Cornwall holidays

How to reach Cornwall

By Car

Cornwall is well-connected by road, making it accessible from most parts of the UK. The main route into Cornwall is the A30, which runs from the M5 motorway at Exeter through to Penzance. The A38 is another major route that connects Plymouth with Bodmin. During peak holiday seasons, traffic can be heavy, so plan your journey accordingly.

By Train

Great Western Railway (GWR) operates regular train services to Cornwall from London Paddington, with stops at major towns such as Truro, St Austell, and Penzance. The Night Riviera Sleeper service is a convenient option for overnight travel from London. Other connections are available from cities like Bristol, Birmingham, and Exeter.

By Coach

National Express and Megabus offer coach services to Cornwall from various UK cities. This is a budget-friendly option, though the journey times are longer compared to trains and cars.

By Air

Newquay Cornwall Airport is the primary airport in Cornwall, with flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, and other UK cities. Seasonal flights are also available from European destinations. The airport is well-connected to major towns by bus and taxi services.

• Flight time: Direct flights to Cornwall Airport Newquay from London take around an hour, and a similar time from other major cities like Manchester and Newcastle.

• Transfer time: From the airport to the town centre, the bus journey takes around 25 minutes, while it is roughly 15 minutes by car. Buses also connect the airport with various parts of Cornwall.

• Price: The bus fare from the airport to the centre of Newquay is around £5, and a taxi around £15–£20.

By Ferry

If you are travelling from the Isles of Scilly, the Scillonian III passenger ferry operates between St Mary’s and Penzance. This scenic route offers a unique way to arrive in Cornwall.

By planning your travel carefully, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to your Cornwall holiday.

Weather and best time to visit Cornwall

• Spring (March to May) A great time to visit as the famous plants and shrubs of the peninsula’s south coast are at their most spectacular. Moreover, coastal walks are delightful without the crowds.

• Summer (June to August) Cornwall has some of the highest average summer temperatures in Britain, with temperatures hovering around 18°C to 23°C. The sea is also at its warmest and the possibility of rain at its lowest. Whilst this is also peak tourist season, it’s the best time for surfing and other water activities.

• Autumn (September to November) The turning of the colours in autumn is a visual feast, especially on the moors, although you’ll have to guard against the strong winds, which can still blow fairly cold.

• Winter (December to February) The quietest time of year: it can be wet and windy, although the coastal scenery can present some dramatic views. Average temperatures range from 4°C to 9°C, with occasional milder days.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the official language, and while Cornish is also recognised, it is rarely spoken.

• Local habits and customs: The Cornish are a laid-back people but at the same time fiercely proud of their identity. It’s common for shops in smaller towns to close early, and many operate reduced hours on Sundays.

• Health and safety: Cornwall is a safe county, but take great care when walking the coastal cliffs. Currents around the peninsula are powerful and can quickly pull you out to sea, so do not swim alone.

• Currency: The currency is the British Pound Sterling (£). ATMs are widely available, and credit/debit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

• Getting around: Cornwall can be explored by bus and train, but services can be sparse in rural areas, especially on Sundays. A standard bus fare in urban areas starts at about £2.50. Consider renting a car for greater flexibility.

• Time zone: GMT, switching to British Summer Time from late March to late October.

Where to stay in Cornwall's top destinations

Cornwall offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveller's needs, from luxurious resorts to charming B&Bs and self-catering cottages. Here's a guide to help you find the perfect place to stay in some of Cornwall's most popular destinations:

St Ives: Quaint harbour town charm

St Ives is renowned for its picturesque harbour, art galleries, and stunning beaches. Whether you're looking for a boutique hotel with sea views or a cosy B&B nestled in the town centre, there are plenty of options to choose from. Explore accommodation options such as hotels in St Ives or self-catering cottages in St Ives for a memorable stay.

