Planning a holiday to Cornwall always gets me buzzing—the wild coastlines, snug fishing villages, and honestly, the happiness of eating a warm Cornish pasty straight from the bakery. This seven-day itinerary pulls together the best of Cornwall, mixing scenic drives, hidden coves, and classic foods that make this county such a top spot.
The winding roads cling to dramatic cliffs, and villages like Mousehole and Polperro burst with color and charm. I’ve gathered my favorite places and experiences to help you shape your own Cornish adventure.
There’s never a dull moment. I might explore rugged footpaths one day, then just sprawl on golden beaches, letting the sound of the sea wash over everything.
If you’ve been daydreaming about cute seaside towns, those world-famous Cornish pasties, and jaw-dropping ocean views, this guide should set you up for a pretty unforgettable Cornwall getaway.
Planning Your Cornish Adventure
Making the most of a week in Cornwall takes a bit of thought, but honestly, that’s half the fun. You’ll want to think about timing, what to pack, and how you’ll get around—rain or shine, coast or village.
When To Visit Cornwall
Late spring and early autumn really do it for me. May, June, and September usually mean milder weather, fewer crowds, and better deals on places to stay.
Spring brings wildflowers along the cliffs, while autumn glows with golden sunsets and quieter beaches.
Summer (especially July and August) brings warm weather and festivals. But it gets busy, and sometimes a bit too lively for my taste.
If you want peace and space, avoid school holidays. For those after a bustling vibe or warm sea swims, summer’s your best shot. Winters? They’re wild and peaceful, but lots of attractions and little shops close or cut their hours.
What To Pack For Coastal Weather
Cornish weather keeps you guessing. I always bring a light but durable waterproof jacket—sea mist and showers can appear out of nowhere.
Layers are key. Mornings often start chilly, even if it warms up later, so I pack shirts, a sweater or fleece, and something windproof.
Sturdy walking shoes or waterproof boots make cliff hikes easier—muddy paths are no joke after rain. I’ve tried umbrellas, but the wind usually wins, so I skip them.
Traveling with kids? A portable travel cot and a foldable highchair save the day in small cottages or B&Bs. And for sandy laundry emergencies, I always toss in a packable laundry bag.
Transportation Tips For The Coast
I drive whenever I can—it gives me freedom. Cornish lanes are narrow and twisty, so I always check my car’s maintenance before heading off, especially tires and brakes.
Rental cars are easy to find in Truro or Newquay if you’re coming by train or plane. I plan parking ahead, since village car parks fill up fast, especially near places like St Ives or Padstow.
If you’d rather not drive, the Cornish railways hug parts of the coast and offer great views. Public buses link most coastal towns, though they can run infrequently, especially on Sundays.
Cycling’s a great way to slow down and enjoy the trails, but be ready for some hills!
Day-by-Day Perfect Cornish Itinerary
Dramatic coastlines, cozy fishing villages, and rugged paths fill my days in Cornwall. Each spot has its own vibe, from lively art towns to secret beaches perfect for wandering.
Day 1: St Ives and Iconic Beaches
I always start in St Ives. The narrow streets, whitewashed cottages, and colorful shops set the mood for the week.
I love ducking into art galleries, then wandering down to Porthmeor Beach—soft sand, big waves, and plenty of space to just relax.
Top things to do in St Ives:
- Visit Tate St Ives for modern art
- Grab a scoop of local ice cream
- Chill out at Porthminster Beach’s blue waters
I like to take the coastal walk to Carbis Bay, watching the sea shift from blue to turquoise. Fresh seafood at a waterfront café wraps up the day. No wonder St Ives draws artists and beach lovers from everywhere.
Day 2: Poldark Country & Seaside Villages
Heading west, I check out the wild coast made famous by the Poldark series. Tin mines like Botallack perch on cliffs that drop straight into the Atlantic.
I imagine the miners who once worked here, and the salty wind makes every photo feel epic. Mousehole, a tiny village, pulls me in next.
Cobbled lanes lead to a peaceful harbor, and a fresh Cornish pasty hits the spot. Boats bob in the bay, and friendly cats sprawl in sunny doorways.
