Places to stay in Cornwall

Cornwall Coast

Welcome to Cornwall

With beautiful beaches, legendary castles, pretty harbour towns and world heritage sites, there's nowhere quite like Cornwall.

If you have your heart set on a trip to Cornwall, YHA have got you covered with hostels lining much of the county's unique coastline. From Boscastle in the north, to Lizard and Land's End in the south and west, our hostels will place you at the heart of some of the county's best features and attractions. Step out of our front doors to enjoy its majesty for yourself.

YHA hostels in Cornwall

Stone hostel building by a river estuary with a blue sky in the background

YHA Boscastle

  • Self-catering kitchen

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Garden/grounds

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Adults (18 and over)
Under 18s

Guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or over to stay at YHA

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Groups of more than 15 people are only able to book YHA Exclusive Hire properties through this website.

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Things to do in Cornwall

Five Free Things To Do in Cornwall

Kynance Cove

Managed by the National Trust, this sandy beach only appears when the tide is low, and is regularly named as the most beautiful stretch of the British coastline. Popular with Alfred Lord Tennyson, among other famous names, it is now maintained by the National Trust.

St Michael's Mount

This island is one of the most visually-stunning sights in the UK, and takes the form of a fantasy-like mountain with a castle at the very top. It is connected by a tidal causeway to Marazion, a designated Area of Outstanding Beauty and the oldest chartered town in Britain, granted this status by King Henry III in 1257.

St Ives

Named the Best UK Seaside Town in the 2010 and 2011 British Travel Awards, St Ives is filled with free things to do - the most famous being the Tate Gallery, which sits next to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Meanwhile, Porthgwidden Beach - the smallest beach in St Ives, and an east-facing sun trap - is very popular among visitors due to its sheltered nature.

Tintagel Castle

Tintagel Castle offers a historical day out for people of all tastes, owing to its amazing location high on the rugged North Cornwall coast. With fascinating ruins, dramatic views and brilliant beach café, it is not without mystery - it is claimed that Tintagel is birthplace of King Arthur.

Isles of Scilly

While the islands are technically separate from Cornwall, this tourist favourite is still part of the ceremonial county, and is directly connected to Penzance via ferry.

There's nowhere in the world quite like Cornwall

Cornwall is famous for its diversity of activities, entertainment and sights to see. As the haven for domestic summer holidays - as well as the cultural homeland of Britain's surfers - it is also the traditional homeland of the Cornish people and a recognised Celtic nation, and this cultural identity is extremely important to the past, present and future of its community.

From the stunning island of St Michael's Mount to Truro, the county's only city, there is no shortage of stunning countryside, rolling hills and thick forests to appeal to those looking for an outdoors escape. For those looking for more of a nightlife experience, there's the famous club scene of Newquay, which plays host to countless celebrations throughout the year.

abseiling

BF Adventure

Get outdoors and have fun at this exciting activity centre. As a charity, they help hundreds of disadvantaged children in Cornwall too.

Abandoned Cornish tin mine buildings

Blue Hills Mine

Wander the site and meet the craftsmen who extract the ore, dress it, smelt it, refine it and make it into fantastic jewellery. Visit the Blue Hills website

Blue Reef Aquarium

Blue Reef Aquarium

Dive into a breathtaking 3D underwater world and be transported below the ocean's surface to watch some of the planet's fascinating creatures. Discover fantastic creatures that live in our seas and...

Children at a funfair

Camel Creek Adventure Park

Enter the magical land of Cornwall’s Camel Creek Adventure Park and hold on tight for Morgawr, the exciting roller coaster - great family fun! Visit the website

climbing

Climbing at Lands End

If you are looking to combine water sports with climbing then Coasteering is for you. Kernow Coasteering - www.kernow-coasteering.co.uk – offer coasteering adventures on the rocky coastline close to...

Group of people Coasteering on the Cliffs in Newquay, Cornwall

Coastal Rush

Experience Cornwall’s famously spectacular coastline with a Coasteering adventure, a unique combination of swimming, climbing, scrambling, traversing and cliff jumping. Visit the Coastal Rush website...

coasteering

Coasteering in Land's End

If you are looking to combine water sports with climbing then Coasteering is for you. Kernow Coasteering offer coasteering adventures on the rocky coastline close to YHA Land’s End.

surfing

Cornwall Surf Academy

Don't miss out on something the area is famous for! Try an action packed surf lesson and take to the waves.

An elderly man keeping active and learning how to windsurf on a calm ocean in Coverack, Cornwall

Coverack Windsurfing School

Try a half-day taster session at one of the few places in England where you can learn to windsurf on the sea. Coverack has an east facing bay, so protected and ideal for first timers to learn. Visit...

cycling

Cycling in Land's End

Nothing beats cycling down the old green lane to Nanjizal - one of the more secluded beaches in Cornwall. By bike, you can explore all the villages, ancient sites and coves of Penwith without having...

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Cornwall beach

The best beaches in Cornwall

Cornwall is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations. It’s renowned for its unique culture, beautiful scenery and fantastic attractions. However, a typical Cornwall holiday experience will undoubtedly involve...

Cycle path in Cornwall

Cycle paths in Cornwall

Explore brilliant cycle paths in Cornwall whilst uncovering the wildlife, beaches, culture and areas you never knew existed. Here’s some inspiration for cycle paths in Cornwall, suitable for all ages and abilities...

Boy on a beach in Cornwall

Top attractions in Cornwall for families

If you’re planning a family holiday on British shores, Cornwall is always high up on any list of potential destinations. The long car journey to the far south west of the country is definitely worth it and usually a haven for holidaymakers far and wide...