Carbis Bay: Tranquil beachside retreat

Just a stone's throw from St Ives, Carbis Bay offers a quieter alternative with its beautiful sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. Choose from luxurious beachfront hotels or charming guesthouses with panoramic views of the bay. Discover hotels in Carbis Bay for a relaxing coastal getaway.

Newquay: Surfing capital of Cornwall

Newquay is a vibrant town famous for its lively nightlife and excellent surfing conditions. Whether you're a surfer seeking budget-friendly hostels or a family looking for a beachfront apartment, Newquay has accommodations to suit all preferences. Check out options for cheap hotels in Newquay close to the surf spots and vibrant town centre.

Perranporth: Beachside bliss

Perranporth is a favourite among beach lovers, offering three miles of golden sands and stunning coastal walks. Stay in beachfront hotels or cosy cottages near the dunes to enjoy easy access to the beach and nearby attractions. Find accommodation in Perranporth for a relaxing seaside holiday.

Bude: Seaside Charm and Outdoor Adventures

Bude is perfect for those seeking outdoor activities like surfing, kayaking, and coastal walks. Choose from family-run guesthouses, holiday parks, or boutique hotels near Bude's beaches and town centre. Explore options for hotels in Bude to make the most of your stay.

Looe: Quaint Fishing Village Appeal

Looe offers a blend of traditional charm and coastal beauty, with its fishing harbour and narrow streets lined with pubs and restaurants. Stay in waterfront hotels or cosy cottages overlooking the harbour for an authentic Cornish experience. Discover accommodation in Looe for a relaxing coastal retreat.

Padstow: Gastronomic Delights and Coastal Views

Padstow is famous for its food scene, beautiful harbour, and proximity to stunning beaches like Rock and Trevone. Choose from boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, or self-catering cottages near Padstow's attractions and dining spots. Find hotels in Padstow for a culinary journey combined with coastal exploration.

Falmouth: Maritime Heritage and Vibrant Culture

Falmouth is a bustling harbour town known for its maritime history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning coastal views. Stay in waterfront hotels offering panoramic vistas of the harbour or choose from guesthouses nestled in Falmouth's charming streets. Explore accommodation in Falmouth for a blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty.

Plan Your Stay in Cornwall

From vibrant seaside towns to tranquil coastal retreats, Cornwall offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveller's taste and budget. Whether you prefer a beachfront hotel, a cosy cottage, or a luxury resort, you'll find the perfect place to stay for your Cornwall holiday. Start planning your trip today and discover why Cornwall is a favourite destination for visitors from around the world.

Best things to do in Cornwall

The UK’s magnificent southwestern peninsula, Cornwall’s stunning coastline embraces everything from incredible beaches and bijou fishing ports to a huge variety of outdoor pursuits – not least surfing and walking. But art and culture vultures need not worry – there’s plenty of that too.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Land’s End: There’s a lot of brouhaha at Land’s End, but mainland Britain’s most southerly point still preserves its unspoilt scenic grandeur.

• St Michael’s Mount: This doughty edifice perched on a granite promontory is besieged by the sea at high tide, which is why it’s so much fun getting here: either by ferry at high tide or on foot along the cobblestoned causeway at low tide.

The best districts

• St Ives: With its higgledy-piggledy flower-decked lanes, ubiquitous galleries and stunning beaches, St Ives has a little something for everyone.

• Padstow: Padstow’s compact dimensions and harbour ambience make it a fabulous place to visit any time of year, not to mention the fact that it’s the seafood capital of the county.

Museums

• National Maritime Museum: There’s no getting away from boats in Cornwall, and this fine museum in Falmouth is crammed to the rafters with craft of every description.

• Tate St Ives: The town’s – if not the county’s – greatest cultural asset, Tate St Ives consummately fulfils its role as the region’s primary showcase for challenging, locally-based art.

Parks and gardens

• The Lost Gardens of Heligan: An awesome display of greenery waits at the Lost Gardens, with marvellously abundant palm trees, giant Himalayan rhododendrons and immaculate vinery.

