Cornwall has long been a top-tier UK destination, but in recent years, its natural charm and reinvigorated local culture have transformed it into a true staycation paradise. Whether you’re in search of windswept beaches, wild moorland, ancient ruins, or Michelin-quality seafood, Cornwall delivers. It’s a county where you can surf at sunrise, hike along rugged cliffs by midday, and settle into a cosy pub before sunset. With stunning villas and coastal retreats waiting to welcome you, there’s never been a better time to discover what Cornwall has to offer.
Why Visit Cornwall?
Cornwall’s dramatic coastline, stretching over 400 miles, offers some of the UK’s most photogenic landscapes. From the sun-bleached cliffs of the north to the tranquil harbours of the south, the region caters to thrill-seekers and serenity-chasers alike. Its beaches are ideal for surfing, sailing and swimming, while inland, you’ll find ancient monuments, quaint villages, and lush countryside teeming with folklore. The blend of natural beauty and rich heritage makes Cornwall the perfect escape for couples, families, and solo adventurers.
When to Visit Cornwall
Cornwall’s relatively mild climate makes it a year-round destination. Summer offers the warmest seas and sunniest skies—perfect for beach holidays and festivals—but it also brings peak-season crowds. Spring arrives early on the south coast, blanketing gardens and trails with blooms, while autumn turns the moors golden and quiet. Winter, while cooler and wetter, offers dramatic seascapes, empty beaches, and a chance to see Cornwall’s wild side in peace. Each season offers a unique way to experience the county.
How to Get Around Cornwall
- Airports: Flights to Cornwall land at Newquay Airport. With routes from across the UK and Ireland departing from the likes of London, Manchester, Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh.
- Train: A number of Cornwall’s most popular spots, including St. Austell, Penzance and Truro, can be reached by train from London Paddington, while scenic branch lines can get you to some of the smaller Cornish towns via beautiful countryside.
- Boat: To skip lengthy road trips, you can cross some of Cornwall’s bigger rivers on the ferries, some of which carry cars and bikes as well as people.
- Bus: The 556 bus runs from the airport to the bus station in Newquay, and Cornwall’s bus network is generally pretty handy for getting around the main towns and villages, especially in summer.
- Car: Summertime traffic permitting, driving can be the quickest way to get around Cornwall. But expect some narrow country lanes. Big-name rental companies like Hertz and Avis operate throughout the area.
- Bike: Exploring Cornwall on two wheels is a great way to take in the scenery. Bike paths and quiet country lanes are in good supply, but you’ll need to be prepared for some challenging hills.
Top Sights in Cornwall
- Eden Project – Explore the world’s biggest indoor rainforest.
- Isles of Scilly – Discover the pretty islands of an unspoilt archipelago.
- Minack Theatre – Catch a show at this magical open-air performance space.
- Lost Gardens of Heligan – Be enchanted by some of the UK’s best botanical gardens.
- Newquay – Catch a wave in the surf capital of Blighty.
- Tate St. Ives – Peruse the best of Cornish creativity at this bold art gallery
- North Cornwall’s beaches – Unroll your towel on postcard-perfect Cornish sands.
Hidden Gems
For a day trip off the beaten path, arm yourself with a map and compass and hike your way around inland Penwith, where a group of lonely prehistoric remains give a glimpse into Cornwall’s ancient history. Out in open moorland off the Morvah-Madron Road, you’ll find the Men-an-tol rock, nicknamed the ‘Devil’s Eye’.
Cornwall has a clutch of little-known beaches that remain crowd-free even in the height of summer. We love the secluded spots along the coast towards Looe, where the beaches of Lansallos, Palace Cove and Little Lantic offer peaceful solace away from the rest of the world.
Out on the barren hills above Roche village, the remains of a tiny chapel atop Roche Rock make for a peculiar sight. Once the home of a hermit, or so the local legend goes, the chapel dates back centuries, and you can still wander inside what’s left of it. There are superb views from here too.
The upmarket seaside resort of Fowey oozes charm, with boutique shops and waterside pubs leading to a yacht-lined harbour. And its café terraces and pub gardens are the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.
On a scenic stretch of the River Fowey that winds through the ancient oak forest of Draynes Wood, are the cascades and waterfalls of Golitha Falls. An area of outstanding natural beauty, the woodland is awash with bluebells in spring and full of butterflies in summer.
Speaking of waterfalls, a secret one worth seeking out is St. Nectan’s Glen. The 18-metre tall cascade drops into a natural plunge pool that you can take a dip in. The leafy site is associated with pixies and King Arthur, so it’s much more than just a pretty place to swim.
Family Holidays in Cornwall
Cornwall is a wonderland for families. Its beaches are among the cleanest in the UK, ideal for sandcastle building, paddling, and rockpooling. Castles and ruins add a sense of adventure, while dozens of indoor attractions—from aquariums to interactive museums—ensure rainy days are never wasted. Young foodies can get hands-on at Rick Stein’s Cookery School, while animal lovers can meet rescued sea lions at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. The Land’s End Landmark provides both Instagram-worthy views and fun family entertainment, including a 4D cinema and farm animals. For younger travellers, every day in Cornwall offers something new.
