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Cornwall

Kynance Cove, The Lizard Peninsula © Myles New / Lonely Planet

Cornwall

One of the UK’s favourite summer destinations, holiday makers flock to Cornwall for its sandy beaches and surf-ready waves but look beyond the coastline and you’ll be rewarded with world-class galleries, fantastic food and many one-of-a-kind attractions.

Cornwall at a glance

  • Don’t forget your camera: the tantalising views of deep-wooded valleys, sparkling blue sea and picturesque fishing villages make for the perfect picture-postcard snaps.

  • Head to Newquay, Cornwall’s surfing centre, for excellent accommodation and nightlife or try the artist’s enclave of St Ives for fine-sand beaches and an array of renowned galleries.

  • Cornwall has a milder climate than the rest of Britain, providing perfect conditions for exotic plants and animals: see the fantastical plant sculptures at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, explore the tropical biomes of the Eden Project or experience an award-winning wildlife sanctuary at Park Paradise.

  • If you’re into the arts you’ll want to peruse modern art gallery Tate St Ives or watch an outdoor play at the Minack Theatre, an open-air amphitheatre carved into the cliffside at Porthcurno.

  • Did you know? Truro is the only city in Cornwall. It hosts a great line-up of events year-round - don’t miss the St Pirans Day parade on March 5, which celebrates Cornish culture.

  • VisitCornwall is bursting with ideas for things to see and do during your visit.

  • From London by train, you can get to Truro in about 4 hours and 20 minutes.
Summer view from Marazion on St Michael's Mount as the tide comes in © MikeNewman Photography
We love

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.

Things to do in Cornwall

  • Poldark film locations in Cornwall
    A beautiful aerial tour of the Cornish locations used in the filming of the BBC One Poldark series.
  • Autumn walks on the Cornwall coast
  • Cornwall A -Z guide to family friendly attractions
    Need some family friendly inspiration for your holiday to Cornwall? Here's our A-Z guide to our attractions

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    Where is Cornwall?

    Located on the south western tip of England, the county of Cornwall is served by an array of transport options. Bristol Airport is around 150 miles from Cornwall (roughly three hours by car) and serves more than 70 global destinations. The nearest airport is at Exeter, around 70 miles away (or a 75 minute drive), which serves a number of domestic and European destinations.

    Getting around Cornwall

    Direct trains from Bath and Bristol provide regular links to Cornwall, while the Night Riviera Sleeper Service operates nightly from London Paddington to Penzance (apart from on Saturdays) taking around five hours. In addition to the main train line between Plymouth and Penzance, five branch lines serve different parts of the county. National Express services also link Cornwall with the rest of Britain. An extensive public transport network also links the many different attractions and places to visit in Cornwall, providing a reliable means of getting around.

    • Visit Cornwall has this useful interactive map to help you plan your trip
    • 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
    • Several companies offer bike hire in Cornwall to explore its coastal tracks and golden beaches at your own pace

    BY FOOT

    Large swathes 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 gentle 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 App or from the driver using cash and contactless payment options. Go Cornwall Bus has also introduced new routes for 2020.