The Eden Project
Giant geodesic biomes in a former clay pit near St Austell, holding the world's largest indoor rainforest, a Mediterranean garden and outdoor plantings. Cornwall's best-known family day out.
England
Cornwall
Cornwall is the long granite peninsula at the south-western tip of England, a place of surf beaches, fishing harbours, subtropical gardens and cliffs shaped by Atlantic weather.
Visitors come for the Eden Project's giant biomes, the artists' light of St Ives, the open-air Minack Theatre carved into a cliff at Porthcurno, the end-of-England headland at Land's End and the legend-soaked ruins of Tintagel Castle. Add St Michael's Mount rising from the sea, the foodie harbour of Padstow, the sailing town of Falmouth, mining heritage at Geevor and surf lessons at Newquay, and you have a county that rewards both slow wandering and active days out. This guide gathers 21 attractions, 10 places to stay and 6 travel guides so you can plan a trip by coast, by interest and by season.
Don't miss
The Eden Project
Giant geodesic biomes in a former clay pit near St Austell, holding the world's largest indoor rainforest, a Mediterranean garden and outdoor plantings. Cornwall's best-known family day out.
Minack Theatre
An open-air theatre carved into the granite cliffs at Porthcurno, with the Atlantic as its backdrop. Visit by day to explore it or book an evening performance.
Land's End
The most westerly point of mainland England, with dramatic granite cliffs, the famous signpost, coast path walks and family attractions at the headland.
Tintagel Castle
Dramatic clifftop ruins on a rocky headland linked to the legend of King Arthur, reached by a modern footbridge, with sea views, steps and a mythic atmosphere.
Things to do in Cornwall
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
England's Fastest Zipline at the Eden Project
A high-speed zipline flight across the Eden Project pit, billed as the fastest in England, with views of the biomes below. A thrill for teenagers and adrenaline seekers.
St Ives Harbour, Beaches and Old Town
The Cornish seaside town that artists adopted: a working harbour, four sandy beaches, lanes of galleries and some of the clearest turquoise water in Britain.
Tate St Ives
A modern art gallery above Porthmeor Beach, showing work by the artists who made St Ives famous, with sea views from the building and a rooftop cafe.
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
The sculptor's former studio and garden in the heart of St Ives, kept as she left it, with bronzes and carved stone among subtropical planting.
Minack Theatre
An open-air theatre carved into the granite cliffs at Porthcurno, with the Atlantic as its backdrop. Visit by day to explore it or book an evening performance.
Land's End
The most westerly point of mainland England, with dramatic granite cliffs, the famous signpost, coast path walks and family attractions at the headland.
Tintagel Castle
Dramatic clifftop ruins on a rocky headland linked to the legend of King Arthur, reached by a modern footbridge, with sea views, steps and a mythic atmosphere.
St Michael's Mount
A tidal island crowned by a medieval castle and church in Mount's Bay. Walk the cobbled causeway at low tide or take a boat when the tide is in.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
A restored Victorian estate near Mevagissey, with productive walled gardens, a subtropical jungle valley, woodland sculptures and a story of rediscovery.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
A rescue and rehabilitation centre on the Helford River at Gweek, caring for injured and orphaned seal pups and offering a close look at seals, sea lions and other animals.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
A harbourside museum in Falmouth with historic boats, interactive galleries and a tower that looks over one of the deepest natural harbours in the world.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
The Headland Hotel and Spa
Fistral Beach, Newquay
A grand Victorian seaside hotel on the cliff above Fistral Beach in Newquay, with sea views, a spa and a position beside the surf.
Check rates →
$$$$The Idle Rocks
St Mawes Harbour, Roseland Peninsula
A boutique harbourside hotel in the village of St Mawes, with sea-view rooms, a well-regarded restaurant and a short walk to the castle and the Falmouth ferry.
Check rates →
$$$Padstow Harbour Hotel
Padstow Harbour
A harbourside hotel in Padstow with views over the Camel estuary, close to the quay, the restaurants and the Camel Trail.
Check rates →Treglos Hotel
Constantine Bay, near Padstow
A family-run coastal hotel at Constantine Bay, a few miles from Padstow, with sea views, gardens and a beach within walking distance.
Check rates →The Pig at Harlyn Bay
Harlyn Bay, near Padstow
A relaxed country-house style hotel near Harlyn Bay, with a kitchen garden restaurant, informal rooms and easy access to Padstow and the north coast beaches.
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$$$Hotel Penzance
Britons Hill, Penzance
A characterful hotel on the hill above Penzance with views over Mount's Bay, handy for St Michael's Mount, Land's End and the far west.
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$$$The Falmouth Hotel
Castle Beach, Falmouth
A large Victorian hotel overlooking Falmouth Bay, with gardens, sea views and walking access to the beach, Pendennis Castle and the town.
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$$$Falmouth Beach Hotel
Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth
A beachfront stay at Gyllyngvase, with sea views and a short walk to the sand, cafes and the coast path towards Pendennis.
Check rates →King Arthurs Arms Inn
Tintagel Village
A traditional inn in Tintagel village, a short walk from the castle path, with simple rooms, pub atmosphere and a legend-themed setting.
Check rates →Tregenna Castle Resort
Above St Ives, Cornwall
A large hilltop castle-style resort above St Ives, with sweeping views over the bay, extensive grounds and leisure facilities.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
The Eden ProjectStay
The Pig at Harlyn BayHarlyn Bay, near Padstow
Do
Minack TheatreStay
The Headland Hotel and SpaFistral Beach, Newquay
Do
Land's EndStay
Hotel PenzanceBritons Hill, Penzance
Cornwall guides
First Time in Cornwall: Where to Go, How to Get Around and What to Book
The first-timer guide to Cornwall: how the county is laid out, which sights to book ahead, how to travel without a car and how many days to allow.
Where to Stay in Cornwall: Best Bases for Beaches, Harbours and Gardens
A guide to choosing where to stay in Cornwall, from Newquay and Padstow on the north coast to Falmouth, St Ives, Penzance and Tintagel.
Cornwall in Four Days: A Route Linking the Headline Sights
A four-day Cornwall itinerary linking the Eden Project, Falmouth, St Michael's Mount, St Ives, Land's End, Minack Theatre and the north coast.
Eating and Drinking in Cornwall: Pasties, Seafood and Cream Teas
A guide to Cornish food and drink: pasties, fresh seafood, cream teas, saffron buns, local beer and cider, and where to eat in Padstow, Falmouth and St Ives.
Best Time to Visit Cornwall: Seasons, Crowds and Weather
When to visit Cornwall: how the seasons differ, when beaches and gardens are at their best, how crowded school holidays get and what is open in winter.
Cornwall Beaches and Coast Walks: Surf, Sand and Cliff Paths
A guide to Cornwall's beaches and coast path, covering Newquay, St Ives, Falmouth and Porthcurno, with safety tips for surf, tides and cliffs.