Don’t miss:
- Geevor Tin Mine tours
- Lunch at a seaside bakery
- Sunset at Land’s End
This stretch of Cornwall feels raw and real, with stories tucked into every corner.
Day 3: Exploring the South West Coastal Path
The South West Coast Path always calls my name. I start at Porthcurno, where golden sand and dramatic cliffs collide.
Walking here feels like time travel—each headland brings a new view, and wildflowers edge the path.
I pause at Minack Theatre, carved right into the rock above the sea. Even if there’s no show, the view alone is worth the stop.
Further along, Lamorna Cove waits—quiet, a little wild, and perfect for a picnic or just some solo time.
Walking essentials:
| Must-Have | Why It’s Needed |
|---|---|
| Water | Stays hydrated |
| Camera | Captures coastal views |
| Map | Follows the right path |
Long hikes clear my mind and remind me how special this coastline is.
Day 4: Surfing and Solitude on the Coast
Cornwall’s a surfing paradise, so I spend this day at Sennen Cove. Surfers ride the Atlantic waves, and even as a newbie, I find friendly instructors and gentle waves that make it fun.
After a break, I walk north to Gwenver Beach. The crowds fade, and I get a rare sense of total solitude.
Sitting there, watching the light shift on the sea, I feel completely at ease. Surf schools pop up all along the coast, offering group and private lessons.
For lunch, it’s another classic Cornish pasty—best enjoyed while watching surfers carve through the waves. These beaches blend solitude and adventure so effortlessly.
Village Hopping and Hidden Gems
Bouncing from one unique village to the next lets me uncover Cornwall’s best surprises. Along the way, I stumble across peaceful birdwatching spots and meet local artists and shopkeepers.
Top Coastal Villages to Explore
Every Cornish village has its own flavor. St Ives shines with golden beaches and a buzzing art scene.
Narrow streets hide tiny shops and galleries, made for slow wandering. Mousehole feels like a storybook—old stone cottages, a quiet harbor, and a calm that makes me want to linger.
Port Isaac is another favorite. It’s the “Doc Martin” village, with steep streets and big sea views.
I always grab a pasty here before hitting the coastal path. Mevagissey means fishing boats unloading their catch and the hum of real village life.
For a quieter vibe, Coverack’s small cafés and empty lanes are just right.
Birdwatching and Nature Stops
Cornwall’s wild side really shines between villages. On the Lizard Peninsula, wildflower meadows buzz with butterflies and rare birds.
Marazion Marshes are a go-to for peaceful birdwatching. If I stay quiet by the reeds, egrets, herons, and sometimes even kingfishers show up.
Walking near Hayle Estuary, I spot migratory birds and lose myself in the quiet. Early mornings at RSPB Hayle are best for waders and wildfowl.
National Trust gardens like Trengwainton mix colorful blooms with birdsong—robins and blackbirds filling the air.
Artisan Shops and Local Culture
Small, independent shops always draw me in. In St Ives, I duck into pottery studios and chat with artists about how the wild coast inspires their work.
Mousehole’s boutiques sell handmade jewelry, soaps, and crafts—each with a story. Mevagissey’s harbor-front galleries display watercolors and photos of the views I just walked past.
Sometimes I watch fudge being made or sample fresh bread from a tucked-away bakery. Local shopkeepers love sharing their favorites, from hand-loomed scarves to Cornish jams.
Every shopping stop feels like a deeper dive into real Cornwall.
Indulgent Eats: Pasty Perfection & Local Cuisine
Cornwall’s food scene hooked me right away. The flavors—simple pasties, fresh-caught fish, and cozy dining rooms with sea views—are tough to beat.
Where to Find the Best Pasties
Nothing says Cornwall like a good pasty. My first one, warm from a little shop in Looe, totally set the standard.
Ann’s Pasties & Bar in Porthleven is a must, famous for both classic steak and veggie options. Shops like Sarah’s Pasty Shop pop up in villages everywhere, each with loyal locals.
A traditional Cornish pasty means beef, potato, swede, and onion, all wrapped in golden pastry. I always ask for extra black pepper—locals swear it’s the secret.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try cheese and onion or chicken curry. Most shops have these, and it’s easy to grab one for a seaside picnic.
