Cornwall, England's southwestern peninsula, offers some of Britain's most enchanting coastal landscapes. With over 300 miles of diverse coastline, this region boasts golden beaches, towering cliffs, charming fishing villages, and a rich maritime heritage that has shaped its unique character and culture for centuries.
Cornwall: Where Land Meets Sea
Few places in Britain have a relationship with the ocean as profound as Cornwall. The sea has provided livelihoods, inspired artists, shaped traditions, and carved the dramatic landscapes that make this county so distinctive. From the wilder, more rugged north coast facing the Atlantic to the gentler, more sheltered south coast along the English Channel, Cornwall's coastline offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Iconic Beaches and Coves
Kynance Cove
Often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula features white sand contrasting with dark red and green serpentine rock formations. At low tide, you can explore caves with names like The Parlour and Drawing Room. Visit early in the morning or outside peak summer season to experience its beauty in relative tranquility.
Porthcurno Beach
Nestled beneath the cliffs near Land's End, Porthcurno's fine white sand and turquoise waters might have you believing you've been transported to the Caribbean. The beach is overlooked by the remarkable Minack Theatre, an open-air amphitheatre carved into the cliff face. The combination of natural and human-made beauty makes this a must-visit location.
Fistral Beach
Newquay's famous Fistral Beach is the surf capital of Britain. With consistent waves rolling in from the Atlantic, it attracts surfers of all abilities throughout the year. Even if you're not planning to catch a wave, the expansive golden sand and dramatic headlands make it perfect for beach walks and sunset watching.
Polperro Harbour Beach
This small shingle and sand beach within the picture-perfect fishing village of Polperro offers a different type of coastal experience. Sheltered by the harbour walls and surrounding cliffs, it's a perfect spot for a more relaxed experience, with the added charm of fishing boats, whitewashed cottages, and winding lanes just steps away.
Picturesque Fishing Villages
St. Ives
This renowned artists' haven combines stunning beaches with cultural significance. The quality of light has attracted painters for generations, leading to the establishment of the Tate St. Ives gallery and numerous studios and exhibitions. Wander through the maze of narrow cobbled streets, browse independent shops and galleries, and enjoy freshly caught seafood at harbourside restaurants.
Mevagissey
On Cornwall's south coast, Mevagissey retains its working harbour character. The twin harbours, built in the 18th and 19th centuries, shelter a fleet of fishing boats that still bring in the daily catch. The village's narrow streets are lined with shops, cafes, and pubs, while a museum in an old boathouse tells the story of this historic smuggling and fishing community.
Port Isaac
Made famous as the filming location for the TV series "Doc Martin" (as the fictional Portwenn), Port Isaac's authentic charm predates its television fame. The village features 18th and 19th-century whitewashed cottages and fishermen's houses clustered around a sheltered harbour. Don't miss the opportunity to hear the Fisherman's Friends, a sea shanty group that performs on the platt (harbour) during summer evenings.
Mousehole
Pronounced "Mowzel" by locals, this tiny fishing village near Penzance was described by Dylan Thomas as "the loveliest village in England." Its harbour is protected by two sturdy stone piers, while its winding streets are filled with granite cottages, art galleries, and seafood restaurants. The village is particularly magical during December when its Christmas lights illuminate the harbour.
Dramatic Coastal Paths and Viewpoints
South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path National Trail covers 630 miles in total, with 300 miles in Cornwall alone. This spectacular walking route follows the coastline, offering unparalleled views of cliffs, beaches, and headlands. While walking the entire Cornish section would take weeks, numerous shorter circular walks allow you to experience the best sections in a day. Popular stretches include Lizard Point to Kynance Cove, Boscastle to Tintagel, and the Helford River paths.
Land's End
England's most westerly point offers dramatic ocean vistas from its 200-foot-high granite cliffs. While the visitor centre offers various attractions, the real appeal lies in the wild natural landscape and the sense of standing at the edge of the country. The famous signpost marking the distance to various world destinations makes for an iconic photo opportunity.
Bedruthan Steps
One of Cornwall's most photographed locations, Bedruthan Steps features massive rock stacks standing sentinel-like in a wide sandy beach. According to legend, they were used as stepping stones by the giant Bedruthan. The viewpoints from the cliff top are spectacular, while at low tide (and when conditions permit), you can descend the cliff stairs to explore the beach and rock formations up close.
Trevose Head
This headland near Padstow offers sweeping views along the coastline in both directions. The lighthouse, built in 1847, stands 27 meters tall and remains operational, guiding ships safely past the treacherous offshore rocks. On clear days, the views extend as far as Hartland Point in Devon.
Maritime Heritage and Coastal History
Smuggling Legacy
Cornwall's isolated coves and caves provided perfect hiding places for contraband, making smuggling a significant part of the local economy in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Visit Jamaica Inn on Bodmin Moor, immortalized in Daphne du Maurier's novel, to learn about this colorful period. The Smugglers' Museum houses one of the finest collections of smuggling artifacts in Britain.
Shipwreck Heritage
Cornwall's treacherous coastline has claimed countless ships over the centuries. The Shipwreck Treasure Museum in Charlestown houses artifacts from over 150 wrecks, telling stories of tragedy and heroism. The Telegraph Museum at Porthcurno explores how global communications helped reduce maritime disasters, while churchyards throughout Cornwall contain memorials to those lost at sea.
Mining Along the Coast
The remains of engine houses perched dramatically on cliff tops are among Cornwall's most iconic images. These structures represent the county's tin and copper mining industry, which once extended beneath the seabed. The Cornish Mining World Heritage Site includes ten areas across Cornwall, many with coastal locations. Botallack Mine near St Just, featured in the TV series Poldark, offers some of the most dramatic mining remains, with engine houses clinging to the cliff face.
