Cornwall

About Cornwall

There is so much more to Cornwall than just fabulous scenery and beautiful beaches. The history of this county is rich and vivid, and never more so than when remnants of its past are stumbled upon during rambling walks through the countryside.

Towns and villages that date back hundreds of years, with stories of wreckers and legends of old are there to be imagined when walking through narrow winding streets down to the harbour. And to bring you bang up to date there are modern art galleries to discover plus fantastic shopping with high street stores and unique boutiques and craft shops cheek by jowl.

Cornwall has played a special part in many a movie and tv series with production crews immortalising many a Cornish location for the world to see.

Things to do in Cornwall

Magnificent sandy beaches, lush green countryside, huge craggy cliffs - and of course, plenty of the wet stuff. For those with a spirit of adventure and a love of the outdoors, Cornwall is one big, beautiful playground.

Get the blood pumping by trying your hand at an adrenaline filled extreme sport or recharge the batteries with a serene coastal walk. Whatever your passion Cornwall can deliver.

It doesn't matter if you're a novice or an expert, the Cornish sea air is guarenteed to bring out your sporting prowess!

Walking in Cornwall

With one of the most scenic, and longest (over 300 miles) stretches of the South West Coast Path , and an inland path network of over 2,400 miles no walker could ever get bored in Cornwall. One of the most popular ways to get away from it all in Cornwall is on your own two feet. Get back to nature and see the beauty of Cornwall from places only reached by foot.

Watersports in Cornwall

If you fancy more than a leisurely swim you'll be right at home in Cornwall - try your hand at one of the many watersports on offer!

Diving in Cornwall

Escape dry land and dip into the tranquility of an underwater universe. Thanks to clear seas and warm waters the hidden depths of Cornwall are teaming with marine wildlife just waiting to be discovered. Add to this, numerous historic shipwrecks, rugged underwater geology, HMS Scylla and you will see why Cornwall is an international diving hotspot.

To find out where to dive in Cornwall check out www.cornishdiving.co.uk and www.saldivingcompany.com.

Kayaking and Canoeing in Cornwall

Are you a kayaking virgin or an experienced canoer? Whichever bill you fit there's somewhere for you to dip your paddles in Cornwall. Take a pleasure paddle up the calm waterways, explore the rugged coastline on a canoeing adventure or learn to surf the swells by sea kayak. To find out more visit Outdoor Adventure or Stithians Lake Watersports.

Boat Trips in Cornwall

Sit back and enjoy the scenery from the water without having to lift a finger, pull a rope or even get your shoes wet. Enjoy a marine wildlife adventure aboard a wave riding rib or bask in luxury on a 37' sportcruiser with Cornwall Power Cruises.

Or why not use Cornwall's waterways as an alternative to the car - use Fal River Linksor take the King Harry Ferry, one of only five chain ferries left in the country, and hop between destinations and attractions on the River Fal in the most exciting way possible.

The King Harry Ferry journey between Trelissick and the Roseland Peninsula was recently flagged as one of the world's top ten ferry rides!

Cycling Holidays in Cornwall

Cornwall offers the cyclist a great variety of cycling from quiet country lanes which meander through picturesque villages and ancient harbours, to more challenging off-road routes which explore the depths of the Cornish countryside.
From the genteel Camel Trail which is ideal for those with young children, to the challenging North Cornwall coastal road which provides some of the steepest gradients in the county!

Golf Holidays in Cornwall

Okay, so they say it spoils a good walk, but if you fancy chasing a ball around acres of turf then you'd be a fool not to do it on some of the most scenic courses in the UK.

Whatever your handicap, both experienced golfers and novices will abandon competitive natures and the frustration of bad play, as your focus is permanently shifted to stunning sea views, pockets of woodland and the surrounding blankets of undulating countryside.

Even if you're not inclined to seriously swing a club, there's some fantastically positioned pitch and putt greens or crazy golf courses for some family fun.

Fishing Holidays in Cornwall

One of the original stalwarts of Cornish industry, fishing is still central to local culture. The sport of fishing naturally slows your body down and lets you unwind - it's just a bonus if you are lucky to bag some fine fish on the end of your line.

Take some tips from local fishermen before you pick your spot, but whether you choose a rocky outcrop or bob off the coast on board a traditional fishing boat, you can cast away your worries and appreciate the waterlogged landscape as you wait for your dinner to snag its bait.
If coarse fishing is more your bag, then Cornwall has a plenty of superb well stocked lakes around the county, often with on-site accommodation, so you never have to carry your gear too far!

