Located at the southwestern tip of England, Cornwall’s coastline rivals that of our Mediterranean neighbors, earning it the affectionate title of the Cornish Riviera.
With its golden beaches, charming harbor towns, legendary castles, and a remarkably mild climate, Cornwall stands as one of Great Britain’s most breathtaking destinations. Here, I’ve collected a list of the loveliest spots to explore.
Get ready to be amazed by the most stunning beaches, towns, and villages that this beautiful corner of the world has to offer.
This journey has been crafted in collaboration with the independent holiday cottage company Cornish Horizons.
9 of the prettiest places to visit in Cornwall
St Ives
St Ives is truly the crown jewel of Cornwall. Its allure has drawn renowned artists such as JMW Turner and Henry Moore, who have sought to capture its beauty on canvas.
St Ives isn’t just known for its striking views. With the UK’s mildest climate and four splendid beaches, it also boasts fine dining options, art exhibitions, and one of the four Tate galleries worldwide.
Popular activities include a quick boat ride from the harbor to greet the charming locals on Seal Island or taking the scenic St Ives Bay Line from St Erth Station into the town.
St Ives is an ideal hub for your Cornish holiday, with expansive golden beaches and numerous picturesque spots just a short drive away.
Check out our family holiday to St Ives for more inspiration.
Porthcurno Beach and The Minack Theatre
Porthcurno Beach is an unforgettable destination in Cornwall.
Picture a golden crescent of sand framed by lush hills, azure waters, and an open-air theatre dramatically perched on the cliffs—this is Porthcurno, found near Land’s End.
Porthcurno Beach and Minack Theatre by Benjamin Elliott
The Minack Theatre resembles an ancient Greek creation, but it’s actually the vision of Rowena Cade, who began building this stunning venue in her garden during the 1930s.
Today, you can wander through the theater during the day, enjoy a performance under a starlit sky, and discover more about Rowena Cade at the Minack Exhibition Centre.
Kynance Cove
Regarded as one of the most picturesque locations in Cornwall, Kynance Cove is also one of the most photographed. Nestled within the Lizard Peninsula, it marks the southernmost point of Britain.
A steep 15-minute walk leads you down to the cove, where you’ll discover towering rock stacks and hidden caves ideal for exploring during low tide. Don’t miss a chance to enjoy a Cornish pasty and cream tea at the eco-friendly café situated above the beach afterward.
Port Isaac
Port Isaac is a stunning village that elevates narrow, cobblestoned streets to an art form, particularly with its cheekily named Squeezy Belly Alley, one of the slimmest streets in Britain.
This village, known for its whitewashed cottages and heritage-listed granite homes, has gained fame as the backdrop for the beloved television series Doc Martin, as well as for being a filming location of the original Poldark series in the 1970s.
St Agnes
Nestled in an undiscovered part of the north Cornish coast, St Agnes resides within both a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a World Heritage Site. This gorgeous stretch of coastline, adorned with heather and gorse during late summer, inspired the works of Poldark writer Winston Graham, earning it the nickname ‘Poldark Country’.
Tap into your creative spirit by retreating to a cottage in a restored heritage building. Pack your walking shoes for the Wheal Coates Walk, where you can uncover the ruins of the 1870s Wheal Coates tin mine. Be sure to explore the local pubs, shops, and studios run by the tight-knit community afterward.
St Michael’s Mount
St Michael’s Mount stands out, not just for its captivating setting on a tidal island but also for its intriguing lore involving giants and mermaids.
This ancient castle has served as a priory, a fort, and a family residence throughout time. Visitors can take a boat ride to explore the island at high tide or walk across the cobbled causeway from Marazion Beach when the tide recedes.
Marazion itself is a quaint market town and vibrant creative hub, worthy of exploration as you take in the stunning views it offers.
Discover the finest spots for glamping near St Michael’s Mount.
Polperro Harbour
Polperro is a fishing village that feels like a scene pulled right from storybooks. It captivates with its beauty, leaving visitors in disbelief.
Known historically as a smuggling hub in the 18th and 19th centuries, Polperro offers an intriguing glimpse into the past at the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing. While it’s more likely you’ll encounter fellow tourists than pirates today, the charm of this place continues to ignite the imagination.
Padstow
Famous for its association with celebrity chef Rick Stein, Padstow on the north Cornish coast is as visually appealing as any other destination on this list.
Often referred to as Padstein due to its four Rick Stein restaurants and various shops—including a cooking school that has placed Padstow firmly on the culinary map—the area also features the Camel Trail. This 18-mile hiking and cycling trail follows the historic route of the former North Cornwall Railway, leading from Padstow to Bodmin Moor.
While exploring between Padstow and Newquay, don’t miss the Bedruthan Steps, unique rock formations that evoke thoughts of the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road in Australia.
Crantock
Crantock boasts golden sands and rolling dunes, where surf schools thrive, and friendly dolphins sometimes pay a visit. You might easily mistake it for a beach down under rather than one in southern England.
Nestled between two of Cornwall’s busiest tourist beaches, Newquay and Perranporth, Crantock remains a beloved local secret. I was fortunate enough to discover its charm as a child.
Have you explored Cornwall? What are your top picks for places to visit?
