Cornwall, located in the southwestern tip of England, is one of the UK’s most captivating destinations, offering a perfect blend of rugged coastline, charming villages, rich history, and world-class cuisine. For first-time visitors, planning a trip to Cornwall can feel overwhelming given the sheer number of attractions and experiences available. This comprehensive guide highlights the 15 best things to do in Cornwall, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this spectacular region.
1. Explore the Eden Project
The Eden Project is Cornwall’s most iconic attraction and an absolute must-visit for first-time visitors. This incredible ecological park features massive biomes housing thousands of plant species from around the world. The Rainforest Biome recreates a tropical environment, while the Mediterranean Biome showcases plants from warmer climates.
Beyond the biomes, the Eden Project offers educational exhibits, seasonal events, and stunning outdoor gardens. Plan to spend at least half a day here, and consider booking tickets in advance for better rates. The site also features excellent dining options and a gift shop with unique souvenirs.
2. Visit St. Michael’s Mount
St. Michael’s Mount is one of Cornwall’s most photographed landmarks—a tidal island topped with a medieval castle and church. During low tide, you can walk across the historic causeway connecting the island to Marazion. At high tide, a boat service operates to ferry visitors across.
The castle offers fascinating insights into centuries of history, with beautifully preserved rooms, family collections, and breathtaking views across Mount’s Bay. The subtropical gardens clinging to the rocky slopes are particularly impressive. Check tide times before planning your visit, and wear comfortable walking shoes for navigating the cobbled pathways.
3. Discover the Coastal Beauty of Land’s End
Land’s End represents the westernmost point of mainland England and offers dramatic clifftop views over the Atlantic Ocean. While the area has become somewhat commercialized, the natural beauty remains spectacular. The coastal walks around Land’s End provide stunning scenery, with opportunities to spot seabirds and marine wildlife.
For the best experience, arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds. The South West Coast Path passes through here, offering excellent hiking opportunities for those who want to explore beyond the main visitor area.
4. Relax on Cornwall’s Beautiful Beaches
Cornwall boasts some of Britain’s finest beaches, and no visit would be complete without spending time on the sand. For first-time visitors, these beaches stand out:
Porthcurno Beach features turquoise waters and white sand backed by dramatic granite cliffs. The Minack Theatre perches on the clifftop above, making it easy to combine both attractions.
Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula offers stunning rock formations, caves to explore at low tide, and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming during summer months.
Watergate Bay near Newquay is ideal for water sports enthusiasts, offering surfing lessons, beach cafes, and a two-mile stretch of golden sand.
Porthminster Beach in St. Ives combines beautiful setting with excellent facilities, including a renowned beachside restaurant serving fresh seafood.
5. Experience the Minack Theatre
The Minack Theatre is one of the world’s most spectacular performance venues—an open-air theatre carved into the clifftops above Porthcurno Beach. From May through September, the theatre hosts a diverse program of plays, musicals, and performances against a backdrop of sea and sky.
Even if you don’t attend a performance, the theatre is open for daytime visits. You can explore the terraces, enjoy the stunning views, and learn about the remarkable woman who created this unique venue. The on-site exhibition center tells the fascinating story of the theatre’s construction.
6. Tour Tintagel Castle
Tintagel Castle, perched on dramatic clifftops, is steeped in Arthurian legend and medieval history. Recent additions include a spectacular footbridge connecting the mainland to the island ruins, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.
The castle site includes extensive ruins to explore, an exhibition about King Arthur legends, and beautiful coastal scenery. The nearby village of Tintagel offers cafes, shops, and additional attractions related to Arthurian mythology. Allocate at least two to three hours for your visit, and wear sturdy footwear for navigating the steep paths.
7. Wander Through St. Ives
St. Ives is Cornwall’s premier art town, featuring winding cobbled streets, excellent galleries, sandy beaches, and a thriving food scene. The Tate St. Ives showcases modern and contemporary art in a stunning seaside setting, while numerous independent galleries throughout town display work by local artists.
The harbor area offers charming cafes and restaurants serving fresh seafood, while the town’s beaches provide perfect spots for relaxation. St. Ives can get crowded during peak season, so consider visiting early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful experience. Parking can be challenging, so using the park-and-ride service is advisable.
8. Sample Fresh Seafood and Cornish Cuisine
Cornwall’s culinary scene has gained national recognition, with numerous award-winning restaurants, traditional pubs, and casual eateries serving exceptional local produce. First-time visitors should definitely try:
Cornish pasties from traditional bakeries—the authentic version features beef, potato, swede, and onion in a distinctive crimped pastry.
Fresh seafood including locally caught crab, lobster, mackerel, and the famous Cornish sardines (pilchards). Rick Stein’s restaurants in Padstow have helped establish Cornwall as a seafood destination.
Cream tea with scones, clotted cream, and jam—Cornwall serves them with cream first, unlike Devon’s method.
Local ice cream from producers using Cornish milk and cream, available at beaches and towns throughout the region.
Consider booking restaurant reservations in advance, especially during summer months and at popular establishments.
9. Visit Bodmin Moor and Jamaica Inn
Bodmin Moor offers a completely different landscape from Cornwall’s coastal areas—a mysterious moorland dotted with ancient stone circles, abandoned engine houses, and literary connections. The moor inspired Daphne du Maurier’s novel “Jamaica Inn,” and the actual inn still operates as a hotel, museum, and restaurant.
