What to pack for a holiday in Cornwall

What you pack for a holiday in Cornwall will depend on what you’re planning to do. Are you hitting the beach? Will you be walking? Or are you checking out the best sights in Cornwall? What you bring with you will vary based on your itinerary.

But it will also change drastically based on the season – it is the UK, after all! So, here is what to pack for a holiday in Cornwall, depending on when you’re going.

What to pack for a holiday in Cornwall in spring

What to pack for the daytime in Cornwall in spring

T-shirts, jeans, comfortable trousers and light layers like shirts and sweaters, and a raincoat should be enough for the weather in Cornwall in spring. But it’s always worth bringing a coat or heavier layer just in case. Trainers and walking boots will be appropriate footwear for almost any activity.

What to pack for the evening in Cornwall in spring

If you’re just going to the pub or a restaurant in the evenings, don’t worry about packing extra outfits. Most of the pubs are full of hikers in their Patagonia gear.

A jumper and jeans or nicer trousers, and clean trainers will be suitable for almost all the restaurants. But if you know you’re going somewhere fancy, pack accordingly.

If you’re walking in the evenings, your raincoat or a jacket will be useful and if you have hi-vis then even better. The roads aren’t always well-lit.

Looking for dinner spots? These are my favourite places to eat in West Cornwall.

What to pack for hiking in Cornwall in spring

For walks you might prefer hiking shoes but sensible, comfy trainers or my old Dr Martens have been adequate for all the hikes I’ve done. Light sports clothes might make your hike feel easier, but leggings, light sweaters, and T-shirts with boots or my running shoes tend to be fine for me.

In spring, remember to pack a rain jacket or warmer layer in case of showers and wind.

Planning a hiking holiday? Check out my 10 best walks in West Cornwall.

My full clothing + essentials packing list for Cornwall in spring:

On top: T-shirts and light sweaters, a casual dress for evenings out. And exercise tops and sports bras for hikes and runs.

On the bottom: loose or comfy trousers for shorter walks and days out. Plus leggings, and a pair of jeans.

On your feet: trainers, running shoes, and boots. If you like to dress up, a pair of comfy heels or fancy flats won’t be out of place in nicer restaurants at night.

Outer layers: a jumper, a plaid shirt, a rain jacket, a denim jacket, and a warmer coat.

The rest: underwear and bikinis (just in case!) workout gear as I love to run along the coast path and wear exercise clothes for hiking, a beach towel, sunglasses, a backpack for hikes, an evening bag, a water bottle, chargers and adapters, books, my usual toiletries + SPFs.

What to pack for a holiday in Cornwall in summer

What to pack for the daytime in Cornwall in summer

T-shirts, shorts, skirts, sundresses, and light layers like shirts and kimonos are enough for the warm weather in Cornwall in summer… as long as the forecast is on your side. Sandals and casual trainers like Converse are ideal for wandering around. Although for hikes you might prefer walking boots or running shoes for comfort.

And be sure to check the forecast. If it’s wet or colder you might be better off following a packing list for spring or autumn. But if the weather’s looking good, don’t miss the 10 best beaches in West Cornwall.

What to pack for the evening in Cornwall in summer

Sandals, casual dresses, light trousers, and t-shirts are fine for relaxed dinners and drinks in Cornwall in summer. You could dress up a little more if that’s your thing, but people don’t tend to for village pubs and casual restaurants.

It can get cooler later into the night so a layer like a shirt, light jacket, or cardigan will be useful.

What to pack for hiking in Cornwall in summer

Hiking in the sun in Cornwall gets hot. So a vest top or t-shirt should be fine. But bring a light layer just in case the clouds come out. A sun hat and something to protect your neck as well as sunglasses and plenty of SPF are essential.

Shorts will be fine, but if you prefer leggings you probably won’t find yourself overheating. I usually wear running trainers rather than boots for summer hikes in Cornwall, but if you prefer yours for comfort then add them to your list.

My full clothing + essentials packing list for Cornwall in summer:

On top: T-shirts and light tops, a couple of casual sundresses. Exercise vests and sports bras for hikes and runs.

On the bottom: comfy cotton shorts including running shorts. Denim shorts and light trousers for the evenings.

