20 Most Beautiful Places in Cornwall
Last Updated on May 22, 2026 by Lauren Allen
Cornwall is bursting at the brim with unbelievably gorgeous places. With overseas travel so uncertain at the moment, it’s no surprise that Brits are flocking to Cornwall in their thousands.
Exploring this area of England is just breathtaking. Especially when the sun is shining. This post shares 20 of the most beautiful places in Cornwall that you just NEED to add to your UK bucket list!
Map of Cornwall:
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20 unbelievably beautiful places in Cornwall
1. St. Ives
A personal fave, St Ives is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in Cornwall. Art lovers will want to pop this location at the very top of their Cornwall bucket list. Home to Tate St Ives as well as many small independent galleries, this part of the county is bursting with artistic inspiration.
Aside from that, St Ives is one of the most charming locations in Cornwall. With photo spots around each corner, you won’t be able to put down your camera. This is especially true if you are visiting on a sunny day. Just don’t forget to fully charge your devices as I did…
Lastly, this popular seaside resort offers some of the very best beaches in England. Porthmeor Beach (situated across the road from the Tate) is one of the most beautiful. This makes it an ideal spot for a beach day. Afterwards, you can end your day with some delicious cocktails in The Rub & Crab Shack.
Top tip: The popularity of St Ives means parking can be a nightmare. My Grandparents had warned us of that before the trip. This meant we pre-planned our visit and booked train tickets between St Erth and St Ives. As such, we didn’t need to worry about parking (there are loads of spaces at St Erth station) AND we got to enjoy stunning sea views throughout the 15-minute train ride. Bliss!
2. The Eden Project
As one of the most popular tourist attractions on the South West Coast, the Eden Project is a must if you have a keen interest in tropical plants and greenery.
Situated just a 10-minute drive from St Austell, the landmark typically draws in over one million visitors a year.
Furthermore, it’s a fab place to visit if you fancy an adrenaline rush. Boasting the longest (and speediest) zip wire in the country, Eden Project also offers other fun activities such as a trekking course and a giant swing.
Lastly, the attraction holds a number of events throughout its season, including art classes, concerts and retreats. For more information, click here.
3. Falmouth
Fancy a shopping trip? Then Falmouth is the place to be. This coastal town has a wide variety of shops on offer, selling home decor, beautiful stationery and clothing. Furthermore, it’s also an ideal place to stop for lunch with many cool cafes.
If you’re looking for something Instagram-worthy, you have a few options. De Wynns (which I can personally recommend) boasts colourful decor and has a VERY cute resident dog. I mean, seriously, what more could you want?
Alternatively, Potager Garden is worth the trip if you are visiting between Thursday and Sunday. Here you can enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat surrounded by plants.
Aside from shopping and enjoying brunch, there are some great things to do in Falmouth. So much so that you could probably spend a full day here. For example, you may want to hit up the National Maritime Museum, Pendennis Castle or Tebah Garden. The choice is yours.
4. Mevagissey
With one of the most photogenic harbours in the area, your trip to Cornwall would not be complete without spending some time in Mevagissey.
This charming coastal village is full of lovely shops, natural beauty and arty vibes. In fact, it was cloudy during my time here and I still almost loved it as much as St Ives!
Although there isn’t much to do in Mevagissey, it is still worth adding to your Cornwall bucket list. Especially if you are interested in art and photography!
5. Padstow
Over the years, Padstow has become another much-loved spot in Cornwall. Especially for foodies. Chef Rick Stein has three restaurants in town that are highly rated. So much so that they are typically booked up months in advance. Make sure you book ahead if this is something you don’t want to miss out on!
If you’d prefer, the Rick Stein cookery school offers classes just a stone’s throw away from the harbour. It’s here that you can learn how to cook some delicious dishes with prices starting from £45. Afterwards, you get to enjoy your dish with amazing views of the Camel Estuary. Lovely!
If (somehow) you’re not interested in the foodie side of things, Padstow is also home to several fab galleries and shops to explore. Don’t forget your purse!
Check out my list of the best things to do in Padstow, Cornwall.