Lighthouse History
With such a dangerous coastline, lighthouses have played a vital role in Cornwall's maritime safety. The Lizard Lighthouse is mainland Britain's most southerly lighthouse and offers tours of its heritage centre. Godrevy Lighthouse, which inspired Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse," stands on a small offshore island providing a perfect photo opportunity from the mainland.
Coastal Wildlife and Nature
Marine Life
Cornwall's waters are rich in marine life. Basking sharks, the world's second-largest fish, visit in summer months, while dolphins and harbor porpoises can be spotted year-round. Grey seals are common, with major colonies at Mutton Cove near Godrevy and around the Lizard Peninsula. Boat trips from various harbors offer wildlife-watching opportunities, while the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek rescues and rehabilitates injured seals.
Seabird Colonies
The cliffs of Cornwall provide nesting sites for numerous seabird species. Guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes nest in large numbers at sites like Bedruthan Steps and Boscastle. The RSPB reserve at Marazion overlooks St Michael's Mount and hosts numerous migratory birds, while the Cornish Chough, with its distinctive red bill and legs, has made a welcome return to Cornwall's coastal grasslands.
Coastal Flowers
Cornwall's mild climate allows subtropical plants to thrive, while cliff tops burst with color from wildflowers adapted to the harsh coastal conditions. Spring brings carpets of sea thrift and squill to clifftop meadows, while sheltered valleys support lush vegetation. The coastal gardens at Trebah, Glendurgan, and St Michael's Mount showcase the diversity of plants that thrive in Cornwall's unique environment.
Coastal Activities and Experiences
Water Sports
Beyond surfing at Fistral, Cornwall offers numerous water-based activities. Kayaking allows exploration of hidden caves and coves, with guided tours available from locations like Falmouth and St Agnes. Coasteering combines swimming, climbing, and cliff jumping for an adrenaline-filled adventure, while stand-up paddleboarding offers a more tranquil way to explore sheltered bays and estuaries.
Boat Trips
Seeing Cornwall from the water offers a new perspective on its coastline. Options include wildlife-watching excursions, fishing trips, and pleasure cruises. The ferry between Falmouth and St Mawes crosses one of the world's largest natural harbors, while boat trips from St Ives to Seal Island combine wildlife watching with magnificent coastal views.
Coastal Foraging
Cornwall's shoreline provides rich pickings for foragers. Guided tours teach visitors to identify edible seaweeds, coastal plants, and shellfish. Companies like Fat Hen and Wild Food School offer expert-led experiences that culminate in cooking and eating your finds, providing a literal taste of Cornwall's coastal bounty.
Local Food and Drink
Cornwall's coastal location ensures outstanding seafood. From traditional fishing harbors like Newlyn and Mevagissey, fresh catches supply local restaurants and fish markets. Don't miss classic dishes like Cornish crab sandwiches, Stargazey pie (with fish heads poking through the pastry), or the ubiquitous Cornish pasty, traditionally eaten by tin miners. Wash it down with local ales from coastal breweries like Skinner's in Truro or Verdant in Falmouth.
Practical Information for Coastal Exploration
Tide Awareness
Many of Cornwall's most beautiful beaches and coves are completely covered at high tide, and tidal ranges can be extreme. Always check tide times before visiting beaches like Porthcurno or Kynance Cove, and be aware that some beaches can become cut off as the tide rises. Local tourist information centers provide tide tables, or you can use smartphone apps like Tide Times UK.
Coastal Safety
Cornwall's coastline can be hazardous. When swimming, use lifeguarded beaches whenever possible (look for the red and yellow flags) and be aware of rip currents, particularly on Atlantic-facing beaches. When walking coastal paths, stay away from cliff edges, especially in windy conditions or after rainfall when paths may be slippery and cliff falls more likely.
Seasonal Considerations
Cornwall's coastal areas can be extremely busy during school holidays, particularly July and August. For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting in the "shoulder seasons" of May, June, September, or October when the weather is often still pleasant but crowds are reduced. Winter brings its own dramatic charm, with storm watching becoming a popular activity at exposed locations like Sennen and Porthleven.
Accommodation
Coastal accommodation ranges from luxury hotels like The Scarlet at Mawgan Porth to traditional B&Bs, self-catering cottages, and campgrounds with sea views. For an authentic experience, consider renting a converted fisherman's cottage in a village like Mousehole or Port Isaac. Book well in advance for summer stays, as the most desirable properties are reserved months ahead.
Transportation
While having a car provides the most flexibility for exploring Cornwall's coast, narrow roads and limited parking in popular villages can make driving challenging during peak season. Consider using the extensive bus network or the coastal railway line that runs from St Ives to St Erth on the north coast and along various sections of the south coast. The open-top double-decker buses on routes like the Atlantic Coaster provide spectacular views of the coastline.
Sustainable Coastal Tourism
Cornwall's popularity puts pressure on its delicate coastal environments. Support conservation by:
- Taking all litter home, including items that might wash into the sea
- Respecting wildlife by observing from a distance
- Supporting businesses with sustainable practices
- Using public transport when possible
- Following the Countryside Code on coastal walks
- Participating in beach cleans organized by Surfers Against Sewage and other organizations
Conclusion
Cornwall's coastal treasures offer something for every visitor – from adrenaline-seeking water sports enthusiasts to history buffs, wildlife watchers, food lovers, and those simply seeking tranquility by the sea. The combination of natural beauty, rich heritage, and distinctive culture creates an experience that resonates long after you've left this special corner of Britain.
Whether you're planning a dedicated coastal tour or looking to include Cornwall as part of a broader British adventure, we at British Adventure Tours can craft the perfect itinerary to help you discover these coastal gems at your own pace. Contact us to start planning your Cornish coastal adventure.