Day out in Cornwall | 20 perfect ideas for 2024
This is your ultimate guide to the perfect day out in Cornwall. The beautiful south-western stretch of land in the UK is filled with incredible experiences, unique country houses, timeless castles, quirky places and, of course, hidden gems. Deciding to explore Cornwall for a few days away from big cities can restore your mind. Enjoy the beauty of St. Ives, the galleries, old steam trains, families theme parks and unique locations to stay in Cornwall.
Among the many options, you can decide to stay in a typical Cornish Cottage or upgrade your accommodation with a memorable Seaview. Worth mentioning that Cornwall is a romantic destination in the UK. Surprise your other half with the perfect vacation in Cornwall, exploring picturesque villages on the coast. Leave your car at home and embrace your weekend trip to Cornwall, or use it as the perfect getaway from London in the UK. This and more in our guide to the best Cornwall day out.
25 best days out in Cornwall
Basic information about Cornwall
- How to get to Cornwall
- Where to stay in Cornwall
- Where is Cornwall
- 20 Ideas for a perfect day out in Cornwall
Also check...
Things to do in Cornwall
- Have a cornish pasty
- Eden Project
- Experience a Theatre performance on the cliffs
- Walk on the South Western Coast Path
- Day out at Land’s End
- Ride a bike on the Camel Trail
- Bodmin & Wenford Railway
- Mysteries of the Lost Gardens of Heligan
- The hidden waterfall at Saint Nectan’s Glen
- Cotehele Estate
- Victorian Manors of Lanhydrock
- Tintagel Castle and the King Arthur tales
- Enjoy the view from Pendennis Castle
- Marvel at St Michael’s Mount
- Enjoy a Day trip to St. Ives
- Enjoy the sunset at Godrevy Point
- Visit the Scilly Isles
- Tresco Abbey Garden
- Visit Kynance Cove
- Charlestown Shipwreck Museum
- Explore the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
- Seals watching at Mutton Cove
- Visit the gorgeous beaches in Cornwall
- Sunset at Treyarnon Bay
- Surfing in Cornwall
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Where is Cornwall
Cornwall is in southwestern England, a beautiful peninsula washed by the Atlantic Ocean. One of the most significant towns in Newquay, very lively and fun.
How to get to Cornwall
It is straightforward to reach Cornwall from London. The whole trip might take you about 5 hours and a half to reach Newquay from London and drive for 260 miles. The easiest way to get to Cornwall by train is from Paddington to Truro and rent a car in Cornwall. The train journey only takes about 4 to 5 hours and is a pleasant landscape.
It is good to know that the closest airport in Cornwall is Newquay, served by direct services from around the country and the rest of Europe (Germany, Denmark, Spain and Portugal). Internal flights take you from London Gatwick and Manchester airports to Newquay. The flight takes about 1 hour. There are also chances to get occasional cheap flights through Flybe from Newcastle, Edinburgh and Birmingham within England.
Where to stay in Cornwall
There are many options for the perfect Cornwall holiday. We suggest you look into Classic Cottages options and a more luxury alternative, Cornwall cottages with sea views.
Thanks to the diverse landscape, you can choose wide for your accommodation. For example, while going on a road trip in Cornwall, you can mix the experiences, having the best of the two options.
20 Ideas for a perfect day out in Cornwall
Have a cornish pasty
No days out are memorable without good food. The Cornish pasty is definitely one of the local delicatessens. Even if you can have this dish everywhere in the country today, nothing is better than experiencing it at a local bakery.
While exploring countries, we always try to adapt to local food, sharing the culture and traditions at best. Write down the Cornish pasty as one of Cornwall’s best things to do.
Eden Project
It might be a sound future or unrealistic, but the Eden Project is real. This incredible natural paradise is a conservatories bubble, a garden that will take you to a different dimension.
The Eden Project is one of the most popular attractions in Cornwall, located about 5 Kilometres away from St. Austell. The project is the ideal day out in Cornwall for families or curious travellers. The vast bubbles protect various ecosystems.
