See the Best of Cornwall While on a Road Trip through the County

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Driving through the winding lanes of Cornwall can be quite a unique experience. If you’re planning to take a road trip to explore a new place, touring the county of Cornwall by road can turn into a delightful vacation.

Here’s what Cornwall has in store for you.

Stunning Beaches

Cornwall has miles of beautiful beaches and coves where you can go soak up the sun or indulge in some surfing.

• The crescent-shaped Porthminster Beach with its golden sands, calm blue waters, and unending views of St. Ives harbor is often considered as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
• Crantock beach is considered surfers’ paradise. The beach is family-friendly and kids would particularly love to investigate the rock pools brimming with sea-life during low tide. This beach is dog-friendly too; so if you’re traveling with your pooch, be sure to pack some sunscreen for it along with its other dog accessories.
• Marazion beach has miles of sand so it won’t be tough to find a spot for yourself. While the beach is usually calm and preferred by swimmers, it’s also great for activities such as gig rowing, kayaking, kite-surfing, and paddling.
• Kynance cove is arguably the most photographed place in Cornwall county. The serpentine rock formations in dark red and green hues provide the perfect contrast to the white sands and turquoise waters. The beach is only accessible during low tide when you can have fun on the sand, or explore the caves. There’s also a café above the beach that sells Cornish pasties and other baked goods.

Lush Gardens

Cornwall has a mild climate and as such, you’ll get to see breath-taking displays of flora all through the year.

• Trebah garden is a sub-tropical garden situated above the Helford River. This 26 acre garden has 100 year old rhododendrons, camellias, and magnolias. Hydrangea Valley is a spectacle to behold during autumn. There are also enchanting sights to see during winter. The garden has a secluded beach too.
• The Lost Gardens of Heligan are among the most popular gardens in the whole of the United Kingdom. The gardens were restored in the 90s and have several differently designed areas like the Gardenesque style gardens of the 19th century. The figures Mud Maid and Giant’s Head are worth seeing as are the flower and vegetable gardens, the Italian garden, the pineapple pit, and the wild ‘jungle’ area.
• Trengwainton garden is known for its wide collection of exotic shrubs and trees, and for offering spectacular views over Mount’s Bay and the Lizard peninsula. The property also has a country house and has been under the ownership of the National Trust since 1961. The walled garden prevents warm air from escaping and thus allows fruit trees to survive despite the cold weather conditions. The garden is perfect for a picnic, a stroll, or a long walk. Don’t forget to take your camera along; the camellias, rhododendrons, and magnolias are click-worthy.

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Varied Attractions

Cornwall has a bevy of other interesting sights to behold.

• The Eden Project at Bodelva houses the largest greenhouses in the world. The bubble-shaped domes are located inside a reclaimed clay-pit and emulate tropical and Mediterranean environments. An outdoor, uncovered biome is used to grow plants like sunflower, lavender, hops, etc. that thrive in temperate regions. The names and medicinal uses of all plants are mentioned on labels, so the place is a must-visit for those looking for an informative and educational trip.
• Lizard Lighthouse on the Lizard peninsula has been serving its purpose since more than 250 years. It is the only lighthouse in Cornwall that you can climb! You can enjoy amazing views from the top as well as indulge in some fun activities. There is an interactive learning center- the Lighthouse Learning Room, and you can also power up the foghorn, understand satellite navigation, learn to send messages using Morse Code, learn to use Semaphore Flags, and more.
• Michael’s Mount is an island and is connected to the mainland via a causeway. You can walk across the causeway during low tide or take the ferry during high tide. The island houses a 5th century monastery and a 14th century church. There is also a 12th century abbey that you must visit to see the rococo drawing room, the armory, and the cliff-top gardens.
• The Screech Owl Sanctuary and the Tamar Otter and Wildlife Center are great places to spend a day full of fun if you’re traveling to Cornwall with kids. They’ll definitely be amazed to see owls, otters, ducks, deer, wallabies, rabbits, and other birds and animals. At the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, you’ll get to see seals and sea-lions. There are underwater exhibits and an animal hospital too.
• Tintagel Castle is associated with myths and mysteries and as such, is a favorite among tourists. It is supposed to be the birthplace of King Arthur and has served as the residence of Celtic kings. The remains of the castle and the rest of the island’s garden, tunnel, and chapel are interesting places. Later, you can treat yourself to traditional cream tea, fresh crab sandwiches, and fish and chips.
• Head to the Heartlands in Pool, which is a 19 acre World Heritage Site Gateway. The free-for-all playground has climb-on sculptures, state-of-the-art exhibitions, a carpenter’s workshop, art and craft studios, and an adventure playscape for kids.

Conclusion

Cornwall is a charming county to explore and you’ll want to keep coming back for more. Plan your itinerary keeping in mind all of these places, and you’re sure to have a memorable road trip.