Visit Cornwall, England

The most southwesterly county of the United Kingdom, Cornwall resonates with an alluring natural beauty. Surrounded by sea on three sides, it’s imbued with a rich maritime heritage and enjoys a distinctly separate, island-like energy.

Vertiginous cliffs, wild moorland peaks, surf-lined sandy bays, and remote smugglers’ coves are the highlights of Cornwall’s north coast, where you can find yourself immersed in the deeply embedded artistic and surfing cultures. The south coast is gentler. Rich farmland and ancient woodlands roll down to the sea, while river estuaries provide a haven for sailing. And tiny, cobblestoned fishing villages give you an insight into the tight-knit communities that have thrived here for generations.

Proud of their strong Cornish identity, locals will regale you with tales of the bountiful tin-mining past or brave seafaring adventures, often shared through shanties spontaneously sung over a pint at the local pub.

From the wildness of the clifftops to the warmth of a fisherman’s pub, the richness of the Cornish culture and the clarity of the sea, there is a certain magic to Cornwall that lingers long after you return home.

North Cornwall

Rugged and windswept, the north coast of Cornwall is a revered destination both for surfers and walkers looking to explore the clifftops of the South West Coast Path. Its secluded coves are home to some beautiful fishing villages. You can wander the narrow cobblestone streets of tiny Port Isaac, home to the acclaimed sea shanty group the Fisherman’s Friends. The food-lover’s haven of Padstow makes a great base for exploring North Cornwall, with British celebrity chefs Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth both boasting award-winning restaurants in the town.

West Cornwall

Raw and wild, West Cornwall is a landscape of heather-strewn moorland, sweeping sandy beaches, and granite cliffs that tumble into inaccessible coves. Where the last peninsula of the UK meets the Atlantic Ocean, you find Land’s End — a blustery, dramatic, and atmospheric end point. Mining was prolific here from as early as the Bronze Age until the 20th century, and the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site along this “Tin Coast” is a recognition of the industry. Meanwhile, Saint Ives is synonymous with a thriving food and art scene. Choosing this coastal town as your base puts you right in the heart of Cornwall’s artistic heritage, with Tate Saint Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the Leach Pottery all on your doorstep.

South Cornwall

With its subtropical climate, calm waters, and sheltered coves, the south coast of Cornwall is often referred to as the Cornish Riviera and is an adored destination among UK visitors. The climate has led to a collection of ornate gardens. You may choose to visit The Lost Gardens of Heligan, whose blend of exotic plants and native species, Italian-style gardens and glasshouses were “lost” when the gardeners were called up to fight in World War I. It lay undiscovered until a restoration project began in 1990. If you want to dive into the maritime heritage of this county, Falmouth has a rich seafaring legacy and is home to the National Maritime Museum and numerous seafront restaurants.

Best time to visit Cornwall

To get the best experience, we suggest visiting Cornwall in spring (April–June) or autumn (September–October). Our specialists particularly recommend May, when the hedgerows are ablaze with flowers, the sun is warm, and the coast path is at its most vibrant. Avoid peak summer, as the county becomes inundated with domestic tourism during the school holidays in July and August.

Festivals, events and seasonal reasons to visit

• Porthleven Food Festival takes over this small harbor town every April in a celebration of local and international food, with producers running demonstrations, hosting stalls, and sharing tips to a background of live music across a weekend of activities.
• Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival is the largest free nautical music and song festival in Europe, held every June in Falmouth. Bands from across the world perform traditional sea shanties and audience participation is warmly encouraged.
• Saint Ives September Festival is a cultural celebration of drama, music, comedy, and poetry that runs across this artistic hub of a town every September. From sandcastle competitions to open mic nights, film premieres to art exhibitions, you get a true taste of this region’s artistic soul.