Popular activities on Bodmin Moor include hiking to ancient sites like the Hurlers stone circles, climbing to the summit of Brown Willy (Cornwall’s highest point), and exploring the historic Golitha Falls. The area provides excellent opportunities for photography, wildlife watching, and experiencing Cornwall’s wilder side.
10. Explore the Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan offer a fascinating horticultural experience—once abandoned gardens restored to their Victorian glory. The estate features formal gardens, productive vegetable gardens, subtropical “Jungle” area, and extensive woodland walks.
The gardens provide year-round interest, with seasonal displays and special events throughout the calendar. The on-site restaurant serves lunch made with produce from the gardens, and guided tours offer deeper insights into the restoration project. Plan for three to four hours to fully explore the extensive grounds.
11. Take a Boat Trip to See Marine Wildlife
Cornwall’s coastal waters support abundant marine life, and boat trips offer excellent opportunities for wildlife encounters. Several operators offer trips to see:
Seals at colonies around the coast, particularly near the Lizard Peninsula and around St. Ives
Dolphins and porpoises frequently spotted in Cornish waters, especially during summer months
Basking sharks which visit Cornish waters between May and October to feed on plankton
Seabirds including puffins, gannets, and razorbills at various coastal locations
Book trips in advance during peak season, and check weather conditions as rough seas can lead to cancellations. Operators are located in Padstow, Falmouth, Penzance, and other coastal towns.
12. Discover Fishing Villages and Harbors
Cornwall’s traditional fishing villages offer authentic coastal charm, fresh seafood, and picturesque settings. First-time visitors should include:
Mousehole (pronounced “Mowzel”)—a quintessential Cornish fishing village with narrow streets, granite cottages, and a working harbor
Port Isaac made famous by the TV series Doc Martin, featuring steep streets, working harbor, and excellent seafood restaurants
Polperro—a car-free village accessible via cliff path or park-and-walk scheme, offering boutique shops and waterside cafes
Mevagissey—a larger fishing village with a busy harbor, aquarium, and traditional character
These villages get extremely busy during summer, so arrive early or visit during shoulder season for the best experience.
13. Visit Historic Castles and Heritage Sites
Beyond Tintagel, Cornwall offers numerous historic sites worth exploring:
Pendennis Castle in Falmouth—a well-preserved Tudor fortress with interactive exhibits and spectacular harbor views
St. Mawes Castle—a smaller Tudor castle across the harbor from Pendennis, accessible by ferry
Restormel Castle—impressive circular Norman castle ruins near Lostwithiel
Lanhydrock House—a magnificent Victorian country house with extensive gardens and woodland walks
Many sites are managed by English Heritage or the National Trust, so membership can provide cost savings if visiting multiple properties.
14. Experience Cornwall’s Mining Heritage
Cornwall’s industrial heritage as a major mining region is preserved at several sites:
Geevor Tin Mine offers underground tours, museum exhibits, and insights into the harsh conditions miners endured
Poldark Mine provides underground tours through historic tin workings
The Mining District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes various engine houses and industrial landscapes throughout Cornwall
These attractions offer educational experiences highlighting Cornwall’s significant contribution to Britain’s industrial revolution. The dramatic engine houses perched on clifftops also provide excellent photography opportunities.
15. Walk Sections of the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path runs along Cornwall’s entire coastline, offering some of Britain’s most spectacular coastal walking. First-time visitors don’t need to tackle long distances—numerous short sections provide stunning scenery:
The path from Porthcurno to Land’s End offers dramatic clifftop views
The Padstow to Port Isaac section passes beautiful beaches and rocky headlands
The Lizard Point area features Britain’s southernmost point and impressive coastal geology
Walking any section of this National Trail provides intimate encounters with Cornwall’s coastal beauty. Proper footwear is essential, as paths can be steep, rocky, and slippery after rain.
Planning Your Cornwall Visit
Cornwall offers something for every type of traveler—whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, culture, or culinary experiences. For first-time visitors, consider these practical tips:
Timing: May through September offers the warmest weather, but attracts the largest crowds. April, May, September, and October provide pleasant weather with fewer visitors.
Transportation: Renting a car provides maximum flexibility for exploring Cornwall’s diverse attractions, though train services connect major towns.
Accommodation: Book well in advance, especially for peak summer months. Options range from luxury hotels to cozy bed-and-breakfasts, self-catering cottages, and campsites.
Budget: Cornwall caters to various budgets, though summer prices increase significantly. Many attractions offer advance booking discounts.
Conclusion
Cornwall delivers an unforgettable experience for first-time visitors, combining natural beauty, rich history, excellent food, and warm hospitality. These 15 attractions and activities represent the best of what Cornwall offers, but the region holds countless additional discoveries for those who take time to explore beyond the main tourist routes.
Read Also: Best Hidden Beaches in Cornwall: Your Guide to Secluded Coastal Gems
Whether you spend a long weekend or several weeks in Cornwall, this magical corner of England will leave you planning your return visit before you’ve even departed. Start planning your Cornwall adventure today and prepare to fall in love with one of Britain’s most enchanting destinations.
