What a list to put together! Plus, you are getting a local’s guide and inside knowledge to the most beautiful places in Cornwall. Which ones do you love the most?
Obviously, this could’ve been a long and laborious list all the most beautiful places in Cornwall, ever. Deciding not to go down the “25 most stunning locations” route is a good one though. It ensures this list is Cornwall’s creme de la creme; real examples of Cornwall showing off. It did make my life a little tough for a while though as it was originally a bit longer.
As such, this list of the most beautiful places in Cornwall isn’t exclusive. Cornwall has so much to offer and there are more blog posts coming that will showcase these places, and others, another time.
The joy of this list is that I’m taking you all over Cornwall. This isn’t just about beaches but stretches of the south west coast path with incredible views, and places of interest, that are definitely worth visiting.
These locations are offered in no particular order. First on The Great Cornish Outdoors list of most beautiful places in Cornwall is…
1. Kynance Cove
I think I’m overdue another visit here! Kynance Cove is on the Lizard Peninsula and is just one of many of the jewels in west Cornwall’s crown.
Kynance Cove, which is owned and maintained by The National Trust, is known for its serpentine islands which stretch out from the cliff face. With fabulous names like, Asparagus Island and The Drawing Room, they are a beautiful vision all year round. With tropical looking sea Kynance Cove is definitely one to add to your list.
Access to the beach is safe and clearly defined (well worn!). While the path from the car park to the beach is clear, you do need to amble over some rocks before you land on the sand. There are facilities here too, thanks for Kynance Cove Cafe. Public toilets are near the beach.
Another tip: make sure it’s low tide when you visit as you can’t access the beach when the tide is in. If you misjudge it, you can make use of the time by walking the south west coast path that runs along the perimeter of Kynance Cove. It’s stunning and I’d highly recommend it.
See The Great Cornish Outdoors comprehensive guide to Kynance Cove.
2. The Lizard Peninsula
Kynance Cove is one spot on the Lizard Peninsula which, in its entirety, is absolutely gorgeous. The peninsula itself runs from just south of Helston and right around to Polpeor. It’s about 14 miles in total. Reaching up from Kynance Cove towards Helford, this area also includes other sought after locations, such as Coverack and Cadgwith, and Mullion with it’s adjoining gold sanded beaches. Take it from me, they’re all worth visiting for both its history and scenery.
The coast path from Kynance Cove to Lizard Point and beyond is a section I’m particularly fond of, and is worth exploring. Aside from the natural beauty and thriving wildlife, The Lizard has many points of interest. There’s the old lifeboat launch and the small number of businesses on the most southerly point of the country. There’s the Lizard Lighthouse too (yes, you can go in and climb to the top!).
Open to the elements, the Lizard peninsula offers beauty and wildness. Visit in low season and like other parts of the Cornish coast, you’ll experience the anonymity that comes with stepping on remote shores and coastline. Walk the coast path and you’ll find some total gems, like Housel Bay,
3. Harlyn Bay to Treyarnon Bay
Finally experiencing the south west coast path along this part of Cornwall’s north coast was an absolute treat. The scenery and beauty blew me away and found it hard to comprehend what took me so long.
While there are inclines here, it’s mostly a walking friendly bit of coast. There’s one excellent beach after another, with Harlyn, Mother Ivey’s Bay, Constantine and Booby’s Bay. Not forgetting Trevose Head and lighthouse, of course. There’s tidal pools here too so you could stay in one place and soak up the atmosphere or amble along and be as in awe as I was when I visited.
Find out more about the coast path from Harlyn to Treyarnon Bay.
4. Bedruthan Steps
A hop and skip down the coast from Trevose is Bedruthan Steps. I love the views here of the stacks reaching out to sea.
While the beach is no longer accessible (is that ever going to be rectified?), it’s still worth a visit. With history and stories stemming back to the 14th century, the views are immense. Bedruthan Steps is home to an old clifftop mine but it’s no longer in situ so don’t expect an old wheal mine. For the more eagle eyed amongst you, there are some scattered remains of Redcliff castle if you can spot them. We’re talking big stones in the ground rather than partial remains of walls.
The biggest and most notable story connected to Bedruthan is the myth of a giant of the same name who used the stacks as stepping stones. All utter nonsense, obviously but quite fun to read about.
Fancy visiting Bedruthan Steps? You can read more about it here.
5. Roseland Peninsula
The place that’s my home, and naturally, I love it!
What I like about The Roseland peninsula is how remote it is. Similar to other parts of Cornwall that are out on a limb (St Anthony in Menage and the Rame peninsula, anyone?), it tends to be quieter than other places, like St Ives.
Even though the Roseland peninsula is out on a limb, if you make the effort you won’t be disappointed. With Mevagissey and Gorran Haven on one side and Falmouth of the other side of the water, the Roseland peninsula includes Gerrans Bay, St Mawes and St Anthony Head. Open to the English Channel with Carrick Roads and the River Fal seeping along one side, there’s plenty of coastal path to wander and quiet, sandy coves to find.
There’s also some excellent pubs and places to eat here. Personal favourites include The Standard, in Gerrans and The Plume of Feathers down the road in Portscatho. Fancy a day at a lovely beach, Carne and Pendower has enough room for all at low tide, while others may prefer Porthcurnick Beach and a visit to The Hidden Hut.
I literally have oodles of posts on places to visit and things to do on the Roseland Peninsula, including walking and running routes taking you off the beaten path.
6. Penwith Heritage Coast
What a beauty this is stretch of coast is. There are so many spots along the Penwith coast that I could talk about individually. They all deserve recognition as beautiful places in Cornwall in their own right. Doing so though would make this a totally exhaustive list.
