Famous for surfing, sailing, gorgeous gardens, cliff top walks and iconic attractions, whether you are on a family trip or romantic break with the one you love, there are an abundance of attractions to enjoy across Cornwall. Browse our hand picked guide of the very best this coastal county has to offer and be inspired for your next stay.
Explore this National Trust favourite, home to a family manor and incredible landscapes. With cycle trails, café and gift shop also within the grounds, you’ll never be stuck for things to do at Lanhydrock.
What was once a garden of ruins is now a south Cornwall favourite. Heligan is loved amongst locals and visitors alike for its botanical gardens, endless walking routes and family-friendly events.
Uncover tales of King Arthur and visit Tintagel Castle, steeped in legend and sat atop the rugged Cornish coastline.
With fine interiors and a delightful garden, this Elizabethan manor house is nestled in the parish of Newlyn East near Newquay. While away an afternoon exploring the house and strolling the grounds.
Home of the Molesworth- St Aubyn family for almost 500 years this grade II listed Georgian manor is tucked away on the edge of Bodmin Moor. Book a tour and enjoy afternoon tea in the cafe and a stroll through the gardens.
A stunningly beautiful Elizabethan manor house which overlooks the picturesque fishing harbour of Padstow
As one of the National Trusts most delightful medieval buildings with a story spanning over 600 years, The Old Post Office is a welcome retreat from the bustling high street of this mystical village.
Set on a large natural mound, Launceston Castle dominates the surrounding landscape. Built soon after the Norman conquest in 1068, the castle is steeped in history.
As Bodmin Moor’s most rugged and iconic tor, its peaks provide a manageable and enjoyable 3-4 mile walk complete with stunning scenery and a wealth of natural beauty.
Immerse yourself in this iconic visitor attraction. Explore the biomes and discover thousands of weird and wonderful plant species. Look out for concerts through the summer and ice skating through the winter.
This tidal island in Mount’s Bay is home to a historic castle, garden and island community. Walk across the causeway at low tide or hop on a boat to start your adventure.
Formed 270 million years ago and the most westerly point of mainland Great Britain, Lands End looks out over the English Channel in the east and the Celtic Sea to the west.
Found near the River Fowey in Loistwithiel, Restormel is one of four chief castles of Cornwall and most notable for its circular design. Although once a luxurious residence for the Earl of Cornwall, the castle was all but ruined by the 16th Century.
Built between 1880 and 1910, this Gothic Revival Cathedral was designed by John Loughborough Pearson. It is one of only three cathedral in the United Kingdom to boast three spires. Take in beatific the beautiful craftsman ship, browse the gift shop and enjoy a light bite in the in-house cafe.
Discover Bodmin Jail’s rich history with a tour of the grounds, including the remains of the execution pit. With a museum and restaurants, enjoy a spooky day out.
This family run farm in Newquay is a unique experience for the whole family. Along with the trusty ciders, there are also award-winning wines, juices and jams to sample.
As one of Britains most unique and well-loved independent museums, this museum celebrates local magic around Boscastle and the south west.
Get up close to a vast array of marine life - from big fish to little fish and everything in between! Situated on Towan Beach in the centre of Newquay, you’ll find plenty to do.
Marine Conservation in action! Set up in 200 and situated on the South Quay in Padstow, adopt your own lobster and support the pioneering work undertaken by the research charity.
First opened in 1897 this art gallery houses the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day and International modern and contemporary arts. Overlooking St Ives Bay, take in the views and browse nearly 70,000 pieces of artwork.
Located in the county capital , the museum is rooted in Cornwalls mining and engineering heritage, here you will find extensive mineral collections, industrial art collections, rare books and insights into Cornish life and culture.
Nestled by the harbour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Charlestown, this historical museum houses over 8000 artefacts from over 150 different shipwrecks.
