Things to do in Cornwall
When it comes to coastal getaways, few regions can match the dazzling scenery, diverse outdoor activities and fascinating history of Cornwall. This far-flung jewel of the southwest is blessed with spectacular twin coastlines, unmissable wildlife and some of the best surfing spots in the UK. Take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Cornwall to ensure you get the most out of your next British beach break.
48 Hours of Freedom in Cornwall
Whether you're surfing the waves at Fistral Beach, speeding through the ocean on a banana boat at Lusty Gaze or checking out Newquay's lively music scene, there are endless ways to spend 48 hours in Cornwall.
Top Cornwall attractions
Eden Project
Situated in a former china claypit near St Austell, the Eden Project features a series of immense golf ball-shaped biomes which contain spectacularly exotic artificial Mediterranean, rainforest and ot
St Michael's Mount
From monks to a Cornish giant, the history and mythology that layer up on this rocky tidal island near Penzance is richly diverse.
Tintagel Castle
Set high on a craggy peninsular overlooking a dramatic stretch of Cornish coast, Tintagel Castle offers much more than regular English Heritage ruins.
Best free things to do in Cornwall
Arthur Cunnington at Sunset Sessions
Live on 20th August 2022 - Another YHA Treyarnon Bay regular, we couldn’t have a season of music without him, the splendiferous maestro, Arthur Cunnington. Arthur Cunnington is an award winning sin
Bev Lee Harling at Sunset Sessions
Live on 13th August 2022 - In 2006 Bev recorded a five-track E.P. called Impossible Human...
BF Adventure
Get outdoors and have fun at this exciting activity centre. As a charity, they help hundreds of disadvantaged children in Cornwall too.
Blue Hills Mine
Wander the site and meet the craftsmen who extract the ore, dress it, smelt it, refine it and make it into fantastic jewellery. Visit the Blue Hills website
Blue Reef Aquarium
Dive into a breathtaking 3D underwater world and be transported below the ocean's surface to watch some of the planet's fascinating creatures. Discover fantastic creatures that live in our
Boscastle Museum of Witchcraft
Houses the world's largest collection of witchcraft related artifacts. One of Cornwall's most popular museums.
Camel Creek Adventure Park
Enter the magical land of Cornwall’s Camel Creek Adventure Park and hold on tight for Morgawr, the exciting roller coaster - great family fun! Visit the website
Climbing at Lands End
If you are looking to combine water sports with climbing then Coasteering is for you.
Coastal Rush
Experience Cornwall’s famously spectacular coastline with a Coasteering adventure, a unique combination of swimming, climbing, scrambling, traversing and cliff jumping. Visit the Coastal Rush websi
Coasteering in Land's End
If you are looking to combine water sports with climbing then Coasteering is for you. Kernow Coasteering offer coasteering adventures on the rocky coastline close to YHA Land’s End.
Cornwall Surf Academy
Don't miss out on something the area is famous for! Try an action packed surf lesson and take to the waves.
Coverack Windsurfing School
Try a half-day taster session at one of the few places in England where you can learn to windsurf on the sea. Coverack has an east facing bay, so protected and ideal for first timers to learn.
Cornwall's picturesque beaches
Perranporth Beach
Situated south of Newquay on the north coast, Perranporth is justly renowned as one of Britain’s most picturesque beaches. When the breakers are rolling in off the Atlantic, there’s nowhere more exhilarating for surfing, sailing or bodyboarding. Also, at nearly three miles long, there’s plenty of space for everyone to do their own thing.
Nearest hostel: YHA Perranporth
Watergate Bay
Three miles north of Newquay lies another watersports heaven in Watergate Bay. Its two-mile stretch of sand boasts a beautiful backdrop of cliffs and throughout the year, the bay plays host to countless tournaments and pro events. However, away from all the adrenaline-fuelled exhilaration, there's just as much gentle fun to be had among the rock pools and quiet alcoves.
Nearest hostel: YHA Treyarnon Bay
Treyarnon Bay
Near Padstow on Cornwall's rocky north coast, this perfect sandy cove is the smaller of two beaches accessible from the village of Treyarnon. Waves are funnelled into the bay towards high tide, making it a favourite among more adventurous surfers. The low cliffs are also great for exploring and you can bathe in a giant rock pool.
Nearest hostel: YHA Treyarnon Bay
Bedruthan Steps
The clifftop view out across the vast craggy sea stacks is breathtaking and it gets better as you descend hundreds of (rather tricky) rocky steps to the beach (which isn't accessible at high tide). Quite literally a legendary Cornish landmark, the great Bedruthan rock towers are the giant stepping stones which may seem irresistible to stout-hearted rock climbers.
Nearest hostel: YHA Treyarnon Bay
Transport
By train
You can catch a mainline Great Western train to Penzance from London, changing at Plymouth, with a marathon average journey time of five hours and 43 minutes. Branch lines serve Gunnislake, Looe and Falmouth in the south and Newquay and St Ives on the north coast. CrossCountry Trains also run services across the county too so you're sure to have plenty of options.
By bus
Bus provider First Kernow offer cheap travel with a £10 (adult) and £5 (16 and under) First Day ticket. Tickets for two, three and seven days are even better value while a Ride Cornwall one-day ticket (£10 adult; £7.50 16 and under) allows travel on both First buses and Great Western and CrossCountry trains.
