Dive into the Cornish landscape featuring dramatic coastlines and wild open moors against the striking blue horizon backdrop. Whether you are a hiker, surfer, or beach bummer, Cornwall is the place you should visit at least once in your lifetime!
Did you know that Cornwall beaches are rated among the best in the world? Yes! And that includes all of the 300+ beaches! Also, let’s not forget the shopping scene in Cornwall. Cornwall’s eclectic and unique shopping experience will let you buy ungewöhnliche Geschenke für einen 4 Jahre Alten Jungen even!
Here is a curated list of some of the top 10 best things to do in Cornwall to make things easier for you.
1. St. Michael’s Mount
What is it? It is a cobbled causeway that connects the mainland to the middle of Mount’s bay. What initially was a Benedictine monastery is now owned by the St Aubyn family. The Mount has beautiful clifftop gardens with exotic flowers and a castle.
Why go? The Mount exhibits the rich heritage of Cornwall. The St Aubyn family inhabits the 12th-century castle to date. The causeway is accessible during low tides, so visitors can walk across the sea as the pilgrims did years ago. There is also a chapel, quaint eateries, and a bustling village you can explore.
2. Bodim
What is it? Bodim is a county in Cornwall steeped in history, boasting of two museums, a 15th-century church, and many stately homes. The Bodim & Wenford railway is Cornwall’s only steam train that allows you to enjoy the beautiful countryside during the journey.
Why go? Bodim satisfies both historical and nature enthusiasts. The Bodim Moor spans miles of walking trails covered dotted with ancient oak trees, granite boulders, and interesting stone circles. It is designated as an Area of Natural Beauty. Apart from this, Bodim has the famous Lanhydrock castle that feels like a living museum from the life of Victorian England.
3. Eden project
What is it? Two giant biomes that pop up like bubbled domes, the Eden Project is considered one of Britain’s modern architectural wonders. The two biomes house major climate systems indoors.
Why go? A project that truly marks the country’s efforts towards the environment to conservation, it is a must-visit for anybody. One of the microcosms will have the lush Amazon rain forest, while the other will host colorful flowers and citrus groves from the Mediterranean.
4. Tate St. Ives
What is it? An illustrious art gallery that showcases the work of famous artists such as Peter Lanyon, Terry Frost, Barbara Hepworth, and many others. It is known to be the hangout place of experimental artists after WWII.
Why go? The gallery explores the role of St Ives in the development of modern art. The museum added a new exhibition space that annually hosts exhibitions of one contemporary artist. Art enthusiasts will be awed by the splendid collection of artworks along with the glass-front building.
5. Kynance Cove
What is it? Located on the west side of The Lizard peninsula, the Kynance Cove is an inlet studded with rocky offshore islands rising out of the blue seas. The cove is surrounded by the reds and greens of the serpentine rock stacks against the pristine white sands.
Why go? Tourists can fully explore the cove when the tide is low. It is an excellent spot for a wild swim since the seas aren’t very rough. It is one of the most photographed places in Cornwall.
6. Eat a Pasty
What is it? Cornish Pasty is a traditionally baked pastry filled with meat and vegetables. The dish became a staple among miners in the 19th century when the wives made this ” all in one meal” for their husbands.
Why try? They say that you cannot come to Cornwell without trying a pasty. There are Cornish Pasties Championships that take place every year. The Cornish Pasty Association gives guidelines on how an actual Cornish must be from the ingredients used to the size!
7. Lost Gardens of Heligan
What is it? Spread over 200 acres, the Lost Gardens of Heligan is a horticultural wonderland. The garden comprises kitchen gardens, lawns, 25m high rhododendron, and the magnificent living structure of the Mud Maid.
Why go? The gardens are called so because it was left to despair and lost in brambles after the WWII. Considered Europe’s largest garden restoration project, the gardens were restored by Tim Smith and many gardeners and volunteers.
8. Port Isaac
What is it? The 14th-century fishing village of Port Isaac is typical of the traditional Cornish village with narrow winding streets lined with white-washed cottages.
Why go? The port is famous since it is the setting of the popular UK TV show “Doc Martin.” It recently gained more popularity after the famous Cornish Chef Nathan Outlaw opened his restaurant here.
9. Tintagel Castle
What is it? The clifftop castle is the birthplace of King Arthur, located on the rugged Northwest Cornwall coast.
Why go? There are two parts of the castle, with one part standing on a rock tower called the “island.” The two castles are connected via a wooden bridge and multiple cliff steps. It gives you a chance to experience medieval times and enjoy the view.
10. Minack Theatre
What is it? A breathtakingly beautiful clifftop amphitheatre carved into a giant lump of rock overlooking the azure-Atlantic Ocean.
Why go? The theatre was the vision of theatre-lovers Rowena Cade in the 1930s. The place is now popular for its staged plays between mid-May to September. You will experience the open-air dramas against the blue sea!
