The best things to do in Cornwall for adults

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Cornwall Coast

Boscastle

The romantic and picturesque village of Boscastle on the north coast of Cornwall was once home to both busy fishing and stone working trades. The village sits high above the harbour and is flanked by a breathtaking rugged and rocky coastline, perfect creative inspiration for numerous artists and writers.

Trebarwith Strand

Close to Tintagel, Trebarwith Strand is a coastal settlement and popular destination for both Cornish and Devonian folk. Perfect for swimmers of all ages and complete with rock pools, cliffy outcrops and shallows, Trebarwith Strand can easily fill your day even if the weather doesn’t oblige.

Eden Project

Environmental conservation, sustainability and inspirational education are the core values of the world-renowned Eden Project. Carefully developed over many years, the geodesic domes house the world’s largest indoor rainforest and a Mediterranean microclimate showcasing plants from many different habitats.

The Castle Bude

A fascinating and impressive day out for the whole family, The Castle Bude includes a heritage centre, coffee shop and art gallery. Ideal for amusing the kids on those wet and windy days, The Castle Bude is a central and iconic heritage building that acts as a hub of cultural activity for this area of Cornwall.

Readymoney Cove

Readymoney Cove is a stunning and sheltered sandy beach located to the south of the harbour town of Fowey. On a sunny day, this is a magical spot with numerous rock pools to explore and tranquil calm waters for a family swim. The imposing St Catherine’s Castle sits on the opposite side of the bay.

Looe Harbour

Looe is one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Cornwall and has a bustling fishing port with fishermen bringing in their catches daily. The distinctive houses here traditionally had their living areas upstairs due to the very common floods in the town.

Portscatho

Situated on the Roselands peninsula near to Truro on the edge of Gerrans Bay, Portscatho is a delightful part of Cornwall and a great area for walks around the harbour, the coastal path and the nearby beach. The steep slope down to the beach means that the views from the village itself are exceptional in all directions.

Fowey Harbour

Fowey Harbour is nestled on the South Cornish coast between Plymouth and Falmouth. The harbour is situated on the western side of the Fowey River and bound by other towns and villages including Golant and Lostwithiel. Locals say the port is “littered with sunken boats bought by drunk amateurs”.

Bude Sea Pool

One of the most popular destinations in Cornwall, Polperro is a largely unspoilt fishing village on the southeast coast. The beach here is small and sandy and sports a fabulous little tidal pool ideal for first swimmers. Pretty cottages cling to the steep hillside of this quaint and picturesque harbour.

Port Isaac

The word picturesque could have been coined for Port Isaac. The narrow winding streets are lined with whitewashed cottages, many of which are now listed due to their historical importance and pleasing aesthetic. Wander down to the harbour where you will find local fishermen landing their daily catch each morning.

Rock Beach

On the eastern shore of the Camel Estuary, the village of Rock has a reputation as an upmarket holiday destination for the yachting set. The beach is a long stretch of golden sand which follows the estuary to the coast. The sand dunes behind mask the renowned and prestigious St Enodoc golf course.

Fistral Beach

One of the world’s top surfing destinations, eager surfers flock to Fistral for the big waves and surf scene. Many of the UK’s biggest surf competitions take place here and whether you are a pro or a beginner, Fistral is ideal as the two headlands funnel in the big waves while providing more manageable surf between.

Jubilee Pool

This renowned art deco swimming pool in Penzance was built in 1935 and is one of the few surviving outdoor lidos from that period that remains in the UK. A welcome reminder of simple seaside Britain, the Jubilee Pool can accommodate young and old with picnic tables, a café and a covered area in case of bad weather.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan is world-renowned and one of the most popular botanical gardens in England. The gardens are typical of the 19th century Gardenesque style whose design encourages gardens to be recognisable as works of art.

Summerleaze Beach

Within easy walking distance of Bude, Summerleaze Beach never feels too crowded due to the huge expanse of golden sands. The unusual large breakwater protects the small harbour and the mouth of the Bude canal, with its bobbing fishing boats.

Mevagissey

Mevagissey is an attractive village and fishing port five miles south of St. Austell. This was once the centre of Cornwall’s pilchard fishery with boat building traditions dating back to 1745. The village still boasts a working harbour with local fisherman heading out each morning.