On your feet: sandals, trainers, and running shoes. Add walking shoes here if you prefer them, and smarter shoes if you like to get more dressed up for evenings out.

Outer layers: one long-sleeved top, a plaid shirt, and a light cardigan. I usually bring a raincoat too, as you never know!

The rest: one sun hat, underwear and bikinis (at least enough for one per day), workout gear for running and hiking, a beach towel, sunglasses, a backpack for hikes and the beach, an evening bag, a water bottle, chargers and adapters, books, my usual toiletries + SPFs.

What to pack for a holiday in Cornwall in autumn

What to pack for the daytime in Cornwall in autumn

T-shirts, jeans, comfortable trousers, lighter layers like shirts and sweaters, a raincoat, and a warmer coat are enough for the weather in Cornwall in autumn. It can sometimes be quite mild, but as it comes to the end of October the weather will get colder and wetter.

Trainers and walking boots are fine for your feet. You might want a hat, scarf, and even gloves depending on the forecast for the time of your visit.

What to pack for the evening in Cornwall in autumn

There’s no need to get dressed up for evenings in Cornwall, especially if you’re just going to pubs or casual restaurants. Jumpers, jeans, and clean trainers will hit the mark.

Of course if you know you’re going somewhere classy, pack appropriately. And remember to bring a coat to keep warm at night.

tremenheere sculpture garden — by@tomokas

What to pack for hiking in Cornwall in autumn

I’ve always hiked in Dr Martens or trainers in Cornwall and it’s been fine for all weathers. Clothing-wise, I tend to go for sports gear like leggings and a sports bra with a t-shirt and jumper.

A raincoat and maybe a puffer jacket or something to protect you against the strong winds on the coast will be essential in winter. Hats and headbands to keep your head and ears warm are also useful.

My full clothing + essentials packing list for Cornwall in autumn

On top: T-shirts and sweaters, a nicer top for evenings out. And exercise tops and sports bras for hikes and runs.

On the bottom: comfy trousers for walking and relaxing. Plus leggings and a pair of jeans.

On your feet: a pair of trainers, running shoes, and a pair of boots.

Outer layers: a couple of jumpers, a rain jacket, and a warmer coat.

The rest: underwear, workout gear for runs and hikes, cosy pyjamas and socks, a scarf, a hat, a backpack for hikes, an evening bag, a water bottle, chargers and adapters, books, my usual toiletries.

What to pack for a holiday in Cornwall in winter

What to pack for the daytime in Cornwall in winter

Jumpers, long-sleeved tops, and T-shirts you can layer are essential in Cornwall in winter. It can be windy, rainy, and very cold, but when the sun comes out it can really warm up. So you want layers that you can easily remove to match the temperature.

Jeans, comfortable trousers, and leggings will be fine for your bottom half.

And for outerwear, a raincoat warm coat will be needed. If you’re hiking, remember your walking boots. If you’re sticking to the pavement, trainers will be fine. But you’ll want cosy socks, and a hat and scarf.

What to pack for the evening in Cornwall in winter

In winter, keep it cosy even in the evenings in Cornwall. A jumper, tidy trousers, and clean shoes will be appropriate for pretty much every pub or restaurant. You could even turn up in your hiking gear and nobody will bat an eyelid.

What to pack for hiking in Cornwall in winter

I hike in trainers or my old Dr Martens in all weathers in Cornwall, but boots are advisable if it is or has recently been wet. The fields and coast path can get very muddy.

As I already mentioned, go for layers that you can remove as you get warmer. So a long sleeved top, mid-layer, and puffer or waterproof will make it easier to adapt your outfit to the temperature as you’re walking.

I usually wear leggings but you might prefer waterproof trousers if the forecast is bad. And remember a warm hat to keep your head warm.

My full clothing + essentials packing list for Cornwall in winter

On top: T-shirts and jumpers, a nicer warm top for evenings out. And exercise tops and sports bras for hikes and runs.

On the bottom: loose trousers, leggings for walks. And a pair of jeans.

On your feet: trainers, running shoes, and a pair of boots.

Outer layers: a rain jacket and a warmer coat.