Things to do in Cornwall by Sawday's

The Lizard is more than a novelty as the most southerly point in Cornwall. It’s a National Trust location with spectacular coastline, hidden coves (Kynance is a team favourite) and specialist seafood restaurants serving fresh catch from the harbours.

Padstow has more to offer than its famous food scene. It’s the start point for the 18-mile, largely traffic free Camel Cycle Trail, great for watersports and you can also head over to see the historic fisherman’s cottages in Port Isaac and Rock.

Even if there isn’t a show going on (which there usually is) this is a stunning place to visit, with the amphitheatre cut into the cliffs above the sea. After the curtain you can scramble down to the lovely beach at Pedn Vounder.

The Isles of Scilly might not seem the obvious choice for a Cornwall trip, but as spring comes earlier on the islands the gardens and surrounding coves have a tropical feel, well worth the 3-hour ferry from Penzance.

The squat, round castle just outside Falmouth really puts on a show. Kids will love meeting costumed characters from all eras of the castle’s long history and you can stroll back to town or to the lovely beaches in minutes.

Less well known than some of Cornwall’s big tourist draws, the Roseland Heritage Coast and the thin peninsula at its western end offer the possibility of finding some of that stunning cliff path and turquoise waters, but without the crowds.

A deservedly famous spot, the old monastery towers above the bay outside Penzance. Arrivals need to be timed around the tide, when the narrow stone path out to the island is exposed and you can cross to look round the gardens.

The restoration and maintenance of these storied gardens in eastern Cornwall is a labour of love that began in the 90s and continues to this day, resulting in a lovely spot full of sculpture, topiary and a daunting rope bridge.

With consistent waves coming off the point you’ll find Sennen popular and often crowded. Gwenver is a little quieter and gets the longest sunset in the country, making for some beautiful evening surf.   

Gwithian isn’t for beginners. It’s fairly exposed to the elements, but there’s also seals from the cove next door,  who’ve been known to come and “join in”, knocking people off boards and nipping at their leads.

This is a local’s spot rather than a tourist beach, although it does have the great Blue Bar. Waves are less consistent than in some places but if the surf’s no good, the coastal path over to St. Agnes is a lovely alternative.

The best beach if the wind is southwesterly, the deep bay produces a good range of waves from one end to the other and is more suitable for beginners, with classes available if you’re starting from scratch.

Come for the fish tacos, pork burritos and passion fruit mojitos, stay for the mini golf. It’s a classic combination.

Bright, breezy, right on the harbour and incredibly dog friendly. Described by one of our team as the best brunch she’s ever had.

A Cornish catering legend. Feast nights down on the beach involve bringing everything (even a chair) yourself, for great food and a unique atmosphere.

Woodfired everything at Retorrick Mill near Mawgan Porth, where Scott and Babs make up the menu day by day, sometimes having only a single superb dish.