On a headland near the maritime town of Falmouth with spectacular views out to sea, this hilltop defender of honour also played a vital role in the second world war as a secret base. Meet the costumed characters, discover the Tudor Keep and watch the daily firing of a historic gun between April and October. But tiny Port Isaac is a proper Cornish harbour town, with an old-school waterfront and fishing boats bobbing in the slipway. Away from the main harbour stretch, the classic Cornish cottages seem stacked on top of one another up the hillsides, so make sure to pack proper shoes for exploring.
There’s a small harbor and Port Quin is a popular starting point for kayaking trips along the coast. I’ve been visiting Cornwall almost every year since I was born and it remains one of my absolute favorite places in England to escape to. With jagged coastal cliffs, wild surfing beaches, and calm, sandy beaches for swimming, the beaches in Cornwall are varied. There’s something so attractively mystical about St Michael’s Mount. Situated just off the south coast of Cornwall, this crop of rocks is accessible via a causeway when the tide is low but not when the tide is high.
While the entire walk is quite strenuous and 15 miles long, you can also just walk a small part of the trail, e.g. up to Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall. Starting in Hartland Quay, head south along the Cornwall Coastal Path. The waterfall is just about 1 mile (20-30 min) walk and is well worth it. If you’re feeling less energetic, then it’s very easy to while away the hours just watching other people tackle the waves. The beach has wonderful facilities including a very good restaurant and cafe, along with a great atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy.
St Austell With one ‘All Inclusive’ price & over 54,000 sq ft of ‘all weather’ family fun, it makes Kidzworld one of the leading indoor attractions in Cornwall a fantastic family day out all year round. Follow the peninsula around to Land’s End and The Lizard before stopping in Falmouth to explore the town. From there head to St Austell to have a look at the famous brewery and sample some fine Cornish ale. The best way to get around Cornwall is to hire a car as public transport is a little unreliable. There are buses that serve some of the larger towns, but if you want to get out to the prettiest places in Cornwall then your own transport is required. Visit the charming cathedral, wander around the small selection of small shops, or relax in one of a few cafes, restaurants, or pubs.
Renowned for its glorious countryside, striking coastline and unique attractions, you’ll find an abundance of places to visit in Cornwall that leave lasting memories. From catching a performance at the open-air clifftop Minack Theatre to surfing the waves at Newquay’s Fistral Beach or delving into the Arthurian legend at Tintagel, Cornwall has something for everyone. Don’t miss Gallos, an 8ft bronze statue of an ancient king and head down to the beach below the castle to visit Merlin’s Cave and the waterfall.
Our travel recommendations are based on our personal experiences and research, written by locals and travel experts with deep familiarity with the destination. When you book a hotel or tour that we link to, we may earn a commission. A trip around the fishing village of Port Isaac that’s tailored to the whims of Doc Martin fans.