Cornwall, in the southwest of England, is famous for its stunning beaches, rich history, and, of course, delicious Cornish pasties.

Cornwall offers many unmissable activities to experience while in the area, this article will discuss 9 of these activities!

 

Lands End

Land’s End is one of Cornwall’s most famous landmarks, attracting over 500,000 visitors each year. Known for its breathtaking ocean views, it is a must-visit for those wanting to experience the westernmost point of mainland England.

Upon arrival, you’ll find the West Country Shopping Village with three unique shops, a short historical walkthrough, and family-friendly attractions, including a 4D film experience. However, the real highlight is the natural beauty of the cliffs and sea, which you can enjoy for free just by paying for parking.

For a memorable souvenir, you can have your photo taken with the famous Land’s End sign. Bring a picnic and enjoy a scenic lunch on the cliffs for a budget-friendly day out!

Porthcurno Beach

Porthcurno Beach is a hidden gem in Cornwall, with soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another country. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, it offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.

With nearby parking, access to this breathtaking beach is easy, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the sea.

St. Michaels Mount

St. Michaels Mount is a tidal island off the Cornish coast, accessible by a stone causeway during low tide or by boat during high tide. Walking across the causeway is an unforgettable experience, but if the tide is in, a short boat ride (for a small fee) adds to the adventure.

Once on the island, you can explore the charming village, visit the cafe, and take in the incredible coastal views. Entry to the island itself is free, but tickets to explore the historic castle and gardens start from £15. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle is still home to the St. Aubyn family, and every window offers breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and gardens.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

A paradise for nature lovers, the Lost Gardens of Heligan span over 200 acres of woodland, offering a magical escape into lush greenery. Despite being a popular attraction, its vast size allows you to enjoy peaceful walks without the crowds.

The gardens are home to unique sculptures, with signage explaining their history and creation. It’s also a dog-friendly location, with plenty of shaded areas providing a cool breeze on warm days.

Tickets start at £9.50 for children and £22.50 for adults, with family ticket options available. However, one thing to note is that some areas, especially the jungle section, have steep paths, which can be challenging for visitors with mobility issues.

Truro cathedral 

Standing tall over the town, Truro Cathedral has a rich history. A parish church existed on the site as early as 1259, which was rebuilt in 1504 in a Perpendicular Gothic style and then remodelled in 1768 in a Georgian style.

This is easily one of the most breathtaking cathedrals we have visited. The architecture is stunning, and everywhere you look, you’ll find intricate details and craftsmanship. Nestled among Truro’s charming cobbled streets and historic buildings, the cathedral is a must-see for anyone visiting Cornwall.

The Minack Theatre

Since starting this travel blog, we have visited some incredible places, but the Minack Theatre truly stands out. It’s hard to put into words just how breathtaking this experience was but I’ll do my best!

The theatre’s story begins with Rowena Cade, born in 1893. After a difficult early life, she moved to Cornwall in the 1920s and purchased the Minack headland for just £100.

The idea for the theatre came about in 1929 when Cade became involved in an open-air production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. With little more than hand tools, she and a small team began carving the theatre into the rugged cliffs. She continued working on it well into her 80s, leaving behind a truly remarkable legacy before passing away just shy of her 90th birthday.

We visited on a non-show day, opting for the garden and theatre tour, which cost £10 per adult and £5 per child (under 16). The site is also dog-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the experience too! There is an on-site cafe for a meal with a view, or you can bring a picnic to enjoy on the cliffs.

The upper part of the site is mobility-friendly, with ramps available until the end of the garden. While the theatre itself involves more steps, there are seating areas throughout, making it possible for those with limited mobility to explore at their own pace.

Everywhere you look, you are treated to magical views of the ocean and coastline. We spent about two hours exploring before taking a short two-minute drive to Porthcurno Beach, nestled between the cliffs a perfect way to end the visit.

The Minack Theatre is a truly unique and unforgettable destination, blending history, culture, and breathtaking scenery in one incredible location.

Upton Towans Beach

Cornwall is famous for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, attracting over 5 million visitors each year. But what if I told you there is a beach where you can have the coastline almost to yourself?

On a recent trip, we stayed in Hayle, a charming town just 20 minutes from St. Ives. As we always like to visit the nearest beach, a quick Google search led us to Upton Towans Beach and what a find it was!

The name dunes comes from sand dunes in Cornish, which is fitting as dunes stretch along the entire length of this stunning beach. The 239-acre area offers multiple access paths, some even suitable for wheelchairs and prams, making it easy for everyone to enjoy.

Visiting in May, we were amazed at how peaceful it was we walked for 10 minutes without seeing another soul. Whether it’s the sheer size of the beach or the locals keeping it a secret, it felt like our own private paradise.

With soft golden sand and crystal-clear water, Upton Towans is exactly what you picture when dreaming of a beach escape. We packed a picnic, a beach ball, and towels, and spent a magical day soaking up the sun.

Tintagel castle

Tintagel Castle is one of Cornwall’s most breathtaking historic sites, perched dramatically on the rugged cliffs of the north coast. It’s famous for its connections to the legendary King Arthur, making it a must-visit for history buffs, mythology lovers, and anyone who enjoys jaw-dropping coastal views.

The castle itself dates back to the 13th century when it was built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall. Today, much of the castle lies in ruins, but that only adds to its mysterious and romantic appeal.

One of the highlights of visiting Tintagel is crossing the stunning footbridge that links the mainland to the island, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic. Below the cliffs, you’ll find Merlins Cave, named after the legendary wizard said to have lived there. When the tide is low, you can explore the cave and feel the magic of the place yourself. The English Heritage visitor centre adds another layer to the experience, offering insights into Tintagel’s fascinating past.

The Eden Project 

The Eden Project is one of Cornwall’s most unique attractions; a place where nature, science, and sustainability come together most spectacularly. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to step into a rainforest or wander through a Mediterranean landscape without leaving the UK, this is the place to do it!

Built-in a reclaimed clay pit near St Austell, the Eden Project is famous for its massive biomes – huge, futuristic-looking domes that house the world’s largest indoor rainforest and a stunning Mediterranean garden. The Rainforest Biome is an absolute must-see, with towering tropical trees, waterfalls, and exotic plants from South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. The Mediterranean Biome, on the other hand, transports you to the sun-drenched landscapes of Southern Europe, California, and South Africa, complete with fragrant herbs, citrus trees, and vibrant flowers.

What makes the Eden Project so special isn’t just the incredible plant life it’s the bigger message behind it. The whole site is dedicated to environmental education and innovation, showing how we can live more harmoniously with nature.

FAQs 

Is Cornwall famous for anything?

Cornwall is known for its picturesque beaches and stunning cliffside views, as well as its delicious Cornish pasties, which you’ll find in nearly every bakery throughout the region.

How many days is enough for Cornwall?

The ideal duration for a holiday in Cornwall is between 7 and 10 days, depending on how much time you want to relax versus explore. A week gives you plenty of time to visit the must-see spots, while a longer stay allows for leisurely beach days and scenic coastal walks.

Conclusion 

Cornwall offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and adventure, making it an incredible destination for all types of travellers. Whether you are standing at the edge of England at Lands End, relaxing on the picturesque shores of Porthcurno Beach, exploring the enchanting St. Michaels Mount, or getting lost in the magical gardens of Heligan, there is no shortage of unforgettable experiences.

No matter what brings you to Cornwall, these nine unmissable activities will make your trip truly special!