Cornwall is one of the UK’s most picturesque regions, famous for its stunning coastline dotted with lovely villages and gorgeous beaches.
Located in the southwest of England, Cornwall has become a favourite beach destination in the country and is often called the “English Riviera.”
There are so many beautiful places to see in Cornwall, and if you need suggestions on where to go, refer below for our list of the best places to see in Cornwall.
- St Ives
St Ives is a charming seaside town famous for its art scene and delightful beaches. From cobbled streets lined with whitewashed cottages to sparkling blue waters with golden sand beaches, you will find plenty of things to explore in St Ives. Most of the town’s highlights are within walking distance, allowing you to get around on foot.
The gorgeous scenery of St Ives has lured many artists to its shores. Thus, the art scene here is thriving, with many fantastic art galleries spread across the town. Of these, the Tate St Ives is the most popular. Surrounded by beautiful ocean views, the iconic art house perched above Porthmeor Beach and was established in 1993.
If you’re heading to Cornwall for the beach, you should head straight to St Ives, where you’ll find many beautiful beaches. Porthminster Beach is the most popular, especially for families. The sheltered beach has fine golden sands and shallow waters, so it’s safe enough for the little ones.
If you’re fond of wildlife, consider taking a boat trip to Seal Island from St Ives harbour. Seal Island is about 3 miles off the coast and is home to Atlantic grey seals. The seals are used to the presence of the boats, allowing you to see them up close.
- Padstow
Padstow is another beautiful seaside town to see in Cornwall. Like most Cornish towns, it has a bustling harbour, famous for its vibrant food scene and stunning scenery. It is an ideal base for exploring Padstow, as most of the town’s top attractions are only a short walk from here.
Because of its proximity to Cornwall’s north coast, Padstow served as an ancient port and played a significant role in the trading route during early times between Brittany, France, and Ireland. Nowadays, Padstow is famous for its picturesque harbour, stunning beaches, and fun Mayday celebrations.
Padstow is home to some of Cornwall’s best restaurants. Thus, one of the best things to do in Padstow is to indulge in delectable meals. You’ll find plenty of seafood restaurants in the area, where you can sample the tastiest fish and chips. After your meal, the best way to burn calories is to go for a scenic walk along the Cornish harbour. It’s a fun place to stroll around and watch people go by.
Padstow is also an ideal base for boat trips. Taking one of these trips is a fantastic way to explore North Cornwall’s wild coastline and swim in some of Padstow’s beautiful beaches.
- Polperro
Polperro is a lovely port town home to idyllic beaches attracting visitors, including families and couples. It’s also an artist’s paradise, home to beautiful buildings draped in greenery. Like most villages in Cornwall, Polperro is also home to a pretty harbour with colourful boats and turquoise waters and offers the perfect setting for enjoying a relaxing stroll.
As for accommodation, there are plenty of great places to stay in Cornwall, offering a perfect base for those who want to visit different places in Cornwall. Some of these are in Polperro, making it an ideal base for your holiday.
Polperro is long and narrow. Its main street, called The Coombe, is lined with shops and cafes, where you can enjoy snacks and refreshments after sightseeing. If you want to enjoy a refreshing dip, head down to the harbour, where you’ll find numerous beaches. There are beaches for families and remote ones, ideal for those looking for a secluded spot.
The southern coast is where you’ll find the most beautiful sandy beaches, such as Talland Bay, where you can enjoy water sports, including kayak for hire. Lansallos Beach is another ideal spot for swimming, with a waterfall on the western section of the beach.
- Penzance
Penzance used to be a hidden gem of Cornwall but is now bustling with tourists who are here for its lovely promenade, tropical gardens, and charming streets. The town is also home to the best bars and pubs in Cornwall, independent shops, and art galleries.
One of the best things to do in Penzance is swim at the Jubilee Lido pool, an art deco open-air swimming pool built in 1935. It’s one of the town’s most popular attractions and an incredible spot to take a refreshing dip on a hot day.
Another popular spot in Penzance is the Admiral Benbow Inn. It has a pub with a long smuggling history and has a pirate statue at the top. The place used to be the hiding place of smugglers.
A stroll along Chapel Street, the main street of Penzance, will reveal fascinating historical buildings, such as the Egyptian House. It’s a lovely house with Egyptian-inspired decors.
- Bude
Bude is a lovely town along the north coast of Cornwall near the border of Devon. There are many wonderful places to explore in Bude, including beautiful beaches, stunning country parks, and historic buildings.
If you’re heading to Bude for the beach, you should go to Summerleaze. It’s a large sandy beach only a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying water sports.
After spending some time at the beach, head to the Bude Sea Pool, a protected saltwater pool in Summerleaze, perfect for families with little kids. It has long been attracting visitors since the 1930s.
If you’re up for surfing, Widemouth Bay is the best beach to visit. It has a vast expanse of sand and delivers some great waves, perfect for honing your surfing skills.
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