Top 12 Places To Visit On The Stunning Coast Of Cornwall in 2022

12 best places to visit along the gorgeous Cornish coast for a great day out.

The Cornish Coast takes the British seaside to a completely different level. The views compete with the finest coastlines in Italy, but with the rugged cliffs, sparkling sea's and natural beauty it would be hard to find any place more unique, and with the south west coast path surrounding the whole county you can see every bit of the Cornwall's coastline.

Cornwall is more than just scenery, exceptional landscapes and white sandy beaches. It has its very own character filled with history, mystery, traditions, charming villages, seaside towns and we would highly recommend you visit Cornwall. 

From bustling historical towns filled with places to try the delicious local food to the magnificent beaches and coves, there is something to please everyone and don't forget your camera to capture some stunning seaside pictures. 

Here are some of the most gorgeous places to visit in Cornwall.

 

Best for Beach Vibes - Beautiful coastal walks 

Watergate Bay

Here on the North Cornwall Coast, you can experience the spectacular views of Watergate Bay and its sandy beach. The area is filed with never ending bays and beautiful beaches, with plenty to do and the big town of Newquay not far away if you need supplies or entertainment.

Watergate bay gives visitors the chance to enjoy two miles of golden sands at the beach where the Atlantic waves giving ideal conditions for surfing. You can even try your hand at kitesurfing on the long expanses of sand. Children can build sandcastles and the swimming is safe in allocated areas.

A perfect seaside experience for the whole family.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watergate_Bay

 

St. Ives

St Ives town is larger than some of the smaller seaside villages in Cornwall, but has a unique traditional feel and is said to date from the 5th century. The iconic St Ives harbour is bustling with atmosphere and old tradition and you can spend time watching the trawlermen at work. I love the gorgeous beaches of the area with their turquoise waters and white sands.

The town of St Ives is full of traditional fayre and you will be able to treat yourself to a proper Cornish Cream Tea with heaps of clotted cream and jam or a tasty fish and chips by the water. Just watch out for the Seagulls.

https://www.stives-cornwall.co.uk/discover/st-ives-town/ 

 

Kynance Cove

Looking at this cove from the South West coast path has to be one of the most stunning views in Cornwall. Set on the Lizard Peninsular on the South coast, the jewelled sea against the white sand littered with rocks formations is simply breath-taking.

When the tide is out you can go down and explore the caves and rocks that look so dramatic. Get there early and experience the peace and quiet of swimming away from the crowds. 

Kynance cove has become a little busier recently due to its beauty, causing it to be published on social media sites such as Instagram, but we would recommend a visit to this stunning bay. The scenery is stunning and it makes a great place to visit all year around, so why not visit it out of season which will also help avoid the crowds and get this sandy beach all to yourself.

For parking for the area visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kynance-cove

 

Hartland Heritage Coast

This stretch of Cornwall's north coast runs for 60 miles and straddles the border of Cornwall into Devon. The region is filled with cliffs and winding paths that lead down to forgotten coves. This area makes for some great walks along the never ending coastline, take in those views!

Walking along this heritage coast you will find a waterfall, sandy beaches and ravines all waiting to be discovered. You can picture the smugglers and shipwrecks at the Heritage Coast Exhibition in Bude or simply enjoy the Atlantic waves on one of the many surfer’s beaches.

https://www.hartlandpeninsula.co.uk/coastal-heritage-walk.html 

Best for Harbours - Cornish history  

Port Isaac

This 14th century vibrant little fishing village is on the North Atlantic Coast of Cornwall. You may recognise it as the setting for the tv series 'Doc Martin’. You can understand why it was chosen. The harbour is so picturesque surrounded by houses built into the surrounding hills.

You can watch the fishermen bringing in their catch or wander the narrow cobbled streets. The whitewashed cottages with traditional slate roofs remind you this village has been here for centuries.

There is a lovely walk up onto the coastal path giving panoramic views. It is better to leave your car in one of the car parks up here and explore the village on foot.

Port Isaac is also where the sea shanty singing group the fisherman's friends started and on certain dates throughout the year, you can still hear them singing live around the town.

https://thefishermansfriends.com/

 

 

Polperro

Immerse yourself in smuggler’s tales in this pretty village in South Cornwall. The harbour is filled with different boats for fishing and pleasure. You can book a trip around the coast.

