Cornwall Calling: Your Essential Guide to Exploring the Best of Cornwall

Advisor - Bijoy Shah
Curated By

Bijoy Shah

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  • Cornwall

  • Adventure Travel

  • Arts & Culture

  • Beaches

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel

  • England

  • Sightseeing

  • Beach Town

  • Romantic

Blue water body seen through brown concrete arch.
Curator’s statement

Cornwall boasts a wide array of attractions that cater to every interest. One of the must-visit destinations is the Eden Project, an ecological marvel that showcases the diversity of plant life on our planet. Wander through the biomes and marvel at the tropical rainforest or the Mediterranean landscapes. An iconic attraction is Tintagel Castle, a place steeped in Arthurian legend and believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur. Explore the ruins, listen to tales of knights and sorcery, and soak in the breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. Pay a visit to St Michael's Mount, an island castle perched atop a rocky outcrop. At low tide, you can walk across the causeway, while high tide adds an air of mystery as the castle appears to float on the water. Another fascinating site is the Minack Theatre, an open-air amphitheater carved into the cliffs overlooking the sea. Catch a show or simply explore this unique venue, which offers stunning views along with its cultural offerings. For outdoor enthusiasts, Cornwall is a playground filled with endless possibilities. The South West Coast Path offers miles of scenic trails that wind along the cliff tops, offering breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a casual stroller, there are routes to suit all abilities. Fistral Beach in Newquay is renowned for its excellent surf, making it a popular destination for adrenaline junkies and surf enthusiasts. If you prefer a more tranquil experience, head to Kynance Cove, a hidden gem with turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations. For families, the golden sands of Perranporth Beach provide the perfect setting for a day of sandcastles and picnics. I believe this to be a great place to gather one's thoughts. Alternatively, you can take to the water and try your hand at surfing or paddleboarding. With its world-class waves and pristine beaches, Cornwall is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Cornwall is home to myriad of charming towns and villages that exude character and charm. St Ives, with its cobbled streets and art galleries, is a haven for artists and creatives. Explore the narrow alleyways, visit the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, and indulge in some Cornish pasties (A must-try delight!) while overlooking the picturesque harbor. Another gem is Padstow, a bustling fishing port known for its culinary delights. Sample fresh seafood, take a boat trip along the Camel Estuary, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this quaint town

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Where to stay in Cornwall

St Mawes Hotel

This beloved boutique hotel has become an absolute gem, known for its cozy atmosphere and delightful nautical decor. With only seven rooms, each offering ample space, it's a place where relaxation takes immediate hold.



The Old Quay House

Indulge in the tranquility of Cornwall at The Old Quay House, where comfortable accommodations, scenic river views and a peaceful ambiance come together to create a relaxing and memorable stay in the charming town of Fowey.

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Things to do in Cornwall

White balls like architecture on green fields during daytime.

Cornwall boasts a wide array of attractions that cater to every interest.

One of the must-visit destinations is the Eden Project, an ecological marvel that showcases the diversity of plant life on our planet. Wander through the biomes and marvel at the tropical rainforest or the Mediterranean landscapes.

An iconic attraction is Tintagel Castle, a place steeped in Arthurian legend and believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur. Explore the ruins, listen to tales of knights and sorcery and soak in the breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.

Pay a visit to St Michael's Mount, an island castle perched atop a rocky outcrop. At low tide, you can walk across the causeway, while high tide adds an air of mystery as the castle appears to float on the water.

Another fascinating site is the Minack Theatre, an open-air amphitheater carved into the cliffs overlooking the sea. Catch a show or simply explore this unique venue, which offers stunning views along with its cultural offerings.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Cornwall is a playground filled with endless possibilities.

The South West Coast Path offers miles of scenic trails that wind along the cliff tops, offering breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a casual stroller, there are routes to suit all abilities.

Fistral Beach in Newquay is renowned for its excellent surf, making it a popular destination for adrenaline junkies and surf enthusiasts.

If you prefer a more tranquil experience, head to Kynance Cove, a hidden gem with turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations. For families, the golden sands of Perranporth Beach provide the perfect setting for a day of sandcastles and picnics. I believe this to be a great place to gather one's thoughts.

