Why you need to visit Cornwall this summer.
Cornwall is the place to visit this summer with its stunning beaches, rich history, sprawling coastline, and ample water sports opportunities. Here’s what you can expect from a summer holiday in Cornwall.
Cornwall is one of the most beautiful counties in England. Located in the far South West where Land’s End disappears into the Atlantic Ocean, Cornwall is an all-time favourite for a perfect summer holiday.
Explore the wild sandy beaches and secret coves where smugglers once traded centuries ago, wander around real fishing villages and walk the clifftop paths, take to the waves for some surfing fun or leisurely paddling on a gentle summer’s day. A little history, a dash of adventure and some great beach life in the sun, are just some of the reasons why you should visit Cornwall this summer.
Fly over to the Spanish Canary Islands for a hot winter break or travel to Alicante (Costa Blanca) for a Mediterranean vacation, but come down to Cornwall or Devon this summer for the kind of family holiday you’ll remember forever.
An Insider Guide on the Best Things to Do and See in Cornwall.
Why Visit Cornwall This Summer
Authored by local Cornish writer Sylvie Simpson.
Get Lost in Cornish History
Before Cornwall became famous for ice cream, surfing, Poldark, and Doc Martin, many locals worked in tin mining and fishing. Cornwall’s rich history goes back to the Stone Age thousands of years ago and is steeped with myths, legends, and mystery. Over the years, Cornwall’s prime industry shifted from fishing to mining to tourism.
But at one point, its rugged coastline was the centre of smuggling, which peaked in the 18th century. All across the county are traces of its colourful and storied past: medieval castles, abandoned mines, stone circles, hill forts, and tunnels pirates use to smuggle goods.
Discover Cornwall’s Mining Heritage
Evidence suggests that mining in Cornwall started during the early Bronze Age, around 2000 BC. But it wasn’t until the early 19th century that the Cornish mining industry reached its zenith.
The majority of the world’s copper supply came from the mines in Gwennap, which earned the title of the richest square mile in the Old World.
The mining industry declined in the mid-1800s, but its vital role in Cornwall’s industrial past is still evident everywhere in the county. In 2006, the Cornish mining landscape, which spans 20,000 hectares from St. Just in Cornwall to Tavistock in West Devon, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can explore engine houses converted into museums, learn how old engines work, tour 18th century underground, join mining activities, and cycle or hike the scenic trails through the Cooper Kingdom. Some of the best mines in Cornwall are Geevor Tin Mine, Levant, and East Pool.
Visit the Minack Theatre
Carved out of the granite outcrops over a gully, the Minack Theatre offers stunning views of Porthcurno Bay and the English Channel. The open-air theatre holds performances only in the summer but accepts visitors throughout the year. It’s one of the many things to do in Cornwall with kids.
You can roam around the premises, stand on the stage, admire the sub-tropical gardens, or spot for dolphins frolicking in the sea.
At the Exhibition Centre, you can join in an interactive exhibit, learn about the theatre’s history, and examine costumes made by Rowena Cade, the creator of the Minack Theatre. Refreshments and light snacks are available, as well as souvenirs from the gift shop.
Experience Bodmin Jail
Built in 1779, Bodmin Jail was the UK’s first prison to house inmates in individual cells. It was notorious for its public executions, an event that drew thousands of spectators from across the country. In 2015, the jail was converted into a museum that hosts various activities, including heritage walks, paranormal tours, and scary cinema nights.
For families with kids eight or older, the site offers Dark Walk – an interactive tour. A soon-to-open Luxury Hotel is the latest addition to the attraction.
Admire St Mawes Castle
Shaped like a cloverleaf, with a central keep enclosed by three circular towers, St Mawes Castle is part of the chain of coastal fortifications Henry VIII built to defend the country against invasion from France and Spain. The castle stands on a headland overlooking the Fal estuary, and alongside Pendennis Castle on the opposite bank, protected the Carrick Roads.
Carved into its stonework are gargoyles, sea monsters, and elaborate windows. Throughout its interior are Latin inscriptions lauding King Henry and the Crown.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the sea from the top of the keep. Examine the canons on display in the gun room and look for gun embrasures and murder holes. On the second floor, find the entrance to an oubliette, a secret dungeon where disorderly soldiers were kept as punishment. In the summer, watch a theatre production on the grounds or get some authentic cornish pasties and have a picnic on the grassy knoll.
Visit Cornwall’s Stunning Beaches
From the golden dunes and windswept cliffs of the north coast to the sheltered coves and quaint harbour towns of the south, Cornwall has some of the most bewitchingly beautiful beaches in the UK – and the most diverse, too. It really is an ideal summer holiday destination.
There are between 300 to 400 beaches, bays, and inlets scattered along Cornwall’s 250 miles of coastline, and each brings something wonderfully unique to the table. So, whether you want to swim in a rock pool, spot rare marine life on a boat cruise, try an adrenaline-pumping water sport, or relish fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant, Cornwall has you covered. You can view the best beaches in Cornwall for families here.
Fistral Beach, Newquay
Cornwall is hands down the surfing capital of the UK, and at the core of it is Fistral Beach. With swells that reach up to eight feet, Fistral is the place to go to get a fix of giant waves. The UK’s biggest surfing competitions happen here, from the Famous Night Surf to the National Surf Championships.
Are you learning how to surf? Fistral has plenty of companies that offer surf lessons and equipment hire.
