Say hello to the staycation destination of your dreams, rivalling the beaches of the Caribbean and offering the best guarantee of sunshine possible in the UK. Anyone who visits Cornwall is likely to tell you all about the beautiful scenery, quaint local villages and laid-back culture here. But above all, it’s a brilliant place to make family memories without the hassle of hauling everyone overseas.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Cornwall, we thought we’d give you a few pointers on the best places to see and attractions to visit!
Where is Cornwall?
Cornwall sits on the Southwestern tip of the UK. Often dubbed as the Cornish Riviera, this region is filled with cities, towns, villages and beaches, all with their own unique charm. Popular destinations for tourists include the likes of Falmouth, St Ives, Newquay, Perranporth, Penzance and Padstow.
The area can look deceivingly small on a map. It would actually take you around 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive from its northernmost point in Hartland to the southernmost point, which is obviously Land’s End.
9 things to do in Cornwall
1. Take a stroll around the Eden Project
The Eden Project is a well-known attraction, drawing in millions of visitors from all over the world. With a focus on conservation and built in a reclaimed china clay pit, the conservation-focused complex features a Mediterranean biome and a rainforest biome housing thousands of diverse plant species. Here, you can learn all about the site’s commitment to sustainability while exploring the uniquely curated gardens inside the specially engineered domes.
2. The Lost Garden is a must-see
Another popular attraction in Cornwall is the Lost Gardens of Heligan, which is perfect for many different types of visitors, whether you’re enjoying a family day out or a romantic walk as a couple. Explore over 200 acres of Europe’s largest garden restoration, complete with ancient, untouched woodland, diverse wildlife, and year-round beauty.
3. Historical landmarks are all around
Steeped in unique history unlike anywhere else in the UK, there’s no shortage of historical landmarks to explore in Cornwall. Visit the medieval Tintagel Castle, catch a performance at the open-air Minack Theatre, or travel back to the Tudor era at Pendennis Castle. Whichever historical landmark you choose to visit, you’re sure to come away with some exciting knowledge about Cornwall’s past and present.
4. Take an educational trip to the museum
While the region sees more sunshine than most other parts of the UK, if the weather takes a turn for the worse and you need to take shelter from the rain indoors, all is not lost. You can still enjoy a stroll around one of Cornwall’s many educational museums, including Pezzanbuloe Museum (offering free entry!), the National Maritime Museum and Royal Cornwall Museum. Each of these showcases the local history with exciting exhibits for all types of visitors to enjoy.
5. Taste test Cornish flavours
From Cornish pasties to Cornish ice cream, the region is well-known for its food, and it would be a missed opportunity not to taste-test both. Head to local shops in any of the towns, villages and cities in Cornwall for a sample or two of the very best Cornish flavours.
Known as an ‘oggy’ in the Cornish language, Cornish pasties are particularly deep-rooted in the region’s mining heritage. As a little fun fact for you, the wives of miners used to shout ‘Oggy, oggy, oggy’ down the mineshafts when the pasties were ready to be eaten, and the miners would shout back “Oi, oi, oi!” in acknowledgement.
6. Explore Cornwall via ferries and boats
See the region from a different perspective, with ferry rides and boat trips happening regularly. From glass bottom boat safaris off the coast of St Ives, where you could see dolphins and seals, to river cruises exploring inland areas, this is a great way to see more of Cornwall’s landscapes and wildlife in a shorter timeframe.
7. Have a day at the beach
With over 400 beaches wrapping around Cornwall, regardless of where you’re staying or what you’re doing, you’ll never be far from the region’s stunning seaside. From white sandy beaches to the waves crashing around cliffsides and rocky areas, hours upon hours could be spent exploring the beachfront.
Of course, surfing and other water sports are hugely popular in the area. So, if you have a spare afternoon, why not hit the waves with a surfing lesson?
8. Walks around the coast to spot wildlife
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a tourist looking to experience something different to your usual attractions, why not follow a nature trail or explore one of Cornwall’s national parks? This is a great way to spot the diverse wildlife in Cornwall, including the creatures on land and in the water.
9. See an array of marine life at Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay
Not been lucky with the weather? Come rain or shine, Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay is open all year round for you to visit. So, don’t worry if you haven’t been able to spot any local animals in their natural habitats – you can still meet some of the native marine wildlife in our incredible exhibits. From bull huss sharks to the European bass, we’re proud of the marine diversity on our shores and are always excited to showcase it to Cornish locals and those travelling from further away.
To book your tickets in advance and find out more about our marine creatures, head to our website!
When you’re planning your next trip to Cornwall, we highly recommend adding some of these attractions and days out to your itinerary!