Cornwall area guide
Things to do in Cornwall
When it comes to coastal getaways, few regions can match the dazzling scenery, diverse outdoor activities and fascinating history of Cornwall. This far-flung jewel of the southwest is blessed with spectacular twin coastlines, unmissable wildlife and some of the best surfing spots in the UK.
Our unique hostels scatter the Cornish coastlines and give visitors unrivalled access to some of the best beaches, towns and attractions. Whether you want to be close to Land's End or a stone's throw from Treyarnon Bay, you're sure to find unique Cornish stays for the best prices with YHA.
Traveller tips
48 hours of freedom in Cornwall
Whether you're surfing the waves at Fistral Beach, speeding through the ocean on a banana boat at Lusty Gaze or checking out Newquay's lively music scene, there are endless ways to spend 48 hours in Cornwall.
Top Cornwall attractions
Eden Project
Situated in a former china claypit near St Austell, the Eden Project features a series of immense golf ball-shaped biomes which contain spectacularly exotic artificial Mediterranean, rainforest and...
Land's End
The most south-westerly point in mainland Britain, with spectacular views, iconic signpost and a range of visitor attractions.
St Michael's Mount
From monks to a Cornish giant, the history and mythology that layer up on this rocky tidal island near Penzance is richly diverse. Whether you’re admiring the views from the medieval castle or...
Stonehenge
How did our ancestors manage to carry the mighty stones from so far away and build this amazing structure? Surrounded by mystery, Stonehenge never fails to impress.
The Isles of Scilly
Each island has its own unique character, charms, and adventures. Don't miss the sub-tropical Tresco Abbey Gardens. Visit the Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber dating back to the Bronze Age (2000BC)...
Tintagel Castle
Set high on a craggy peninsular overlooking a dramatic stretch of Cornish coast, Tintagel Castle offers much more than regular English Heritage ruins. According to legend, this was the stronghold of...
Best things to do in Cornwall
BF Adventure
Get outdoors and have fun at this exciting activity centre. As a charity, they help hundreds of disadvantaged children in Cornwall too.
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...
Boscastle Museum of Witchcraft
Houses the world's largest collection of witchcraft related artifacts. One of Cornwall's most popular museums.
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
Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre
Don't miss this unusual glimpse into the past - a unique collection of shipwrecks, historical artefacts and varied exhibitions about the China Clay industry.
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...
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 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.
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.
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 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...
Emma Kate Fishing Trips
Take to the sea and enjoy a mackerel or bass fishing trip, or wreck and reef trip from Padstow Harbour. Visit the Emma Kate website For bookings see the Padstow Angling Centre website
Gunwalloe Church Cove Beach
Made famous in the BBC series Poldark, this beautiful sandy beach has a little church at one end, jutting out of the cliffs. It is also an area of archaeological importance. See the Visit Cornwall...
Hangloose Adventure SkyWire
Looking for a new adventure? For those thrill-seekers out there, why not fly down Skywire, England’s Fastest Zipline! Better yet, challenge yourself by trying Gravity or swing like Tarzan on Skytrek...
Harlyn Surf School
Come and visit Cornwalls premier surf school based on award winning Harlyn Bay only 5 minutes away from YHA Treyarnon Bay. Harly Surf School specialises in surfing, coasteering, kayaking...
Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm
Pay homage to this state-of-the-art brewing facility, including the press house and distillery, followed by a free tasting. Have a look around their museum. Take a ride around the orchards on a...
Kynance Cove
This picture postcard beach has spectacular rock formations, white sands and clear blue waters. The contrast between the cove's white sand beach and the dark red and green serpentine rock produces a...
Land's End
The most south-westerly point in mainland Britain, with spectacular views, iconic signpost and a range of visitor attractions.
Leach Pottery
The most famous and certainly the most influential studio pottery in the world!
Mên-an-Tol
This iconic and highly photogenic site is one of the best known megalithic structures in Britain. See the Wikipedia page for more information.
Mountain biking in Boswinger
Explore Clay Country along the Pentewan, Bugle and Wheal Martyn trails on the way to the Eden Project. Don't forget that there's a £3 discount off entry fee when you arrive by bicycle!
National Maritime Museum Cornwall (Falmouth)
Love boats, the sea and Cornwall? You'll find all things nautical at this amazing museum – don't miss the stunning views from the lookout tower across Falmouth Harbour.
Padstow Sealife Safaris
Sail out of Padstow harbour out of the spectacular Camel Estuary. Look out for Grey Seals, Dolphins, Porpoises and Basking Sharks. See the Sealife Safari website
Penlee House Gallery & Museum
The only Cornish gallery specialising in the Newlyn School artists, the museum also covers West Cornwall's social history. Visit the Gallery's website
Poldark Mine - Cornish Mining World Heritage
This world heritage site offers a fascinating look into the underground world of mining. The beautiful rural setting belies its industrial past. Visit the Heritage Centre website
Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications
The history of cable telecommunications is only a short walk from the Minack Theatre and beach at Porthcurno. The museum explains the dawn of wireless science in the former global hub of cable...
