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Cornish Secrets / The Great Cornwall Holiday Guide / Things to do

Things to do in Cornwall

Planning how to spend your days in Cornwall? From Cornwall beaches to the best restaurants to have on your radar, there’s a lot to fit in. To ensure you see and visit the most special parts that this wonderful county has to offer, here you’ll find our favourite selection of things to do in Cornwall.

We’ve split our helpful guide into sections to allow you to follow your hobbies and interest, as there’s a Cornish attraction for everyone.  So dive in, and search for your Cornish experience with The Great Cornwall Guide

Things to do

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Cornwall Beach Guide

With so many gorgeous beaches in beautiful Cornwall, how do you know which ones to choose for your visit? Our Cornwall Beach Guide is here to help you plan your days and select which beaches to visit....

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Food & Drink

We find that Cornwall’s best restaurants are those that champion locally-sourced produce, cook in creative ways and naturally have an equally tempting view. From super-fresh fish to succulent locall...

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Cornwall Attractions & Activities

Looking for the best attractions in Cornwall? You’ve come to the right place. And there’s really something for everyone here. Whether you’re on the hunt for must-see stately home or ...

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Nature's Playground at the Eden Project - Drone

Family Days Out

Despite dramatic coastline, moorland, cliffs and castles, and golden beaches that stretch for miles variety is the spice of life, especially for children, so it is something of a holiday tradition to ...

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Fireworks at Padstow Christmas Festival ©James Ram

Cornwall Events

Cornwall may be known as a somewhat sleepy county, but events take place all year round, from music events, festivals and Cornish celebrations. Whether you’re searching for a local shin-dig, want to...

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Adrenaline Attractions & Activities

If you’re all about the adrenaline, Cornwall is the ultimate playground. From zip wires over lakes, wake boarding, and ‘Total Wipeout’ courses to more conventional, but no less exciting, sur...

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Dog Friendly

Want to enjoy a dog-friendly holiday in Cornwall? Our guide tells you where the dog-friendly beaches are, the best cafes for a warm welcome, and which pubs will happily greet them, too. From where to ...

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Visitor on the cliff top at Sandymouth, Cornwall. © National Trust Images Ben Selway

Cornwall Walks

Cornwall walks are hard to beat. The walking scene is dominated by the South West Coast Path, where the steep landscape has been carved by the sea, making for dramatic hikes. While you’ll certai...

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Wildlife in Cornwall

If you seek the ‘call of the wild’, then this section of our comprehensive Guide to the Cornish countryside is for you. Cornwall has a collection of locations within its area of Outstanding Natura...

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Local shops & brands

Steeped in history with a breathtaking coastline to inspire creatives, Cornwall produces artisanal goods across the county, with some of the best independent brands and boutiques in the UK. Whether yo...

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Travel & Parking

Most people travel to Cornwall by car which does come with its own problems. However, fear not, this section helps to take the pain out of parking and suggests the best travel routes. Our travel and p...

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Surfers headed for the waves at Chapel Porth, Cornwall ©National Trust Images Hilary Daniel

Weather, Tides & Surf

As a rule of thumb, there are two high tides and two low tides each day but the size of the tides change over the month. But as a basic guide, the tides change roughly every six hours, which is worth ...

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BOOK YOUR DREAM CORNWALL HOLIDAY TODAY

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Cancleave

Nr Widemouth Bay, Bude

Recently undergoing complete renovation, Cancleave is a modern, energy efficient and comfortable property sleeping 8. Situated in beautiful North Cornwall, on the coast road between Crackington Haven ...

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Trekoa

Perranuthnoe, nr Marazion

Moments from Perranuthnoe Beach – often known as Perran Sands – Trekoa’s location is simply superb. The picturesque village of Perranuthnoe sits on the south coast around a mile to the east ...

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The Anchorage

Duporth Bay, nr Charlestown

With direct access to private beach, Duporth Bay, a stay at The Anchorage could be straight out of a fairy tale. In fact, nearby Charlestown, is a stunning example of a late Georgian port, which you m...

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Meadowside

Bude

With Bude to the north and Widemouth Bay to the south, Meadowside is a sea lover’s dream as there’s a beach at every turn. This large, five bed detached luxury home, is enviably positioned on a pe...

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Sea View House

St Ives

Sea View House is a stunning three-storey townhouse situated in prestigious St Ives, with breathtaking views across the harbour and beyond. Opulence is met with the ultimate comfort in this seaside re...

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Porthminster Mews 2

St Ives

The Porthminster Mews townhouses are fabulously located on The Terrace in St Ives, offering picturesque sea and coastal views. Just moments away from St Ives bustling town centre with its collection o...

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Clematis House

St Columb Major

Unique and utterly charming, Clematis House is an eclectic mix of contemporary and modern, with boujie styling and quirky interiors. A Grade II listed building, Clematis House dates back to 1850, and ...

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Peacehay Barn

Nr Padstow

If you’re looking for a spacious getaway with a touch of luxury, a stay at Peacehay Barn is just the ticket. Sleeping 12, you’ll get space and tranquillity in abundance here. Situated less than fo...