• Trebah Garden: A sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop, Trebah is perfect for a peaceful walk among exotic plants and trees.

Historical monuments

• Tintagel Castle: The cradle of Arthurian legends, this ruined fortress – actually Norman in origin – is redolent of epic deeds, and has great views to boot.

• Pendennis Castle: Guarding the entrance to Falmouth and the Carrick Roads estuary, this grand fortification endured one of the Civil War’s harshest sieges.

Day trips in the area

• Eden Project: The hype, for once, is justified – located in a reclaimed clay pit, Eden is everything it’s cracked up to be, and more.

• Minack Theatre: Perched on a clifftop, this mini-amphitheatre hewn out of the rock makes a memorable venue for drama and music productions. A date here is not to be missed.

Things to do in different parts of the region

• Surfing in Newquay: Known as the surf capital of the UK, Newquay offers excellent conditions and schools for both beginners and experienced surfers.

• Lizard Point: England’s southernmost cape has a bracing, windswept appeal, with exhilarating walks and a diverse range of flora.

Activities for families in Cornwall

For families looking for a good mix of beach fun, cultural or educational experiences, and outdoor adventures, Cornwall ticks all those boxes big time.

• Beaches: Cornwall’s magnificent beaches range from grand sweeps of sand confronting ranks of surfer-friendly rollers to intimate creeks and coves away from the crowds. Popular family beaches include Porthmeor in St Ives and Polzeath Beach near Padstow.

• Aquariums and zoos: Newquay Zoo provides a useful opportunity to learn about the zoo’s conservation and breeding programmes, while Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary near St Ives is home to otters, penguins, red pandas and more.

• Museums: One place kids will love – especially Harry Potter fans – is the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, where you can delve into the world of sorcery at this fascinating collection.

Free things to do in Cornwall

You won’t have to just resort to the beaches to find free things to do on your Cornwall holidays – there are loads of other outdoor pursuits, as well as events and cultural offerings that won’t cost a penny.

• Beachcombing: A day spent beachcombing or rock-pooling at low tide at any of the region’s beaches is a fantastic (free) way for kids and adults alike to learn about marine biology and the local ecosystem. Or you could try your hand at some crabbing.

• Walking Trails: Cornwall is crisscrossed with spectacular walking paths which are all access free – the only time you may have to whip out that wallet is for a well-earned pub pit stop.

• Heritage Sites: Explore the historical ruins of old tin mines scattered across the landscape, like those at Wheal Coates near St Agnes, which are open to the public for free.

• Cultural Festivals: Depending on the time of year, you’re almost certain to catch a free festival or event, the most enjoyable of which are the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival and the St Ives September Festival, while Newquay’s pilot (or gig) races are hugely entertaining affairs.

Nature and outdoor activities in Cornwall

If you’re looking for a piece of the action, Cornwall has it all. The tracts of rugged wilderness inland combine with miles of dramatic coastal cliffs and beaches to make the region the destination of choice for adventure enthusiasts of every hue.

• Hiking and walking: The South West Coast Path can be tough going, but there are some delightful spots where it’s enough just to sit and gape at the scenery. Among these is Hartland Point – once seen, never forgotten.

• Cycling: The Camel Trail is the best-known of a web of cycle tracks weaving across the peninsula, some of them following old mining trails.

• Water sports: Cornwall can boast some of the finest surfing in the country – here’s looking at you, Newquay – not to mention more select sports such as kitesurfing and waveskiing.

• Bird watching: The county’s estuaries and coastal areas, such as the Hayle Estuary RSPB reserve, are excellent for bird watching, especially during migratory periods, while swarming colonies of seabirds from petrels to puffins have made the Isles of Scilly archipelago their own.

• Rock Climbing: The granite cliffs at Sennen Cove and the rugged tors on Bodmin Moor offer challenges for novice and experienced climbers alike.