6. St. Michael’s Mount
Another top attraction in Cornwall, St Michael’s Mount, also receives many visitors from across the globe each year. Located in Marazion in the middle of Perranuthnoe Beach, the impressive castle can not be missed from your Cornish itinerary.
Travelling on a budget? It’s totally possible to check this spot off your bucket list without spending a penny. As well as admiring the castle from afar, you can take a walk across the causeway to get up close and personal.
Without a ticket, you are still able to access the island and get some great views. You just won’t be able to explore the gardens or check out the interiors.
Please note: During high tide, visitors will need to access the island by boat. As such, only travellers with tickets for the gardens or castle will be granted entry. Due to this, I highly recommend planning your visit during low tide if you are looking to save money.
7. Penzance
If you’re in the area, pay a visit to Penzance to explore the Minack Theatre. Travellers come from far and wide to check out this impressive landmark, which was entirely constructed by hand. The Minack Theatre is the legacy of Rowena Cade and has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cornwall.
Next, you can take a stroll down the historical Chapel Street, visit the Penlee House Gallery and Museum or go for a swim at Jubilee Pool.
8. The Lost Gardens of Heligan
If you’re somehow bored of stunning beaches and colourful harbours, consider booking a ticket to visit The Lost Gardens of Heligan. The gardens are one of the most amazing in England as they showcase unique sculptures and beautiful greenery.
Spanning across 200 acres, there is a lot to see. So much so that you will need at least half a day to truly appreciate what is on offer. However, I’d suggest breaking that up with a break in between. That way, you won’t spend the latter portion of your visit exhausted from walking around.
Some of the best locations in the park are the woodland walk and the jungle. As such, ensure you hit up these spots during your time there. Otherwise, you may be left disappointed.
Please note: A lot of the gardens are not accessible to wheelchair users or travellers with prams. Furthermore, there are many steep inclines. This means exploring the attraction can be quite tiring. Please keep that in mind before booking. I was definitely ready to head back to our lodge after a few hours here…
9. Tintagel
Tintagel is one of the most historical villages in Cornwall. Despite being quite small, there are a number of interesting attractions.
Firstly, the English Heritage site Tintagel Castle is worth checking out thanks to its magical landscape. The medieval castle itself has a unique history relating to King Arthur, whilst the surrounding area makes for some incredible photos. As such, I highly recommend spending a couple of hours here.
Afterwards, consider a quick visit to the Old Post Office. Built many years ago, this building boasts an interesting history and a lot of charm. Nowadays, visitors can check out the unique Victorian items on display that date back many centuries. Next, you can enjoy the peaceful back garden away from the hustle and bustle of the high street before ending your visit.
Please note: You will need to book your visit at least the day before. Ensure you do this to avoid disappointment.
10. St Nectan’s Waterfall
Just two miles away from central Tintagel, St Nectan’s waterfall is one of the most stunning spots in Cornwall. Due to this, it shouldn’t be missed if you are already planning a trip to the area. At less than £7, this is one of the more budget-friendly attractions in Cornwall and a must for nature lovers!
Open daily, the waterfalls are situated within a large woodland area. This makes for a beautiful walk surrounded by foliage and greenery. The circular walk allows you to check out all the waterfalls from different viewpoints whilst also appreciating the wildlife. It really is a perfect activity on a summer’s day!
Please note: As the waterfalls are surrounded by woodland, the walk is not advised for those with prams or mobility issues. Keep that in mind before planning your visit.
11. Boscastle
Nestled away in North Cornwall, Boscastle is perhaps the most quaint of all fishing villages in Cornwall. Despite being pretty small, there are some cool things to do in Boscastle. As such, you can spend at least half a day in the area.
The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic is one of the main attractions. It’s also one of the most interesting museums in the whole of Cornwall! Showcasing many unique exhibits, you could easily spend an hour or two here.
If art is more your thing, you’re in luck! Boscastle is quite a creative town with several quirky pottery shops and an amazing (albeit small) art gallery. Situated across the road from the car park, Boscastle Pottery is a lovely family-run shop offering a large number of handcrafted items. They sell mugs, jugs, ornaments and much more, with each one being unique.
