Things to do in Cornwall
Cornwall, located in the southwestern tip of England, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, offering dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming fishing villages. With 300 beaches and almost 400 miles (640km) of coastline, Cornwall is a very popular destination for people from the UK as well as people from the rest of the world.
Cornwall has a rich cultural heritage influenced by Celtic traditions and was an important center for tin mining during the industrial revolution. The remnants of this era can still be seen in the many historic mines and engine houses.
The region is also famous for its folklore and legends, including tales of King Arthur.
Key info: If you're heading to Cornwall on holiday, be sure to read our 8 day itinerary, plus read how you can save money on entry to the Eden Project and other Cornish gardens.
The Great Outdoors in Cornwall
The great outdoors within 20 miles of Cornwall.
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Cabilla & Redrice Woods | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
One of the largest and possibly finest ancient woodlands in Cornwall

Redlake Cottage Meadows | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Unimproved damp meadow, amongst the most vulnerable and rapidly declining habitat in the UK

Helman Tor | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
One the gems of Cornish nature, Helman Tor Reserve is a beautiful example of both Cornwall’s rich history and its wild present

Tywardreath Marsh | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
The silted-up arm of a once tidal river, with an abundance of invertebrates.

Prideaux Wood | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
A delightful woodland nature reserve

The Eden Project
Eco visitor attraction in Cornwall, UK. As an educational charity, our destinations and projects explore the interconnections between all living things.

Priddacombe Downs | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
A large area of open moorland lying at the northern end of Bodmin Moor

Tresayes | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
An old quarry with important geological features.

Hawkes Wood | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
A delightful old oak woodland with two streams and a quarry

Looe Island | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
An island whose surrounding waters are teeming with life

Ropehaven Cliffs | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
A reserve that stretches from the high tide line to the coastal path, with a range of habitats.
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Money saving tips and offers in Cornwall
We're constantly updating this page with offers and deals, as well as ideas of how you can save money on great days out across Cornwall - whether it's attractions, food and drink, or event tickets.
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21 Birthday freebies to make your special day even more special
5th Mar 2025
It’s always great when it’s your birthday - but I’ve been compiling a list of treats to make birthdays even better! There are lots of places who will give you a freebie when it’s your special day so bookmark this post and be sure to refer back to it ahead of your next Birthday.Read article -
Last minute Valentine's presents for quality time
13th Feb 2025
BuyAGift and Red Letter Days currently promotions on their "Activities for Two" and "Afternoon Tea for 2" box sets, along with lots of other options, for a great Valentine's Gift idea.Read article -
Free main course from Bella Italia - for a limited time only
7th Feb 2025
Another day, another Italian restaurant chain offering discounts! And we're here for it!Read article
History and Heritage in Cornwall
History and heritage within 20 miles of Cornwall.
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Restormel Castle | English Heritage
Standing in ruins amid beautiful countryside, Restormel is one of the most remarkable castles in Britain. The present circular structure, built in the late 13th century, was a luxurious retreat for its medieval owners and was twice visited by Edward, the Black Prince. The castle commands fantastic views across the valley of the river Fowey and is a favourite picnic spot – with beautiful spring flowers, and plants all year round.

King Doniert's Stone | English Heritage
Two richly carved pieces of a 9th century 'Celtic' cross, with an inscription commemorating Dumgarth, British King of Dumnonia, who drowned in c. AD 875.

St Catherine's Castle | English Heritage
Discover perhaps what is Cornwall's smallest castle.

Trethevy Quoit | English Heritage
This well-preserved and impressive Neolithic 'dolmen' burial chamber stands 2.7 metres (8.9 ft) high. There are five standing stones, surmounted by a huge capstone.

Hurlers Stone Circles | English Heritage
Three fine late Neolithic or early Bronze Age stone circles arranged in a line, a grouping unique in England.

St Breock Downs Monolith | English Heritage
Originally 5 metres (16 feet) high and weighing some 16.75 tonnes,
this is Cornwall's largest and heaviest prehistoric monolith. It
stands on the summit of St Breock Downs, offering wonderful views.

Dupath Well | English Heritage
This charming well-house of around 1500 stands over an ancient spring, believed to cure whooping cough.

Tintagel Castle | English Heritage
Immerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle, a place inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur.