By car
Improvements to the A30 main Cornish trunk road a few years ago has now enabled faster car journeys as far west as Penzance. A30 aside, journeys by car should not just be judged by their speed (single lanes can be an acquired taste) but for their sheer beauty. A plethora of breathtaking scenic routes await your discovery so don't hesitate to explore the coastline by car.
By bicycle
While the legendary South West Coast Path is suitable only for walkers, two of the most popular routes on the National Cycle Network, Routes 3 and 32, run through Cornwall from Bude all the way to Land's End. They mostly use minor roads, and can be picked up both in the north and the south.
Find your perfect Cornwall accommodation
The best of Cornwall's surfing spots
Constantine Bay
Situated only a few miles from Padstow on its sheltered river inlet, Constantine Bay faces directly west into the onrushing Atlantic currents. This is one Cornish beach which is always likely to offer surfing when your local beach is a millpond but most would regard it a spot for experienced surfers only.
Nearest hostel: YHA Treyarnon Bay
Fistral Beach
An extremely popular Newquay surf spot, with all the attendant positives and negatives. Can hold a wave and is known for its consistency, offering mostly left-hand waves. There are a lot of surf schools and beginners in the water in summer which makes it a great place for first timers. However, be sure to check out big events such as the iconic Boardmasters if you take your surfing seriously.
Nearest hostel: YHA Perranporth
Watergate Bay
A favourite venue for surf exhibitions and competitions such as the English National Surfing Championships which are held every May. Watergate Bay is quite exposed and the breakers keep on coming in whether it's high or low tide (unusual for the north coast). Most of the surf emanates from groundswells which are best from the northwest - just beware of riptides.
Nearest hostel: YHA Perranporth
Sennen Cove
Situated way out west in the same parish as Land's End, Sennen is a highly exposed spot and among the most consistent bays for surf. There's a back-of-beyond vibe this far from the towns, with a cool beach cafe, changing rooms and places to eat and drink close by the beach.
Nearest hostel: YHA Land's End
Surf's up
Cornwall's stunning Penwith Peninsula is ideal for a multi-hostel surfing adventure. Find out how travel writer, Niko Cionek, tackled the waves and walked the cliffs on Cornwall's famous coastal region.
Must-see Cornish towns
Newquay
With no less than 11 top-class surfing beaches within striking distance, Newquay is practically unbeatable for coastal activities. The quintessential Cornish seaside resort is also popular with families and foodies, but it's the young and active who keep up the pace after dark. Check for one-off festivals and events before booking.
Nearest hostel: YHA Perranporth
St. Ives
Situated on the furthermost stretch of the north Cornish coast, St Ives is feted for its microclimate and a quality of light which has attracted artists for centuries. Prestigious art museums, galleries and fine cuisine abound but, beyond the old fishing port's busy centre, there are unmissable opportunities for walking, sailing and adventure sports.
Nearest hostel: YHA Penzance
Penzance
Beyond the range of all but the most determined tourists, the ancient harbour and port of Penzance have an effortless unspoiled quality. The town overlooks St Michael's Bay (and its spectacular mount, topped by a medieval castle) to the south and there are plenty of spots for walking, cycling and swimming in a newly restored seafront lido.
Nearest hostel: YHA Penzance
Falmouth
Falmouth has a proud maritime history centred around its busy harbour on Cornwall's south coast. Rowing and sailing events are highlights of the calendar alongside arts festivals held in the town's galleries and music venues. Wonderful sheltered beaches are close at hand, and the beautiful upper reaches of river estuaries beg to be explored.
Nearest hostel: YHA Coverack
Weather
In Cornwall, it isn't just the Eden Project's Mediterranean environment biome that can boast weather more often experienced in southern Europe. Average summer temperatures are notably favourable in comparison to those in the rest of England and it's worth noting the bizarre subtropical microclimate which encapsulates certain coastal areas in the far western reaches of the county.
Adventures & activities
Hiking
While the South West Coast Path is hard to beat for thrilling sea views and breathtaking riverside scenery, Cornwall also boasts an inland path network which extends some 2,400 miles. It takes in amazing hidden corners of the county's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including neolithic sacred sites and abandoned industrial heritage.
Watersports
There are unparalleled opportunities for sailing and kayaking in the south coast's spectacular drowned river valleys, and the chance to try out more unusual sports such as kiteboarding and paddleboarding across Cornwall. Check out our watersports page to find out which of our Cornwall hostels are best equipped to accommodate watersports enthusiasts.
Cycling
Designed for hikers and bikers, Cornwall's highly recommended multi-use trails include the Camel and Mineral Tramways trails along disused railway lines. The Cornish Way consists of 180 miles of minor road and largely traffic-free trails taking in industrial heritage and superb coastal scenery. If you're cycling in the south, the off-road Clay Trails take in the best views of the Eden Project.
Fishing
You can hire a rod and fish from piers or harbour walls, from beaches or rocks. However, bearing in mind Cornish heritage, there's nowhere better to enjoy a day's sea fishing, and to beat Padstow's seafood king Rick Stein to the catch of the day! Go for bream, bass, lemon sole, cod or mullet according to season.
The best budget accommodation in Cornwall
From refurbished mansions to glamping accommodation at the Eden Project, our unique hostels scatter the Cornish coastlines and give visitors unrivalled access to some of the best beaches, towns and attractions. Whether you want to be close to Land's End or a stone's throw from Treyarnon Bay, you're sure to find unique stays for the best prices with YHA.