Cornwall holidays

How to Reach Cornwall

By Car

Getting to Cornwall by car is straightforward, as it's well linked by road to many parts of the UK. The main route is the A30, which takes you from the M5 motorway at Exeter all the way to Penzance. There's also the A38 that connects Plymouth with Bodmin. Just a heads up, during the holiday season, the roads can get quite busy, so it's a good idea to plan ahead.

By Train

Great Western Railway (GWR) runs regular train services to Cornwall from London Paddington, passing through key towns like Truro, St Austell, and Penzance. If you're keen on overnight travel, the Night Riviera Sleeper service is a handy option from London. You’ll also find connections from cities like Bristol, Birmingham, and Exeter.

By Coach

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, National Express and Megabus offer coach services to Cornwall from various towns in the UK. Just keep in mind that the journey might take a bit longer than by train or car.

By Air

Newquay Cornwall Airport is the main airport serving Cornwall, with flights coming in from places like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and other UK cities. You can also find seasonal flights from Europe. The airport is well-serviced by buses and taxis to major towns.

• Flight time: Direct flights from London to Newquay take about an hour, which is similar for other major cities like Manchester and Newcastle.

• Transfer time: If you’re catching a bus from the airport to the town centre, it takes around 25 minutes, while a taxi ride will take about 15 minutes. Buses also connect the airport with other areas of Cornwall.

• Price: The bus fare from the airport to Newquay town centre is roughly £5, while a taxi will set you back about £15 to £20.

By Ferry

If you're coming from the Isles of Scilly, you can hop on the Scillonian III passenger ferry, which sails between St Mary's and Penzance. It’s a lovely, scenic way to arrive in Cornwall.

With a bit of planning, you can kick off your Cornwall getaway without a hitch.

Weather and Best Time to Visit Cornwall

• Spring (March to May): This is a lovely time to visit, as the beautiful plants and shrubs along the south coast are in full bloom. Plus, the coastal walks are a joy without the summer crowds.

• Summer (June to August): Cornwall enjoys some of the warmest summer temperatures in Britain, often reaching between 18°C to 23°C. The sea is typically at its warmest, and rain tends to be less frequent. Although it’s peak tourist season, it’s ideal for surfing and beach activities.

• Autumn (September to November): The changing colours of autumn create a stunning landscape, especially on the moors. Just be mindful of strong winds, which can be quite chilly.

• Winter (December to February): This is the quietest time of year, and while it can be wet and windy, you might catch some breathtaking coastal views. Average temperatures range from 4°C to 9°C, with the odd milder day.

Practical Information

• Spoken languages: English is the main language you'll hear, and while Cornish is acknowledged, it's not commonly spoken.

• Local habits and customs: The people of Cornwall are generally laid-back but take great pride in their heritage. Many shops in smaller towns tend to close early, and some have reduced hours on Sundays.

• Health and safety: Cornwall is a safe place to explore, but be cautious when walking along the coastal cliffs. The currents can be powerful, so it’s advisable not to swim alone.

• Currency: They use the British Pound Sterling (£). You’ll find ATMs all over, and credit/debit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

• Getting around: While you can get around Cornwall by bus and train, services might be infrequent in rural areas, especially on Sundays. A standard bus fare in urban areas starts at around £2.50. For more flexibility, thinking about renting a car could be a good shout.

• Time zone: Cornwall follows GMT, switching to British Summer Time from late March to late October.

Best things to do in Cornwall

The UK's magnificent southwestern peninsula, Cornwall's stunning coastline embraces everything from incredible beaches and bijou fishing ports to a huge variety of outdoor pursuits – not least surfing and walking. But art and culture vultures need not worry – there's plenty of that too.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Land's End: There's a lot of brouhaha at Land's End, but mainland Britain's most southerly point still preserves its unspoilt scenic grandeur.

• St Michael's Mount: This doughty edifice perched on a granite promontory is besieged by the sea at high tide, which is why it's so much fun getting here: either by ferry at high tide or on foot along the cobblestoned causeway at low tide.

The best districts

• St Ives: With its higgledy-piggledy flower-decked lanes, ubiquitous galleries and stunning beaches, St Ives has a little something for everyone.