Launceston Castle | English Heritage
Launceston Castle dominates the surrounding landscape. Begun soon after the Norman Conquest, unusual in that during rebuilding one tower was constructed with the remains of the older.
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Latest news about things to do in Cornwall
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How to get free entry to the Eden Project and lots of other UK gardens
29th Dec 2024
If you're heading to Cornwall this year, or have been wanting to visit Kew Gardens, then make sure you read on for a hack to get you and your family into all of these attractions for free.Read article -
Christmas lights at the Eden Project, Cornwall
27th Dec 2024
Before Christmas, we had a festive weekend in Cornwall, and you can still catch the lights at the Eden Project until the 5th January.Read article -
Holiday in Cornwall: a 8 day itinerary for half term
19th Dec 2024
In October half term we took our 2 young boys to Hayle, Cornwall for 8 days, and I've put together a detailed itinerary of everything we did!Read article
The Arts in Cornwall
The arts within 20 miles of Cornwall.
View more The Arts in Cornwall
Discovering42
Awarding-winning hands-on Science Museum, Cornwall. The best thing to do in Bodmin with kids. Check out their regular workshops.

The National Lobster Hatchery
Welcome to The National Lobster Hatchery The National Lobster Hatchery is a marine conservation, research and education charity based in Padstow, Cornwall, UK. What makes us unique is that our […]
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cornwall is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape. This site was designated in 2006 and recognises the rich industrial heritage of the region, particularly its significance in the mining industry during the 18th and 19th centuries. Cornwall includes the remains of over 2,000 mining sites, showcasing the technological advancements and social history of tin and copper mining, and their impact on the economy and society in Cornwall and beyond.
Walking in Cornwall
With so much breathtaking coastline and stunning scenery, the best way to explore Cornwall is on foot. The National Trust have a range of walks on their website, as does iWalk Cornwall. iWalk Cornwall have devised over 300 walks, most of which are circular, and are available as a PDF or via their app - and personally I prefer the sound of the app as it "pings" when you get to the next important point / change of direction! It also warns you if you go off course (which would have been very handy when I was walking in the fog around Cheddar Gorge recently...) and points out seasonal items of interest. They regularly re-walk their walks and have a team of volunteers who report anything important.
Photo by NEOM.
Sport in Cornwall
Sport within 20 miles of Cornwall.
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Lanhydrock Hotel & Golf Club
Lanhydrock Hotel and Golf Club is one of the finest 18 hole golf courses in the South West, hidden in a sheltered wooded valley in Bodmin, Cornwall.

The Carlyon Bay Hotel Golf Club
Cornwall is a magnet for golfers and our outstanding championship golf course makes us the premier golf hotel in Cornwall and the very finest in the UK.

Porthpean Golf Club
Welcome to Porthpean Golf Club We invite you to visit this warm and friendly club offering a challenging course The front nine is set in parkland, whilst th ...
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The legend of King Author
King Author is thought to be a legendary figure, rather than factural, although his tale is probably based on various other historical figures. The legend states that Author conceived at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall where Uther Pendragon, his father, used magic to disguise himself and spend the night with his mother Igraine. Later, Authur proved his right to the throne by pulling the sword Excalibur from a stone (the "sword in the stone"), and established the Round Table. The Knights of the Round Table, including figures such as Sir Lancelot, Sir Gawain, and Sir Galahad, then embarked on various missions and quests to try to find the Holy Grail.
Wildlife in Cornwall
Wildlife within 20 miles of Cornwall.
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Rosenannon Downs | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
An extensive tract of heathland supporting a wide range of habitats

Tregonetha Downs | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Tregonetha Nature Reserve is a place rich in culture and wildlife.

Quoit Heathland | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Complex mosaics of wet and dry heath, scrub, bogs, grasslands and open water

Armstrong Wood | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
A quiet woodland nature reserve

Trebarwith | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Woodland within a steeped-sided valley.

