Welcome to Cornwall
Cornwall is a destination defined by its spectacular twin coastlines which spill out into the Atlantic Ocean. With the dramatic granite cliffs of Land's End, picture postcard harbours, stunning beaches, picturesque villages and unique architecture, camping in Cornwall makes for a scenic experience. This far-flung jewel of the southwest is blessed with unmissable wildlife and some of the best surfing spots in the UK.
There are lots of things about Cornwall that may surprise you like the wilderness of charming Bodmin Moor with its landscape of big skies, mesmerising prehistoric remains and great walking trails. The home of various events and festivals and the land of the Cornish pasty, it’s no wonder that Cornwall has been a holiday favourite for generations.
Why guests love YHA campsites
- Beautiful gardens and grounds
- Perfect panoramic sea views
- 24-hour access to hostel facilities
- Close to many Cornish attractions
YHA hostels with camping in Cornwall
Things to do in Cornwall
-
Barry and the Crumpets at Sunset Session
Live on 31st July 2024 - Barry and the Crumpets played their first Sunset Session early last year and we loved them so much, we invited them back to play a second session and here they are again.
-
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
-
Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre
Don't miss this unusual glimpse into the past - a unique collection of shipwrecks, historical artefacts and varied exhibitions about the China Clay industry.
-
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.
-
Cycling around the Eden Project
The Cornish Way forms part of the National Cycle Network, a network of attractive places to cycle throughout the UK. Two thirds of the route is traffic free with the rest taking place on quiet roads.
-
Cycling in Land's End
Nothing beats cycling down the old green lane to Nanjizal - one of the more secluded beaches in Cornwall.
-
Dan Chapman at Sunset Sessions
Live on 15th June 2024 - Dan Chapman has been playing at our Sunset Sessions since the start; as a duo, solo, with his quartet and with guest singers and musicians.
-
DJ Jazzmajoriiv at Sunset Sessions
Live on 21st June 2024 - This is a first for YHA Treyarnon Bay and we're excited. Real records and proper good music.Jazzmajoriiv, your vinyl virtuoso of Jazz, Funk, Soul and coastal cool.
-
Eden Ice Skating
From October to February, skate the day away in the amazing setting of the Eden Project.
-
Emily Howard at Sunset Sessions
Live on 30th June 2024 - Emily Howard is an award winning singer-songwriter from Exeter.
-
Emma Kate Fishing Trips
Take to the sea and enjoy a mackerel or bass fishing trip, or wreck and reef trip from Padstow Harbour. Visit the Emma Kate website For bookings see the Padstow Angling Centre website
-
Gunwalloe Church Cove Beach
Made famous in the BBC series Poldark, this beautiful sandy beach has a little church at one end, jutting out of the cliffs.
-
Hangloose Adventure SkyWire
Fly head first at 60mph over the Eden Project on the longest zipwire in England, or try our giant cliff swing and stuntman airbag jump. Visit the Hangloose website.
-
Harlyn Surf School
Come and visit Cornwalls premier surf school based on award winning Harlyn Bay only 5 minutes away from YHA Treyarnon Bay. Harly Surf School specialises in surfing, coasteering, kayaking, paddleb
-
Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm
Pay homage to this state-of-the-art brewing facility, including the press house and distillery, followed by a free tasting. Have a look around their museum. Take a ride around the orchards
-
Idiots of Isolation at Sunset Session
Live on 29th June 2024 - Popular, local, St Merryn band, The Idiots of Isolation are Charlie Henwood, Ali Richards and Jay Culmer.
-
Kat Kyrris at Sunset Sessions
Live on 16th June 2024 - Kat Kyrris is a vocalist from Nottingham.
-
Katie Spencer at Sunset Sessions
Live on 12th July 2024 - The songwriting, and most notably her guitar playing stems from a time when the steel-stringed instrument was truly finding its voice.
-
Kay Iris at Sunset Sessions
Live on 5th July 2024 - Recommended by the amazing King Size Slim who played at YHA Treyarnon Bay last year, we are very excited to welcome Kay Iris to her first Sunset Session.Kay Iris – formed
-
Kynance Cove
This picture postcard beach has spectacular rock formations, white sands and clear blue waters.
-
Land's End
The most south-westerly point in mainland Britain, with spectacular views, iconic signpost and a range of visitor attractions.