Alternatively, you can take to the water and try your hand at surfing or paddleboarding. With its world-class waves and pristine beaches, Cornwall is a haven for water sports enthusiasts.

Cornwall is home to a myriad of charming towns and villages that exude character and charm.

St Ives, with its cobbled streets and art galleries, is a haven for artists and creatives. Explore the narrow alleyways, visit the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden and indulge in some Cornish pasties (A must-try delight!) while overlooking the picturesque harbor.

Another gem is Padstow, a bustling fishing port known for its culinary delights. Sample fresh seafood, take a boat trip along the Camel Estuary, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this quaint town

Places to eat & drink in Cornwall

Brown interior of a bar.

Cornwall's culinary scene is a food lover's paradise, with its abundance of fresh seafood, locally sourced produce, and traditional delicacies. Indulge in a traditional Cornish cream tea, complete with scones, clotted cream, and jam, while enjoying the views of the sea. For a unique dining experience, head to one of Cornwall's many beachside restaurants, where you can savor the catch of the day while the waves lap at your feet. Don't forget to try the famous Cornish pasties, a savory pastry filled with meat and vegetables, perfect for a quick and delicious meal on the go. Here are a few of my favorite spots to indulge in the best of Cornwall's food and drink:

The St Tudy Inn: A beautiful pub in St Tudy, this place offers modern British dishes with French and Italian influences. Chef Emily Scott creates a menu that is sure to please.

Appleton's: Located in Trevibben Mill Vineyard, this restaurant offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu and is famous for its brunch and negroni Mondays.

Outlaw's Fish Kitchen: Located in Port Isaac, this restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere and serves delicious seafood small plates. Quality and sustainability are the watchwords here, and the daily changing tasting menu – designed for sharing with friends, family, lovers, loved ones, etc. – is seasonally dictated. While the combinations are kept simple, the menu brings together bold flavors which really set the dishes into vibrant life, without overshadowing the highlighted ingredients. Due to limited seating, booking in advance is essential

Outlaw's New Road: There are few other chefs in the country who understand and execute seafood as well as Nathan Outlaw (yep, that's his name); his tasting menu is guided by the daily catch and the refined, unadorned dishes feature classical combinations which keep the focus firmly zeroed on the ultra-fresh ingredients.

Porthminster Café: Situated in St Ives with stunning beach views, this restaurant specializes in delicious seafood dishes such as crisp-fried whitebait and Cornish place.

The Jam Jar: The Jam Jar is a cozy and charming coffee shop located in Newquay. They serve a variety of specialty coffees, including expertly brewed espresso, pour-over, and cold brews. The shop has a relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and a selection of delicious cakes and pastries to accompany your coffee.

Origin Coffee Roasters: Origin Coffee Roasters is a renowned specialty coffee roastery and café in Porthleven. They are dedicated to sourcing the finest coffee beans from around the world and roasting them to perfection. The café offers a range of espresso-based drinks, filter coffees, and unique brewing methods. It's a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts and ranks in my top 10 coffee spots in the whole of the United Kingdom!

Espressini: Espressini is a popular coffee spot nestled in the heart of Falmouth. This trendy café is known for its expertly crafted coffee and uber-friendly service. They serve a variety of single-origin coffees, as well as popular specialty drinks like flat whites and cortados. The café also has a selection of homemade cakes and pastries, which are delicious.

Need to Know

Cornwall truly is a destination that has it all – stunning landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, a foodie or simply seeking relaxation, Cornwall offers an abundance of experiences to satisfy every traveler. From exploring its top attractions and indulging in its culinary delights to immersing yourself in its natural wonders, a trip to Cornwall is guaranteed to leave you with lasting memories. To make the most of your visit to Cornwall, it's essential to plan ahead. Consider the time of year you wish to visit, as Cornwall can get crowded during the peak summer months. Embark on an adventure of a lifetime in this enchanting corner of England.

Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, A Vibrant Vacation Guide to the Isle of Wight.

Advisor - Bijoy Shah

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Bijoy Shah

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to England.