Best 16 things to do in Cornwall: our top picks

With its craggy charm and deep Celtic roots, Britain’s westernmost county of Cornwall has always captured the imaginations of artists, writers, surfers, and hikers—anyone, in fact, who’s drawn to wild landscapes, dramatic coastline, and a benign climate. England's glorious southwest has a lot to offer. Here's our pick of the best things to do in Cornwall.

1. Land's end

The dramatic cliffs at Land’s End in England still feel wild and impressive, even though the hotel and amusements complex near the entrance can take away from the atmosphere a bit. But once you get past that, it’s worth it. The turf-covered cliffs rise about 60 feet (18 meters) and give you great views of rock formations like the Irish Lady, the Armed Knight, and Dr. Syntax’s Head—sculpted over time by wind and sea.

Look out to sea and you’ll spot the Longships lighthouse about a mile and a half offshore. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Wolf Rock lighthouse nine miles away—or, if you’re lucky, the faint outline of the Isles of Scilly, 28 miles out.

The coastal path here is a good place to watch wildlife. Fulmars, herring gulls, and Atlantic grey seals are common, and if you visit in early September, you might see seals gathering on the rocks near Longships lighthouse to breed, easily one of the best things to do in Cornwall. Dolphins, porpoises, and even basking sharks also pass by in the strong currents, so it’s worth bringing binoculars.

2. Minack Theatre

Perched 60 yards (55 m) above the sea on the cliffs above Porthcurno Beach, the Minack Theatre is one of Cornwall’s most unique open-air venues. It was built in the 1930s by Rowena Cade, who lived nearby and wanted a place for her friends and family to stage amateur plays. Their first performance—The Tempest—took place in 1932.

Over time, the theater grew in size and reputation. Today, it seats around 750 people, but its original Greek-inspired design is still very much part of the experience. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Porthcurno Bay, it’s a great place to catch a play, opera, or musical—though shows do sell out quickly in peak season. It's a great addition to any England itinerary.

Even if you don’t see a performance, it’s worth visiting the site. You can explore the terraces and learn more about how the theatre came to be in the small Exhibition Centre. Just be prepared—it can get chilly and windy, even in summer.

3. St Michael's Mount

About five miles east of Penzance and 400 yards (366 meters) off the coast of Marazion, St. Michael’s Mount is hard to miss. It’s easy to spot from anywhere along Mount’s Bay, and it tends to draw people in—especially with its dramatic castle and gardens. This is one of the best places to visit in England.

The island’s small harbor was once used by Marazion’s fishermen, since their village didn’t have one of its own. From there, it’s a steep climb up the old cobbled Pilgrims’ Steps to reach the castle. Inside, you’ll find a series of surprisingly compact rooms filled with military memorabilia, antique furniture, miniature collections, and paintings.

You can walk to the island via the causeway when the tide is low or take a short ferry ride when it’s high. There are a couple of cafés for a break, and in July and August, local bands often play by the harbor on Sundays.

4. Port Isaac

About five miles east of Polzeath, Port Isaac is a traditional Cornish fishing village wedged in a gap in the cliff walls. Already celebrated for its crab and lobster catch, Port Isaac has also achieved fame for its appearances in films and TV productions as well as for having spawned the Fisherman’s Friends male choir.

It’s long been known for its crab and lobster, and more recently for its appearances in film and TV—and for being the home of the Fisherman’s Friends male choir.

Despite a steady flow of day-trippers, the village still feels quiet and tucked away. Granite, slate, and whitewashed cottages spill down the steep hillside toward a mostly untouched seafront. At low tide, the pebble beach and rock pools are exposed—great for a summer walk and some exploring.

If you follow the coast path half a mile east, you’ll reach Port Gaverne (pronounced “Gayverne”), a small sheltered cove with a mix of sand and pebbles, where you can swim (one of the best things to do in Cornwall). A couple of miles west of Port Isaac is Port Quin, where the coastline starts to feel much wilder.

5. Carnglaze Caverns & St Nectan's Kieve

About seven miles east of Bodmin, the village of St Neot is just off the A38 and makes a good base for exploring the southern part of Bodmin Moor. It’s also worth a visit in itself—especially for its 15th-century church and peaceful setting.

One of the more unusual things to do in Cornwall is to visit Carnglaze Caverns nearby, a set of man-made caves created through slate mining. There are three main chambers to explore, including one with an underground lake filled with clear blue water. You can join a guided tour to learn about the site’s history and see a collection of minerals in the first cavern.

Farther north near Tintagel, St Nectan’s Kieve is a natural basin fed by a waterfall on the Trevillet River. It’s known for its striking setting as well as its spiritual significance—many visitors leave photos, handwritten messages, and small offerings around the falls.

6. Bodmin Moor

Bodmin Moor is a compact stretch of wild landscape—only about ten miles across—cut through by four rivers. It’s the smallest and most accessible of the West Country’s major moors, with its highest point reaching 1,375 feet (419 meters) from a base of around 1,000 feet (305 meters).

