Things to Do in Cornwall

Cornwall offers far more than one kind of day out. Its beaches, harbour towns, gardens, historic sites and open countryside provide places to explore throughout the year, while local events and changing coastal conditions mean that no two visits need be the same.

This page is a starting point for planning days out in Cornwall. Our local area guides contain more detailed ideas, helping you find places that suit the part of the county you are visiting.

Towns, Villages and Local History

Cornwall's towns and villages each have their own character, from fishing harbours and market towns to former mining communities. Explore our Cornwall area guides for local history, places to visit, eating out, shopping and travel information.

You can also discover individual local stories, including the history of Crantock, its early religious foundation and the legend of Langurroc.

Beaches and the Coast

With beaches on Cornwall's north and south coasts, there are places for surfing, swimming, walking, rock pooling or simply watching the sea. The beach sections in our guides to Newquay, Perranporth, St Ives and Penwith and Land's End are useful places to begin.

Gardens, Heritage and Family Days Out

Historic houses, gardens, museums and family attractions can be found across Cornwall. The guides to St Austell and Charlestown, Bodmin and Wadebridge include several of Cornwall's best-known places to visit.

Walking, Cycling and Outdoor Activities

The coast path, countryside trails and estuaries create opportunities for walking, cycling and watersports. Wadebridge provides access to the Camel Trail, while the coastal guides include ideas for surfing, sailing and exploring Cornwall on foot.

Events in Cornwall

Seasonal events range from village celebrations and agricultural shows to theatre, music and festivals. See our current Cornwall events guide to find out what is happening during your visit.

See Cornwall Right Now

Our Cornwall webcams provide live views from beaches, harbours and islands around the county. They are a useful way to check the weather, sea conditions or simply enjoy the view before setting out.