Extreme Sports in Cornwall

If you're feeling brave take the plunge and conquer an extreme sport...

Coasteering

Okay, so you're not literally going to keep your feet on dry land, but coasteering is the ultimate activity if you fancy a bit more than a sedate stroll along the coast path. As you traverse the border between land and sea you will explore remote coves and crags, clamber along barnacled ledges, plunge into swirling surf, abseil down cliff faces and scramble through coastal caves. Adrenalin-fuelled, action-packed and truly adventurous.
Sessions led by professional coasteering guides are available at The Adventure Centre in Newquay or with Activ-8 in South East Cornwall.

Wakeboarding

Experience the art of going sideways on water! With a little help from a motorboat you can harness the exhilaration of riding the face of a wave as you get towed into the wake of the boat on a surfboard-cum-snowboard. It can be a great way to learn some impressive tricks (once you've mastered the art of standing up sideways) and it's a top pastime when the water's flat.
More information available from Penhale Adventure, Falmouth Riders Club, Cornwall Water Ski and Camel Ski School.

Kite Surfing

Launch a power kite and ride across the surface of the water at the speed of the wind with your feet strapped to a surfboard. This cutting-edge action sport is a fusion of windsurfing, surfing, wake boarding and power kiting, and once you have mastered the technique the speeds and jumps attainable are absolutely mind-blowing. Since Cornwall's Andreya Wharry hit the record books when she completed the longest kite surf passage ever achieved by a woman (from Watergate Bay to County Waterford, Ireland), the sport has sailed even further into the spotlight and become synonymous with Cornwall's beach scene.
Reach new heights with Mobius and The Extreme Academy.

Mountain Boarding

As these all terrain boards carve on sand, turf, dirt and road, it comes as no surprise that mountain boarding is becoming popular on the diverse terrain of Cornwall. And what with mountain boarding being a massive hit across the globe, we really are lucky to have the land and culture of it on our doorstep. If you get a rush from surfing, skateboarding or snow boarding, you'll find this emerging sport is pure exhilaration.
Expert led sessions available at The Extreme Academy and Mobius.

Climbing

Have you got a head for heights and a nose for adventure? Be totally at one with Cornwall's rugged landscape as you climb to spectacular heights on dramatic granite cliffs and spectacular inland sites. Pioneered by A W Andrews who scaled the cliffs of West Penwith in 1939, Cornwall is the home of sea-cliff climbing and boasts rock faces for all levels of climber.

Climbing tuition is available at Outdoor Adventure in Bude, with Activ-8 in SE Cornwall and Compass West in Sennen. For listings of climbing routes visit www.ukclimbing.com.

All extreme sports should be carried out under the expert guidence of a professional.

Sailing in Cornwall

Feel the wind in your sails and take to the open seas - Cornwall is a Mecca for sailors.
Why not live the high-life and charter a sleek yacht to cruise to the idyllic Isles of Scilly or explore smugglers' coves and the sheltered waterways of the Carrick Roads? Sail a catamaran from the dock where Dame Ellen MacArthur completed her epic round-the-world record breakers or learn the ropes on a sailing dinghy.

Whatever floats your boat - the calm south or the challenging north coast swell - climb aboard and venture into the yachting world that is deeply ingrained in Cornwall's culture.

Click the link for details of sailing holidays in Cornwall or download a list of RYA approved sailing clubs in Cornwall.

Diary dates

Head for Falmouth in mid August to watch the classic boats racing in the harbour during Henri-Lloyd Falmouth Week, and join in with the partying at the apres-sail festivities.

Make your way over to Fowey to watch the streets erupt into colour for the annual Fowey Sailing Regatta, when you can watch daily sailing races and take in the display by the Red Arrows. Usually follows Falmouth week in mid August.

Surfing in Newquay and Cornwall

Get a fabulous workout as you ride the waves of one of Europe's top surfing destinations. With a variety of reef and beach breaks scattered along both the north and south coasts, there is a wave for all weather conditions and for every level of surfer.

And as the super chic image of surfing has cajoled more and more participants into the waves, it's no longer just for super cool grommets and weathered pros - grandads, parents and annoyingly good littl'uns can be found grinning in the line-up.

