16 best places to visit in Cornwall: tried and tested by our editors

Cornwall is a county in the far southwest of England in the United Kingdom. With its quaint fishing villages, dramatic cliffscapes straight out of Poldark and beaches more akin to the Mediterranean than the UK, it’s no wonder that Cornwall has become such a hit amongst holidaymakers. This often sleepy county boasts tiny traditional fishing villages looking out to the shipwrecks that litter the rocky coastline. From the wildest, lesser-known places to topsy-turvy seaside towns where you can feast on fresh fish from the morning catch, this is our insider's guide to the best places to visit in Cornwall.

Iconic Heritage and Legends

Tintagel Castle, King Arthur’s supposed birthplace, is the perfect place to start your Cornwall adventure. Unlock the secrets that have shaped this mysterious county as you cross a medieval drawbridge over to the island where sea caves are still haunted by the spirit of Merlin, the storied wizard. Gaze up to the crumbling castle, then wander through the remains of the great hall and imagine the key battle decisions that were made in this very spot.

Further west from Newlyn and Penzance, the Minack Theatre is well worth a visit. At nearly 100 years old, it is a historic place, founded by a woman who's love of theatre led her to offer her cliffside home as a set for Shakespeare performances. Now, the Minack is an open-air theatre that juts out over the sea, offering panoramic views of the horizon. You can catch a show at this magical open-air performance space throughout the summer months.

Charming Coastal Villages

Located on the south coast of the county, Fowey is a quaint port town with a rich history in fishing. Ice-cream-coloured houses cling onto the steep, narrow road that snakes through the town. Most of the action is centred around the main town quay where ferry boats chug tirelessly between Fowey and the neighbouring village of Polruan. For the freshest seafood and some truly innovative morsels, stop by the converted boat shed-cum-restaurant, North Street Kitchen.

Polperro is one of the best towns and villages to visit in Cornwall and while it does get busy, it feels much more authentic and enjoyable than the packed hustle and bustle of towns like St Ives or Newquay. The village streets are tiny, some are no wider than footpaths, so Polperro is pedestrianised from April to September.

Kingsand and Cawsand are twin villages located right next to each other on the Rame Peninsula which looks back over Plymouth Sound in the north. The villages themselves are quaint, with Cawsand Beach being a lovely small beach area overlooked by white cottages and perfect for families.

Arts, Culture and Modern Enclaves

Artsy enclave Falmouth is a seaside town with an infectious, bohemian spirit. Roam the higgeldy-piggeldy streets, enjoy a dip in the sea from one of the three neighbouring beaches or soak up some culture and crafts at the Falmouth Art Gallery. For lovers of craft beers, we recommend paying a visit to nearby brewery, Verdant, whose Cali-inspired golden ales have reached far beyond the Cornish shores.

Penzance has come into its own over the past few years. In 2016, the Jubilee Pool, an Art Deco lido on the seafront, reopened, and the town's modern galleries have been gaining increasing attention from the art world. For contemporary art, stop by the Newlyn Art Gallery or Jupiter Gallery for new and exciting exhibitions.

Wild Nature and Outdoor Adventures

A haven for the local surf set, St Agnes boasts one of the county’s most epic golden sand beaches. For those who prefer sticking to dry land, enjoy rambles along the web of cliff paths where looming tin mines are proof of St Agnes' mining past. If you head to Newquay, you can catch a wave in the surf capital of Blighty.

The beauty of Cornwall extends far beyond the postcard-perfect seaside towns. The wild moorland is the birthplace of iconic gothic texts such as Jamaica Inn and The Birds. Head to Rough Tor for some of the most breathtaking views in the South West, where enormous rocks are piled on top of one another in a gravity-defying fashion. If you time your visit to coincide with the starling murmurations, you’re in for a real treat.

Practical Travel Information

Cornwall’s relatively mild climate makes it a year-round destination. Summer offers the warmest seas and sunniest skies, but it also brings peak-season crowds. When planning your visit, consider the various ways to get around the county:

• Airports: Flights to Cornwall land at Newquay Airport with routes from London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
• Train: Popular spots like St. Austell, Penzance and Truro can be reached by train from London Paddington.
• Car: Driving can be the quickest way to get around, but expect some narrow country lanes.
• Bike: Bike paths and quiet country lanes are in good supply, but be prepared for challenging hills.

Key Attractions and Costs

Location / Attraction	Activity or Highlight	Key Information
Mount Edgcumbe House	Explore the 16th-century manor	Adults: £8, Concessions: £6
Lantic Bay	Paddling and picnicking	Parking: £1-£4 (Cash only)
Eden Project	Explore indoor rainforest	World's biggest biomes
Tintagel Castle	Clifftop 12th-century ruins	Legendary birthplace of King Arthur
Golitha Falls	Cascades and waterfalls	Located in Draynes Wood

Hidden Gems

For a day trip off the beaten path, hike your way around inland Penwith to find the Men-an-tol rock, nicknamed the ‘Devil’s Eye’. If you seek secluded spots, the beaches of Lansallos, Palace Cove and Little Lantic offer peaceful solace away from the rest of the world. On the barren hills above Roche village, the remains of a tiny chapel atop Roche Rock make for a peculiar sight.