Despite its size, it feels vast and remote. The empty landscape, scattered with Bronze Age ruins, gives it a quiet, lonely atmosphere. That sense of isolation has inspired all kinds of myths and stories, including King Arthur legends and the writing of Daphne du Maurier.

Dozmary Pool, near the center of the moor, is tied to Arthurian lore—it’s said to be the lake where Sir Bedivere threw Excalibur. The lake has a still, mysterious feel, though it sometimes dries up in summer, casting doubt on the old belief that it’s bottomless.

One way to reach Dozmary Pool is from Jamaica Inn, near Bolventor just off the A30. It was once described by du Maurier as “alone in glory, four square to the winds,” but these days it’s a popular stop for tour buses and has lost some of that isolated charm.

7. Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle

Tucked into the harbor village of Boscastle on Cornwall’s north coast, the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic is one of the most extensive collections of occult and magical artifacts in the world. It was founded in 1960 by Cecil Williamson and has been based in Boscastle since 1961. Today, it holds over 3,000 objects and an archive of more than 7,000 books and manuscripts.

Highlights include “dark mirrors” once used for divination, “healing poppets” stuffed with items like hair and nail clippings, and protective charms made from everyday objects. There’s also a rare audio recording of infamous occultist Aleister Crowley reading his poetry and parts of The Gnostic Mass.

It's not a sensational or spooky place—more of a thoughtful, scholarly take on a topic that’s often misunderstood and one of the best things to do in Cornwall.

8. St Mawes

St Mawes sits quietly on the south side of the Carrick Roads, across the water from Falmouth. Tucked into the mouth of the Percuil Estuary, it’s a peaceful village made up of cottages, villas, and well-kept gardens that slope down to a small working harbor. It’s a good place for a slow wander, and the coastal views from here are especially striking.

One of the highlights is St. Mawes Castle, found at the western end of the village and one of the best castles in England. Built between 1539 and 1543 during the reign of Henry VIII, it was designed—like nearby Pendennis Castle—to defend against possible invasion from France or Spain. Both fortresses follow the same cloverleaf-shaped layout, created by German military engineer Stefan von Haschenberg.

St. Mawes Castle is slightly smaller than Pendennis, but it’s more architecturally detailed. Its three rounded bastions surround a four-story central tower, and you’ll see some of the best-preserved decorative stonework of any Tudor coastal fort. Inside, you can still see the oubliette—a deep shaft once used to detain prisoners—just past the entrance on the right. It’s now covered with a glass roof

9. Tintagel

About seven miles (11km) northeast of Port Isaac, Tintagel draws steady crowds thanks to its legendary links to King Arthur. The ruins of Tintagel Castle cling to a dramatic headland just off the coast, making it one of the most visited historic sites in Cornwall. Aside from the castle and a medieval manor house restored by the National Trust, the village itself is fairly unremarkable—a mix of bungalows, guesthouses, and shops leaning hard into the Arthurian theme.

One of the best ways to approach the castle is from Glebe Cliff to the west. The walk takes you past the Norman-era Church of St. Materiana, perched alone on the cliff edge with wide sea views and a windswept feel.

At low tide, you can walk down to Merlin’s Cave, a sea cave beneath the headland where, according to legend, the wizard hid baby Arthur. Near the cave entrance, there’s a carved face of Merlin etched into the rock—a modern addition, along with other artworks around the site.

These have divided opinion, some accusing them of the “Disneyfication” of Tintagel. It still remains a classic and one of the best things to do in Cornwall. See our England travel tips to help prepare you for your next trip.

10. Experience eco adventures in Eden

Exploring the Eden Project is absolutely one of the best things to do in Cornwall. In fact, it is one of Cornwall’s most well-known attractions.

It’s a high point of any visit to southwest England. At once a global garden, an environmental educational tool, an art gallery, and a playground, it offers multiple experiences on one 35-acre site.

 Set on a 35-acre (14-hectare) site, it’s part garden, part science museum, part art space, and part adventure park.

You start at the Visitor Centre, then can hop on the small train that runs between the different areas. One of the highlights is the Rainforest Biome—the largest greenhouse in the world—filled with tropical plants and a canopy walkway that takes you high above the jungle floor. The Mediterranean Biome is also worth a visit, with landscapes inspired by southern Europe, California, and South Africa.

Across the whole site, there’s a strong focus on environmental education. Exhibits are designed to be interactive and informative without feeling heavy-handed. The Eden Project is also great if you're in England with kids.

11. Falmouth

Falmouth is a relaxed, welcoming town with a mix of guesthouses, old villas, and leafy gardens lining the roads between the train station and the beaches. In recent years, it’s had a bit of a revival, especially around the redeveloped Discovery Quay.

At the heart of the quay is the National Maritime Museum Cornwall—a modern space with floor-to-ceiling windows, a wide range of historic boats, hands-on exhibits, and even a viewing area where you can watch traditional boatbuilders at work.