List of our recommended surf schools

Quick link to BSA Approved surf schools in Cornwall

Diary dates

Watch surf and skate pros in action and let your hair down at one of the music gigs or after-parties at the week long Rip Curl Boardmasters surf, skate and music festival, based at Newquay on the north coast. Held each year in August.

Cornwall Tourist Attractions

With every type of attraction that you could think of, you'll never be short of interesting and exciting places to visit in Cornwall.

There are stunning historical sites maintained by the National Trust and English Heritage, such as Lanhydrock House and Pendennis Castle. Or if you're looking for somewhere for children to let off steam try Crealy Great Advenutre Park or Dairyland Farm World, which both have a wealth of outdoor attractions plus big indoor play areas should the weather take a turn for the worst.

Cornwall has some of the best gardens to visit anywhere on the British mainland due to Cornwall's mild climate, plus the internationally renowned Eden Project.

We have national galleries and museums such as The Tate St Ives and the National Maritime Museum Cornwall at Falmouth. And with our coastal location, marine attractions such as the National Seal Sanctuary at Gweek and Blue Reef Aquarium at Newquay are well worth a visit.

Whatever your age and interests, you can find plenty of suitable places to visit in Cornwall.

St Michael's Mount

This iconic island rises gracefully to the church and castle at its summit. Accessible on foot at low tide across...

Beaches in Cornwall

Thanks to our unique position on the south west peninsula 80% of Cornwall is surrounded by water, giving us the longest stretch of coastline in the UK at 697km. So wherever you are in Cornwall a stroll across the sand or a game of beach rounders is only a maximum of 16 miles away. And with over 300 beaches to choose from you never have to visit the same one twice!

Head to the north coast if you fancy a day stretched out on a large expense of golden sand watching Atlantic waves breaking on the shore with surfers following in their wake. Or for secluded coves and sheltered bays make your way to the south coast. But rest assured - whatever beach you choose it will be blessed with the clear waters and picturesque views that put Cornwall's beaches among the best in the world.

Entertainment Venues in Cornwall

The entertainment scene in Cornwall is bursting at the seams...

If you enjoy theatre then you won't be disappointed. Cornwall has a variety of indoor and outdoor theatrical venues in spectacular locations across the county from the very best of local theatre in village halls to international performances at venues like the Hall for Cornwall or the world famous Minack Theatre.

And if clubbing is more your scene you'll be spoilt for choice. Cornwall's nightclubs offer the best in the latest dance music as well as special retro and theme nights.

Cornwall's live music scene is alive and kicking, with everything from fantastic local bands to be found playing in pubs, to the legendary Eden Sessions who this year played host to Kaiser Chiefs, The Verve, The Raconteurs and a comedy session from Bill Bailey. But if a whole weekend of sea, sun, surf and music is more your thing, then there's the likes of the Rip Curl Boardmasters, this year headlined by Groove Armada and Surfstock at St Agnes with The Gossip.

For movie lovers you can see the latest blockbuster films in cinemas across Cornwall at Penzance, Redruth, Truro, St Ives, Helston, Wadebridge, Padstow and Bude. For more specialist films you can visit The Poly in Falmouth.

But if you prefer something more active then Cornwall's range of Leisure and Sport Centres will keep you fit! There is something to meet the needs of all sporting enthusiasts or water lovers: fun pools, swimming pools, fully equipped gymnasiums, indoor and outdoor tennis, badminton, squash, volley ball, and specialist exercise classes.

Nightlife in Cornwall

Cornwall may be famous for peace and tranquility but when the sun goes down another side to Cornwall comes alive - Cornwall certainly knows how to party!

With a reputation as the ultimate party town, Newquay is the place to be if you want a big night out. This is a destination where you can let your hair down at any time of the year, and where the DJ's pump out all types of music until it's almost time to get back in the surf. From the coolest bars to the buzzing nightclubs, there are all sorts of places to get hectic on the dancefloor - click here for more details.

For a more alternative night out head to Falmouth where the local university supplies a steady stream of students to keep the party alive. The town has an eccentic mix of venues where the bars spill with live music and the varied choice of nightclubs keep night owls dancing till the early hours.

If you fancy a night of good restaurants and fine wine Truro will be your perfect destination. As the capital of Cornwall this city attracts revellers from across the county and has something to keep everyone up till dawn. Dance the night away at the L2 nightclub, relax with friends in one of the many contemporary new bars or feast your senses in one of Truro's restaurants.

