Curator’s statement
Cornwall is known for it's stunning beaches, rugged coastline, trails, amazing gardens and fantastic fishing villages. It has a rich history going back to Medieval times with glorious castles to explore, smugglers stories to hear and Cornish culture to soak in. Whether you enjoy freshly caught seafood or traditional Cornish delights (pasties and cream teas), you will fall in love with this magnificent county.
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Day 1: Arrival & coastal retreat
Check in for a lovely stay in the cottages at the Headland Hotel overlooking the sea in Newquay. Indulge in the Headland Spa or relax poolside at this gorgeous Victorian hotel.
Where to Eat
Fistral Fish House: Enjoy fresh-caught seafood with a view of Fistral Beach, a surfer’s paradise.
Lusty Glaze: Savor a delicious crafted cocktail at the beachside lounge or dine beachside in this dreamy locale.
Whiskers: Have a few cocktails at this quirky live music bar.
The Red Lion Inn: A great pub overlooking the harbor featuring live music and local ales.
Dead Famous: This nightclub features live music and a lively atmosphere.
Sailors Arms: A gorgeous spot to sit and enjoy a delicious libation or two.
Day 2: Polperro & Fowey exploration
Head over to Polperro, a lovely village that dates to Medieval times. Wander around the shops, enjoy a bit to eat or have a local brew at a pub.
Explore nearby Fowey, a wonderful estuary with plenty of restaurants, shops and scenery.
Check out the Carnglaze Caverns. This underground cavern hosts live music, cave tours and woodland walks. Be sure to book tickets to see a show.
Where to Eat
Merrymore Inn – Mawgan Porth: Delight in some local Cornish eats at this delightful pub by the beach.
Day 3: Falmouth & garden delights
Take a drive to Falmouth, a lovely little village boasting beautiful views and lots of restaurants and shopping.
Glendurgan Garden: This historic, exotic garden leads down to an adorable village called Durgan with a stunning view of the river Helford.
Where to Eat
Restaurant Four – Falmouth: This small gem in Falmouth boasts delicious cuisine including fresh sea bass and an amazing charcuterie.
Day 4: Boscastle, Tintagel & Mevagissey
Venture over to Boscastle and explore this unique harbor known for witchcraft.
Explore Tintagel, which legend has it was the spot of King Arthur’s castle and Merlin’s cove.
Wander around Mevagissey, a quaint fishing port with shops and pubs to enjoy.
Where to Eat
The Beach Hut – Watergate Bay: Enjoy fantastic fresh seafood with a view of the ocean in this tiny enclave of Watergate Bay.
Day 5: Botanical wonders & culinary discoveries
Lost Gardens of Heligan – St. Austell: Arguably one of the most loved gardens in the UK, this amazing botanical garden features thousands of different plant species.
Eden Project (best rainy day plan): Natural biodomes housing thousands of plant species. It is the largest indoor rainforest in the world.
Where to Eat
Sams on the Beach – Polkerris: Delight in fresh seafood and wood-burning pizzas in this renovated Life Boat House.
Polgooth Pub – Polgooth: A charming pub featuring upscale pub fare with a fantastic beer garden and lovely views of the countryside.
Alvorada – Mevagissey: This amazing Portuguese restaurant in Meva features authentic dishes in an intimate, cozy atmosphere.
Day 6: Newquay & beachside relaxation
Walk around Newquay – more restaurants and shops to explore. Enjoy watching the surfers at Fistral Beach. Savor some wine in a cubby overlooking the beach.
What to Eat
Toast: This quaint wine bar offers tapas for noshing.
Kaluna: This restaurant features Pan-Asian Cuisine.
Day 7: St. Ives, coastal walks & cultural gems
Meander around St. Ives, a seaside town north of Penzance with plenty of good eats, shopping and many galleries.
Walk the coast in Penzance (South West Coast Path) to see the remains of two of Cornwall’s mines, Levant and Botallack. Or find the secret beach of Pedn Vounder.
St. Michael's Mount: Wander around the historic castle perched on its own little island off Mount’s Bay. Just make sure to go when the tide is in.
Minnack Theatre: Perched on the rugged cliffs, this incredible amphitheater offers a spectacular view and live entertainment. Be sure to book tickets to see a show.
Where to Eat
Zennor Pub – Zennor: Listen to the legend of the mermaid of Zennor. Long ago, a mermaid lured a choir member away, never to be seen again.
The First and Last Inn – Sennen: The headquarters for the smuggling trade in the 1600s is now a pub featuring local brews and good eats. After this stop, check out Land’s End, the most westerly point of mainland England.
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to England.