What to See in Cornwall: Highlights, Itinerary and Tips

Granite cliffs, turquoise coves, fishing villages and Arthurian legends: the Cornwall, Cornwall, at the southwestern tip of England, is one of the most beautiful regions in the country. Here's what to see in Cornwall, how much time to allow, and our suggested itinerary. Based in the UK since 2012, we organize tailor-made trips throughout the region.

In short: In Cornwall, don't miss St Ives, St Michael's Mount, Land's End, Minack Theatre, Tintagel Castle, Port Isaac, the Eden Project, and the Lizard Peninsula. Allow 5 to 7 days to explore them, ideally by car. From London, the train to Penzance takes approximately 5 hours.

What to see in Cornwall: the must-sees

St Ives, the pearl of Cornwall

With its white sandy beaches, narrow streets, and unique light, St Ives has attracted artists and travelers for over a century. Don't miss the Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? What to see in Cornwall: must-sees, itinerary and tips "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

Your ideal coastal spot?

Cliffs and sweeping panoramasBeaches, harbors and small villages

Question 2 of 5

You're exploring instead…

On foot along a pathBy car with several stops

Question 3 of 5

Need a break?

A beautiful viewpointA cafe or pub by the water

Question 4 of 5

What appeals to you most?

The wild sideThe atmosphere of the villages

Question 5 of 5

The perfect end to the day?

A sunsetA good local dinner

St Michael's Mount

A cousin of Mont-Saint-Michel, this islet topped with a castle can be reached on foot via a causeway at low tide, and by boat at high tide, from Marazion.

Land's End and Minack's Theatre

Land's End marks the westernmost point of England. A few kilometers away, Minack Theatre, carved into the cliff above Porthcurno, offers one of the most spectacular settings in the country.

Tintagel and the legend of King Arthur

On the north coast, the ruins of Tintagel Castle, linked by a spectacular footbridge, are associated with the legend of King Arthur. Then, continue on to Port Isaac, a fishing village made famous by the Doc Martin series, and Padstow, the region's culinary capital.

The Eden Project and the Lizard Peninsula

The Eden Project houses immense bubble-shaped greenhouses, with plants from all over the world. Further south, the Lizard Peninsula marks the southernmost point of Great Britain, between cliffs and unspoiled coves like Kynance Cove.

What to eat in Cornwall?

• the Cornish pasty, meat and vegetable pastry; ;
• the cream tea, scones with jam and clotted cream; ;
• fresh seafood from the ports of Newlyn, Padstow or Falmouth.

Our 6-day itinerary in Cornwall

• Day 1: arrival and Eden Project.
• Day 2: Falmouth and the Lizard Peninsula.
• Day 3: St Michael's Mount and Penzance.
• Day 4: Land's End, Minack and Porthcurno.
• Day 5: St Ives.
• Day 6: the north coast: Padstow, Port Isaac and Tintagel.

For a turnkey tour, discover our 10-day road trip in Cornwall and our guide to road trip from London to Cornwall. Furthermore, the tourist office Visit Cornwall offers a wealth of practical information.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cornwall

How many days does it take to visit Cornwall?

Allow at least 5 days to see the must-see sights, and a week to enjoy the beaches and coastal paths.

What is the best time to visit Cornwall?

From May to September, the climate is mildest. In July and August, the region is very busy: book early. Conversely, May, June, and September are quieter.

Do you need a car in Cornwall?

Yes, it's the most practical option, as the villages and beaches are spread out. Be aware that the roads are often very narrow and lined with hedges.

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