34 things to do in Cornwall

Welcome to Cornwall, the stunningly beautiful region in the southwestern part of England! Cornwall is a popular tourist destination, known for its dramatic coastline, picturesque villages, and rich history. Explore this guide to make the most of your trip to England’s most southern county.

Did you know that Cornwall didn’t become fully integrated into England until the 18th century? Cornwall has its own proud identity and language, tracing their routes to Ancient Britons and Celts. You can dive deeper into Cornwall’s heritage with these fascinating historical locations and museums, or learn the Cornish language itself with these language courses!

If you’re visiting Cornwall for the first time, there are many things to see and do. Here’s a guide to some of the highlights:

Cornwall has some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, with miles of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Some of the most popular beaches include Fistral Beach, Porthcurno Beach, and St. Ives Beach. While you’re there, try these exciting watersports activities, like jet skiing at the beautiful Newquay, or test your bravery by abseiling the cliffs of Cornwall.

Home to several castles and historic sites that are well worth a visit. Tintagel Castle, perched on a clifftop overlooking the sea, is said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. St. Michael’s Mount, a castle built on an island, is another popular destination. Pendennis Castle and Restormel Castle are also well worth a visit.

Cornwall is a great place to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The South West Coast Path is a popular hiking trail that runs along the coast, offering stunning views of the sea and the cliffs. You can also go surfing at Fistral Beach, cycling along the Camel Trail, or rock climbing at Bosigran.

Cornwall has several excellent museums and galleries that showcase the region’s rich history and art. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall is a great place to learn about the maritime history of Cornwall, while the Tate St. Ives features contemporary art exhibitions. The Royal Cornwall Museum and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden are also well worth a visit.

Food and drink: known for its delicious food and drink, with plenty of local specialities to try. Cornish pasties, made with flaky pastry and savoury filling, are a must-try. Seafood is also a speciality in Cornwall, with restaurants like Porthminster Beach Cafe serving up fresh and delicious dishes. You can also try Cornish cider at Healey’s Cyder Farm, or indulge in a cream tea with Cornish clotted cream at a local tea room.

There are many charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character. St. Ives, with its narrow streets and beautiful beaches, is a popular destination. Falmouth, with its historic harbour and bustling town centre, is also well worth a visit. Padstow, Port Isaac, and Mousehole are all charming fishing villages that offer a glimpse into Cornwall’s maritime history.

Cornwall is home to many natural landmarks that are worth a visit. Land’s End, the westernmost point of mainland England, is a popular destination. The Minack Theatre, a stunning open-air theatre carved into the cliffs, offers a unique theatrical experience. The Eden Project, a botanical garden and eco-tourism attraction, is another popular destination. Finally, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, a beautiful and mysterious garden that was restored to its former glory after being lost for decades, is a must-see.

The area is a great destination for families, with plenty of attractions and activities that kids will love. The Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay is a popular destination, as is the Flambards Theme Park in Helston. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek is another great family-friendly attraction, where you can see seals up close and learn about marine conservation.

Cornwall is home to many festivals and events throughout the year, from food and drink festivals to music and arts events. The Padstow May Day festival is a popular event that celebrates the coming of spring.

Cornwall: a great place to enjoy the outdoors!

Cornwall is a beautiful county located on the southwest coast of England. It is known for its stunning coastline, picturesque villages, and rich history. If you love the outdoors, Cornwall is the perfect destination for you. Here’s a guide to some of the best outdoor activities and places to visit in Cornwall.

  • Surfing: Cornwall is home to some of the best surfing beaches in the UK, including Fistral Beach in Newquay, which hosts international surfing competitions. Other great surfing spots include Perranporth, Sennen Cove, and Watergate Bay.
  • Coastal walks: Cornwall’s coastline is breathtakingly beautiful, and there are many great coastal walks to explore. The South West Coast Path is a 630-mile trail that follows the coastline of Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset. For a shorter walk, try the Lizard Peninsula, which has stunning views of the sea and countryside.
  • Rock climbing: there are many great places to go rock climbing in Cornwall, including Bosigran, which has granite cliffs overlooking the sea. Other popular climbing spots include Chair Ladder, Carn Gowla, and Sennen.
  • Coasteering is a fun and exciting way to explore the coastline of Cornwall. It involves jumping, swimming, and climbing along the rocky coastline. There are several coasteering companies in Cornwall that offer guided tours.
  • Kayaking is a great way to explore Cornwall’s rivers, estuaries, and coastline. The Helford River and the Fal River are popular kayaking spots, and there are also several sea kayaking companies that offer guided tours along the coast.
  • Cycling: Cornwall has many beautiful cycling routes, including the Camel Trail, which follows a disused railway line from Bodmin to Padstow. The Mineral Tramways Trail is another great cycling route that passes through the historic mining towns of Redruth and Camborne.
  • Wildlife watching: Cornwall is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and basking sharks. You can take a boat trip from many coastal towns to see these creatures up close.
  • Camping: there are many great campsites in Cornwall, including ones located right by the sea. Treen Farm Campsite and Trevedra Farm are both popular campsites near the coast.
  • Beaches: Cornwall has some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. Some of the best include Porthcurno Beach, St. Ives Bay, and Kynance Cove.
  • Gardens: Cornwall is also known for its beautiful gardens, including the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project, which is a series of biomes that house plants from around the world.

Cornwall is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you love surfing, hiking, rock climbing, or wildlife watching, there is something for everyone in this beautiful county.

Cornwall: a quick look at fun things to do!

Cornwall is a beautiful county located in the southwest of England, and it’s known for its stunning coastline, picturesque villages, and rich history. Here are some of the top things to do in Cornwall:

  • Visit the Eden Project – a series of giant biomes that house plants from around the world. It’s a great place to learn about sustainability and conservation while enjoying beautiful gardens.
  • Explore St Ives – a picturesque fishing village with a vibrant arts scene. It’s home to many art galleries, museums, and independent shops. You can also enjoy the beautiful beaches and coastline.
  • Walk the South West Coast Path – a 630-mile trail that follows the coastline of Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset. You can enjoy stunning views of the sea and countryside while getting some exercise.
  • Visit Tintagel Castle – a medieval fortress located on the coast of Cornwall. It’s believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur, and it has a fascinating history.
  • Go surfing: Cornwall has some of the best surfing beaches in the UK, including Fistral Beach in Newquay, which hosts international surfing competitions. Other great surfing spots include Perranporth, Sennen Cove, and Watergate Bay.
  • Visit the Minack Theatre – an open-air theatre located on the cliffs above Porthcurno Beach. It’s a beautiful and unique venue to watch a play or musical.
  • Explore the Lost Gardens of Heligan – a 200-acre estate with beautiful gardens, woodlands, and wildlife. It’s a great place to enjoy a walk and learn about horticulture.
  • The National Maritime Museum Cornwall is located in Falmouth and is dedicated to the maritime history of Cornwall. It has many interesting exhibits and interactive displays.
  • Go wildlife watching: Cornwall is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and basking sharks. You can take a boat trip from many coastal towns to see these creatures up close.
  • Visit the Tate St Ives – an art museum located in St Ives that showcases contemporary art from around the world. It’s a great place to see thought-provoking exhibits and enjoy beautiful views of the sea.

 

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