It’s a portal to multiple worlds, with South African flora in one conservatory, Mediterranean fruits in another, and a rainforest ecosystem in another. The most exciting section is the Canopy Walkway Rainforest.
It is a true learning centre where you can find interesting stories about plant growth, wine production, harvesting processes, how is created the paper that we use daily, different feeds, and climate conditions.
Check the Eden Project.
Experience a Theatre performance on the cliffs
There is a whole ancient theatre constructed on the cliffs into the rocks. This is one of the most unusual things to do in Cornwall, as nobody expects such beauty. So if you are looking for unique ideas for the perfect day out in Cornwall, the Minack Theatre is ideal for you.
This open-air amphitheatre built on the cliff facing Porthcurno Bay is a breathtaking place. The 180-degree view stretches from the Bay to Logan Rock, having one of the most exciting landscapes on the Southwestern coast.
You will enjoy memorable plays from the significant English playwrights. Minack Theatre is perfect for visiting Cornwall in summer and having unique experiences in England.
Walk on the South Western Coast Path
Day out at Land’s End
As you might understand, this is the end of the Westside of England and the furthest southerly point. The scenery is magical and often busy during bank holidays. You can walk through the South West Coast Path or cycle through it. The end cycle point is known as “John O’Groats to Land’s End”.
We love the scenery, which is breathtaking and perfect for every photography enthusiast. Don’t forget your camera at home, and you can also take a tripod for better quality and stand against the wind. One of the quirky things to do in Cornwall is to visit the Alpacas at Greeb Farm.
Ride a bike on the Camel Trail
If you are looking for more family activities, you should take your bike on the Camel Trail. The path in Wadebridge, between Padstow and Bodmin, is about 18 miles trail through some of the most beautiful scenery in Cornwall.
An ideal exploration for the perfect day out in Cornwall, for families, solo or couples. You can also rent a bike if you don’t have any chance to take yours with you. The Camel Trail follows the Camel River through its estuary. A walk or bike ride around greenery, hills and forest ending on the shoreline. The flat path is ideal for beginners or experienced riders, very safe and enjoyable.
Mysteries of the Lost Gardens of Heligan
Back in 1990, Europe’s largest garden Restoration Project. 200 acres of natural beauty and paradise that will leave you astonished. As you might understand, the garden until 30 years ago or so was lost under dense vegetation that secluded the invaluable wonder.
The vibrant landscape and beautiful nature walks and trails will get you lost in a different environment. Enjoy the bamboo tunnels and live the adventure through the forest, admire a few little lakes and the wild atmosphere filled with subtropical tree ferns. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are located near Mevagissey, a wonderful place to spend a few nights in Cornwall.
Hop on the Steam Train at Bodmin & Wenford Railway
This heritage railway is one of the most picturesque in Great Britain. The traditional railway opened in 1834 and was once used only for goods transport purposes; today, the most famous Cornwall Railway hosts incredible events on the carriages for unique journeys around the South-West Coast.
Hop on the steam train, even be the driver for one day, looking at the landscape from a unique perspective. Have a look at the official website to find all the events and activities on Cornwall’s largest steam railway.
Tickets are not expensive, with an adult cost of just £18.50 and £9.50 per Childs. You can take your dog with you on this journey and participate in events and games.
Waterfalls and Trails at Saint Nectan’s Glen
This is, for many, one of the most interesting areas in Cornwall, definitely one of the most pristine natural areas in the whole country. Saint Nectan’s Glen is nearby Tintagel, and you can create a perfect itinerary in a day through this spot and the Castle. The woodland is not extensive but still worth roaming around the natural beauties. Inside the small patch, a long waterfall, the St. Nectan’s Kieve, stretches for almost a mile.
The most exciting area is where the river emerges from a sixty-foot waterfall through a hole through the rocks. Worth mentioning that Saint Nectan’s Glen is one of the most fascinating places to photograph.
