Top 15 things to do in West Cornwall

It would be almost impossible for me to write an extensive list of everything there is to do in Cornwall. As city people it’s easy to think that the countryside means ‘nothing to do.’ But in Cornwall, that’s far from the truth.

However, before getting stuck into the many things to do in Cornwall, it’s important to understand the effects that over-tourism is having in Cornwall. Don’t let it put you off… Just brush up on the issue, which I’ve covered in my blog: The impact of tourism in Cornwall.

Ready to be a considerate visitor to Cornwall? You’re bound to fall in love with the place (which should hopefully fuel your desire to respect it!) These are my favourite things to do in West Cornwall, at almost any time of year.

1. Go to the beach

The coast of Cornwall is lined with some of the world’s most stunning beaches (if you ask me!) so picking the best often comes down to which is quietest. Some have car parks and restaurants, which means they tend to be busier. But even some of the quieter spots have seen a rise in popularity thanks to Instagram showing off their beauty to the world.

The best season for going to the beach in Cornwall: spring or summer.

For a run down of some of the best coves, beaches, and bays in the area, read my blog: The 10 best beaches in West Cornwall.

2. Go for a hike

One of the best things to do in Cornwall is walk. The South West Coast Path is one of the country’s best-known Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And since it’s protected and maintained by The National Trust, it’s kept in good condition for hikers and wildlife all year round.

West Cornwall has its own micro-climate, which means that the walks here aren’t just beautiful. They’re also home to unique species of plants and birds that you won’t see anywhere else! So take care, and keep an eye out for some unmissable nature.

To explore my favourite hikes in the area, read my blog: 10 of the best walks in West Cornwall.

The best season for hiking in Cornwall: spring or autumn. Obviously you can hike all year, but shorter days in winter and intense sun and higher tourism in summer makes these seasons less appealing.

3. Visit the tin mines

Cornwall’s famous mining history isn’t just documented in Poldark. It’s still evident in the landscape as the remains of some of the 2,000 mines that were once active in the county can still be seen and visited. These are some of the most famous mines in West Cornwall.

Botallack mines

Sat on the rugged cliffside near Cape Cornwall, these mines are free to view and fit perfectly into a hike along this stretch of the coast path. The area is owned by the National Trust so at some times of the year you will have to pay to park.

Levant Mine

Run by the National Trust, the Levant Mine near Pendeen has tour guides that can teach you a history of Cornwall’s mining industry. You can walk through some of the land for free, but to visit the mine itself is ticketed.

Geevor Mine

The huge statue of a miner will alert you that you’ve arrived at Geevor. This mine is one of the best mining tourist attractions left in Cornwall. It was the last working tin mine and one of the largest under-sea mines in the world. You can learn about it all in the museum, visit the old locker rooms, and even go underground in Wheal Mexico.

Zennor Old Mine Ruin

On the road through Zennor moor, don’t miss the ruin of an old mine on the roadside. When it’s quiet and safe to pull into the large lay by, it makes a great spot for scenic photos with the ocean and cliffs.

Ding Dong Mine

If you’re interested in Cornish history and mysticism, a walk that covers the Ding Dong Mine, Men-an-Tol, Boskednan Stone Circle, and Lanyon Quoit is a must.

The best season for visiting tin mines in Cornwall: autumn to spring. Summer is busy with tourists, especially at the National Trust owned mines.

4. St Michael’s Mount

Owned and inhabited by the St Aubin family since 1650, St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island in the bay between Marazion and Penzance. A stunning view from the mainland – especially at sunset – it is the counterpart to the French Mont Saint Michel.

The castle and most of the gardens are now owned and managed by The National Trust, and are open to visitors most of the year. The mount can be reached on foot by a granite causeway at low tide, and by boat when the tide comes in. And don’t forget to book!

The best season for visiting St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall: whenever the tide is right! Though you can get a boat over the St Michael’s Mount when the tide is high, try to fit your visit in around low tide so you can walk at least one way in or out.

5. Lizard Point

The most southerly point of the UK, the Lizard is famous for its rugged landscape and stunning scenery. There are plenty of walks to do around here, including to Kynance Cove, Mullion Cove, and Lankidden Cove. Want to know more about walks near Lizard Point? Read my blog: 10 of the best walks in West Cornwall.

The best season for visiting the Lizard and Kynance Cove: spring to autumn. Summer is busy with tourists and the roads, car parks, and cafes can get very busy.

6. St Ives

The stunning town of St Ives was once a popular haunt of some of the UK’s most famous artists – and it’s easy to see why. The picturesque cobbled lanes, the rooftops, the curve of the bay… Everything comes together to make St Ives itself look like a work of art.

The Tate art gallery put St Ives on the map, and it’s since become even busier with tourists. But if you visit off-season, it's a beautiful seaside town to spend an afternoon wandering with a Cornish ice cream or local fish and chips.

But be careful where you park! Opting for a car park that’s a bit further out of town is often a safer bet, as the town can become very busy with cars and pedestrians, and parking spaces there are limited. Trenwith or The Burrows are at the top of the cliff, but your chances of finding a spot are higher and a bus service regularly runs into town and back.

The best season for visiting St Ives: autumn to spring. Summer is peak tourism season in St Ives and it makes the beaches and small streets almost unbearably busy.

tremenheere sculpture garden — by @tomokas

7. Tremenheere Gardens

This sculpture garden behind Penzance is filled with exotic local plants, art installations, and boasts amazing views of the bay. The cafe is also a great spot for food and drinks – if you visit on a Sunday, don’t miss their roast (and don’t forget to book!)