As the UK’s largest waterski centre and also offering wakeboarding, wake surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking and inflatable rides, get your bathers on for an action packed afternoon on the Camel Estuary
For adventurous souls, get down to Wave Hunters to explore the spectacular street how coastline from Port Isaac to Padstow. With over a decades worth of experience you’re in safe hands, with services including surf lessons, boat trips, private charters, surf hire, and beach fitness classes
With a restaurant, 18 hole golf course, tennis courts and health club The Point is the ideal spot to get active and then drink in the sunset views from the brasserie.
Offering scuba training, boat charters and guided dives, take to the Cornish waters with an adrenaline-fuelled experience with Harlyn Dive School.
The world famous open-air theatre is a must-visit. Carved into the granite cliffs of Porthcurno, enjoy panoramic views across coast and countryside as you enjoy a unique outdoor theatre experience.
Looe’s Monkey Sanctuary is filled with 40 monkeys, each with a unique character and distinct personality. Contribute to the protection of primates and habitats worldwide with the entrance fee that goes straight to charity.
With over 130 species of animals, meet the meerkats and watch the lions, penguins and monkeys devour their lunches, sure to entertain the little ones.
Winding 18 miles through coast and country, this surfaced and virtually level trail passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in North Cornwall. Head inland to enjoy a stroll through the forested route or hire a bike in Wadebridge to cycle on to Padstow.
The original cycle hire on the Camel Track and situated right on the start of the Camel Trail leg from Wadebridge to Padstow, hire yourself a bicycle and enjoy a drink and fish and chips on the quay in Padstow.
Dating from way back in 1905, Lappa Valley offers nostalgic steam railway journeys from Benny Halt to East Wheal Rose. A firm family favourite, there are play and leisure facilities to enjoy hours of entertainment.
Set in an area of woodland above Tintagel, St Nectans Glen is magical and mystical with tales of fairies, pinkies and spirits. The site is most notable for its 60ft waterfall tumbling through the cliff face above.
If you are planning a family day out, this is the place for you. With food & drink, indoor play areas, water rides and rollercoasters this adventure park is sure to be a hit with young and old.
Founded in 1990 and sutatuon on the edge of the Goss Moor, this animal park has been a home for owls for over 30 years. Enjoy an educational day out learning about the conservation and rehabilitation of these wonderful animals.
A series of spectacular cascades and waterfalls along a section of the River Fowey as it meanders its way through ancient oak woodland.
Carnglaze Caverns is one of Cornwalls premier underground, all-weather tourist attractions. Pay a visit and unearth Cornwall’s internationally important industrial heritage.
A family-friendly discovery park for all ages which includes a miniature railway travelling through picturesque countryside, a forbidden mansion, mazes, treasures hunts and play areas.
Providing a caring home for mistreated, injured or unwanted birds of prey this organisation provides a safe haven for these impressive creatures. Get up close and personal with a falconry experience or photography class.
Originally built as a coaching inn in 1750, with a historical association to smuggling, the Jamaica Inn was the setting for Daphne du Maurier’s 1936 novel of the same name. Pull up a pew and enjoy local ales by the bar and delve into its history.
Perched on the top of the hill in Port Isaac, this restaurant has far reaching views of the rugged coastline. Enjoy the finest in tasting menus with matching wine flight and seafood caught off the Cornish coast by small day boats.
Hop on the ferry or water taco for this extra special dining experience. Within a beautiful Georgian townhouse, experience modern British food with a focus on Cornish Produce.
Located in the heart of Rock, The Dining Room is run by husband and wide team Fred and Donna. Serving a small a la carte menu that changes with the season, the food never disappoints.
Set within s former Victorian styled tearoom, this cosy restaurant has a relaxed vibe with all the food cooked in the wood fired one. The menu is built around sharing and many of the flavours come from a middle eastern influence.
Opened by Rick and Jill Stein back in 1975, The Seafood has an international reputation for serving the finest fish and shell fish. Simple dishes utilise local produce and classic flavours from Rick’s own recipes.
