Cornwall Travel Guide (West Country/England/United Kingdom/Britain and Ireland/Europe)

Introduction to Cornwall
List of Places to Visit in Cornwall
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Cornwall: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Cornwall
Best Things to Do in Cornwall: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Cornwall
Food and Drink Scene of Cornwall
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Cornwall: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Cornwall: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Cornwall
Best Time to Visit Cornwall
Do’s and Don’ts of Cornwall
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Cornwall
- Health in Cornwall
Getting to Cornwall: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Cornwall
Where to Go Next from Cornwall: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Cornwall, located in the West Country of England and bordered by the Celtic Sea, is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Known for its stunning beaches, rolling hills, and historic landmarks, Cornwall has something for everyone. Whether you want to explore nature’s beauty, delve into history and culture, or just relax on a beach, there’s always something to do in Cornwall. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to Cornwall, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.

Introduction to Cornwall

Cornwall is a county located in South West England, bordered by the Celtic Sea to the North and West. It has a rich history and culture, with many historic landmarks and attractions to see. It is also known for its natural beauty, including beautiful beaches, rugged coastline, and rolling hills. Cornwall has a mild climate, making it a great destination any time of year.

List of Places to Visit in Cornwall

One of the best things about Cornwall is that it has so many beautiful places to visit. Here are some of the must-see attractions to check out:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

St. Michael’s Mount
Tintagel Castle
The Eden Project
Porthcurno Telegraph Museum
National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Natural Attractions of Cornwall: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Land’s End
Lizard Point
St. Ives Bay
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Fowey Estuary

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cornwall

Cornwall offers a wide range of hiking and biking routes to enjoy. Here are some of the best:

South West Coast Path
Camel Trail
Cardinham Woods
The Mineral Tramways
The Lizard

Best Things to Do in Cornwall: Activities and Tours

Cornwall has a wide range of activities and tours to entertain you during your visit, including:

Surfs Up Surf School
Blue Reef Aquarium
Tamar Valley Donkey Park
Lappa Valley Steam Railway
Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Week-Long Itinerary for Cornwall

If you’re planning to spend a week in Cornwall, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day	Itinerary
1	Explore St. Michael’s Mount and the surrounding coastal villages
2	Visit Tintagel Castle and take a hike along the South West Coast Path
3	Spend the day at Land’s End and the surrounding area
4	Visit the Eden Project and Heligan Gardens
5	Explore St. Ives and its beaches
6	Take a bike ride along the Camel Trail and experience the Tamar Valley Donkey Park
7	Relax at Fowey Estuary and visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Food and Drink Scene of Cornwall

Cornwall has a rich food and drink culture, which you can enjoy at various restaurants and cafes throughout the county. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Cornish pasty
Fish and chips
Cream tea
Cornish Yarg cheese
Cornish fudge

Local Beverages

Cornish cider
Cornish beer, such as Doom Bar
Cornish wine
Cornish gin, such as Tarquin’s Gin

Where to Stay in Cornwall: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cornwall offers a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some recommended places to stay:

St. Moritz Hotel and Spa
The Scarlet Hotel
Boscastle House
YHA Land’s End
Pebble House

What to Buy in Cornwall: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to bring back home, here are some ideas:

Cornishware pottery
Cornish sea salt
Cornish clotted cream
Cornish honey
Local artwork and crafts

Local Culture and Customs of Cornwall

Cornwall has a unique culture and traditions, including the Cornish language and traditional festivals. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Be respectful of the Cornish language and traditions.
Try to attend some local festivals and events, such as the St. Piran’s Day festival or the Hal-An-Tow.
Tip 10-15% at restaurants if service charge is not included.

Best Time to Visit Cornwall

Cornwall can be visited at any time of year, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do. If you want to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities, then the summer months (June-August) are the best time. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy milder weather, then spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are great times to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cornwall

When visiting Cornwall, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

Enjoy the natural beauty and history of Cornwall.
Respect the local culture and traditions.
Try the local food and drink.
Explore the smaller villages and towns.

Don’t:

Litter on the beaches or in the countryside.
Be disrespectful of the Cornish language or heritage.
Assume that everyone speaks English.

Safety and Health

Cornwall is a safe and healthy destination, but there are some things to keep in mind:

Safety in Cornwall

Be aware of the tides when visiting the beaches.
Use caution when hiking, as some paths can be steep or slippery.
Be mindful of traffic while biking on the roads.

Health in Cornwall

Cornwall has a mild climate, but you should still take precautions against the sun and heat.
Check for ticks if hiking in wooded areas.

Getting to Cornwall: Transportation Options and Logistics

Cornwall is well-connected by road and rail, making it easy to get to. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Cornwall

Newquay Airport
Exeter Airport
Bristol Airport

Bus Stations Near Cornwall

Plymouth Bus Station
Truro Bus Station
Penzance Bus Station

Other Options

Train services available from London Paddington with Great Western Railway and from Bristol Temple Meads with CrossCountry Trains.
Road connections including the M5, A30 and A38.

How to Get Around in Cornwall

Whilst Cornwall’s varied towns and scenery mean some journeys are more suited to private transport here are some additional mode of transporatation you could use:

By train - Great Western Railway and CrossCountry Trains offer services that connect to most of the towns and cities in Cornwall.
By bus - Bus services in Cornwall are well connected with destinations throughout Cornwall.
By Boat - A seasonal boat service connects St Mawes, Falmouth and Truro.

Where to Go Next from Cornwall: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore beyond Cornwall, here are some nearby destinations and excursions worth checking out:

The Isles of Scilly
Dartmoor National Park
Bath
Bristol

Conclusion

Cornwall is a destination that offers something for everyone, from beautiful beaches to historic landmarks and scenic hiking and biking trails. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in history and culture or just relax on a beach, Cornwall has you covered. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your trip to Cornwall and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.