Discover the best waterfalls in Cornwall
Despite what you think there are many great activities to do in Cornwall. The Southwestern area offers opportunities for every kind of explorer, adult and kid.
Waterfalls are one of those things that can change your day. Check out the Golitha Falls, a Site of Special Scientific Interest that has many falls worth a day out. Other cascades are the St. Nectan’s Glen and the Pentargon Waterfalls, spectacular. Kennall Vale Nature Reserve has got its piece of a waterfall just into the beautiful oak forest.DONE
Take a tour of the ancient Cotehele Estate
The Edgecumbe family built this original Manor House in 1458 is the perfect day out in Cornwall. The beautiful land jealously guards an enclosed courtyard worth the entrance ticket alone.
The most delicate decorations, filled with armour, draping tapestries and Epoque furniture, will transport you back in time, making you live a great experience in old fashioned England. The Mediaeval house is on the east side of Cornwall and today belongs to the National Trusts. Enjoy a walk around the estate, stroll on the riverbank of the Tamar, enjoy an excursion on a kayak or visit the nearby Jeans Family Farm for the friendly Alpaca. Enjoy a whole day experience around this part of Cornwall.
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Victorian Manors of Lanhydrock
Filled with fine Victorian architecture, you can’t go wrong visiting Lanhydrock while exploring Cornwall. The beautiful manors date back to the 17th century and attract thousands of tourists every year. It doesn’t matter the season. Visiting Cornwall in spring, you should take advantage of over 900 acres of lively and colourful estate, embellished by unique gardens, exceptional for nature lovers and for visitors looking for days away from the chaos of big cities.
Tintagel Castle and the King Arthur tales
Location of myths and legends, Tintagel Castle, is well known for the King Arthur tales. The mediaeval structure is part of English Heritage, is surrounded by a breathtaking landscape in North Cornwall. Not far away from the small village Titangel, the fortification is on a peninsula washed by the sea on three sides and connected to the land by a tiny stretch.
Enjoy the walk through the Castle walls or explore the sandy beach leading to Merlin’s Cave, which runs beneath the remains or experience traversing the bridge over a falling drop between the mainland and the remains.
Underground at Geevor Tin Mine
It might not be the most intriguing idea for the perfect day out in Cornwall, but it is still enjoyable. Geevor Tin Mine is the largest preserved mining site in the country, and it was in operation between 1911 and 1990. The Cornish mines secluded the history of industrial England, facing the coasts of Pendeen.
Go underground with an experienced guide discovering the miner’s life through tight corridors and rock quarry. The Geevor Tin Mine also has a diverse collection of rocks, minerals and mining tools. You can learn the history of this place through maps, videos, photos and paperwork collected by volunteers and passionate people.
Enjoy the view from Pendennis Castle
On top of the promenade looking at Falmouth Bay, there is Pendennis Castle. Once upon a time, this was one of Henry VIII’s coastal castles. Situated right on the coast with stunning cliff-top vistas is often called ‘Fortress Falmouth’, which used to be a defence point.
A Cornwall Guide can’t miss Pendennis Castle, one of the most exciting days out on the southern-western coast, ideal for families and curious travellers.
To be fair, the whole Falmouth area is fantastic. The county experiences many events that gather people from all over England and not only.
Marvel at St Michael’s Mount
This has been on our England bucket list for so long. St. Michael’s Mount is an island full of mysteries and legends, with a history told by thousands of years. You can enjoy St. Michael’s Mount at sunrise or sunset, giving you an incredible magical landscape. The only way to access the island is through a causeway hidden by the tide and directly connects the tiny island to the mainland. Once stepped into town, you will be welcomed by little gift shops and a local artisan emporium.
The narrow cobblestone paths that take you to the top of the Castle seem still in time, making this location one of the most suggestive in the country and the perfect Cornwall day out. Finally, you can visit the castle interior, admiring the wooden flooring, the rich draperies and furniture. Visiting St Micheal’s Mount is an iconic day trip in Cornwall. Check about the entrance tickets and book them in advance.