If you're interested in the history of the area, a visit to Pendennis Castle is a must. It’s reached via Castle Drive, which winds dramatically around the headland. The castle itself has a Tudor gun deck, underground tunnels, and a World War II observation post. You’ll also get one of the best coastal views in the region, stretching across the mouth of the River Fal and out to sea. This can be a great place to stay as well (see our guide to England accommodations).

12. Gander Glorious Gardens

Just outside Falmouth, Glendurgan Garden is tucked into three wooded valleys and run by the National Trust. It’s known for its rare subtropical plants and peaceful paths that lead down to the tiny riverside hamlet of Durgan on the Helford River. It’s a great spot for birdwatching, skimming stones, or building sandcastles. Don’t miss the laurel maze—it's been confusing visitors for more than 180 years.

Next door, Trebah Garden also has a lush, subtropical feel. Originally planted in the 1840s, it stretches through a steep ravine packed with palms, tree ferns, and giant gunnera. It feels far removed from the typical English countryside. At the bottom of the garden, you’ll find Polgwidden Cove—a quiet, sheltered beach that’s perfect for a rest.

Farther east toward Mevagissey are the Lost Gardens of Heligan. The gardens were left to grow wild after World War I, only to be rediscovered and restored decades later. Today, you can walk through subtropical boardwalks, explore wetlands and woodlands in the Lost Valley, and see exotic fruits growing in the old walled garden.

13. The Lizard Coastal Walk

The Lizard Coastal Walk is a rewarding route that takes you to Lizard Point, the southernmost tip of mainland Britain. It's one of the best hikes in England. The path runs through dramatic cliff scenery, passes rare wildflowers, and includes a few interesting historic stops along the way. It’s a seven-mile (11 km) loop that usually takes about three hours, starting and ending at Kynance Cove, known for its golden sand and striking rock formations.

This stretch of coast is famous for its serpentinite rock, which looks especially vivid at low tide—green and red surfaces shine against the deep blue sea.

Along the route, you’ll pass Pentreath Beach, Polpeor Cove (with its disused Victorian lifeboat station), Lizard Lighthouse, and Pen Olver, a great picnic spot. There are also good chances to see seals, basking sharks, and a variety of seabirds. It's one of the best things to do in Cornwall to be outdoors.

14. Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum

St Ives has a long history as an artists' town, so it makes sense that it has its own branch of the Tate. Tate St Ives may be smaller than the London galleries, but it’s thoughtfully designed and set right above Porthmeor Beach. The gallery building fits in well with its surroundings, and the rooftop café and garden look out across the sea.

Inside, the focus is on artists connected to St. Ives and the wider region. The permanent collection includes works by Ben Nicholson, Peter Lanyon, Patrick Heron, Sir Terry Frost, and Alfred Wallis, along with other pieces from the main Tate collection that have ties to Cornwall.

Just up the hill is the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, housed in her former studio at Trewyn. Hepworth called finding the space “a sort of magic,” and it still has that feel. The garden is filled with her sculptures, and the studio gives a good sense of how she lived and worked. It’s one of the best things to do in Cornwall to get a feeling for St Ives’s creative history.

15. Surf around Newquay

Cornwall’s north coast is known for its surf, and Newquay is at the heart of it. This busy seaside town is a popular base for water sports, with Fistral Bay being the biggest and best-known of its three main beaches. It’s where major surf competitions are held and a go-to spot for both seasoned surfers and beginners.

If you're in the area with kids, the Blue Reef Aquarium is an easy option. At the center of the space is an underwater tunnel surrounded by 40 themed habitats, ranging from local Cornish waters to tropical reefs. You’ll see creatures like loggerhead sea turtles, reef sharks, pufferfish, and caiman.

Just a short distance away, Newquay Zoo focuses on conservation and breeding programs for rare and endangered species. It’s home to nearly 1,000 animals and is a quieter alternative to the beach if you're looking to mix things up.

16. The Isles of Scilly

With clear waters and soft sandy beaches, the Isles of Scilly feel far removed from mainland Britain—but they’re only 28 miles (45km) southwest of Land’s End. This group of five inhabited islands (and over 100 smaller, uninhabited ones) is known for its relaxed pace, mild climate, and subtropical plants.

People have lived here for over 4,000 years, and the islands are full of ancient sites. On St Mary’s—the largest island—you can visit Bant’s Carn Burial Chamber, one of many Bronze Age remnants. St. Mary’s is only about three miles (5km) across, and its museum is a good place to learn more about the islands’ long history in between coastal walks.

Thanks to the mild weather, subtropical plants grow easily here (see our guide to the best time to go to England). You’ll see this most clearly at Tresco Abbey Garden, which was laid out in the 1800s and features rare plants from around 80 countries—from Brazil and New Zealand to Burma and South Africa. Tresco is also known for its quiet, white-sand beaches, which often feel completely empty.