Things to do in St Agnes

Just like many beaches in Cornwall, Trevaunance Cove is a stunning mix of turquoise waters and sandy beach, overlooked by mighty cliffs. It’s the main beach in St Agnes and popular with surfers. Bring your dog along, as they’re welcome all year round. 

Start at the top of the cliffs where there are paid parking spots, then make your way onto the sandy, shingly beach. Explore the caves and rock pools! Then when you need recharging, pop to the nearby beach pub and cafe.

Seen as a bit of a St Agnes landmark, the Wheal Coates Tin Mine engine room shaft is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an icon of Cornwall. It opened in 1802 where locals mined tin ore from 600ft underground, which was sent to nearby engine rooms to be crushed and processed into metal. The existing engine room actually stopped water from filling the deep shaft and kept miners as safe as possible. It closed in 1889 and these impressive ruins are what’s left of it today. If you look down onto the beach below, you might spot evidence of prehistoric mining, too! 

The path up to the mine is quite uneven, so wheelchair users take care. There's standard and blue badge parking nearby and dogs are welcome to join you for your exploration.

The free-to-enter museum here in Aggie is rather impressive, with over 6500 items relating to all aspects of local Cornish living. Learn about the mining industry, local folklore, old religious practices, and social history and ways of life. 

There’s a beautiful collection of paintings from the Opie collection here, as well as the option to leaf through old family records of the people who lived in St Agnes and nearby villages. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop before you go!

For fun at sea, book a guided tour with Koru Kayaks. You’ll start at Trevaunance Cove and head either east or west, depending on the weather conditions. On your trip, you’ll navigate rocky cliff faces, explore caverns, and splash past beautiful Cornish beaches with a dip in the sea during summer, if you like. If you’re lucky, you might spot seals, dolphins, and basking sharks! Throughout your trip, you’ll be in safe hands - Koru Kayaking works closely with the local RNLI lifeguards. Kids from 10 years old can join in the fun, though it’s important they’re always accompanied by an adult. 

Book your spot in advance!

We couldn’t mention things to do in St Agnes without tempting you into the Peterville Inn. It’s stood in the heart of the village for over 200 years, where it used to be the local haunt for miners. Now, it’s a cosy pub offering fantastic grub where local ingredients are front and centre. 

On a sunny day, enjoy lighter bites out on the deck, or come inside for a hearty meal when the weather turns cold and warm your feet in front of the wood fire. Dishes are seasonal, with meat, fish, and vegetarian options. Wash it down with a special drink, mixed by their very own mixologist.

If you want to swap a bucket and spade for boots and a saddle, give horse riding a try. Even if you’re never been before, Goonbell has trainers on hand and ready to help you get acquainted with their horses! Book a 30-60 minute riding lesson where you’ll match up with a horse that’s just right for your age and ability. If you’re up for it, try a ‘hack’, which is a ride out onto footpaths and bridleways.  

For younger horse fans who prefer to keep two feet on the ground, there are special events you can try, even if you’re new to the world of horses. Pony Club is for ages 4-16—learn how to groom horses, take part in practical activities, and learn all about horses with mini-lectures. You’ll need to book in advance and arrive a little bit earlier than your booked time so you can get your gear on before you ride.