Cornwall is a great place to holiday no matter the time of year, but the county particularly shines in summer. This is when all the best places to visit in Cornwall come out to shine.
There are loads of brilliant beaches as well as lots to take in culturally and food to please all appetites.
Plus holidaying in Cornwall has the added benefit of saving you the cost of ferry crossings or that endless wait in a busy check in queue at the airport!
Check out our guide to the best places to visit in Cornwall, so that you hit all the right spots when you are there!
Best places to visit in Cornwall
One of the most relaxing ways to enjoy a summers day in North Cornwall is to hire bikes and cycle the Camel Trail, which runs along a stretch of old railway from Bodmin to Padstow. You can enjoy all 18 miles of it almost entirely traffic free and in spring and summer you will see the best of Cornwall’s flora and fauna as you cycle. Its really relaxing and definitely one of the best bits of Cornwall, not to be missed.
Take a visit to the ruins of ancient Tintagel Castle, nestled on the north coast between Boscastle and Port Isaac. Allegedly the birthplace of King Arthur this is a spot that will capture the imaginations of adults and children alike. The views from the castle are spectacular and the castle itself is brilliant to explore.
Check out the Lost Gardens Heligan, on which restoration began in 1990, after these special and extensive gardens had fallen into disrepair. The gardens are now a true delight, with a sculpture trail, wonderful ornamental and kitchen gardens and a great café and gift shop, where you can eat home cooked food and stock up on plants for your own garden.
Bring your walking boots if you fancy getting out to explore the South West Coast Path. There are miles and miles of it available to you in Cornwall and best of all – it’s free. You can choose a walk to suit you and your group and be sure to plan for a lovely picnic on route – or to be in a little town or village just in time for lunch.
We really love walking around the Camel Estuary. The views are great and its suitable for pretty much all abilities, you can make your walk longer or shorter depending on how you feel!
Treat yourself to the best cream tea in Cornwall at Fowey Hall, the inspiration for Toad Hall in The Wind in the Willows. This beautiful house makes a truly decadent location to sit and enjoy one of Cornwall’s most famous treats.
Alongside the pasty of course – and we reckon the best of those is to be found at Philps Bakery in Hayle, where the pasties are all baked in house, fresh throughout the day. Make sure you’ve had a good trip to the beach to build up an appetite first as they are very generously sized!
Cornwall is an English paradise during the summer, with plenty to delight everyone, so get down there and see what all of the fuss is about!
BACKPACKER: Cohort Hostel
Located about 30-minutes from Cornwall in St Ives. St Ives is the jewel in Cornwall’s crown and consistently rated the most picturesque town in the county. This hostel is housed in an old Wesleyan Chapel and schoolrooms.
BUDGET: Carnmarth Hotel
Overlooking Fistral Beach in Newquay, the Carnmarth Hotel boasts sea views. The hotel is within a 10-minute walk from Newquay town centre and adjacent to the golf club.
BOUTIQUE: The St Mawes Hotel
Right on the water’s edge, The St Mawes Hotel is located on the south coast of Cornwall, offering fresh and modern rooms with soft duvets.
SELF CATERING: The Lighthouse Penthouse/Apartment and Studio
Situated in St Ives in the Cornwall region, with Porthmeor Beach nearby, The Lighthouse Penthouse/Apartment and Studio features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.
