Wanting to visit the incredible Southwest coast? Consider booking a hotel in Cornwall. This spectacular county is renowned for its dramatic coastlines, golden beaches, charming fishing villages, and rich history. From the surfing hub of Newquay to the artistic enclave of St Ives, the maritime history of Falmouth, and the cultural city of Truro, this peninsula offers a perfect escape for every traveller. Whether you’re seeking a family holiday, a romantic retreat, or an adventurous weekend break, our expert guide will help you discover where to stay and what to do in Cornwall.
What’s the Best Area to Stay in Cornwall?
St Ives
Cornwall’s crowning jewel, St Ives, is a breathtaking coastal town known for its spectacular white-sand beaches and thriving art scene. Perched at the bottom of the incredible peninsula, St Ives is one of the best places to go for a family holiday in Cornwall.
What to Do in St Ives, Cornwall
Beyond its arresting beauty, St Ives is an amazing holiday destination, home to stunning beaches, attractions and landmarks, and a wealth of seafood eateries. For a taste of art history, visit the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, which has the largest collection of the 20th-century sculptor’s works. No visit to St Ives would be complete without going to Tate St Ives, a world-class display of modern and contemporary art from around the world, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
After snoozing in the sand and soaking in the rays at Carbis Bay Beach, treat yourself to some beachside dining at the Porthmeor Beach Café.
Newquay
On the north coast of Cornwall sits Newquay, a premier coastal destination known as the UK’s surf capital. It is home to 15 sandy beaches, including Fistral Beach with its rolling sand dunes, cliff views and surfing spots. Newquay makes for a perfect home base for visiting Cornwall, thanks to its wealth of amenities and attractions.
What to Do in Newquay, Cornwall
Visit Newquay Zoo, take a stroll in Trenance Gardens, hire a pedalo or rowing boat at the boating lake and spend the afternoon at Blue Reef aquarium. After a long day of exploring, feast on some delicious pizza at the Fistral Stable or local seafood at the waterside Harbour Fish & Grill Restaurant.
Falmouth
Falmouth is renowned as an incredible maritime town, rich in naval history. It is home to the National Maritime Museum and the world’s third-largest natural deep-water harbour. This charming coastal town offers a perfect blend of attractions and sites for all types of travellers, including Pendennis castle, Gyllyngvase Beach, Swanvale Nature Reserve, and Falmouth Art Gallery.
What to Do in Falmouth, Cornwall
Falmouth is also known for its thriving café culture and seafood specialities; start your days at one of the town’s many local coffee shops, like Koffiji Café Bar or Three Little Birds Café, and end them feasting on fresh local seafood at Beach House or INDIDOG.
Truro
Cornwall’s only city and one of England’s smallest, Truro is a vibrant cultural and shopping hub. Known for its spectacular Gothic Revival Cathedral, Georgian architecture and cobbled streets, it offers a completely different and whimsical side to Cornwall’s usual coastal backdrop. Truro is the perfect home away from home for travellers wanting to experience another type of city life.
What to Do in Truro, Cornwall
Stroll through Lemon Street and Lemon Street Market to taste local delicacies and buy souvenirs at independent boutiques; visit one of the city’s many art galleries and museums; catch a show at the Hall for Cornwall; and dine at one of the city’s many restaurants. If you still want your beach fix, Truro offers direct train links to Falmouth and Perranporth – you’ll be able to lounge by the water within the hour!
What to Do in Cornwall
Cornwall is a vast county home to breathtaking coastlines, sandy beaches, picturesque postcard towns and incredible attractions. Whether you’re travelling solo, with your partner, friends or family, you’ll find something to see or do.
For Beach Lovers
It’s no secret that Cornwall is a coastal haven, boasting over 300 beaches and coves. The North Coast is known for its rugged cliffs, dramatic landscapes, and views of the Atlantic, while the South Coast is characterised by calmer waters, wooded estuaries and scenic harbours.
Head to Fistral Beach in Newquay for some world-class surfing; Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula for a paradisiacal beach experience with fine white sand and turquoise waters; and, if you want to marvel at the wondrous beauty of the entire coast, see if you can tackle the South West Coast Path. Spanning 630 miles along the coast of the Southwest Peninsula from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Devon, it’s Britain’s longest national trail and one of the world’s greatest long-distance walks.
For Nature Lovers
Cornwall is a gold mine for nature and wildlife lovers, home to a wealth of zoos, animal sanctuaries, parks and gardens. It’s one of the best places in the UK to spot marine life – St Ives Bay offers incredible dolphin sightings between May and September, while Padstow Bay offers humpback whale sightings from December to March. Visit the Eden Project, the world’s largest indoor rainforest housing over 1,000 varieties of plants and crops, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, a 200-acre estate with pristine landscaped gardens and a subtropical ‘Jungle’ valley; it’s one of Cornwall’s most magical locations!
For Art and History Lovers
The Southwest coast teems with rich art and history; it contains a vast number of historical sites, landmarks and archaeological remains. Perhaps the most renowned is Tintagel Castle, located in the quaint village of Tintagel, which is believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, the Tintagel Castle combines a 5th-7th-century Dark Age stronghold with a 13th-century castle – make sure to also visit Merlin’s Cave beneath the castle!
Another historical hotspot in Cornwall is Bodmin Jail, known for its dark history and notorious inmates. You can take a day tour, or, if you’re feeling braver, the After Dark tour offers an overnight paranormal investigation of the jail. Theatre lovers and budding thespians shouldn’t miss the world-famous Minack Theatre in Penzance, an amphitheatre etched in a cliff with sweeping views of the sea. The stunning backdrop makes for a unique experience when watching a play or concert.
Unusual Girly Weekends Away
Looking for somewhere different to go with the girls? Ditch the bottomless brunches and nights out in favour of sunshine and massages with a relaxing short break in Cornwall. It’s the perfect location to get away from it all and recharge with your girls, offering an eclectic mix of coastal relaxation, spa pampering, and nature retreats. Whether you’re after a beachside getaway in St Ives or a spa retreat in St Austell, a weekend stay in Cornwall offers it all.
Discover the Beauty of the Cornish Coast with Secret Escapes
Cornwall truly is a destination of unparalleled beauty and diversity, offering a unique blend of coastal drama, artistic heritage, and historical intrigue. With Secret Escapes, you’ll be able to enjoy your dream Cornish retreat at a fraction of the price. We offer unparalleled deals on country hotel stays, UK spa hotels, and English staycations so you can get away from it all without worrying about your budget.
For more travel advice and inspiration, deep dive further into the Escapist magazine or get in touch for more information.