-
Leach Pottery
The most famous and certainly the most influential studio pottery in the world!
-
Maisy Grace at Sunset Sessions
Live on 20th July 2024 - Equally comfortable with piano, guitar or bass, musician, singer, songwriter and producer Maisy Grace has been making waves around the southwest and beyond, as Sidel
-
Mên-an-Tol
This iconic and highly photogenic site is one of the best known megalithic structures in Britain. see the Historic Cornwall or the Wikipedia website
-
Mountain biking around the Eden Project
The newly opened Lanhydrock Bike Hub boasts three graded mountain bikes plus a skills area.
-
Mountain biking in Boswinger
Explore Clay Country along the Pentewan, Bugle and Wheal Martyn trails on the way to the Eden Project. Don't forget that there's a £3 discount off entry fee when you arrive by bicycle!
-
Mountain biking in Portreath
There's a great 12 mile cycle route that takes you from Portreath right across Cornwall to Devoran.
-
National Maritime Museum Cornwall (Falmouth)
Love boats, the sea and Cornwall? You'll find all things nautical at this amazing museum – don't miss the stunning views from the lookout tower across Falmouth Harbour.
-
Padstow Sealife Safaris
Sail out of Padstow harbour out of the spectacular Camel Estuary. Look out for Grey Seals, Dolphins, Porpoises and Basking Sharks. See the Sealife Safari website
-
Penlee House Gallery & Museum
The only Cornish gallery specialising in the Newlyn School artists, the museum also covers West Cornwall's social history. Visit the Gallery's website
-
Perranporth Surf School
This well established surf school prides itself in providing fun and informative lessons for all ages and abilities. Visit the website
-
Poldark Mine - Cornish Mining World Heritage
This world heritage site offers a fascinating look into the underground world of mining. The beautiful rural setting belies its industrial past. Visit the Heritage Centre website
-
Porthcurno Telegraph Museum
The history of cable telecommunications, only a short walk from the Minack Theatre and beach at Porthcurno. The museum explains the dawn of wireless science in the former global hub of cable comm
-
Roskilly's Ice Cream Farm
Take a look at a real working Cornish ice cream farm! Meet the herd of cows, go for a stroll around the meadows, and of course get a sample of their delicious ice cream.
-
Running at Land's End
Penzance to Land's End Distance: 16.5 miles/ 27km Start/Finish: Penzance Station TR18 2LT, Land's End Terrain: Trail, road, coast path Toughness: Challenging A
-
Sennen Cove Surfing School
A long sweeping beach, ideal for surfing. The school has an excellent reputation offering lesson for all abilities. Visit the website
-
St Austell Brewery
Enjoying the beers at YHA Eden Project? See how and where they're made with a trip to this award-winning brewery. Plenty to see and plenty to drink.
-
St Eval Karting Centre
The largest, fastest and most exciting race circuit in the South West. Visit for a quick practice or challenge your friends to a race!
-
St Ives
Home of the Tate Gallery and Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, this wonderful seaside town has great views and sandy beaches.
-
St Just-in-Penwith
This ancient Cornish mining town, Britain's most westerly town, has a wealth of artistic talent and Plain-an-Gwarry - an open air mediaeval theatre, situated near the WWII War Memorial. Nearby ther
-
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.
-
Stonehenge
How did our ancestors manage to carry the mighty stones from so far away and build this amazing structure? Surrounded by mystery, Stonehenge never fails to impress.
-
The Eyelids at Sunset Sessions
Live on 6th July 2024 - The Eyelids are a 4 piece, all female, double-bass driven garage rock band from Cornwall.
-
The Flamenco Thief at Sunset Sessions
Live on 26th July 2024 - If you missed the Flamenco Thief previously, make sure to be here this time, we are most excited to be welcoming him back.Craig Sutton, better known as The Flamenco Thief, is
-
The Isles of Scilly
Each island has its own unique character, charms, and adventures. Don't miss the sub-tropical Tresco Abbey Gardens. Visit the Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber dating back to the Bronze Ag
-
The Rakels at Sunset Sessions
Live on 13th July 2024 - The Rakels are a four-piece indie-rock band from Cornwall, founded by singer-songwriter Rachael Watson.
