Places to visit in Cornwall by Sawday's

Not just an art town, with the Tate Modern, the Barbara Hepworth museum and a host of smaller galleries, but a great family destination too. The Blue Flag beach of Porthminster is right on the edge of town and you can walk inland along the Hayle Estuary, then take the train back along one of Britain’s most beautiful rail routes.

In town is the UK’s largest sea water lido and nearby are prehistoric settlements and lovely sub-tropical gardens at Tremenheere, Trewidden or Trengwainton. The pubs and restaurants of neighbouring fishing village Newlyn are worth a visit and the crossing to the island castle of St Michael’s Mount, only possible when the causeway is revealed at low tide, is an unmissable adventure.

Beautiful harbour town with daily boat trips out fishing, down the estuary or over the bay to Rock. The Camel Trail can be biked or walked inland to a delicious stop at Camel Valley Vineyard. Explore the coast path and visit the curious phenomenon of Round Hole, which you can climb down and walk through to the foot of the cliffs, when the tide is out.

A small surf town where the main beach can be crowded but there are plenty of others to escape to – Fistral, Crantock and nearby Mawgan Porth being team favourites. See the Bedruthan Steps, isolated pillars of rock smashed by the waves, and keep an eye out for seals, dolphins, oystercatchers and peregrine falcons as you walk the coast.

A trendy outpost on one of the most deserted sweeps of beautiful coast in Cornwall. Hike off round the cliffs to find the open-air Minack Theatre cut into the rock above Porthcurno, or take foraging walks with Caroline Davey of the Fat Hen. The harbour village has a surprisingly large selection of great places to eat with seafood a speciality of course.

Mainland UK’s most southerly point is far less showy than Land’s End and the whole area is one of Cornwall’s least-explored regions. Kynance Cove is regularly voted among the best beaches in the world and there are numerous other hidden coves to discover as you walk the wilder section of the coastal path and look out all the way to France.

It’s hard to explain how striking the open-air Minack Theatre really is. Cut into the cliffs near Mousehole, the open-air amphitheatre has the sea as a dramatic backdrop.

The old monastery just off the coast of Penzance is a fascinating 14th-century castle now preserved by the National Trust. Explore legend and folklore, pretty terraced gardens and panoramic views back to the mainland.

There are, of course, the Arthurian associations with Tintagel, but it’s a stunning spot to simply walk around, with the ruins seemingly draped over the cliffs and promontory.

The 88-metre lido is a great alternative to sea swimming if you’re with young ones, in a striking spot surrounded by cliffs, but without any worries about tides.

The different climate zones in Cornwall’s iconic geodomes near St Austell take you round the world, including a visit to the largest indoor rainforest on the planet.

Tresco Abbey Garden is a surreal, tropical world built around the ruins of a Benedictine Abbey and well worth the ferry ride from Penzance to the Scilly Isles.

The miles of coast path and dog-friendly beaches (Watergate Bay, Trebarwith Strand and Harlyn are favourites) make Cornwall a dog’s paradise. Our dog-friendly places welcome your four-legged friends with genuine warmth, not just tolerance.

Not many regions are better than Cornwall for family beach trips, ice cream and adventures. These places to stay are perfect for big sociable meals and slumping in comfy lounges after days exploring secret coves, ruined castles and miles and miles of white sand.

These are some of our favourite places for taking in Cornwall’s finest feature, the sparkling turquoise sea. Watch the water from the bedroom of a quiet coastal cottage, the garden of a colourful B&B or the deck of a luxurious spa hotel. 

Take that special someone and hide yourselves away with the sun, the sea and nothing else. Cosy up in cottage gardens, enjoy long, evenings on sea-view terraces or stroll into quiet fishing villages for romantic meals in characterful pubs serving superb seafood.

Cornwall inspires you to appreciate the environment. Find places where you can pick fruit and veg straight from the garden, and relax in luxurious surroundings built with cutting-edge eco technology and innovative design.

Cornwall can be a place for excitement and adventure, but also one of indulgence and relaxation. Sumptuous spa hotels have massage tables in coastal gardens, hot tubs overlooking the sea and staff always on hand with cocktails and fine food.