Discover Cornwall: Coastal Paths, Mining and Culture

Cornwall has a 300-mile coastline. The South West Coast Path follows its entire length and is consistently waymarked with the acorn symbol as a National Trail. On the north coast, Atlantic surf, sandy beaches and granite cliffs meet. You can surf, kitesurf or hike from the beach to the cliffs there. Check local conditions before taking part in these activities.

Coastal Paths and Landscapes

The Camel Trail offers a different kind of route: it is 18 miles long, largely traffic-free, surfaced and almost level. It is open to pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users. The two paths therefore differ in character: the South West Coast Path follows Cornwall’s coastline, while the Camel Trail stands out for its surfaced, almost level route and range of users.

Away from the coast, Cornwall also has striking landscapes. Bodmin Moor is characterised by grassland and heath, with scattered granite outcrops. The area features numerous traces of prehistoric settlements and is home to rare and protected wildlife. At the Eden Project, a former clay pit has been transformed into a global garden. It is home to one of the world’s largest indoor rainforests; the experience also includes contemporary artworks, performances and storytelling. In the jungle at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, bamboo tunnels, tree ferns, giant rhubarb and banana plants create a very different garden world.

Mining History and Historic Sites

The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape preserves mines, engine houses, ports, anchorages, canals, railways and other industrial sites associated with mining. It documents Cornwall’s contribution to the Industrial Revolution in Britain and the global influence of Cornish mining technology. Geevor offers a hands-on experience of Cornwall’s mining history; individual activities may change. Geevor Tin Mine also houses a collection of mining relics and artefacts.

The Botallack and Kenidjack coastal path runs for 3.5 miles through cliff-top heathland and the industrial heritage of the Tin Coast. On the edge of the Botallack cliffs, the Crowns Engine Houses stand above mine workings that extend beneath the sea. The route around Kenidjack Headland includes an Iron Age cliff fort. At Tintagel, the island fortress was a stronghold of the rulers of Cornwall from the 5th to the 7th century. Today, you can cross the footbridge, explore the rugged island and see the Gallos sculpture. At low tide, a small sandy beach and Merlin’s Cave are also accessible; check the tides and local conditions before your trip.

Museums, Art and Architecture

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall has 15 galleries exploring the influence of the sea on history and culture. The Cornish Quayside gallery focuses on traditional sailmaking and sardine pressing. Tate St Ives offers views of the Atlantic and displays 20th-century British art alongside changing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Works by artists associated with St Ives and pieces from the Tate Collection are on view; exhibitions and displays may change.

Cornwall’s castles also tell different stories. Pendennis Castle is a round artillery fort on a rocky headland above Falmouth. For more than 400 years, it guarded the Fal estuary and Falmouth; today, replica Tudor guns stand alongside later military guns. St Mawes Castle is perhaps the best-preserved example of an artillery fort from the time of Henry VIII. Its walls feature elaborate carvings and inscriptions praising Henry VIII. Tours at Truro Cathedral cover its history, treasures and architecture, including the chapels, the Sanctuary and the stained-glass windows. Tour times may change; check the current schedule in advance.

Tides and Special Visiting Conditions

St Michael’s Mount is a historic tidal island with a village, castle and terraced subtropical gardens. At low tide, the old cobbled causeway leads across; at high tide, the island is accessible by boat. Plan your visit according to the official access calendar. Afternoon tea is also served at St Michael’s Mount, featuring fresh Cornish produce, including ingredients grown and harvested on the island. The menu and booking conditions may change.

The Minack Theatre combines a clifftop theatre with exotic gardens and an exhibition offering panoramic views of Porthcurno Bay. Access involves steps and uneven surfaces. These specific visiting conditions, along with the tide-dependent access at Tintagel and St Michael’s Mount, are useful to keep in mind when planning your visits to Cornwall.

Discover more destinations: Saint Mawes, Redruth, Saint Austell, Rock, Saint Dominick, Saint Neot, Lanlivery, Saint Clether, Withiel, Mount, Mevagissey, Illogan, St Columb Major, Callington, Killigarth, Herodsfoot, Bodinnick, Saint Issey, Ludgvan, Grampound, Budock Water, Luxulyan, Mawgan Porth, Downderry, Saint Just in Roseland, Gerrans, Morval, Lostwithiel, Launceston, Helston, Ruan High Lanes, Madron, Saint Breward, Sancreed, Praze-an-Beeble, Gunnislake, Gweek, Saint Tudy, Penryn, 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, Quethiock, Coverack, Edmonton, Torpoint, St Pinnock, Altarnun, Sennen, St Winnow, St Hilary, Millendreath, Newquay, Gorran Haven, Penhallow, Perranporth, Liskeard, Saltash, Wadebridge, Tywardreath, Germoe, Crowan, Saint Cleer, Duloe, Portloe, Port Isaac, Porthleven, Penzance, Padstow, Tresmeer, Stithians, Saint Gennys, Porkellis, Mylor Bridge, Millbrook, Menheniot, Pendeen, Linkinhorne, Lezant, Jacobstow, Gwinear, Gwennap, Gulval, Mylor, Egloskerry, Chacewater, Blisland, Gooseham, Pentewan, Saint Stephen, Maxworthy, Brighton, Boyton, Lelant, Feock, Saint Ives, North Hill, Tregony, Sladesbridge, Trelash, Porthallow, Perranwell Station, Par, Marazion, Phillack, North Tamerton, Trewarmett, Colan, St Teath, Morwenstow, Boswinger, Boscastle, Poundstock, Constantine, Saint Eval, Carbis Bay, Portreath, Landrake, Lanivet, Polperro, Saint Blazey, Fowey, St Keverne, St Just, Looe, Tintagel, Roche, Mullion, Marhamchurch, Landewednack, St Agnes, St Wenn, Camborne, St Kew, St Germans, Probus, Lansallos, Launcells, Falmouth, Cawsand, Camelford, Bude, Bodmin, Washaway, Carlyon Bay, Pensilva, White Cross, Truro.

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