Around the harbour are streets built into the hills and filled with traditional cottages often covered in colourful flowers. With cars being banned you have the chance to explore the winding paths on foot. You can spend many hours discovering the galleries, shops and eateries which do not spoil the quaint feel of Polperro.

Stop for a pint in The Ship Inn and fill up with hearty pub grub by a fire in the winter or in the beer garden in the summer.

https://www.cornwalls.co.uk/polperro 

 

 

Best for Iconic Views - Spectacular visits 

St Michael’s Mount

This tidal island of St Michael's mount is one of the most famous landmarks on Cornwall's South Coast and one of the most visited Cornwall attractions, It has a 14th-century castle as well as its own harbour and gardens.

The giant crag rises majestically from the sea topped by the castle. It is a romantic sight but once there you can explore shops and restaurants.

St Michael's mount is open to visitors in the summer months and can only be accessed by boat or by the famous causeway. It boasts fabulous views across Mounts Bay to Lands End and The Lizard.

Be sure to take your camera to this one and make sure you plan your trip well as you can only walk across a few hours either side of low tide, otherwise you can capture a boat taxi across during set times.

See here for the timetable for the ferry

one of our photographic prints of St Michaels Mount

 

Lands End

Lands End is famous for being the most westerly point in England right down on Cornwall's South Coast on the edge of the South West Coast path. The views here are magnificent whether you want to see a sunset or a storm.

It is a great spot to walk along the coastal path or simply pose by the iconic sign and look for America.

Be sure to take your camera here the famous sea stack arch can be photographed from the headland, the area is full of dramatic rock formation to see.

You can also visit lands ends tourist attractions for a great day out for the family and be sure to check out the golden sands and stunning beaches at Sennon Cove.

https://landsend-landmark.co.uk/

 

Towanroath mine shaft at wheal coates

Towanroath mine shaft is a beautiful and very scenic location right in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Its a great place to visit on the north Cornish coast, you can visit the old mine workings of wheal coates and bath yourself in the old mining history of Cornwall.

continue further down the cliff to find the National trust restored Towanroath mine shaft which lies in a stunning location looking across the beautiful Cornish coast and out to the Atlantic ocean.

This location is a real must visit for anyone wanting to take in a scenic view, get a bit of exercise and emerge yourself in a bit of local history.

For parking see https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wheal-coates 

One of our photographic prints of the Towanroath mine shaft among the heather

 

 

Best for Food and Shopping - Relax and Enjoy

Truro

This is the most southerly city in England. Built at the port of the river Truro, the city is actually not very old only dating back to around 1800, however the city is still full of interesting and dramatic architecture including its impressive Gothic Cathedral dominating the skyline.

The streets are a must visit and encompass a warren of independent retailers selling everything from jewellery, clothes, art and books. making Truro a lovely place to wander around and explore.

Truro continues its artisanal vibe with the array of cafés that line the streets just waiting for you to drop in for coffee or food. You will also find markets and gardens to enjoy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truro 

 

Padstow

Padstow lies on Cornwall's North Coast in West Cornwall and has everything which is why in the summer it can be a real tourist trap. As well as a bustling heart of shops and restaurants, it has seven sandy beaches to choose from.

You can see one of our photographic prints from the area, with the RNLI lifeboat station at Sebastien Coell Photography

A seaside trip would not be complete without fish and chips. Here in Padstow, you will be really spoilt. Rick Stein, famous for his seafood restaurant, also has his very own fish and chip shop. I can testify from personal experience that his batter recipe produces the finest tasting flaky fish with a crispy exterior. A nice sprinkle of salt and vinegar, sitting on a bench watching the trawlermen in the harbour has to be just about one of the best seaside eating experiences.

one of our photographic prints of the Padstow RNLI life boat station 

 

What are your favourite places to visit in Cornwall? Let us know in the comments. 

More of our guides on everything Cornwall

 

 

Top 10 Seaside Villages to Visit in Cornwall

Stunning Seaside villages in Cornwall to visit for a great Cornish day out Cornwall without a doubt is a beautiful place full of quaint beach towns and stunning sweeping coastlines, see our article on the top 10 villages to visit on the Cornish Coast.

 

 

Meet the Author:

I am a Devon based photographer, who enjoys travel, hiking, rugby and photographing the beautiful world in which we live in, I see photography as a creative expression upon visiting beautiful places. Each picture often tells a story.

Thank you for reading this article, please feel to share it with your friends and please check out all my photography - and Cornwall Seascape Prints for Sale 

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Sebastien Coell Photography