Hidden on a farm feel in Mawgan Porth’s Laherne Valley, cosy up in a converted stable to enjoy tasty, rustic food cooked on open fires, spirt roasts and slow roasted smoker barrels
An award-winning restaurant overlooking the beach at Watergate Bay. With a focus on local produce and a varied menu, find dishes from lobster linguini to fish curry to steaks and burgers.
The interior may be industrial but the food and drink is anything but! This kitchen serves freshly cooked breakfast and lunch with a menu inspired from around the world. You’ll spot offerings including lentil dhal, tasty salads and burgers.
Set in the beautiful parish of St Kew, this Inn offers everything you would expect of traditional village pub. Cosy up by open fires in the winter and enjoy the beer garden on the village green in the summer.
A firm favourite with families, enjoy hearty meals and delicious homemade treats at this spacious tea room and cafe. As an added bonus, its child heaven with huge areas to roam and plenty of playgrounds to keep little ones entertained.
A world-famous, classic 18th century Cornish pub with views of the beach, harbour and out to see. With a focus on locally sourced food sand a classic pub menu, the Gold Lion also offers a wonderful selection of cask ales and Cornish Gins.
Harking back to 1527, this quirky bar and cafe serves traditional food and is positioned just a stones throw from the harbour. Pull up a seat on the terrace to enjoy views over the Port.
Used as the school in ITV’s Doc Martin, this impressive grade to II listed building is sat at the top of Fore Street. Headed up in the kitchen by Jake Pattenden, the menu offers delicious dishes using the best local produce from land and sea.
Nestled in the secluded cove of Port Gaverne, this charming pub offers ultra-fresh, no fuss dishes that change with the season.
Just yards from the beach at high tide, the menu here changes daily. Snack at tapas or share a plate while drinking in the sea views.
Enjoy panoramic sea views from this top notch cafe. Expect hearty lunches, homemade quiches and a desert cabinet to die for!
A real pocket rocket. This small restaurant changes its menu daily and serves fresh fish dishes with an emphasis on local suppliers and organic produce.
An award-winning free house, family owned and run for the past 28 years. Set in a historic quarrying community on the north coast, this welcoming pub serves all the classics.
Housed within an 18th century Bootmakers, this laid back restaurant offers an Italian inspired menu where you’ll find everything from pizzas to pastas, Cornish hot dogs to ragu.
Perched high above Padstow town with views of the harbour and Camel Estuary, sit back and relax with one of the best outlooks in town. A real foodie haven, you’ll enjoy simple dishes with modern flair.
Rick Steins welcoming pub near Padstow is one of the best gastro pubs in the county. Tuck in to a great selection of real ales and a classic British pub menu.
Ed Rafferty, who has worked for the likes of Hugh Fernley-Whittingstall and Rick Stein, has a firm belief fantastic food can only come from quality ingredients and a passionate cook. Expect a contemporary modern feel and fresh, innovative dishes.
A family friendly restaurant, right by the surfing beach of Polzeath. Food and drinks are served all day using fresh Cornish produce. Seaview and steak are some of the many dishes available.
Set above Polzeath Beach with one of the best spots to watch a sundowner serves enormous 20” pizzas and an Italian inspired small plates menu.
Headed up by a mother daughter team, tuck in to classic Thai dishes and modern twists on foreign favourites. You can also order takeaway.
Opened in 2019 by Paul and Emma Ainsworth, this chic coastal pub is teamed up with Sharps to offer some of the best brews around. Its pastor pub menu will never fail to impress and if your after something lighter, the bar snacks are not
Rock, Cornwall
Breakfast 9-11.30
Lunch 12-4
Walk-ins only
One of the best restaurants in north Cornwall and just a stroll away from Padstow harbour. Tuck in to grilled steak for the freshest Cornish catch. Stopping off at Ruby’s next door for a post or pre dinner cocktail is not to be missed!
