At the edge of the cliffs at Botallack, the Crowns Engine Houses stand above mine workings that extend beneath the sea. Such landmarks make Cornwall’s coast both a landscape and a place with a deeply rooted industrial history. Along 300 miles of coastline, different experiences come together: paths by the sea, historic islands, gardens and reminders of mining.
Coastal Paths and Landscapes
The South West Coast Path follows the entire coastline of Cornwall. As a National Trail, it is signposted throughout with the acorn symbol. On Cornwall’s north coast, Atlantic surf, sandy beaches and granite cliffs shape the landscape. Surfing, kitesurfing and walks from the beach up to the cliffs are among the activities described there; check local conditions before taking part in any activity.
The 18-mile Camel Trail offers a different kind of route: it is largely traffic-free, surfaced and almost level. As a multi-use path, it is suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users.
The Botallack and Kenidjack coastal path crosses cliff-top heathland through the industrial heritage of the Tin Coast and is 3.5 miles long. Alongside the Crowns Engine Houses above mine workings that run beneath the sea, the route also includes an Iron Age cliff fort at Kenidjack Headland. Industrial and much older traces stand side by side along this path. At Catcher’s Pool, a wetland habitat provides a home for insects, bats and otters.
Bodmin Moor also combines natural and cultural history. Its landscape is characterised by grassland and heath, with scattered granite outcrops, and contains numerous traces of prehistoric settlements. At the same time, the moor is home to rare and protected wildlife. Those interested in Cornwall’s early settlement can find a different way into the past here than at the coastal forts and mining sites.
Castles, Islands and Changing Tides
Tintagel’s island fortress was a stronghold of the rulers of Cornwall in the 5th to 7th centuries. Visitors can now cross the footbridge, explore the rugged island and see the Gallos sculpture. At low tide, a small sandy beach and Merlin’s Cave can also be explored. As access depends on the tide, check the tides and local conditions before visiting.
St Michael’s Mount is an ancient tidal island with a historic village, castle and terraced subtropical gardens. At low tide, it can be reached via the old cobbled causeway; at high tide, by boat. It is worth checking the official access calendar when planning your visit. Afternoon tea featuring fresh Cornish produce is also served on the island, including ingredients grown and harvested there. Offerings and booking conditions may change.
Other castles tell stories of different forms of coastal defence. Pendennis Castle is a circular artillery fort on a rocky headland above Falmouth. For more than 400 years, it guarded the Fal estuary and Falmouth. Replicas of Tudor guns can be seen alongside later military guns. St Mawes Castle may be the best-preserved example of an artillery fort from the time of Henry VIII; its walls feature elaborate carvings and texts praising Henry VIII.
Mining, Art and Local Stories
The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape preserves mines, engine houses, harbours, anchorages, canals, railways and other industrial sites associated with mining. It documents Cornwall’s contribution to the Industrial Revolution in Britain and the worldwide influence of Cornish mining technology. At Geevor, Cornwall’s mining history can be explored through a hands-on visitor experience; the Tin Mine also houses a collection of relics and artefacts. Specific visitor offerings may change.
Museums also offer different perspectives on the region’s history. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall has 15 galleries exploring the sea’s influence on history and culture. The Cornish Quayside gallery focuses on traditional sailmaking and sardine pressing. Truro Cathedral offers tours covering its history, treasures and architecture. Topics include chapels, the sanctuary and stained-glass windows; tour dates may change.
Art and garden culture complement these historical discoveries. The Eden Project transformed a former clay pit into a global garden and includes one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests. It also features contemporary artworks, performances and storytelling. In the Jungle at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, you’ll encounter bamboo tunnels, tree ferns, giant rhubarb and banana plants.
Tate St Ives overlooks the Atlantic and displays 20th-century British art as well as changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Its programme includes works by artists connected with St Ives and works from the Tate Collection; exhibitions and displays may change. The Minack Theatre combines a cliffside theatre, exotic gardens and an exhibition with panoramic views of Porthcurno Bay. Access involves steps and uneven surfaces.
Whether you want to focus on coastal paths, tidal access, mining history or art, Cornwall offers a range of themes to consider when choosing where to stay.
Discover more destinations: Menheniot, Egloskerry, Gorran Haven, Penhallow, Perranporth, Liskeard, Saltash, Wadebridge, Tywardreath, Truro, Torpoint, Saint Mawes, Redruth, Portloe, Port Isaac, Porthleven, Penzance, Padstow, Newquay, Morval, Lostwithiel, Launceston, Helston, Fowey, Falmouth, Cawsand, Camelford, Bude, Bodmin, Washaway, Carlyon Bay, Saint Blazey, Illogan, St Just, Looe, Tintagel, Roche, Mullion, Marhamchurch, Landewednack, St Agnes, St Wenn, Camborne, St Kew, St Germans, Probus, Lansallos, Launcells, St Columb Major, Callington, St Pinnock, Altarnun, Sennen, St Winnow, St Hilary, Penryn, St Keverne, Porthallow, Perranwell Station, Par, Marazion, Phillack, North Tamerton, Trewarmett, Colan, St Teath, Morwenstow, Boswinger, Boscastle, Constantine, Saint Eval, Carbis Bay, Portreath, Landrake, Lanivet, Polperro, Mevagissey, Saint Austell, Rock, Saint Dominick, Poundstock, Mount, Saint Gennys, Mylor, Porkellis, Millbrook, Mylor Bridge, Withiel, Gulval, Saint Neot, Gwennap, Gwinear, Saint Clether, Jacobstow, Lanlivery, Lezant, Linkinhorne, Pendeen, Gooseham, Blisland, Maxworthy, Chacewater, Tresmeer, Stithians, Pentewan, Saint Stephen, Brighton, Trelash, Sladesbridge, Tregony, North Hill, Quethiock, Boyton, Lelant, Feock, Saint Ives, Coverack, Edmonton, White Cross, Germoe, Crowan, Saint Cleer, Pensilva, Saint Issey, Ludgvan, Grampound, Budock Water, Luxulyan, Mawgan Porth, Downderry, Saint Just in Roseland, Gerrans, Duloe, Ruan High Lanes, Madron, Saint Breward, Sancreed, Praze-an-Beeble, Gunnislake, Gweek, Saint Tudy, Ruan Minor, Saint Newlyn East, Cardinham, Wendron, Saint Mawgan, Mawnan Smith, Antony, Saint Minver, Porthcurno, Leedstown, Saint Merryn, Constantine Bay, Trevone, Crugmeer, Sticker, Luckett, Stratton, Penrose, Killigarth, Herodsfoot, Millendreath, Bodinnick.
For the broader travel overview: South West England.
