a masterpiece too, with its vast white rotunda overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Take a stroll around the collections, before heading to the nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden to explore the great sculptor’s studio. 

From artwork to nature’s own artistry – another great thing to do in St Ives is to travel around Seal Island or Godrevy Island on a seal-spotting boat trip.  Keep an eye out for Godrevy Lighthouse, which inspired Virginia Woolf’s 1927 novel, The Lighthouse. Sea Safari adventures take an hour; if you take a winter trip, you’re more likely to see dolphins and whales.

If you fancy splashing out, check into Carbis Bay Hotel. It has its own private Blue Flag beach, plus a spa and several restaurants including sustainable fine-dining Ugly Butterfly.

Start day three of your Cornish itinerary by visiting the Tin Coast of south-west Cornwall. High on the cliffside sits Geevor Tin Mine, where you can go underground and experience what life was like for the miners. Or you might prefer the romantic Botallack Crowns houses nearby, part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, immortalised in Poldark.

Next, reach mainland Britain’s most south-westerly point, Land’s End, where you can look out to the ocean as far as the Isles of Scilly on a clear day. Walk along the South West Coast Path, or visit the paid attraction at Land’s End – and don’t forget the obligatory  thing to do – take a picture by the signpost. Hashtag rugged.

Heading further around the peninsula, on to Cornwall’s South Coast, you come to one of the most unique theatres in the world – the Minack. Hewn into the cliffside, this wonderful theatre and gardens is extremely popular, so book ahead.

Continuing along the coast, make a stop at Mousehole – the picture-perfect fishing village. Cool off in its Rock Pool and spot seals, before treating yourself to a Cornish pasty – after all, it’s the thing to do in these parts – or an ice cream from Jessie’s Dairy. We’re biased, but Cornish ice cream is probably the best in the world.

Leave enough time to explore one of Cornwall’s most famous landmarks and popular things to do – St Michael’s Mount.  Attached to Cornwall’s southern coast by a thin strip of land, at low tide, you can stroll across the sand to explore this historical location for yourself. With medieval pathways and sub-tropical gardens to be found, St Michael’s Mount is packed with surprises. Top tip: Check tide times in advance so you know when it’s safe to cross.

Day four sees our Cornish itinerary continue around the coast, to the Cornish Riviera. Start at Lizard Point, the dramatic clifftop point shaped by the Atlantic. The most southerly part of the mainland, it’s also great for wildlife-spotting.

Head inland and explore Cornwall’s only city. Truro’s highlights include charming streets, The Royal Cornwall Museum, the cathedral and the shops and cafes of Lemon Street Market. Pop in for coffee or lunch at The Alverton Hotel, Truro’s unique Cornish charmer.

Not far from Truro, you’ll find the hidden delights of Tregothnan, with its botanical gardens and tea estate. Pre-book a River Garden Tea Tour for a unique thing to do in Cornwall and an unforgettable experience, off the beaten track.

From a secret garden to secret coves – explore St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula. Discover some of the best beaches in Cornwall, from Porthcurnick to Carne, or Little and Great Molunan beaches. Which will be your favourite spot?

End the day by checking into another of the best places to stay in Cornwall – luxury hotel The Nare. Overlooking pristine Carne beach, this hidden-away, five-star country house has lush gardens and two pools. Bliss.

The final day of the five-day itinerary begins with one of the most popular things to do in Cornwall – a visit to the famous Eden Project, near St Austell. Explore its biomes and walk through one of the largest indoor rainforests in the world. For a unique view, fly on its zip wire.

Following the coast, you’ll come to Fowey, the quaint Cornish harbour town in a National Landscape. The pretty streets are full of shops and cafes, as well as the all-important ice cream parlours, including Game of Cones, which we reckon is a non-negotiable thing to do, for its name alone.

However, save room for lunch at your next stop – the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery in Lostwithiel. This locals’ favourite is tucked away in a tranquil location. If you have time, another thing to do in the neighbourhood is visit Lanhydrock, a National Trust house with glorious gardens.

A short drive north brings you to Bodmin, the town on the edge of the famous moor. In the middle of the town, sits the 18th–century Bodmin Jail – now a hotel and unique place to stay – plus the Bodmin Jail attraction with all its gruesome history. Scare yourself silly, or go for a walk on Bodmin Moor.

From mysterious Bodmin to Wonderland – as you start your journey home, there’s one last thing to do, with a stop at Antony. Why? Well, this 18th-century National Trust house has gardens so magical, they were used in Tim Burton’s film, Alice in Wonderland.