Walk to St. Michael’s Mount at low tide
We have just introduced you to these unique things about St. Michael’s Mount. You can visit the Castle just on low tide. Walk on the causeway that is usually hidden by the wave. However, there is still the option to visit the tiny island other times, when there is high tide taking a boat paying a small fee.
Enjoy a Day trip to St. Ives
From an authentic gem of Cornwall to another, St. Ives. Located on the extreme west side of Cornwall, the town has inspired artists from everywhere. Today you can explore galleries and exhibitions all over the art shops around the city. Worth knowing that there is a subsidiary of the Tate Modern of London, the Tate St. Ives, featuring some of the most incredible masterpieces of modern artists.
St. Ives is one of the best things to do in Cornwall, and these are some of the reasons. This Tate St. Ives is known for its modern and contemporary art collections. Painting and sculptures are aligned with modern styles from well-known artists and less popular but talented ones; you can find works by Matisse and Rothko, among the others.
Enjoy the sunset at Godrevy Point
An incredible scenic landscape with extremely dramatic rock faces, white sandy beaches and attractive natural features. Spend the rest of your day exploring the Cornish peninsula at the Godrevy Point. The sun going down gives you a spectacular landscape with the 19th-century lighthouse on the cliffs as the only solitary actor of a gorgeous play.
Visit the Scilly Isles
Not far away from the coasts of Cornwall, there is a series of Islands in the Channel. Ideally, you visit the island between spring and summer to take advantage of the beautiful beaches and the local fauna. It’s easy to spot seals, puffins and other species. The Scilly Isles are 5 islands within 45 Km southwest of the Cornish peninsula. This is the ideal day out in Cornwall and is reachable by light planes, ferry or sailing in a paradisiac turquoise blue water scenery.
Tresco Abbey Garden | Isle of Scilly hidden gem
We couldn’t miss mentioning the Tresco Abbey Garden on the Isle of Scilly. This beautiful hidden gem in Cornwall is a natural marvel created and curated around the ruins of an 11th-century abbey. The garden has been there since 1830, guarding an unusual lush subtropical flora, impossible to find somewhere else within England.
The history of this place is fascinating, starting with a Benedictine priority transformed into a subtropical location about 600 hundred years later. Today the garden hosts about 20,000 species of fauna, with some coming from the desert and other exotic locations.
Visit Kynance Cove
An incredible scenery will open in front of you while walking from Lizard Village on the South West Coast Path. Kynance Cove is not often on the Cornwall guides but is worth visiting. The beach is ideal for summertime and to try some water sports. The nearest point to park the card is Lizard Point, which offers parking on pay by phone or at the local machine that is coin only. The lizard peninsula is beautiful, and its natural environment is ideal for long walks and family activities.
Charlestown Shipwreck Museum
Without a doubt, Charlestown shipwreck museum is one of Cornwall’s most intriguing sites to visit. You will be astonished by over 150 wreck sites that yielded tens of thousands of rescued objects, ranging from cash barrels to ornate artwork that formerly decorated a palace.
The Charlestown Shipwreck Museum is located beneath tunnels that flow clay onto moored vessels. It’s an unmissable location to visit while exploring Cornwall.
Quirky things in Cornwall: explore the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
You might barely believe that in Boscastle, there is a whole museum dedicated to witchcraft and magic practices. The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic is an exciting location that showcases magic objects, books, and instruction of rituals and ceremonial.
This is a fantasy world dedicated to the magic topic and complete immersion into the history of the practice.
Seals watching at Mutton Cove
Even if you can spot seals all over Cornwall, Mutton Cove is definitely an excellent watching point to admire the mammals. This part of the country is famous for hosting one of the largest colonies of common grey seals.
To have the best experience, we suggest visiting Mutton Cove from December to March; however, you might spot seals all year round. Please be mindful and leave in peace these animals, giving them space in their natural habitat. Watch the seals from a fair distance and keep your dogs with you at all times.