One of the coolest things about this shop is the ability to see Rodger the potter at work. During your visit, you get a real insight into the making process, which, as a creative myself, I really appreciated. If you’re on the hunt for a souvenir from Cornwall, this is a great place to start!
Next up, The Old Forge is an inspiring gallery well worth a quick visit. This spot is a must-see if you enjoy stunning and detailed pieces of art.
12. Truro
Spend a few hours in Truro during the day to do a bit of sightseeing. The Gothic Cathedral is an amazing piece of architecture that is open daily to visitors. With free entry, budget travellers can also take advantage and admire the interior of the church.
Afterwards, hit up some of the other top things to do in Truro, including shopping, strolling along the harbour or relaxing in Trelissick Gardens.
As the only city in the county, Truro is also one of the top places to visit in Cornwall if you’re in the mood for a night out. With several highly-rated restaurants and bars, you are guaranteed a fun night on the town with your travel buddies. Some top choices include Hubbox, The Mockingbird and The Alverton Hotels bar and restaurant.
Lastly, Truro is also one of the best places in Cornwall to base yourself. Mostly due to its central location. From there, you can reach the majority of the top places to go in Cornwall in around an hour.
13. Port Isaac
A fishing village famous for being the set of Doc Martin, Port Issac is well worth visiting. As one of the prettiest places in Cornwall, it’s easy to lose track of time exploring its winding alleyways and admiring the scenery. In fact, our quick trip into Port Isaac to snap a few photos ended up lasting two hours… Oops.
You can’t leave Port Isaac without climbing up Roscarrock Hill to admire stunning views across the fishing port. Quite simply, these are some of the most impressive views in the whole of Cornwall. From here, you can see fab views of the village as well as the incredibly blue Atlantic Ocean.
14. Looe
With its super chilled vibes, Looe is a lovely place to stop if you fancy a relaxed afternoon. This popular coastal town boasts some boutique clothing stores, a fantastic beach and one of the most picturesque harbours in Cornwall.
For some reason, I felt the most chilled out in Looe compared to everywhere else I explored throughout the week, so if a day of relaxation is what you’re after, head here…
Wondering what to do in Looe? Check out my guide for the full lowdown.
15. Polperro
Just 10 minutes away from Looe by car, Polperro is a great addition to your itinerary if you are in South Cornwall. Like many of Cornwall’s much-loved towns, Polperro is great for a spot of shopping. However, there is so much more to see and do in the area.
For example, you can enjoy a coastal walk with amazing views, stop by the beach or check out the Polperro Model Village. If you’d prefer, you can work your way around Polperro’s best cafes and restaurants, treating yourself to some of the local seafood.
16. Perranporth
The Cornish Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in England. In fact, you will often feel like you aren’t in England at all. With sand on your feet and stunning blue waters, it’s easy to pretend you are sunning it in Portugal.
One of the best beaches in Cornwall just has to be Perranporth Beach. During sunset, this is a true gem. Plus, there are three bars boasting incredible views as the sun paints the sky in the distance.
If that’s something that interests you, I would highly recommend Alcatraz. This super trendy spot serves a wide variety of drinks, including delicious cocktails, beers, ciders and hot drinks. It’s the perfect spot to relax as the sun goes down.
Perranporth is also one of the best places to go surfing in Cornwall. If you’re a fan of the waves, this is a spot that you can’t miss!
17. St. Mawes
As one of the lesser-known destinations in Cornwall, St Mawes doesn’t see as many tourists as popular spots such as St Ives and Padstow. However, this tiny village has a lot to offer.
English Heritage members may wish to take advantage of their membership with a trip to St Mawes Castle. The castle has an intriguing history as one of King Henry VIII’s fortresses, as well as boasting incredible views of the sea into the distance.
If historical castles don’t interest you, feel free to head to one of the many nearby beaches. Or, if you’d prefer, admire the views of St Anthony Head on a beautiful coastline walk.