Roskilly's Ice Cream Farm
Take a look at a real working Cornish ice cream farm! Meet the herd of cows, go for a stroll around the meadows, and of course get a sample of their delicious ice cream.
Running at Land's End
Run from Penzance to Land's End. This tough but rewarding coastal run offers plenty of scenery and history. It can be run in sections or, for those up for a challenge, in its entirety. Steep steps and...
Sennen Cove Surfing School
A long sweeping beach, ideal for surfing. The school has an excellent reputation offering lesson for all abilities. Visit the website
St Austell Brewery
Enjoying the beers at YHA Boswinger? See how and where they're made with a trip to this award-winning brewery. Plenty to see and plenty to drink.
St Eval Karting Centre
The largest, fastest and most exciting race circuit in the South West. Visit for a quick practice or challenge your friends to a race!
St Ives
Home of the Tate Gallery and Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, this wonderful seaside town has great views and sandy beaches.
St Just-in-Penwith
This ancient Cornish mining town, Britain's most westerly town, has a wealth of artistic talent and Plain-an-Gwarry - an open air mediaeval theatre, situated near the WWII War Memorial. Nearby there...
St Michael's Mount
From monks to a Cornish giant, the history and mythology that layer up on this rocky tidal island near Penzance is richly diverse. Whether you’re admiring the views from the medieval castle or...
Stonehenge
How did our ancestors manage to carry the mighty stones from so far away and build this amazing structure? Surrounded by mystery, Stonehenge never fails to impress.
The Isles of Scilly
Each island has its own unique character, charms, and adventures. Don't miss the sub-tropical Tresco Abbey Gardens. Visit the Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber dating back to the Bronze Age (2000BC)...
The Script plus Tom Walker at Eden Sessions
Live on 25th June 2025 – The Script will bring their blend of emotive alt-pop and soaring anthems to the Eden Sessions. With more than 10 billion streams, 12 million albums sold, and six UK number 1...
Walking and Rambling around Boscastle
A stunning stretch of terrain and scenery to Tintagel. Don't miss an inland excursion to the spectacular St Necturns Glen waterfall. Discovering Britain walk with the Royal Geographical Society...
Walking and Rambling at Lands End
With footpaths heading in all directions from the hostel door, you'll soon enjoy cliff top views towards Land's End before crossing the sands of Sennen Cove, or passing Cape Cornwall and the dramatic...
Walking and Rambling in Boswinger
Fancy a walk on the wild side? Plan a day trip to one of the many isolated and quiet coves near Boswinger for a little wild swimming!
Walking and Rambling in Tintagel
Get back to nature and stride out on foot to explore the beauty of this part of the country. Whether it be walking routes or off the beaten track, you’re sure to enjoy wandering around and taking in...
Walking and Rambling in Treyarnon
If you're planning on staying at YHA Treyarnon Bay, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore...
Walking and Rambling on The Lizard
YHA Lizard's central position makes it an ideal base to walk the South West coastal path between the picturesque fishing village of Cadgwith and the spectacular scenery of Kynance Cove. There's a...
Watersports at Lands End
If you've never surfed before, then book a lesson at Sennen Cove - tuition, board and wetsuit hire are all available in the village. More experienced surfers will enjoy the big waves at Gwynver. Both...
Watersports at Lizard Point
Enjoy surfing without the crowds - a surfers’ paradise without waiting to catch that perfect wave. For something a bit different, try a lesson with Porth Kerris Dive School and explore the underwater...
Watersports at YHA Boscastle
Take a surf lesson at Widemouth bay and enjoy a well earned Fish and Chip supper in Bude before heading back to Boscastle for a pint of real ale in the Cob Web Inn.
Watersports in Boswinger
This lovely area is great for water sports, so whatever mode of water transport takes your fancy, take the plunge and enjoy some fun on, or in, the water!
Watersports in Penzance
Marazion and Gwithian have regular events for both Kite and Wind Surfing. Take to the surf at Sennen Cove, St Ives, Gwithian and Praa Sands, or just chill-out with a swim or body board at beautiful...
Cornwall's picturesque beaches
Perranporth beach
Situated south of Newquay on the north coast, Perranporth is justly renowned as one of Britain's most picturesque beaches. When the breakers are rolling in off the Atlantic, there’s nowhere more exhilarating for surfing, sailing or bodyboarding. Also, at nearly three miles long, there’s plenty of space for everyone to do their own thing.
Longrock beach
Favoured by locals, Longrock beach is an easily accessible long stretch of beach that is halfway between Penzance and Marazion. Logrock beach is dog-friendly and perfect for families as there is plenty of space and the water is shallow for quite a long way out. This vast beach also offers a beautiful view of the famous St Michael's Mount.
Treyarnon Bay
Near Padstow on Cornwall's rocky north coast, this perfect sandy cove is the smaller of two beaches accessible from the village of Treyarnon. Waves are funnelled into the bay towards high tide, making it a favourite among more adventurous surfers. The low cliffs are also great for exploring and you can bathe in a giant rock pool.