Lanvean Bottoms | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Woodland area with an abundance of the attractive scarlet elf cup fungus

Downhill Meadow | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
A meadow whose boundary hedges have most likely been in existence since medieval times

Tincombe | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
A wet meadow reserve with various plant life

Sylvia's Meadow | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
One of the most important meadows for nature conservation in Cornwall

Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
A nature reserve with a picturesque setting, the majority of which is farmland

Tamar Estuary | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
This reserve, together with adjoining parts of the estuary, forms one of the largest areas of mudflats in the south-west
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Cornish pasties
No trip to Cornwall is complete without a cornish pasty - traditionally a mix of diced beef, potatoes, swede, and onions, seasoned with salt and pepper - although you can get many different fillings now a days - inside pastry. Referencies to pasties have been found as far back as the 13th Century, but became very popular in the 18th and 19th Centuries as it was such a practical meal for miners. It was easy transportable, could be eaten cold, and the thick crust could be held with dirty hands. I've even heard tales that they would be made with savoury food at one end and sweet food - such as apple - at the other so that people could get a full meal as they ate through the pastry!
In 2011, the Cornish pasty received Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status from the European Union, which means that only pasties made in Cornwall using traditional methods can be labeled as "Cornish pasties."
Cornish Cream Tea
Another absolute must when in Cornwall is a Cream Tea - a cup of tea and a scone with jam and cream. There's a wide raging debate in England as to whether you should put the jam on your scone first, or the cream. In Cornwall the jam is spread first, and then the cream, whereas in neighbouring Devon the cream goes on before the jam. Which do you think sounds best?! Apparently Queen Elizabeth II, England's longest reigning Monarch, preferred the Cornish approach.
Celebrity restaurants and fine dining
Music in Cornwall
Music within 20 miles of Cornwall.
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Chargecandy at Boardmasters
Get 1x full charger for each day you are there. £10 deposit required on collection - refunded on return of last charger.
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Key sight seeing attractions include:

Tintagel Castle
Linked to the legend of King Arthur, this historic site offers breathtaking coastal views.

St Michael’s Mount
A tidal island holding a historic castle, accessible by a causeway.

Mousehole
Famous not just because of it's cute name, Mousehole is one of Cornwall's prettiest fishing villages.
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The Eden Project
The Eden Project is a unique ecological park featuring biodomes with diverse plant species. There are 2 biomes:
- The Rainforest Biome: The largest indoor rainforest in the world, featuring tropical plants, waterfalls, and a variety of ecosystems from places like Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
- The Mediterranean Biome: Houses plants from Mediterranean climates, including olive trees, grapevines, and various herbs.
The Eden Project also includes beautiful outdoor gardens that focus on various themes, such as a wildflower meadow, a vegetable garden, and a series of themed gardens that highlight different aspects of nature and horticulture. The Project is a leading example of sustainable design, using renewable energy sources, rainwater harvesting, and other eco-friendly practices to minimize its environmental impact.
A General Ticket gives you entry for 1 year.
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Surfing and water sports in Cornwall
Cornwall is considered one of the best places for surfing in the UK. The Atlantic coastline receives consistent swells, especially during autumn and winter, providing ideal conditions for surfing whilst the diverse range of beaches means there are waves suitable for all skill levels, from gentle beginner-friendly waves to more challenging spots for advanced surfers.
Newquay is often referred to as the surf capital of the UK, as it boasts several renowned beaches like Fistral Beach and Towan Beach, known for their excellent waves and surf schools.
If surfing isn't your thing, the coastline and rivers of Cornwall provide excellent opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. Sailing and windsurfing are also popular in locations like Falmouth and Penzance, thanks to the sheltered waters. Meanwhile both sea fishing and freshwater fishing are popular in Cornwall, with many local charters available.
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Art and culture in Cornwall
Cornwall's stunning coastline has inspired many artists and writers over the years, including Daphne du Maurier and Rosamunde Pilcher, whose works often reflect Cornwall's landscapes and culture. It has also been home to famous artists such as Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson, and has numerous galleries, including the Tate St Ives, which showcases modern and contemporary art, and the Newlyn Art Gallery, which focuses on local and regional artists.
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Getting to Cornwall
Cornwall airport
Train stations in Cornwall
Cornwall by car
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The Cornish lanugage
Cornwall has its own language known as Cornish. It is a Celtic language that is part of the Brythonic branch, closely related to Welsh and Breton. It began to fall in popularity during the late 18th Century and is barely spoken now, although in recent decades various organisations and schools have tried to revive it and provide resources for learning and promoting its use. It's thought at the moment around 3,000 - 5,000 people can speak it.
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