Discover Cornwall's stunning beaches

Cornwall boasts some of the most picturesque and diverse beaches in the UK, perfect for a memorable holiday getaway. Whether you're seeking golden sands, hidden coves, or rugged coastlines, Cornwall has it all. Here’s a guide to help you explore the best beaches this beautiful region has to offer:

Golden sands and family-friendly fun

Cornwall is renowned for its wide stretches of golden sands, ideal for families and sun-seekers alike. Here are some top picks:

• Porthminster Beach, St Ives: A Blue Flag beach with calm waters, great for swimming and sunbathing.

• Fistral Beach, Newquay: Famous for its surf, this beach is perfect for those looking to catch some waves.

• Perranporth Beach: Offers three miles of golden sands, perfect for long walks and beach games.

Secluded coves and romantic escapes

For those seeking a quieter and more intimate beach experience, Cornwall has numerous hidden coves and romantic spots:

• Kynance Cove: Known for its turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, it's one of Cornwall's most photographed beaches.

• Lantic Bay: A secluded gem near Fowey, accessible via a scenic coastal path.

• Porthcurno Beach: Nestled in a dramatic valley, with soft white sands and clear waters.

Surfing and water sports hotspots

Cornwall is a paradise for surfers and water sports enthusiasts. Here are some beaches renowned for their waves and activities:

• Watergate Bay: Ideal for kite surfing and kite buggying, with plenty of space for beach games.

• Sennen Cove: Offers excellent surfing conditions and stunning coastal views.

• Polzeath Beach: A popular spot for surfers of all levels, with surf schools available for beginners.

Dramatic clifftop views and coastal walks

Experience Cornwall's rugged beauty with a stroll along its coastal paths, offering breathtaking views and access to hidden beaches:

• Bedruthan Steps: Famous for its towering sea stacks and panoramic coastal views.

• Godrevy Beach: Explore the coastal paths and enjoy views of the iconic lighthouse.

• Tintagel Beach: Beneath the legendary Tintagel Castle, this beach offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty.

Plan your beach adventure in Cornwall

Whether you're looking to relax on golden sands, explore secluded coves, catch some waves, or enjoy coastal walks, Cornwall's beaches cater to every preference. Start planning your Cornwall holiday and discover why its beaches are among the best in the UK.

Local dishes in Cornwall

One of the great delights of holidays to Cornwall is the chance to indulge in the peninsula’s magical seafood, but there are also any number of other very local, and very traditional, dishes of which you can avail yourself.

Some typical dishes

• Cornish Pasty: Cornwall’s greatest export, these delicious morsels are neatly crimped on the rounded edge and filled with gravy-soaked steak, turnip and potato.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Crab Sandwiches: Nothing beats a sandwich stuffed full of fresh Cornish crab, typically served with a squeeze of lemon and a salad on the side.

• Stargazy Pie: A fish pie with the heads and tails of the fish – traditionally pilchards or mackerel – sticking out of the pastry. Tradition has it that it originated after a local fisherman returned from a fierce storm with seven types of fish, which were then cooked in a pie with their heads sticking out for easy identification.

Street food

• Fish and Chips: There’s barely a town or village where you won’t be able to get this classic British dish: fresh cod or haddock fried in a crispy batter, served with thick-cut chips, and with a generous sprinkling of salt and vinegar.

Sweets and desserts

Made with local clotted cream, Cornish ice cream is creamier and more indulgent (and, be warned, fattening) than your average ice cream; also worth trying is Cornish saffron cake, a heavy loaf baked with currants and saffron.

Local drinks

• Cornish Ale: Cornish ale is ace, with breweries like St. Austell and Sharp’s producing a range of ales from traditional bitters to more modern craft beers.

• Cornish Cider: Among local ciders, Cornish Rattler from Healey’s Cyder Farm outside Newquay has achieved nationwide fame, while you’re all but guaranteed to see other local ciders and perries (pear ciders) in pubs and farm shops.

• Mead: One of the oldest drinks in the world, mead is made locally and often associated with the region’s Celtic heritage.