Bedruthan steps
The clifftop view out across the vast craggy sea stacks is breathtaking and it gets better as you descend hundreds of (rather tricky) rocky steps to the beach (not accessible at high tide). Quite literally a legendary Cornish landmark, the great Bedruthan rock towers are the giant stepping stones which may seem irresistible to climbers.
Transport in Cornwall
By train
You can catch a Great Western train to Penzance from London, changing at Plymouth (average journey is just under 6 hours). Branch lines serve Gunnislake, Looe, Falmouth in the south and Newquay and St Ives in the north. CrossCountry Trains also run services across the county.
By bus
Bus provider First Kernow offer cheap travel with a First Day ticket. Tickets for 2, 3 and 7 days are even better value while a Ride Cornwall one-day ticket allows travel on both First buses and Great Western and CrossCountry trains.
By car
Journeys by car should not just be judged by their speed (single lanes can be an acquired taste) but for their sheer beauty. A plethora of breathtaking scenic routes await your discovery so don't hesitate to explore the coastline by car.
By bike
While the legendary South West Coast Path is only suitable for walkers, two of the most popular routes on the National Cycle Network (routes 3 and 32) run through Cornwall from Bude all the way to Land's End. They mostly use minor roads, and can be picked up in the north or south.
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The best of Cornwall's surfing spots
Constantine Bay
Situated only a few miles from Padstow on its sheltered river inlet, Constantine Bay faces directly west into the onrushing Atlantic currents. This is one Cornish beach which is always likely to offer surfing when your local beach is a millpond but most would regard it a spot for experienced surfers only.
Fistral beach
This extremely popular Newquay surf spot can hold a wave and is known for its consistency, offering mostly left-hand waves. There are a lot of surf schools and beginners in the water in summer which makes it a great place for first timers. However, be sure to check out big events such as the iconic Boardmasters if you take your surfing seriously.
Watergate Bay
A favourite venue for surf exhibitions and competitions such as the English National Surfing Championships. Watergate Bay is quite exposed and the breakers keep on coming in whether it's high or low tide (unusual for the north coast). Most of the surf emanates from groundswells which are best from the northwest - just beware of riptides.
Sennen Cove
Situated way out west in the same parish as Land's End, Sennen is a highly exposed spot and among the most consistent bays for surf. There's a back-of-beyond vibe this far from the towns, with a cool beach cafe, changing rooms and places to eat and drink close by the beach.
Must-see Cornish towns
Newquay
With 11 top-class surfing beaches within striking distance, Newquay is practically unbeatable for coastal activities. The quintessential Cornish seaside resort is also popular with families and foodies, but it's the young and active who keep up the pace after dark. Check for one-off festivals and events before booking.
St Ives
Situated on the furthermost stretch of the north Cornish coast, St Ives' microclimate and quality of light has attracted artists for centuries. Prestigious art museums, galleries and fine cuisine abound but, beyond the old fishing port's busy centre, there are unmissable opportunities for walking, sailing and adventure sports.
Penzance
The ancient harbour and port of Penzance have an effortless unspoiled quality. The town overlooks St Michael's Bay (and its spectacular mount, topped by a medieval castle) to the south and there are plenty of spots for walking, cycling and swimming in a seafront lido.
Falmouth
Falmouth has a proud maritime history centred around its busy harbour on Cornwall's south coast. Rowing and sailing events are highlights of the calendar alongside arts festivals held in the town's galleries and music venues. Wonderful sheltered beaches are close at hand.
Weather forecast in Cornwall
Local weather
In Cornwall, it isn't just the Eden Project's Mediterranean environment biome that can boast weather more often experienced in southern Europe. Average summer temperatures are notably favourable in comparison to those in the rest of England and it's worth noting the bizarre subtropical microclimate which encapsulates certain coastal areas in the far western reaches of the county.
Explore outdoors
Hiking
While the South West Coast Path is hard to beat for thrilling sea views and breathtaking riverside scenery, Cornwall also boasts an inland path network which extends some 2,400 miles. It takes in amazing hidden corners of the county's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including neolithic sacred sites and abandoned industrial heritage.
Watersports
There are unparalleled opportunities for sailing and kayaking in the south coast's river valleys, and the chance to try out more unusual sports such as kiteboarding and paddleboarding across Cornwall.
Cycling
Designed for hikers and bikers, Cornwall's multi-use trails include the Camel and Mineral Tramways along disused railway lines. The Cornish Way consists of 180 miles of minor road and largely traffic-free trails taking in industrial heritage and superb coastal scenery. If you're cycling in the south, the off-road Clay Trails take in the best views of the Eden Project.
Fishing
You can hire a rod and fish from piers or harbour walls, from beaches or rocks. However, bearing in mind Cornish heritage, there's nowhere better to enjoy a day's sea fishing, and to beat Padstow's seafood king Rick Stein to the catch of the day! Go for bream, bass, lemon sole, cod or mullet according to season.
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