• Padstow: Padstow's compact dimensions and harbour ambience make it a fabulous place to visit any time of year, not to mention the fact that it's the seafood capital of the county.

Museums

• National Maritime Museum: There's no getting away from boats in Cornwall, and this fine museum in Falmouth is crammed to the rafters with craft of every description.

• Tate St Ives: The town's – if not the county's – greatest cultural asset, Tate St Ives consummately fulfils its role as the region's primary showcase for challenging, locally-based art.

Parks and gardens

• The Lost Gardens of Heligan: An awesome display of greenery waits at the Lost Gardens, with marvellously abundant palm trees, giant Himalayan rhododendrons and immaculate vinery.

• Trebah Garden: A sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop, Trebah is perfect for a peaceful walk among exotic plants and trees.

Historical monuments

• Tintagel Castle: The cradle of Arthurian legends, this ruined fortress – actually Norman in origin – is redolent of epic deeds, and has great views to boot.

• Pendennis Castle: Guarding the entrance to Falmouth and the Carrick Roads estuary, this grand fortification endured one of the Civil War's harshest sieges.

Day trips in the area

• Eden Project: The hype, for once, is justified – located in a reclaimed clay pit, Eden is everything it's cracked up to be, and more.

• Minack Theatre: Perched on a clifftop, this mini-amphitheatre hewn out of the rock makes a memorable venue for drama and music productions. A date here is not to be missed.

Things to do in different parts of the region

• Surfing in Newquay: Known as the surf capital of the UK, Newquay offers excellent conditions and schools for both beginners and experienced surfers.

• Lizard Point: England's southernmost cape has a bracing, windswept appeal, with exhilarating walks and a diverse range of flora.

Activities for families in Cornwall

For families looking for a good mix of beach fun, cultural or educational experiences, and outdoor adventures, Cornwall ticks all those boxes big time.

• Beaches: Cornwall's magnificent beaches range from grand sweeps of sand confronting ranks of surfer-friendly rollers to intimate creeks and coves away from the crowds. Popular family beaches include Porthmeor in St Ives and Polzeath Beach near Padstow.

• Aquariums and zoos: Newquay Zoo provides a useful opportunity to learn about the zoo's conservation and breeding programmes, while Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary near St Ives is home to otters, penguins, red pandas and more.

• Museums: One place kids will love – especially Harry Potter fans – is the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, where you can delve into the world of sorcery at this fascinating collection.

Free things to do in Cornwall

You won't have to just resort to the beaches to find free things to do on your Cornwall holidays – there are loads of other outdoor pursuits, as well as events and cultural offerings that won't cost a penny.

• Beachcombing: A day spent beachcombing or rock-pooling at low tide at any of the region's beaches is a fantastic (free) way for kids and adults alike to learn about marine biology and the local ecosystem. Or you could try your hand at some crabbing.

• Walking Trails: Cornwall is crisscrossed with spectacular walking paths which are all access free – the only time you may have to whip out that wallet is for a well-earned pub pit stop.

• Heritage Sites: Explore the historical ruins of old tin mines scattered across the landscape, like those at Wheal Coates near St Agnes, which are open to the public for free.

• Cultural Festivals: Depending on the time of year, you're almost certain to catch a free festival or event, the most enjoyable of which are the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival and the St Ives September Festival, while Newquay's pilot (or gig) races are hugely entertaining affairs.

Nature and outdoor activities in Cornwall

If you're looking for a piece of the action, Cornwall has it all. The tracts of rugged wilderness inland combine with miles of dramatic coastal cliffs and beaches to make the region the destination of choice for adventure enthusiasts of every hue.

• Hiking and walking: The South West Coast Path can be tough going, but there are some delightful spots where it's enough just to sit and gape at the scenery. Among these is Hartland Point – once seen, never forgotten.

• Cycling: The Camel Trail is the best-known of a web of cycle tracks weaving across the peninsula, some of them following old mining trails.

• Water sports: Cornwall can boast some of the finest surfing in the country – here's looking at you, Newquay – not to mention more select sports such as kitesurfing and waveskiing.

• Bird watching: The county's estuaries and coastal areas, such as the Hayle Estuary RSPB reserve, are excellent for bird watching, especially during migratory periods, while swarming colonies of seabirds from petrels to puffins have made the Isles of Scilly archipelago their own.