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Firethorn

Bude

Newly renovated and thoughtfully decorated by local interior designer Chloe Morris, Firethorn is a striking home in an enviable location, just a short stroll away Bude’s award-winning beaches. Inspi...

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Gwern Barn

Marazion

Situated a mere 200 metres from Marazion Beach, Gwern Barn is set back in a quiet, rural location. Boasting thick curved stone walls, this property is thought to date back over 400 years. Now a charmi...

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Lamorna

Wadebridge

Once a foundry town, Wadebridge in the north of Cornwall is now a thriving Cornish hotspot just five miles upstream from the more well-known fishing village of Padstow. Straddling the River Camel, it�...

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Cornish Secrets property Orchard Cottage, Charlestown

Orchard Cottage

Charlestown

The picturesque historic harbour village and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Charlestown, dotted with cobbled streets and tall ships, is a quaint Cornish location. Spending just a few moments here, you ...

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Coastman’s Nest

Mawgan Porth

You’ll be spoilt with countryside and sea views at the Coastman’s Nest in the sought after coastal village of Mawgan Porth, just four miles from Newquay and seven miles from Padstow. A light and s...

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The Old Smokehouse

Charlestown

The Georgian village of Charlestown is one of south Cornwall’s precious gems. Sitting pretty on the edge of the dramatic and picturesque St Austell Bay, this much-loved harbour village and UNESCO Wo...

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The Bowery

Newlyn

Welcome to The Bowery, a terraced Victorian house, situated near the pretty fishing village of Newlyn. Part of the original working farmhouse, over the years the house has been sensitively extended in...

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Treleigh

St Ives

A stunning example of contemporary Cornish design, Treleigh overlooks Porthmeor beach and the town of St Ives, its cliff-top location affording breathtaking sea views across the island and out to the ...

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No 5, Gwel Marten

Carbis Bay, St Ives

Situated in cool Carbis Bay, where dramatic views sweep across the bay to St Ives and Godrevy lighthouse, this wonderful apartment luxuriously sleeps 4.  Only a few minutes’ walk to the Blue Flag b...

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Libertine

Breage, Nr Praa Sands, Porthleven & St Ives

This uniquely opulent property, built in 1603 in the village of Breage (pronounced Breeg) books quickly, and you can see why. It is a very rare find, oozing character and style. Libertine, previously ...

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Kismet

Near Padstow

Sitting pretty on the edge of peaceful hamlet Little Petherick is Kismet, an elegantly styled family home which sleeps eight. Just over two miles from popular harbour town Padstow, at Kismet you have ...

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Tretawny

Perranporth

If chocolate-box charm is what you’re after, then look no further than Tretawny an idyllic thatched cottage in the beautiful village of Bolingey, near Perranporth. Sleeping six, this dog-friendly se...

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Seascape

Lusty Glaze and Porth Beach

With Lusty Glaze to the west and Porth Beach to the north, Seascape is the fitting name for this stunning coastal retreat which sleeps six. Seascape sits above expansive golden sands of Porth Beach &#...

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6 The Shore

Mawgan Porth

This stunning property is part of an exclusive collection of seven brand new, luxury homes perfectly positioned close to Mawgan Porth‘s spectacular sandy beach and coast. With superb attention t...

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The Lodge, Carbis Bay

Carbis Bay

Sea views are order of the day at The Lodge, which is part of the exclusive Carrack Gladden Apartments, which enviably sit just above the white sands and azure sea at Carbis Bay. The elevated position...

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Halekulani

Bude

Prepare to be wowed as you step into Halekulani, which, rather aptly, translates to house befitting heaven in Hawaiian. A luxury haven flooded by Cornish sunshine, contemporary design and lavish touch...

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Vitamyn Sea

St Ives

Tradition meets contemporary comforts at Vitamyn Sea. Just moments from St Ives’s stunning harbour, you’re situated a five to ten-minute walk from the gorgeous Porthmeor beach with Porthmi...

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Lower Hendra

Nr Port Isaac

Situated off a private single-track lane, Lower Hendra Cottage is charmingly rural. This gleaming white building houses a beautifully spacious family home, fully engulfed by rolling hills and 180º se...

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The Grain Store

Padstow

Watch the boats float into Padstow Harbour at this hugely desirable property in the heart of Cornwall’s fishing town. This vibrant glass-fronted property offers unrivalled views of Padstow, offe...

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Waves

Swanpool, Falmouth

This glorious accommodation in fabulous Falmouth is located in Swanpool just moments from the sea. Spacious, set over three floors, it is perfectly sized for an extended family or friend group and its...

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Tamarisk

Portreath

Offering a truly luxurious stay, Tamarisk is a heavenly retreat sleeping eight. A spacious property which has been thoughtfully renovated to create the perfect holiday home, it benefits from an elevat...

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Ravenscourt

Launcells, nr Bude

Nestled in the quiet hamlet of Launcells, just three miles inland from the coastal town of Bude, Ravenscourt is a rather exceptional property. Tucked away off a quiet country road, Ravenscourt’s bea...

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Creek End

Feock

Peace and tranquillity await at Creek End; a unique property nestled in the trees in the sought-after village of Feock, on the south coast of Cornwall. The aptly named home is set in an idyllic creek-...

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