Introduction
Welcome to Cornwall
With beautiful beaches, legendary castles, pretty harbour towns and world heritage sites, there's nowhere quite like Cornwall.
If you have your heart set on a trip to Cornwall, YHA have got you covered with hostels lining much of the county's unique coastline. From Boscastle in the north, to Lizard and Land's End in the south and west, our hostels will place you at the heart of some of the county's best features and attractions. Step out of our front doors to enjoy its majesty for yourself.
Map
YHA hostels in Cornwall
YHA Boscastle
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Self-catering kitchen
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Wheelchair accessible
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Garden/grounds
YHA Boswinger
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Garden/grounds
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Sole use available
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WiFi
YHA Coverack
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WiFi
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Free parking on premises
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Sea view
YHA Land's End
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WiFi
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Free parking on premises
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Self-catering kitchen
YHA Lizard Point
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Free parking on premises
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WiFi
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Self-catering kitchen
YHA Penzance
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Free parking on premises
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WiFi
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Restaurant
YHA Perranporth
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Beach view
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WiFi
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Self-catering kitchen
YHA Portreath
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Cycle store
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Free parking on premises
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BBQ area
YHA Tintagel
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WiFi
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Free parking on premises
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Cycle store
YHA Treyarnon Bay
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WiFi
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Free parking on premises
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Sea view
Video of Cornwall
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Things to do in Cornwall
Five Free Things To Do in Cornwall
Kynance Cove
Managed by the National Trust, this sandy beach only appears when the tide is low, and is regularly named as the most beautiful stretch of the British coastline. Popular with Alfred Lord Tennyson, among other famous names, it is now maintained by the National Trust.
St Michael's Mount
This island is one of the most visually-stunning sights in the UK, and takes the form of a fantasy-like mountain with a castle at the very top. It is connected by a tidal causeway to Marazion, a designated Area of Outstanding Beauty and the oldest chartered town in Britain, granted this status by King Henry III in 1257.
St Ives
Named the Best UK Seaside Town in the 2010 and 2011 British Travel Awards, St Ives is filled with free things to do - the most famous being the Tate Gallery, which sits next to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Meanwhile, Porthgwidden Beach - the smallest beach in St Ives, and an east-facing sun trap - is very popular among visitors due to its sheltered nature.
Tintagel Castle
Tintagel Castle offers a historical day out for people of all tastes, owing to its amazing location high on the rugged North Cornwall coast. With fascinating ruins, dramatic views and brilliant beach café, it is not without mystery - it is claimed that Tintagel is birthplace of King Arthur.
Isles of Scilly
While the islands are technically separate from Cornwall, this tourist favourite is still part of the ceremonial county, and is directly connected to Penzance via ferry.
There's nowhere in the world quite like Cornwall
Cornwall is famous for its diversity of activities, entertainment and sights to see. As the haven for domestic summer holidays - as well as the cultural homeland of Britain's surfers - it is also the traditional homeland of the Cornish people and a recognised Celtic nation, and this cultural identity is extremely important to the past, present and future of its community.
From the stunning island of St Michael's Mount to Truro, the county's only city, there is no shortage of stunning countryside, rolling hills and thick forests to appeal to those looking for an outdoors escape. For those looking for more of a nightlife experience, there's the famous club scene of Newquay, which plays host to countless celebrations throughout the year.
Things to do
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 seas and...
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. Kernow Coasteering - www.kernow-coasteering.co.uk – offer coasteering adventures on the rocky coastline close to...
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 website...
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. Visit...
Cycling in Land's End
Nothing beats cycling down the old green lane to Nanjizal - one of the more secluded beaches in Cornwall. By bike, you can explore all the villages, ancient sites and coves of Penwith without having...
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. It is also an area of archaeological importance. See the Visit Cornwall...
Hangloose Adventure SkyWire
Looking for a new adventure? For those thrill-seekers out there, why not fly down Skywire, England’s Fastest Zipline! Better yet, challenge yourself by trying Gravity or swing like Tarzan on Skytrek...
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...
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 on a...
Kynance Cove
This picture postcard beach has spectacular rock formations, white sands and clear blue waters. The contrast between the cove's white sand beach and the dark red and green serpentine rock produces a...
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!
Mên-an-Tol
This iconic and highly photogenic site is one of the best known megalithic structures in Britain. See the Wikipedia page for more information.
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. There are many cycle tracks in the area, mainly old mining tramways where you can see the historical...
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
As Perranporth's longest established surf school, Perranporth Surf School provide fun and informative lessons for all ages and abilities. All necessary equipment is provided with your lesson, and they...
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 Museum of Global Communications
The history of cable telecommunications is 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...
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.
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...
The YHA guide to the Cornish coast
Cornwall’s coastline doesn’t do things by halves. The county itself might be tucked away in the corner of the UK map — parts of it being so far south that they enjoy their own microclimate — but once you get down here, the rewards come super-sized...