• Rock Climbing: The granite cliffs at Sennen Cove and the rugged tors on Bodmin Moor offer challenges for novice and experienced climbers alike.

Discover Cornwall's stunning beaches

Cornwall boasts some of the most picturesque and diverse beaches in the UK, perfect for a memorable holiday getaway. Whether you're seeking golden sands, hidden coves, or rugged coastlines, Cornwall has it all. Here's a guide to help you explore the best beaches this beautiful region has to offer:

Golden sands and family-friendly fun

Cornwall is renowned for its wide stretches of golden sands, ideal for families and sun-seekers alike. Here are some top picks:

• Porthminster Beach, St Ives: A Blue Flag beach with calm waters, great for swimming and sunbathing.

• Fistral Beach, Newquay: Famous for its surf, this beach is perfect for those looking to catch some waves.

• Perranporth Beach: Offers three miles of golden sands, perfect for long walks and beach games.

Secluded coves and romantic escapes

For those seeking a quieter and more intimate beach experience, Cornwall has numerous hidden coves and romantic spots:

• Kynance Cove: Known for its turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, it's one of Cornwall's most photographed beaches.

• Lantic Bay: A secluded gem near Fowey, accessible via a scenic coastal path.

• Porthcurno Beach: Nestled in a dramatic valley, with soft white sands and clear waters.

Surfing and water sports hotspots

Cornwall is a paradise for surfers and water sports enthusiasts. Here are some beaches renowned for their waves and activities:

• Watergate Bay: Ideal for kite surfing and kite buggying, with plenty of space for beach games.

• Sennen Cove: Offers excellent surfing conditions and stunning coastal views.

• Polzeath Beach: A popular spot for surfers of all levels, with surf schools available for beginners.

Dramatic clifftop views and coastal walks

Experience Cornwall's rugged beauty with a stroll along its coastal paths, offering breathtaking views and access to hidden beaches:

• Bedruthan Steps: Famous for its towering sea stacks and panoramic coastal views.

• Godrevy Beach: Explore the coastal paths and enjoy views of the iconic lighthouse.

• Tintagel Beach: Beneath the legendary Tintagel Castle, this beach offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty.

Plan your beach adventure in Cornwall

Whether you're looking to relax on golden sands, explore secluded coves, catch some waves, or enjoy coastal walks, Cornwall's beaches cater to every preference. Start planning your Cornwall holiday and discover why its beaches are among the best in the UK.

Local dishes in Cornwall

One of the great delights of holidays to Cornwall is the chance to indulge in the peninsula's magical seafood, but there are also any number of other very local, and very traditional, dishes of which you can avail yourself.

Some typical dishes

• Cornish Pasty: Cornwall's greatest export, these delicious morsels are neatly crimped on the rounded edge and filled with gravy-soaked steak, turnip and potato.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Crab Sandwiches: Nothing beats a sandwich stuffed full of fresh Cornish crab, typically served with a squeeze of lemon and a salad on the side.

• Stargazy Pie: A fish pie with the heads and tails of the fish – traditionally pilchards or mackerel – sticking out of the pastry. Tradition has it that it originated after a local fisherman returned from a fierce storm with seven types of fish, which were then cooked in a pie with their heads sticking out for easy identification.

Street food

• Fish and Chips: There's barely a town or village where you won't be able to get this classic British dish: fresh cod or haddock fried in a crispy batter, served with thick-cut chips, and with a generous sprinkling of salt and vinegar.

Sweets and desserts

Made with local clotted cream, Cornish ice cream is creamier and more indulgent (and, be warned, fattening) than your average ice cream; also worth trying is Cornish saffron cake, a heavy loaf baked with currants and saffron.

Local drinks

• Cornish Ale: Cornish ale is ace, with breweries like St. Austell and Sharp's producing a range of ales from traditional bitters to more modern craft beers.

• Cornish Cider: Among local ciders, Cornish Rattler from Healey's Cyder Farm outside Newquay has achieved nationwide fame, while you're all but guaranteed to see other local ciders and perries (pear ciders) in pubs and farm shops.

• Mead: One of the oldest drinks in the world, mead is made locally and often associated with the region's Celtic heritage.