The beauty of Cornwall
When it comes to dramatic cliffs, ancient legends, and the salty soul of the sea, nowhere captures the imagination quite like Cornwall. I recently embarked on a winding journey through this breathtaking county with my wife Shannon, uncovering everything from charming harbours to rugged moors—and it was nothing short of unforgettable.
First Stop: Looe to Padstow – Harbours and Hidden Gems
Our Cornish road-trip trip kicked off in Looe, a bustling fishing port with a working harbour and timeless appeal. Wandering along the river and rabbing fish and chips straight from the quay felt like stepping into a postcard. From there, we headed north to Padstow, home to celebrity chef Rick Stein. The narrow lanes were packed with cozy pubs and seafood spots, but it was the harbour front energy that made it one of my favourite stops.
Just up the coast, Port Isaac was a picture-perfect dream. Fans of the show Doc Martin will recognize it instantly, but even without the TV fame, its whitewashed cottages and steep streets were undeniably charming. Take your time! the hill out of the village will have you stopping to catch your breath!
Exploring Castles, Cathedrals, and the Coast
One of the most awe-inspiring locations was Tintagel Castle, perched precariously on Cornwall’s north coast. Steeped in Arthurian legend, it’s believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur. Access is via a dramatic footbridge with waves crashing below, we couldn’t help but feel swept up in the myth and majesty of it all.
Next came Truro, Cornwall’s only city, and a refreshing change of pace. Its stunning cathedral dominates the skyline, and the boutiques, markets, and cafes gave us the chance to slow down and soak up some local culture.
Heading west, we reached Newquay, known as the surf capital of the UK. Even if you don’t catch waves, Fistral Beach is an excellent place to sit back and watch surfers battle the Atlantic swells while the sun dips below the horizon. Newquay has 11 beaches, a pretty greedy fact, for one small village, don’t you think?
The West Coast Wonders: Land’s End to Porthcurno
Driving to Land’s End felt like reaching the edge of the world. The wind howled, the sea roared, and the views stretched endlessly. Not far from there is Porthcurno Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever seen in the UK . White sands, turquoise water, and dramatic cliffs—it was like discovering a secret cove in a far-off paradise. For those with a head for heights, climbing up the sheer steps certainly got the heart pumping – the reward of a different perspective of the cove was worth it though.
Towering above the beach is the incredible Minack Theatre, an open-air venue carved into the cliffs. Even when empty, it’s spellbinding. We could only imagine how magical it would be to see a play under the stars with the sea as the backdrop. Essential to seeing a show is making a booking weeks in advance!
Nearby, St. Michael’s Mount in Marazion was another highlight—a tidal island crowned with a medieval castle. Accessible by foot at low tide, it feels like walking to a fairy tale.
The West Coast Wonders: Land’s End to Porthcurno
Heading northeast, we explored Bude, a laid-back beach town with fantastic coastal walks and sea pool swims. But the real adventure started inland on Bodmin Moor. Wild, windswept, and filled with ancient granite formations, this was Cornwall at its most primal. It’s hard to recall last time I had so much Oxygen in my lungs as you pass close to wild horses and sheep openly grazing on the moor.
One standout was Golitha Falls, a tranquil woodland walk with cascading waterfalls and mossy rocks that looked plucked from a fantasy novel. From there, a short drive and we were trekking up to The Cheesewring, a surreal rock formation that balances impossibly atop the moor. Nearby Minions (yes, really—it shares a name with the cartoon characters!) is Cornwall’s highest village, surrounded by prehistoric stone circles and mysterious vibes.
A Perfect Ending in Mousehole
Our final stop was the quaint fishing village of Mousehole. With its tiny harbour, narrow lanes, and quiet charm, it felt like time had paused, just for us. We sat by the water with a Cornish ice cream, watching boats bob and listening to the cry of seagulls overhead.
Fun Facts from the Road:
- Cornwall’s coastline stretches over 400 miles and boasts more than 300 beaches.
- The Cheesewring was named after the traditional cider press and is formed naturally through weathering over thousands of years.
- The Eden Project, which we visited near St. Austell, is home to the world’ largest indoor rainforest—an eco-marvel built inside reclaimed clay pits. Having spent 11 years living next to the tropical rainforests in Belize, it was impressive just how well the project has managed to recreate nature and keep it perfectly balanced.
Final Thoughts:
From windswept moors to sun-drenched beaches, Cornwall surprised us at every turn. There’s history in the stones, magic in the myths, and a warmth in every village you pass through. Whether you’re after relaxation or adventure, seafood or stories, Cornwall offers a little bit of everything—wrapped in salty sea air and endless sky.
If you’ve ever wondered where land meets legend, start your journey here.
Cornwall is best experienced combined with other key highlights of the South of England over 6 days 5 nights including: Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, Bibury Village, Glastonbury Tor and Cheddar Gorge – see my Cornwall and South England tour.
