Places to visit in Cornwall

No article of Cornwall’s finest destinations would be complete without a mention of Newquay, one of the nation's favourite coastal towns. The charming seaside location is scenically perched atop rugged cliffs that are lined by 12 majestic sandy beaches. These beaches are the reason that Newquay is known as the capital of surfing in the UK, and they leave visitors spoilt for choice when it comes to seaside fun.

Both trendy enough for teens and friendly enough for tots, Newquay makes for a great family resort. Boasting Cornwall’s largest zoo, an immersive aquarium, and a colourful harbour, Newquay is not short on things to see and do. Sit back and relax in one of Trenance Garden’s tea rooms or try your hand at surfing. Choose your own pace in this coastal gem, just a short drive from one of Cornwall’s best holiday parks - our very own Perran Sands.

A quaint harbour village, exotic sloping gardens, and an ancient castle to boot, St Michael’s Mount is truly a feast for the eyes. You can uncover Cornish history on this unique tidal island, which is long associated with religious pilgrimages. Make the most of your time amongst the spectacular surroundings by picnicking on the lawns, browsing the gift shops and enjoying refreshments at one of the island’s charming cafes.

Take a boat to the island at high tide. When the tide is lower, a land emerges from the sea allowing you to walk between the fortress and the mainland. It's worth noting that the site operates on a ticket-only basis and that access to the Mount and castle is restricted on Saturdays to give the villagers a well-earned rest from the steady flow of visitors.

Situated at the mouth of the Camel River, Padstow is an authentic fishing port located on the dramatic Atlantic coast. Famous for its idyllic beaches, yachting culture, scenic harbour and gourmet grub, this town is an unmissable addition to any itinerary. The harbour is at the heart of Padstow and is the perfect place to watch the ebb and flow of Cornish life and sample the local delicacies.

Home to the legendary restaurants of Rick Stein, as well as his elite cookery school, the city has been nicknamed ‘Padestein’ in honour of the celebrity chef and draws both casual punters and food connoisseurs alike. There is also plenty of natural beauty to match the culinary in the form of rugged coastline and quiet coves. Ferries also run to the upmarket village of Rock and picturesque Port Isaac, while the breath-taking beaches of Daymer Bay and Polzeath are both within walking distance, so be sure to leave some time for a trip further afield.

With its mild weather, beautiful beaches of soft white sand and dynamic art scene, St Ives ranks highly on our list of top holiday destinations in Cornwall. St Ives is known for its surfable beaches, so you can try your hand at surfing, body boarding or paddleboarding while the safe waters mean it is also suitable for young kids.

Tate St Ives gallery hosts ever-changing modern art exhibitions by the seafront while the nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is also a treat for the artistically inclined. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy trip out to Seal Island that lies just west of St Ives, to see the native seal colony.

Home to King Arthur, smugglers dens, and a world-famous waterfall, Tintagel is a destination rich in culture. The dramatic coastline and breath-taking scenery create an awesome ambience that envelops the headland on which Tintagel Castle stands. Whether or not you believe that it really is King Arthur’s legendary castle of Camelot, the ruins of Tintagel remain a spectacular sight.

The charming village below has a host of restaurants, pubs, and cafes that offer something to suit everyone's taste. Near to Tintagel is St Nectan's Kieve, a spectacular 60-foot waterfall seen through a hole in the rocks, known to be one of the most spiritual sites in the UK. We’ve got your accommodation sorted for what is undoubtedly one of Cornwall’s best places to visit.