In Cornwall, our entire coastline is home to the South West Coast Path. With breathtaking views and incredible coastal scenery, walking the Path is a day out in itself – but we’ve put together a list of great destinations you can enjoy visiting along the way.
At Best Days Out Cornwall, we work with almost forty of Cornwall’s top attractions – many of them based on or near to the South West Coast Path. Why not stop off for lunch at one of the attractions? Or better still, make one of them your final destination on your walk and enjoy a unique end to your hike?
From a swim in the geothermal pool at Jubilee Pool in Penzance to exploration of underground mines at Geevor Tin Mine, from the majestic jewel of St Michael’s Mount to the legendary Tintagel Castle, we’ve put together a list of unique additions to your walk.
The longest of England’s National Trails, the multi award-winning South West Coast Path offers 630 miles (1,000 km) of stunning coastal walking around the entire South West peninsula.
Starting at Minehead in Somerset it runs along the coastline of Exmoor, continuing along the coast of North Devon into Cornwall. It follows the entire coastline of Cornwall, goes across the mouth of the River Tamar and continues into Devon. After running along the south coast of Devon it then follows the Dorset coastline before finally ending at Poole Harbour.
Take the family to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary and learn about its work to ensure the safety and wellbeing of seals around Cornwall’s coastline.
Imagine crazy golf – but supersized, and played by kicking a football. Everyone will enjoy the unique outdoor experience with spectacular views over the coast, found just five minutes from the Eden Project.
The stunning Cornish coastline around Pendeen was once at the heart of the Cornish mining industry, providing jobs and community around the tin and copper mines.
Stroll down through the peaceful, exotic and playful valley to a sheltered beach at the bottom. There are three valleys of Glendurgan to lose yourself in – full of fun, informality, natural beauty and amazing plants.
Take an open air dip in the UK’s largest and most celebrated saltwater lido. Swim outdoors at this illustrious and historic outdoor swimming pool overlooking Penzance seafront.
Escape to the westernmost point of Cornwall, famed for its unique location and breathtaking coastal landscapes. Immerse yourself in over 100 acres of outstanding natural beauty at the far end of our county, and discover four fun indoor attractions.
Experience pioneering marine conservation in action on the beautiful estuary in Padstow and be inspired to make a difference. An award-winning visitor centre, you can get up close with rarely seen lobster babies.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Learn about the unbreakable ties between the people of Cornwall and the briny blue. The exhibitions at this independent Falmouth museum unravel fascinating tales of life on the ocean.
Set in beautiful exotic gardens with views to the sea, Paradise Park is home to over 1,200 birds plus rare red pandas, otters, red squirrels and tiny harvest mice.
Discover the amazing story of our interconnected world at the Museum of Global Communications — from the first undersea telegraph cables to the wonder of today’s internet.
What will you discover? Life and loss at sea. The lure of the search. The reveal of the find. The Shipwreck Treasure Museum in Charlestown is one of peril and possibility.
The island world of St Michael’s Mount is one of the jewels in Cornwall’s crown. Hop on a boat – or walk across the causeway during low tide – to a community where modern life meets over a thousand years of history.
Discover how St Ives became an art capital of the world, and how a small fishing town became a famous centre of modern art. Tate St Ives is an iconic gallery showcasing some of the some of the best-loved British artworks of the twentieth century, alongside an ever-changing programme of exhibitions embracing the best of modern and contemporary art.
A place like no other, the world-famous Minack Theatre is a must-see for visitors to Cornwall, perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the spectacular panorama of Porthcurno Bay.
Go on a legendary day out at English Heritage’s Tintagel Castle, a clifftop fortress where history and legend intertwine. Cross the new bridge to the ‘island’ and explore the medieval Great Hall.
Experience the magical essence of Trebah, a sub-tropical paradise with a coastal backdrop, steeped in heritage, creativity and the spirit of innovation. Four miles of footpaths wind through dazzling exotic planting.
DISCOVER MORE about all the attractions in Cornwall, both on and off the Trail.
Header Image: Minack Theatre. Photographer Chris Kent-Ledger
The South West Coast Path 