Chilled, relaxed evenings by the sea are in store in the west of Cornwall at St Ives and Penzance. Take your pick from the bars and brassieres that line the streets and soak in the sociable atmosphere. If you're in need of some tunes to tap your feet too there are nightclubs in each of the town to satisfy your dancing urge.

Theatres in Cornwall

With more thespian talent than you can shake a stick at and a landscape that will blow you away, Cornwall's theatre combines the best of both worlds in some spectacular outdoor venues. Just pack a picnic and prepare for the appearance of unscripted wildlife on the stage set.

For the most famous outdoor theatre in the UK (possibly the world) head to west Cornwall where you will find The Minack Theatre carved into Porthcurno's staggering cliffs. The stage, which sees the likes of Shakespeare performances and internationally acclaimed touring theatre companies, drops straight into the Atlantic creating a spectacular backdrop and the perfect place to spot dolphins!

Or why not experience the wonders of theatre perched on Bodmin Moor at the Sterts Theatre. There's no need to worry about the weather as it's sheltered by a canopy roof, just bring a cushion, order a food hamper and sit back and enjoy the performance.

But if you like your home comforts you won't be dissapointed as Cornwall has its fair share of indoor theatres too. The Hall for Cornwall in Truro is the largest, offering a varied programme of performances from local productions to comedians, live bands, dance productions and musicals.

Family Attractions in Cornwall

Cornwall always has been, and always will be, a fantastic choice for a family holiday. Apart from a day on the beach, building sandcastles, flying kites and splashing in the water, there are a host of great places to visit that will keep your little ones occupied and fascinated for hours on end.

We know from personal experience that some places are more suited for a family day out than others, so we've highlighted some of our award winning tourist attractions for you on this page.

There are also some fantastic free parks to be found in most of the towns and villages around the county. Check with the Tourist Information Centre near to where you are staying for the best recommendations.

You can also use the search box on the right to find places to go near to where you are planning to stay.

Cornwall Tourism Awards - Tourist Attraction of the Year - Past Winners

Dairyland Farm World near Newquay
Trebah Gardens near Falmouth
Eden Project near St Austell
Newquay Zoo
Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay
Paradise Park, Hayle
National Maritime Museum, Falmouth
Crealy Adventure Park, near Wadebridge
Springfields Pony Centre, St Columb
Trevarno Estate and Gardens, near Helston
Lost Gardens of Heligan near St Austell

Art Galleries in Cornwall

As a haven for artists Cornwall has an abundance of art galleries exhibiting all things creative from intricate sculptures to life-sized masterpieces.

And in Cornwall small really is beautiful. As well as the Cornish leg of the world famous Tate Gallery in St Ives - which more than lives up to its city counterparts - Cornwall also boasts some lesser known treasures tucked away in the most unexpected of places just waiting to be pleasantly stumbled upon.

Make a visit in May during Open Studio time and you can see artists in the full throws of creativity working in anything from a former railway carriage to an old grammar school to the more orthodox barn-in-the-middle-of-nowhere.

Buy It

In pretty much any gallery there may lurk either something collectable (or just something that happens to catch your eye) but, if it's an investment you're after, try Truro's Lemon Street Gallery or the Belgrave in St Ives, or Beside the Wave in Falmouth. You can still pick up a piece by an artist guaranteed to appreciate over time, like Kurt Jackson, for example, or John Dyer.

Gardens in Cornwall

Blessed with some of the world's greatest horticultural delights, Cornwall's magnificent gardens can show you everything from wild woodland to neatly manicured lawns, the small and unusual, to the large and famous.

With over 50 gardens to choose from, which will you choose?

Historic Sites in Cornwall

Cornwall has one of the most extraordinary collections of historic sites in the UK. But don't shrug them off in search of more modern treasures - the oldest attractions are often the best.

Rumps Cliff Castle, Polzeath - although there are more than 30 examples of these Iron Age fortifications left crumbling around the county, the Rumps is the most stunning example for both its visible formation and staggering location.

The Tristan Stone, Fowey - representing a time when Christianity flooded the Cornish culture, inscribed stones such as this one began to spring up from around 450AD.

The Hurlers, Minions - one of Cornwall's most important prehistoric sites, the Hurlers is a series of stone circles standing high on Bodmin Moor.