Visit the gorgeous beaches in Cornwall
Right after introducing you to the beach of Kynance Cove, we couldn’t miss giving you tips on the best beaches in Cornwall. Ideal for summertime, the beaches in Cornwall are among the best in the entire country. Write down these, and you will experience an extraordinary stretch of sand that you barely believe are in England.
Best beaches in Cornwall:
Sunset at Treyarnon Bay
Treyarnon Bay is well known among locals as one of the best beaches on the southwest coast. The Bay is located about 11 miles away from Newquay, which takes you around half an hour to reach the location.
The peaceful stretch of golden sand is full of locals, adventures and van life lovers, often with dogs. It’s a family-friendly location, busy in summer, but pleasing also at other times of the year.
There are many opportunities to stay overnight at Treyarnon Bay, with 3 and 4-star hotels. Among all the things to do in Treyarnon Bay, the top over just lay on the sand is to walk on the South West Coast Path. As you might understand, the walk takes you around the South West Coast, exploring the wild nature and the breathless seaside.
Surfing in Cornwall
This might not be the first thing coming up in your mind, but surfing is an activity you can plan for a day out in Cornwall.
Many consider Cornwall the best surf spot in the UK. Some of the best beaches to check out are definitely Finestral and Constantine Beach.
Ideas for beginners and experts, the coasts of Cornwall can give you pleasant moments and fun.
Other beaches to consider for surfing in Cornwall:
Summer Escape | Drive-in Cinema at Watergate Bay
Visiting Cornwall in summer, you can’t miss a very old-fashioned activity, but very interesting. The Wavelength drive-in cinema is perfect if you are looking for romantic things to do in Cornwall, staying at Watergate Bay, just a short drive from Newquay.
You will not get the news movie, but some good cult classic.
Pack your dinner, drive-in and enjoy the movie with your partner, or take your new date for a very romantic one.
Q&A Day out in Cornwall
u003cstrongu003eWhat is on for kids in Cornwall?u003c/strongu003e
Best activities in Cornwall with kids:u003cbru003eEden Projectu003cbru003ePirate’s Quest, Newquayu003cbru003eBodmin u0026amp; Wenford Railwayu003cbru003eBlue Reef Aquarium, Newquayu003cbru003eParadise Park and JungleBarnu003cbru003eDairyland Farm Worldu003cbru003eGreeb Farmu003cbru003eFlambards Theme Park
u003cstrongu003eWhat is the prettiest village in Cornwall?u003c/strongu003e
15 of the u003cemu003eprettiest villages in Cornwallu003c/emu003e:u003cbru003eFowleyu003cbru003ePorthlevenu003cbru003eSt. Ivesu003cbru003eMouseholeu003cbru003ePort Isaacu003cbru003eBoscastleu003cbru003eZennoru003cbru003ePadstowu003cbru003eMevagissey – Perfect Cornish fishing villageu003cbru003ePortloeu003cbru003eMarazionu003cbru003eCharlestownu003cbru003eFalmouthu003cbru003eCoveracku003cbru003eCadgwithu003cbru003ePolperro
u003cstrongu003eIs the Eden Project worth visiting?u003c/strongu003e
u003cstrongu003eYes! The Eden Project is definitely worth it.u003c/strongu003e The pioneering project will show you to another world, completely immersed in nature. You should spend about three to four hours roaming around the areas and most of the time in the Rainforest Biome. We assure you will learn a lot in a short time visiting the Eden Project.
u003cstrongu003eWhat is the best town to stay in Cornwall?u003c/strongu003e
The best towns to stay in Cornwall:u003cbru003eNewquayu003cbru003eSt Ivesu003cbru003ePenzanceu003cbru003eBodminu003cbru003eTrurou003cbru003eHelford River
u003cstrongu003eWhich is better, St Ives or Newquay?u003c/strongu003e
Depending on what you are looking for, St. Ives can be a quiet place, perfect for slow-paced travellers and families. Newquay is one of the most famous cities in Cornwall and an excellent point to start a road trip along the coast.
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