Best things to do in Cornwall

Cornwall's Absolute Essentials

Cornwall’s landscape is defined by its rugged Atlantic coastline and rich industrial heritage. This selection features the iconic tidal island of St Michael's Mount and the medieval ruins of Tintagel Castle, famously linked to Arthurian legend. Botanical innovation is showcased at the Eden Project’s geodesic biomes and the restored Victorian grounds of Heligan. Historical sites range from the Iron Age courtyard houses of Chysauster to the 16th-century artillery fortress of St Mawes. Coastal highlights include the turquoise waters of Kynance Cove and the granite cliffs of Land’s End.

Cornwall's Absolute Essentials — Map

Dietrich Krieger / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Tintagel Castle

Tintagel Castle is a medieval fortification located on the peninsula of Tintagel Island adjacent to the village of Tintagel, North Cornwall…

qubex / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Eden Project

The Eden Project is a visitor attraction in Cornwall, England. The project is located in a reclaimed china clay pit, located 2 km from the…

Andrew Bone / CC BY 2.0

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St Michael's Mount Castle

St Michael's Mount is a tidal island in Mount's Bay, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom.

Rob Young / CC BY 2.0

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The Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan are located near Mevagissey in Cornwall, England and are considered to be amongst the most popular in the UK.

Andy Wright / CC BY 2.0

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Kynance Cove. ****

Kynance Cove is a cove on the eastern side of Mount's Bay, Cornwall, England.

sieurcoug / CC-BY-SA

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Land's End

The westernmost point of mainland England, characterized by 200-foot-high granite cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Longships Lighthouse.

Kevin Yuen / CC-BY-SA

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Porthcurno

This charming southern beach with its golden sands is an ideal outing if you want to soak up the summer sun.

Sbeech / Public domain

H

Port Isaac

Port Isaac is a small fishing village on the Atlantic coast of north Cornwall, England, in the United Kingdom.

Sassf / CC BY-SA 3.0

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St Mawes Castle

St Mawes Castle is an artillery fort constructed by Henry VIII near Falmouth, Cornwall, between 1540 and 1542.

Ahwmay / Public domain

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Geevor Tin Mine

Geevor Tin Mine, formerly North Levant Mine is a tin mine in the far west of Cornwall, England, between the villages of Pendeen and…

Tim Green / CC BY 2.0

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Truro Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Church of England cathedral in the city of Truro, Cornwall.

Zaian / Public domain

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Restormel Castle

Restormel Castle lies by the River Fowey near Lostwithiel in Cornwall, England, UK.

Olaf Tausch / CC BY 3.0

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Lanhydrock House

A Victorian country house and estate featuring formal gardens and wooded parkland. The interiors showcase 19th-century life, including preserved kitchens, servants' quarters, and grand family rooms.

Loz Pycock / CC BY-SA 2.0

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Chysauster Ancient Village

Chysauster Ancient Village is a late Iron Age and Romano-British village of courtyard houses in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom, which is…

Nilfanion / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Merlin's Cave

Merlin's Cave is a cave located beneath Tintagel Castle, 5 kilometres south-west of Boscastle, Cornwall, England.

Other Lists

Editor's Choice Cornwall Cornwall's Coastal Gems Cornwall's Heritage Trail Cornwall's Castles and Ruins Cornwall's Ancient Wonders Historic Religious Sites Viewpoints and Peaks Cornwall's Museums and Galleries Enchanting Gardens