Are you looking for some of the most beautiful places to visit in Cornwall? We’ve got you because Cornwall is one of those amazing locations in the UK that are simply stunning. They are perfect for staycations but also great for international tourists who want to experience the sunny south of England.
There are many places in Cornwall to visit with your family, but also some gorgeous towns ideal for couples or friends retreats. Cornwall is a fantastic destination, popular all year round, which is why we always recommend booking your holiday cottage in advance. You can browse UK classic cottages and pre-book them now for the best prices. We’re already looking for another staycation this coming Autumn, for our wedding anniversary.
Let’s dive in, and help you find the best beauty spots in Cornwall that you just have to see.
St Michaels Mount
St Michaels Mount is a small island that can be accessed during mid and low tide. It has a walkway that enables you to cross to the island.
Historically, St Michael’s Mount was a Cornish counterpart of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France. On the island, there is an ancient castle, and it is cared for by the National Trust. There are a few shops to explore and also some places to eat, but the main reason to visit is to get some incredible views from across the sea.
Part of the island was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1995 for its geology. A definite place to visit when you are in Cornwall.
Botallack Mine
The Botallack Mine is a former mine in Botallack in the west of Cornwall, England, UK. Since 2006 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are some ruins to explore as well as walking trails that will give you incredible views of the area. It is believed that the area was mined in 200 AD. The entire mine closed in 1895. Botallack was a submarine mine with tunnels extending under the sea, in places for half a mile.
While it may not be what you usually associate with Cornwall, it is a hidden beauty spot and one not to be missed.
St Loy
The southwest coast is often a lesser-explored area, however, the valley and the beach at St Loy is a great option to consider and add to your Cornwall itinerary. St Loy is within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
While you are here you will be able to experience some of the Cornish Coves, and a great way to do that is by following the well-marked walking trails. Following one of the trails will take you through woodlands and some other pretty locations, ideal for some family travel photography. There are just a few buildings in the cove but there’s one particular spot, called Cove Cottage, which provides bed and breakfast and a cafe.
Picture Credit: mammal4
Porthcurno
Are you a bit of a beach bum that wants to enjoy some of Cornwall’s best beaches? Then Porthcurno must be added to your list. Think white sand, crystal clear waters as well as an amphitheatre of rugged granite cliffs as a backdrop.
Did you know that this beach played an important role in World War II? The cable office at Porthcurno was a critical communications centre.
If you have a drone, this is a gorgeous place to take a video of this beautiful beach from above.
Photo Credit: TomCorser2005
Lands End
Want to embark on an epic road trip? Then you’ll have to add Lands End to your itinerary. John O’Groats to Lands End is over 1400km from start to finish. Many drive or even cycle the full length. Plenty to do and see along the journey so if you have the time, you should do this during your UK holiday.
Lands End itself is a stunning location. Here you can enjoy the natural beauty along the coast, and also pick up some of the best walking trails and coastal walks to truly make the most of the area you are in. Whether it is bird watching or you want to see if you can spot any sea life, Lands End is one of the most beautiful locations in Cornwall.
Picture Credit: Keven Law
Eden Project
One of our favourite tourist attractions in Cornwall is the famed Eden Project. The Eden Project is dominated by huge domes that house thousands of plant species. You can see different biomes and enjoy various plants from all over the world. You’ll also find an outside botanical garden.
Climb the large stairs to the top of the rainforest biome and admire the gorgeous plants from above. It really is a fantastic experience and one to remember. Eden Project sure is one of the most beautiful and interesting places in Cornwall.
Padstow
Padstow is one of the best locations to visit in Cornwall and a year-round destination. Padstow is a charming fishing port with a harbour full of boats, which makes it look picturesque and wonderful. There are also plenty of independent shops and restaurants that make the location a great place to visit.
It is great for a day trip when you stay in one of the nearby cottages but also a great place if you decide to stay for a few days. It is close to a few other places you might want to add to your list such as Bedrutham Steps and Wadebridge.
Padstow is a popular destination in Cornwall, so we recommend that you book your accommodation in advance.
St. Ives
If you are wanting to head to a quintessential seaside resort then this is one of the best places to visit in Cornwall.
Think retro UK holiday with striped deckchairs, ice cream parlours, and plenty of fish and chip shops for you to enjoy. There is also the Tate St. Ives to enjoy for anyone who is interested in art. Aside from the beach, there are also fabulous walks that you can enjoy. While it may be a well-known spot for tourists it is still one of the most popular places for staycations in Cornwall. Make sure to book your coastal cottage well in advance.
Want to add something fun to your holiday? You can get a boat from St. Ives to Seal Island, just west of town, to see a seal colony. How cute is that?
Bedruthan Steps
Want to see something a bit more dramatic in Cornwall? Then head over to the Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps, a stretch of coastline located on the north Cornish coast between Padstow and Newquay. It is within the parish of St Eval and is part-owned by the National Trust.
The beautiful Bedruthan Steps will lead you to a beach with gigantic rocks that have been separated from the mainland because of sea erosion. The dramatic views truly provide a breathtaking experience and the beach is gorgeous with white sands and crystal blue waters.
The rocks on this coastline are ever-changing, and sometimes the steep staircase is closed with no alternative route possible to the beach. Sadly, this happened in 2019, and the steps are closed until further notice. However, it’s still a wonderful place to visit and one which must be photographed from above.
Polzeath
Polzeath is a coastal town close to Wadebridge. It is an excellent place if you are hoping to catch some waves. While surfing and the stunning beach are two highlights of this location, there are other things you can do while you are here. There are tracks and trails perfect for walking, as well as cycling opportunities. Sand chairs are provided by Cornwall Mobility in partnership with Disability Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
You can also pick up other walks and tracks such as the Camel Trail or the famous coastal walk. If you visit when the tide is out, you and your family can enjoy digging sandcastles and bodyboarding. Polzeath is a stunning location and definitely one to visit while you are in Cornwall.
Yay, you are now ready to embark on your holiday! We hope this article has given you plenty of inspiration for some of the most beautiful places to visit in Cornwall. You must be excited to pack your bags and enjoy a fantastic staycation in the UK. We know you’re going to love Cornwall because is one of the sunniest, prettiest places in the south of England. Enjoy and have fun!
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