-
Tim Brine and Sue Franklin at Sunset Sessions
Live on 27th April and 19th July 2024- Tim and Sue are Sunset Session regular and this year we’re delighted to have them come and play again.The incredible duo have been singing togeth
-
Tobias Ben Jacob at Sunset Sessions
Live on 25th May 2024 - Tobias has been a regular at the hostel since the beginning, the last time was the most magical; in the dark, by a fire to a captive audience.
-
Walking and Rambling around Boscastle
A stunning stretch of terrain and scenery to Tintagel.
-
Walking and Rambling at Lands End
With footpaths heading in all directions from the hostel door, you'll soon enjoy cliff top views towards Land's End before crossing the sands of Sennen Cove, or passing Cape Cornwall and the dramatic
-
Walking and Rambling in Boswinger
Fancy a walk on the wild side? Plan a day trip to one of the many isolated and quiet coves near Boswinger for a little wild swimming!
-
Walking and Rambling in Portreath
A 25 minute walk through lovely woodland ends at the coast in Portreath. Enjoy the great surfing beach or relax in one of the cafes and watch people riding the waves!
-
Walking and Rambling in Tintagel
Get back to nature and stride out on foot to explore the beauty of this part of the country. Whether it be walking routes or off the beaten track, you’re sure to enjoy wandering around and takin
-
Walking and Rambling in Treyarnon
If you're planning on staying at YHA Treyarnon Bay, why not download a free map and get out exploring?All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explor
-
Walking and Rambling on The Lizard
YHA Lizard's central position makes it an ideal base to walk the South West coastal path between the picturesque fishing village of Cadgwith and the spectacular scenery of Kynance Cove.
-
Watersports at Lands End
If you've never surfed before, then book a lesson at Sennen Cove - tuition, board and wetsuit hire are all available in the village. More experienced surfers will enjoy the big waves at Gwynver.
-
Watersports at Lizard Point
Enjoy surfing without the crowds - a surfers’ paradise without waiting to catch that perfect wave.
-
Watersports at YHA Boscastle
Take a surf lesson at Widemouth bay and enjoy a well earned Fish and Chip supper in Bude before heading back to Boscastle for a pint of real ale in the Cob Web Inn.
-
Watersports in Boswinger
This lovely area is great for water sports, so whatever mode of water transport takes your fancy, take the plunge and enjoy some fun on, or in, the water!
-
Watersports in Eden Project
Near to YHA Eden Project is St Austell Bay and the Cornish Riviera where you can take part in sailing and other watersports or just take in the beautiful sandy beaches.
-
Watersports in Penzance
Marazion and Gwithian have regular events for both Kite and Wind Surfing.
-
Watersports in Portreath
The North Cornish Coast and lakes offer a range of water sports both inland and on the sea.
Also available in Cornwall
Bell tents
Bell tent glamping offers a luxury upgrade from the regular camping experience. Our spacious premium bell tents each sleep up to 5 people. They include a double bed, two single futon beds and a single futon that can be folded into a chair. All bedding is provided.
Land pods
Enjoy the camping experience with some upgrades. Staying in a Landpod is like camping with a few added extras: all bedding is included, plus duvets, LED lighting and a cosy seating area. Perfect for getting closer to nature
Camping pods
Stay in our quirky wooden camping pods and enjoy all the great things about sleeping under the stars while you're fully protected from the outdoor elements. All our camping pods come with futon beds and bedding, so you don't have to worry about bringing your camping gear.
Airstream
If you fancy sleeping under the stars but with protection from all the elements, then an Airstream holiday could be for you. This unique glamping experience has all the fun of getting close to nature but without the set-up stress.
View some of our popular Cornwall blog posts
The best beaches in Cornwall
Cornwall is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations. It’s renowned for its unique culture, beautiful scenery and fantastic attractions. However, a typical Cornwall holiday experience will undoubtedly involve...
Cycle paths in Cornwall
Explore brilliant cycle paths in Cornwall whilst uncovering the wildlife, beaches, culture and areas you never knew existed. Here’s some inspiration for cycle paths in Cornwall, suitable for all ages and abilities...
Top attractions in Cornwall for families
If you’re planning a family holiday on British shores, Cornwall is always high up on any list of potential destinations. The long car journey to the far south west of the country is definitely worth it and usually a haven for holidaymakers far and wide...