The Penwith Heritage coast is about 40 miles in total, spanning from St Ives to Penzance. I admit, I have a soft spot for this part of Cornwall.
Take it from me, head west and you will be greeted with tropical water, ochre cliffs and rocks faces and the softest sand. The Penwith Heritage coast is incredibly pretty and boasts many places of interest. There is, of course, Pedn Vounder Beach, Porthcurno Beach, Porthgwarra and Nanjizal and the Song of the Sea Cave. Other spots include Lands End and Sennen Cove.
Popular landmarks happen here too. There’s the Minack Theatre (I’m visiting soon and would love to see The Fishermen’s Friends here) and PK Porthcurno, a fab museum documenting the important role Porthcurno had in the development of global communications.
It’s not just the coastline though. St Ives is a wonderful seaside town with the most amazing light – more on that in a moment. I rate Penzance too. Don’t be put off by the tired facade that is often associated with Penzance. It’s got some great shops, an art deco lido, the Jubilee Pool and a decent art scene. It’s definitely a yes from me.
Of course there are lots of smaller fishing villages and town inbetween St Ives and Penzance. There’s Mousehole and Porthleven, both worth a visit.
7. Wheal Coates
One of Cornwall’s most iconic sights, Wheal Coates is worth a visit and is easy to pass as part of a longer walk on the south west coast path. Now owned by the National Trust, it is one of the better known Cornwall and World Mining Heritage Sites (perhaps along with Botallack Tin Mine, which is further down the coast)
You’ll find this famous Cornish tin mine on the St Agnes Heritage Coast, between St Agnes and Porthtowan. You can actually climb inside Towanroath engine house (that’s the one in all the photos) and look at the sea below through the arch window. Sitting near the cliff edge, surrounded by the maze of paths heading along the coast or inland, with a thick morass of gorse that brings a good dose of technicolor in spring.
I’d ighly recommend a walking the St Agnes Heritage coast from Porthtowan to St Agnes. There are some climbs but it’s generally not too bad. It’s a satisfying and wholesome way to spend an afternoon, stopping for a cup of tea or ice cream at either end.
It’s also a perfect spot to sit and watch a Cornish sunset. Although on the north coast, you really can’t go wrong here.
Not far from Wheal Coates, you can enjoy this 5k circular from Porthtowan.
8. The Towans
The Towans is Cornwall’s 3 mile beach, spanning from the Hayle Estuary right up to Godrevy Point. While it’s one massive beach, there are 5 sections or named beaches here: Hayle Towans, Upton Towans, Mexico Towans, Gwithian Towans and Godrevy Towans.
Anchoring The Towans is Godrevy Lighthouse sitting out in the Atlantic on the Godrevy side. As Towans is Cornish for sand dune (tewyn in Kernowek), it will come to no surprise to learn there’s gorgeous dunes and plenty of coast sea grass offering a boundary between the beach and road. Not only that, the sand is silky soft and golden. With wind coming from the Atlantic The Towans continue to be a popular destination for surfers and bodyboarders. Excellent running events, like the Godrevy 10K and calming beach yoga happens here too. If you’re interested, check out Alicia Ray Wellbeing.
There are National Trust and privately owned car parks along the stretch of the beach. While there is plenty of parking, it can get busy and full during peak times.
9. The Helford
Hello, hidden corner of Cornwall. There’s no doubt the Helford is one of the most beautiful places in Cornwall. Don’t get me wrong, it’s popular with visitors and walkers but it is out on a limb so feels sleepy and remote.
The Helford sits between Falmouth and the Lizard Peninsula. Here you’ll find Helford village, a chocolate box-esque village with thatched cottages looking out onto Helford estuary. It’s not the only hamlet along this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You’ll find Durgan village, Port Navas and Gweek scattered along Helford Estuary.
It’s a gorgeous place to explore, and because it’s sheltered, the smaller beaches are a perfect place to launch a kayak or paddleboard. Personally, I like Grebe beach which is near Durgan and the smaller, discrete coves around Helford village.
It may be quiet and secluded but there’s some good places to eat and drink. For me, the most obvious choice is the Ferryboat Inn , or FBI. It’s in the perfect position to sit back, nurse a Cornish cider and people watch. Potager Garden is 100% a hidden gem serving wholesome hearty food and I’ve a heard good things about Holy Mackerel.
You can check out my 10k circular for The Helford here.
10. St Michael’s Mount and Mounts Bay
St Michael’s Mount is more than just a castle. Widely regarded as one of Cornwall’s most beautiful places to visit, St Michael’s Mount boasts tales of giants (again) and wayward seamen being lured into the rocks by a strumpet mermaid. At low tide, skip along the cobbled causeway and enjoy a day exploring this castle on grey rock that’s twinned with Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy. The St Aubyn family still live in the castle but it’s now owned or maintained by the National Trust.
St Michael’s Mount is just off the shore of Marazion, a lovely little Cornish coastal village. Here you’ll find a small number of shops, including one of my favourite art galleries, Summerhouse Gallery, as well as Long Rock Beach. Just so you know, amazing sunsets happen here. If you fancy staying the night, The Godolphin is a must. Rooms come with a view and excellent food is on offer.
From Marazion, you can walk to Penzance along the flat, pedestrianised seafront. Mounts Bay spans from Lizard Point to Gwennaps Head, just past Porthcurno. That’s some coastline right there and Marazion to Penzance is just a small part. That said, it’s about a 4 mile walk which is plenty for one day. There is a local bus service for your return journey if your legs are a little tired.
You can find out more about visiting St Michael’s Mount here.
LOvely website with some great photos and helpful text