Men-an-Tol, Morvah - West Cornwall is an area riddled with prehistoric evidence, from stone circles, settlements, inscribed rocks, and this famous holed stone that is thought to possess healing powers.
Chysauster, West Cornwall
This Iron Age settlement was originally occupied almost 2,000 years ago. Chysauster village consisted of eight stone-walled homesteads known as 'courtyard houses', found only in this part of Cornwall. The houses line a 'village street', and each had an open central courtyard surrounded by a number of thatched rooms. There are also the remains of an enigmatic 'fogou' underground passage.

Museums in Cornwall

The once tarnished image of dusty, old rooms with tired and uninteresting exhibitions couldn't be further from the truth in Cornwall. Visit a museum in Cornwall and you will see that they are a place where the past comes to life, where stories get told and treasures are uncovered.
Discover the world of Cornish maritime history at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth - go underwater in the Tidal Zone or captain your own boat at the Waterfront interactive display. Or if archaeology and social history is more your thing make a trip to the Royal Cornwall Musuem in Truro where an unwrapped Egyptian mummy stands alongside a myriad of minerals and fossils.
Many of Cornwall's towns and villages also house small and unique museums which explore a bygone era and celebrate local histories.

Food and Drink in Cornwall

Cornwall's pasty and cream tea reputation has been blown out of the kitchen as a new wave of superior gastronomic tourism has filled its plates.

Now well and truly on the international foodie-map, Cornwall's food scene has ballooned since Rick Stein first broadcast rumour of the finer ingredients produced here and Jamie Oliver opened the Fifteen Cornwall restaurant at Watergate Bay in the summer of 2006.

Sourcing food locally has become a nationwide trend to nurture the environment, and Cornwall has the highest concentration of organic and traditional food producers in Britain. The best pubs and restaurants advertise their links with local farmers and fishermen. What is local here in Cornwall is often the very best in the country.

Pubs in Cornwall

Whether you're passionate about real ales or a connoisseur of cocktails; looking for traditional, hearty pub food or contemporary cuisine, you won't need to search far in Cornwall to find a venue which suits your tastes.

Cornwall's unique combination of stunning coastline and countryside, historic fishing villages and town centres brimming with vibrant art galleries and innovative, independent shops, means that when it comes to locations you really are spoilt for choice.

Warm up by the fire at one of the many village inns on Bodmin Moor, or watch surfers catching waves at a relaxed bar overlooking the beach; join in with the local banter at a lively harbourside pub, or enjoy the vibe at a stylish new venue in the centre of town.

Restaurants in Cornwall

You will find the whole spectrum of restaurants and eating places in Cornwall - to suit all purses. Whether you are looking for a contemporary waterside bistro or a Michelin star restaurant, you will be spoilt for choice in Cornwall.

Taking pride of place on any Cornish restaurant menu is its dedication to local produce and suppliers, and with the sea being less than 16 miles from anywhere in the county it is unsurprising that the phase 'catch of the day' makes a regular appearance.
But its not just the food that has pushed Cornwall to the top of the eating out list - as the saying goes, location is everything and in Cornwall we've got it by the bucket load! Dine with a view along Cornwall's stunning coast, head inland for a lovely rural setting or try one of Cornwall's farm restaurants for a more rustic experience.

You'll never go hungry in Cornwall.

Myths and Legends in Cornwall

Cornwall is a land steeped in myths and legends, where almost every town or village has its own piece of folklore to tell.

Cornwall's most famous legend must be that of King Arthur who is believed to have been born at Tintagel Castle on the north Cornish coast. During his lifetime he reputedly defeated the Saxons in 12 successive battles, with his last battle being fought at Slaughterbridge near Wadebridge.

Another Cornish hero of a different kind features a cat called Mowzer who lived in the Cornish fishing village of Mousehole with her owner Tom. During one particularly bad winter storm the whole village faced starvation as none of the fishing boats could go to sea and bring back the mainstay of their diet: Cornish pilchards. But Tom and the courageous Mowzer braved the elements and took to the tumultuous seas to see what fish they could find and their bravery was rewarded well - not only did they bring back one of the biggest catches ever but they saved the lives of all the villagers.

Being surrounded by the sea it comes as no surprise that Cornwall has long been associated with mermaids and perhaps the most famous commemorated in the bench carvings of Zennor Church is linked to Matthew Trewhella, a chorister from Zennor, who was enticed to live with her beneath the sea. It is still said that their singing can be heard beneath the waves.