18. Fowey
Situated just a twenty-minute drive from the ever-popular Eden Project, Fowey is a great addition to a fun-filled day of adventure. Whilst there, spend some time hitting up St Catherine’s Castle. This 16th-century building is another one of the must-see tourist attractions in Cornwall.
Elsewhere in Fowey, keen walkers will want to check out the Hall Walk. This coast path 4-mile walk takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete and offers an incredible viewpoint over the harbour. On a clear day, this is one of the best things to do in Fowey.
19. Lands End
Head to Lands End for some of the most spectacular views Cornwall has to offer. Situated near Penzance, this is the perfect spot to watch the sunset after a fun-filled day checking out some of the area’s top attractions.
Due to the close proximity, a well-planned day in this area could consist of visiting St Michael’s Mount, Penzance and The Minack Theatre before continuing on to Land’s End. In just one day, you will have ticked off some of the top things to do in Cornwall.
20. Bude
Lastly, fancy a chilled beach day? Then head to Bude. With a few beaches in the area or nearby, it’s the perfect spot for a bit of relaxing. Summerleaze Beach is perhaps the most popular here, boasting rows of colourful beach huts and lovely views.
Where is the prettiest place in Cornwall?
It is super hard to pinpoint one singular location. As you can see from this extensive list, the county is truly stunning. With so many incredible places to see, it is difficult to narrow it down. Surely that means you need to pop Cornwall straight at the top of your bucket list…
What is the best town to stay in Cornwall?
As one of the most central locations, the city of Truro is one of the best places to stay in Cornwall. If you base yourself there, you will never be too far away from wherever you want to visit in the region. I can personally recommend staying there. Especially if you want to see a lot during your trip!
How long to spend in Cornwall?
There is so much to see in the area that it would be hard to see it all in a short space of time. From areas of outstanding natural beauty to well-loved tourist attractions, you should plan to spend at least a week in Cornwall. At a push, you could cover the highlights in a few days.
However, you could also easily spend two weeks or more hitting up many towns and villages. It very much depends on your personal interests and how you like to travel.
Tips for visiting the prettiest places in Cornwall:
Book your tickets in advance
Like with the majority of attractions nowadays, it is important to book your ticket before arrival. Without doing this, you risk being refused entry and wasting travel time.
In fact, some of the top activities on this list (such as shows at the Minack Theatre) get booked up super quickly. To avoid disappointment, try your best to plan and book as early as possible.
Allow for schedule changes
Although you will need to plan ahead if you want to experience some of the top attractions or restaurants in Cornwall, you should also leave some time spare for spontaneous adventures.
During your visit, you will no doubt discover new places that you had never heard of before your trip. With a jam-packed itinerary, you won’t have time to go off the beaten path.
Planning in some ‘free time’ would enable you to explore some hidden gems that you otherwise may have missed.
Pack for all types of weather
This is England after all. During our week in Cornwall, we got lucky with the sun. However, there were also drizzles of rain, sandstorms and cold winds (on the day we went to the beach… Typical).
To ensure you are prepared for all instances, pack layers, jackets and umbrellas. You’ll thank me later.
How much money do you need to visit Cornwall?
Being down South, this breathtaking county isn’t exactly cheap. Especially when you factor in the costs of fuel and car parking fees. These costs are unavoidable if you want to hit up the most beautiful places in Cornwall. Aside from that, you will need money for accommodation, attractions, food, drinks and tours.
If you are looking to explore somewhere more budget-friendly, consider heading to places like Manchester or York instead. However, that isn’t to say that you can’t cut costs.
If your heart is set on Cornwall, staying in hostels is a great way to save on accommodation. Additionally, you can also take advantage of free activities, skip the expensive cocktails and cook your own meals.
Why you should visit Cornwall, England
If this blog post hasn’t already convinced you, there are a vast number of reasons to jump in the car and head on a road trip around Cornwall. Some of the best reasons include incredible food, cute indie shops, historical monuments, charming coastal towns and relaxing beaches.
Has this list of the most beautiful places in Cornwall inspired you to book a visit? Or have you already been on holiday to this UK hotspot? Let me know in the comments section below!
