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.
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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.
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BF Adventure
Get outdoors and have fun at this exciting activity centre. As a charity, they help hundreds of disadvantaged children in Cornwall too.
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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
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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
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Boscastle Museum of Witchcraft
Houses the world's largest collection of witchcraft related artifacts. One of Cornwall's most popular museums.
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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
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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.
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Climbing at Lands End
If you are looking to combine water sports with climbing then Coasteering is for you.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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...