Newquay is one of the best towns in Cornwall for a summer holiday so, if surfing is not for you, you can enjoy the beachside shops and cafés. Better yet, watch the surfing action from the comfort of your beach chair.
Porthminster, St Ives
With its laid-back and easygoing vibe, there’s lots to do in St Ives. Porthminster beach is the perfect summer escape for those wanting to relax. You can lounge on your deck chair all day while watching the waves crash against the iconic Godrevy Lighthouse on the opposite bay.
Or you can take a dip in one of the cleanest and safest waters in the country. Porthminster has been awarded the esteemed Blue Flag Award, the gold standard for beaches concerning water quality, environmental management, and safety.
Hungry? Be sure to sample the mouthwatering Mediterranean and Asian seafood cuisine at the award-winning Porthminster Beach Café.
Polzeath Beach
Polzeath is popular with surfers for its huge, slow-breaking waves. But when the tide is out, the beach expands a quarter-mile in either direction, allowing visitors to build sandcastles on the shore, soak in rock pools, or practice bodyboarding. Shops, cafés, and pubs line the village’s rocky slopes, and exploring them is an exciting alternative when the beach disappears at high tide.
If you are lucky, you may spot a pod of dolphins playing in the waters. The area is also ideal for bird watching as it serves as a breeding site for several coastal birds, including puffins, gannets, and kittiwakes.
Harlyn Bay
The crescent-shaped Harlyn Bay has long been an all-time favourite destination among families and novice surfers. Located in the lee of a headland, Harlyn Bay is protected from big swells and strong winds, making it one of the safest beaches for swimming.
The stunning coast, a combination of rugged shoreline, golden dunes, and tide pools, is best explored on a kayak or a paddleboard. Avid hikers will enjoy the scenic trails that lead from the shore to Mother Ivey’s Bay and Trevose Head.
Dogs are welcome in Harlyn Bay, so don’t worry about leaving your fur baby at home.
Readymoney Cove
Sheltered by craggy cliffs on the mouth of River Fowey, Readymoney Cove is your quintessential secluded beach. To the north, it is bounded by the medieval town of Fowey and, on the other side, by the 16th-century artillery fort, St Catherine’s Castle.
On high tide, the water covers the entire beach. During high season, swimmers can jump off a bathing platform moored in the bay or get light snacks, ice cream, and refreshments from a seaside café. At low tide, you can dip into crystal-clear rock pools. Dogs are welcome, but there is a seasonal dog ban between Easter and 30th September.
Try Out Different Water Sports
There are many water sports to try your hand at in Cornwall. Here are some of the best water sports on offer for the perfect family staycation.
Coasteering in Cornwall
Coasteering is an activity that involves swimming, climbing, scrambling, jumping, trekking, and exploring caves along the foreshore of a rocky coastline. It is a great way to explore nature and wildlife while getting your fill of adrenaline rush. Cornwall’s rich and varied coastline – with its high craggy gullies, windswept coves, sea caves, and arches – is one of the best places to go coasteering in the UK.
There are several sites suitable for coasteering in Cornwall, including Newquay, Buda, and Falmouth, many of which are family-friendly. But if you want to try a more challenging route, head on to Land’s End.
SUP – Stand Up Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding or SUP is an outdoor sport where you stand on a large board and use a paddle to navigate the waters. You can do paddleboarding on the sea, rivers, canals, inland waterways, and lakes.
SUP is primarily a reactional activity that allows you to enjoy nature in a unique and relaxing setting. However, paddleboarding competitions are becoming popular around the world.
Porthcurno Beach, with its white sands, turquoise waters, and dramatic rock formations, is one of the best places in Cornwall to go paddleboarding. You can also check out Sennen Cove, The Gannel, The Camel Estuary, and Fowey River.
Surfing in Cornwall
Cornwall juts straight into the Atlantic Ocean, making it a magnet for swells and big waves. Add to its strategic location a generally mild climate, and you have the perfect place for surfing.
Fistral Beach is the most popular surfing destination in Cornwall, but it can get crowded. Visit the more secluded Gwithian Beach. Polzeath is ideal for beginners. Also, check out Porthmeor, Porthtowan, and Praa Sands Beach.
Convinced to visit Cornwall? There are so many things to do and the county is a perfect place for a Great British Family Staycation!
Sylvie Simpson has enjoyed living in Cornwall since she was a small child. After a gap year travelling around the world, Sylvie returned to St Ives where she now lives with her baby daughter.
When not out exploring with Eden, Sylvie writes destination guides and gives in-depth advice for travelling with children on her blog Kids 2 Cornwall.
Related Posts: Insider Guides on Places to Visit in UK and Eire
Beautiful Places to Visit in Devon
Discover the most beautiful places to visit in Devon – popular resorts and hidden gems, the best South Devon and North Devon beaches, Dartmoor and Exmoor villages, coastal and country walks.
For those over on a short Irish break, these are the best Dublin day trips to enjoy, easy outings to the most interesting & beautiful places in Ireland.
If you’re planning a few days out in Somerset (UK), there are lots of great places to visit in the historic towns, sandy beaches to laze on, trails to tread along stunning coastline and nature parks.
On a day trip from London or visiting the south of England for a few days? Put the sights of Wiltshire on your itinerary (there’s so much history to see & lots to do for free)!
The Perfect 2-Day Trip to Cambridge
Cambridge is a picture-perfect county in the south of England. Discover which historical sites to see in the city, what to do while you’re here for 2 days, and where to go for something good to eat!
Discover the World with
the blog with a focus on independent travel
