How to spend two weeks in West Cornwall

I have been visiting West Cornwall for my whole life – and my parents now live there so it’s become my literal second home. And I have been umming and ahhing about whether or not to write about it here.

On one hand it’s one of my favourite, and by far most-travelled, places in the world. And this is a travel blog… 

But on the other hand, the area has been drastically affected by the vast numbers of tourists that have been flocking there over the past few years. It’s a beautiful place and I think everyone should have the joy of experiencing it… but with respect and caution.

The impact of tourism in Cornwall

Like many tourism hot spots in the UK, Cornwall has been affected by the issue of over-tourism. Particularly since the pandemic, when holidays in the UK spiked out of necessity, the county’s infrastructure has increasingly struggled to cope with the number of people who flock there each year. And in turn, the land and the local people are starting to suffer. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit.

To find out more about how to travel respectfully in the West of England, read my blog: the impact of tourism in Cornwall.

Things to do

From beaches to hikes to historical sites, there is so much to do here that even packing it into two weeks can be a struggle. But if you set your sights on the rugged and wild coastline of West Cornwall, things become slightly more manageable.

To discover my favourite bits, read my blog: Top 15 things to do in West Cornwall.

The best walks

Hiking is one of the highlights of Cornwall and its unique scenery. From moderately challenging walks to easy rambles, there are walks that can be enjoyed by people of any ability.

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

The best beaches

The beaches of West Penwith are so stunning that it’s hard to believe they’re in grey old England. I find myself comparing every beach I visit around the world to the coast of Cornwall, and honestly, some of them don’t even come close. I might be biassed, but I think this area has some of the best beaches you’ll ever spend an afternoon on. 

Want to know which ones? Read my blog: The 10 best beaches in West Cornwall.

Where to eat

Fishing and farming as two of Cornwall’s strongest industries. So it’s no surprise that there’s so many great restaurants. From local fare to global cuisines, Cornwall’s towns are packed with pubs, cafes, bars, and restaurants serving up delicious dishes. Just remember to book a table!

To find my favourite spots, read my blog: The best places to eat in West Cornwall.

What to pack for a holiday to Cornwall

Depending on the time of year, your packing list for a holiday in Cornwall can change drastically. From weeks at the beach to hiking in the rain and even being blocked in by snow thanks to the Beast from the East, I’ve had to pack for just about all eventualities.

To find out which essentials you’ll need for your trip to Cornwall, read my blog: What to pack for a holiday to Cornwall.