Best Heritage Sites for Families
All-action fairytale settings don’t come much better than St. Michael’s Mount. The tiny offshore island makes for an enchanting day out for youngsters, who’ll love scrambling to the hilltop castle, exploring the fortress and learning about the mount’s myths and legends. Even reaching the island is an adventure, with boat trips doing the honours when the tide is in.
Famous for its links to King Arthur, the remains of the 13th-century Tintagel Castle boast Dark Age ruins and ancient gardens, all overlooking a dramatic stretch of coastline. Kids love the sense of adventure, the fresh sea air and the rock pooling that come with days out here.
If you’ve got kids in your party who think all museums are boring, change their minds at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. Packed with skulls, costumes and curiosities, there is plenty to entertain youngsters, who will be intrigued by Britain’s real-life history of witchcraft.
When it comes to family days out in Cornwall, these are just the tip of the iceberg. Check out our Best Family Activities in Cornwall blog post for the full lowdown on all of our top picks.
With some of Britain’s best coastline and miles of scenic countryside, the Cornish landscape lends itself to adventures of the outdoors variety. Hiking, sailing and caving are just a handful of the jaunts you can sign up for. And if it’s water sports that float your boat, Cornwall is famous for surfing, kitesurfing and diving. Not an outdoorsy bunch? No problem. This is a region packed with museums, botanical gardens and National Heritage treasures, all waiting to be explored. And when it’s time to refuel, there are more vineyards, tea rooms and farm shops than you can shake a pasty at.
Outdoor Activities and Adventures
Cornwall’s geography is a playground for outdoor lovers. Surfing hotspots like Newquay draw wave riders from around the globe, but there’s also stand-up paddleboarding in calm bays like Gylly Beach. Kayaking tours reveal hidden coves and sea caves, while caving, zip-lining, and horseback riding are all on offer.
Cornwall’s rugged coastline offers more than just surfing and kayaking. Coasteering lets you explore sea caves, cliffs, and hidden coves by scrambling, swimming, and cliff-jumping. Kernow Coasteering provides guided trips that showcase the wild beauty of West Cornwall, perfect for thrill-seekers looking to experience the coast in a truly unique way.
For gentler adventures, Cornwall’s many trails and cycle routes allow you to explore the countryside and coast at your own pace.
More Laid Back Things to Do
England’s home-grown wines are making waves around the world and Cornwall’s vineyards are among the best. With award-winning vinos and a gorgeous setting, Trevibban Mill Vineyard’s tours and tastings make a great afternoon out for wine buffs and novices alike. With dolphins, whales and grey seals all swimming in its waters, Cornwall is a great place to catch a glimpse of Britain’s most diverse marine wildlife. And there are plenty of boat tours offering you exactly that. Catamaran trips run by Marine Discovery Penzance only allow a dozen passengers onboard at a time, guaranteeing you uninterrupted views of the creatures you come across as you sail around the Cornish coast.
Read our Best Group Activities in Cornwall blog post to find out more.
Cornwall’s Food Scene
Cornwall’s culinary renaissance is well underway. From beachside cafés to Michelin-starred kitchens, the region’s food scene is rooted in quality local produce and a strong sense of place. Seafood reigns supreme—caught fresh and cooked simply—but there’s also a booming scene for farm-to-fork dining, international flavours, and indulgent baked goods. Try a traditional pasty at the Chough Bakery in Padstow, enjoy Italian flair at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, or sample spicy favourites at the iconic Maharajah in Newquay.
Must-Try Dishes in Cornwall
Cornish pasties are more than just a snack—they’re a cultural institution. The perfect pasty wraps steak, potatoes, and vegetables in flaky, buttery pastry. Classic fish and chips are best enjoyed on a breezy seaside bench, and no visit is complete without a proper Cornish cream tea (jam first, of course). The Coddy Shack is a beloved local for seafood, while Woods Café offers fresh-baked scones in a woodland setting that feels straight out of a storybook.
Foodie Experiences in Cornwall
For foodies who want more than just a meal, Cornwall offers immersive culinary experiences. At Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm, visitors can tour apple orchards, sample cider, and learn about whisky and jam production. Camel Valley’s vineyard tours pair panoramic views with sparkling Cornwall Brut. These experiences highlight Cornwall’s growing reputation as a destination for food and wine lovers.
Whether you’re dreaming of a seaside villa, a countryside cottage, or a stylish converted barn, Cornwall has it all. At Oliver’s Travels, our curated collection of holiday homes in Cornwall is tailored for everything from romantic getaways to big family holidays. Choose from locations near St Ives, Padstow, Falmouth and beyond, each offering unique access to beaches, trails and towns. Your ideal Cornish escape starts with the perfect place to stay.