Here’s a short list of notable pasty stops:
| Pasty Shop | Village | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Sarah’s | Looe | Classic Cornish |
| Ann’s | Porthleven | Traditional & Veggie |
| Philp’s | Hayle | Steak & Cheese-Onion |
Trying a few different spots makes for a fun—and filling—mini food tour. I always pair my pasty with a walk along the harbor.
Fresh Fish and Seafood Spots
Cornwall is heaven for seafood lovers. Fishing boats head out early from Newlyn or Padstow, and by lunchtime, fresh catches pile up in the markets.
I tasted my richest piece of cod in St Ives, served with just a squeeze of lemon. The freshness was unbeatable.
Menus usually offer grilled mackerel, hake, and classic fish and chips—best eaten by the water, with a shake of salt and vinegar. The fish stew at The Seafood Café in St Ives is hearty and loaded with local shellfish.
Mussels, scallops, and crab show up everywhere, depending on the day’s catch.
Some top seafood spots I’ve found:
- The Rum & Crab Shack, St Ives
- Prawn on the Lawn, Padstow
- Harbour Lights, Falmouth (for classic fish and chips)
Book ahead in summer—these places fill up fast, especially the tables with the best views.
Dining Room Experiences With a View
There’s just something about eating with a sea view—it can turn an ordinary meal into a memory you’ll hang onto. Cornwall’s packed with restaurants that throw open their windows or set up terraces right over the water.
One evening, I grabbed a seat at The Lugger Hotel in Portloe and watched the sun dip below the horizon. The waves almost touched the terrace, or at least it felt that way.
Many spots take pride in Cornwall’s natural bounty. They’ll serve grilled fish, local beef, and veggies straight from the farm. Sure, Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen (Watergate Bay) is famous, but honestly, I found places like The Hidden Hut on Porthcurnick Beach even more special. There’s a rustic charm there that’s hard to beat.
Some restaurants host these “feast nights,” where everyone gathers at long tables and digs in together, all while the Atlantic puts on a show in the background.
If you’re looking for a view, these were my favorites:
- The Watch House, St Mawes (harbour panorama)
- The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay (beachfront sunsets)
- Sam’s in Fowey (boats bobbing in the estuary)
Go for elegance or keep it casual—just try to snag a table by the window. The Cornish scenery really does make every bite better.
Relaxation and Modern Comforts on the Cornish Coast
After wandering Cornwall’s villages and coastal paths, I always need a reset. Sometimes it’s a spa treatment, other times it’s just sinking into a comfy bed.
The right comforts can turn a regular night into a holiday all on its own.
Best Seaside Spas for Unwinding
Nothing quite matches the feeling of a sea breeze and a soothing treatment after a long day. Cornwall’s seaside towns have plenty of spas right by the water.
I’ve had the best times at spas that use local ingredients—seaweed wraps, salt scrubs, that sort of thing. Hotels in St Ives and Falmouth offer signature massages and heated pools that look out over the Atlantic.
In Newquay, I started my day with yoga, then soaked in a hot tub while watching the waves crash.
Here’s a quick table for inspiration:
| Spa Name | Town | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|
| C Bay Spa | St Ives | Heated outdoor pool |
| St Michaels Spa | Falmouth | Cornish salt steam room |
| Fistral Spa | Newquay | Ocean-view hot tubs |
Book ahead if you can—these spas fill up fast, especially when the weather turns chilly or rainy.
Smart Accommodation Features
Modern comforts really make a difference after a long day exploring the Cornish coast. There’s nothing better than walking into a room with high-speed Wi-Fi, a plush bed, and a smart TV ready for a cozy movie night—especially when the wind’s howling outside.
Cornwall’s boutique hotels and Airbnbs often throw in voice-controlled lighting, underfloor heating, and digital check-ins. I remember staying at this seaside lodge in Padstow where I could control everything—music, blinds, lights—just by tapping on a tablet. It made the whole place feel so easy and, honestly, pretty peaceful.
Key features I always look for:
- Smart TV with streaming services
- USB charging ports
- Rainfall shower
- Sea views if possible!
When you find a spot that combines comfort with those sweeping Cornish views, the evenings can feel just as special as the days.