The best season for visiting Tremenheere Gardens: spring or summer is best to fully enjoy the garden.

8. Trebah Gardens

Cornwall is full of beautiful gardens, but Trebah is something special. With a lake and bridge reminiscent of a Monet painting, a jungle of giant rhubarb, and its own private cove, spending a day at Trebah feels like escaping into something from a fairytale for an afternoon. There is a fee to enter, but you can easily spend hours here, and the cafe serves excellent fresh food.

The best season for visiting Trebah Gardens: spring or summer, to see the gardens in full bloom and lounge on the private bay.

9. The Merry Maidens

The Merry Maidens stone circle gets its name from the myth that 19 ‘maidens’ and their two pipers were turned to stone as a punishment for dancing on a Sunday. The circle of ‘maidens’ sits in a field on the road towards Lamorna, while the two pipers stand in an adjacent field (where they were apparently caught running away).

You can pull into a small lay by to see the circle, or you could fit it into your hiking route. And if you’re into stone circles, also check out:

Boscawen-Un Stone Circle
Tregeseal Stone Circle
The Nine Maidens Stone Circle
Morvah Standing Stones
Boskednan Stone Circle
The Merry Harvester’s Stone Circle

The best season for visiting The Merry Maidens: any time! Even in summer, this spot doesn’t get too busy.

10. Carn Euny

This ancient site has uncovered signs of inhabitation dating back to the neolithic period. The structures that still stand at Carn Euny are thought to be an Iron Age settlement that even includes an underground chamber (called a fogou) that you can enter. It’s free to visit and can be accessed as part of a larger hike around the Sancreed area, or via a very small car park near two homes.

And if ancient settlements are your thing, make time to check out Chysauster Ancient Village near Gulval, too.

The best season for visiting Carn Euny: any time! Though there’s only a small amount of parking which can be busier in summer.

11. Men-an-Tol

For lovers of myths and mysticism, Men-an-Tol is a must-visit. A formation of three stones, it’s surrounded by a number of other stone structures and circles which make it especially atmospheric when visited on a foggy autumn day.

The story goes that it’s guarded by piskies with magical powers, including the ability to banish evil spirits, replace lost babies, and cure rickets. Women that pass through the circle stone seven times backwards under a full moon will apparently soon fall pregnant – though I’ve not tried it myself.

You can park in a lay by on a nearby farm track (being very careful not to block the road). From there, it is a short walk through fields and over a couple of stone stiles.

The best season for visiting Men-an-Tol: any time! Fit this into one of your walks – you’ll likely only see a few others around.

12. Godrevy

The headland at Godrevy Point offers stunning views across to the lighthouse that shares its name. The long, windswept beach is popular with surfers, and the cafe in the car park serves up a well-earned beer and great food at the end of your walk.

But the true highlight of a visit to this headland is Mutton Cove. Where, if you’re lucky, you’ll witness from above a deep bay packed with seals sunbathing and swimming in the sea. You can park in the National Trust car park and take a short walk up to the top of Godrevy Point for incredible views in every direction.

The best season for visiting Godrevy: spring to autumn. The headland can be windy and cold, so while you can visit in winter, it’s more enjoyable in warmer weather – and you’re more likely to spot the seals!

13. Newlyn and Mousehole

The harbour town of Newlyn and the small fishing village of Mousehole are stunning and authentic Cornish spots that can become overcrowded with tourists in summer – and in winter thanks to Mousehole’s famous Christmas lights. But in spring and autumn, these beautiful and peaceful towns make a wonderful place to wander and enjoy some locally caught fish and chips.

The best season for visiting Newlyn and Mousehole: anytime… but spring or autumn is quietest.

14. The Minack Theatre

The Minack open air theatre between St Levan and Porthcurno is a world famous site. As well as live performances, visits the theatre are open during the day. You can wander its gardens and even explore the stage. The view across Porthcurno to the Logan Rock is one of the best in the area. Especially when the weather is right, and the sea is its perfect shade of turquoise.

There is an entrance fee which includes use of the car park, and ticket prices for shows vary.

The best season for visiting the Minack Theatre: spring to autumn. Shows don’t always run through winter at the Minack. And since it’s open air, it’s more enjoyable in warm weather.

15. Eat out

Some of the best food and drink in the UK can be enjoyed on the Cornish coast. Farmed on the land and caught in the seas, the ingredients and seafood are as fresh as they come. But don’t forget to book! Finding a table on the day can be a challenge. To find my favourite spots, read my blog: The best places to eat in West Cornwall.

The best season for eating out in Cornwall: all year! But does anything beat dinner on a terrace in summer?

Visit other areas on your way in and out

If you’ve driven a long way to get to West Cornwall, why not explore some more on your way in and out?

Port Isaac, Padstow, Boscastle, and Tintagel on the north coast of Cornwall are beautiful spots. And they're all easy to get off the A30 as you enter or leave Cornwall. And don’t forget to wave at the trees on Cookworthy Knapp when you reach the Devon border.

Now you’re ready for a trip to Cornwall, all you need to do is pack. To find out which essentials you’ll need at different times of year, read my blog: What to pack for a holiday to Cornwall.