Ready to plan the perfect Cornwall road trip? In this guide we explain everything you need to know about exploring this beautiful county on four wheels. We share our suggested Cornwall road trip itinerary routes for 7 days and 10 days, incorporating classic highlights like Land’s End, St Michael’s Mount and the Eden Project, as well as some wonderful hidden gems. Our day-by-day itineraries also feature our personal tips on accommodation and food.
Cornwall is like a second home to us. We spend several weeks every year exploring the county and visiting our family who live there, so we’re more than familiar with the place. Everything you will read in this road trip guide is based on our own experiences.
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Where is Cornwall?
Cornwall is one of England’s most remote counties, situated at the far-flung south-west corner of the country. It is a place of extremities: both the southernmost and westernmost points of mainland England are located in Cornwall.
The remoteness of Cornwall means it takes quite an effort to reach, and it’s also tricky to navigate once you get there. From most starting points in the UK, getting to Cornwall requires a long car or rail journey.
Public transport within Cornwall tends to infrequent and unreliable, so we always prefer to travel by car. But the Cornish road network also has its challenges. It’s one of the only English counties with no motorways, and it is mainly interconnected by a few A roads, B roads and narrow country lanes.
This meandering road infrastructure is part of what makes a Cornwall road trip special. Driving in the county is a scenic experience that really gets you up close and personal with its beautiful, remote landscapes.
How many days do I need in Cornwall?
The best places to visit in Cornwall are very spaced out, often with long driving distances between them. You could see the main highlights in a couple of days with a jam-packed itinerary, but it would probably feel chaotic and rushed.
We recommend spending at least 7 days in Cornwall for a road trip, which would allow you to see a good variety of towns, villages, beaches and attractions.
Ideally, around 10 days is a sweet spot for a road trip in Cornwall. The extra few days enable you to experience some of the lesser-known wonders of the county and also allow plenty of space to soak it all up and mix in some downtime.
You can stretch out your visit even longer by taking a workation in Cornwall. This is how we usually visit these days. If you have the option to work remotely along the way, you could take the journey more slowly, stopping now and again to use some of the brilliant coworking spaces in Cornwall.
How long does it take to drive around Cornwall?
There are several English counties bigger than Cornwall by area, but its sheer length means you can expect some long drive times. For example, once you’ve crossed the border from Devon into Cornwall, it still takes nearly two hours to reach the westernmost point at Land’s End by road.
The major A roads in Cornwall, like the A30, the A39 and A390, are mostly inland arteries. If you want to drive around Cornwall hugging the coastline as closely as possible, you need to navigate a network of country lanes that are often narrow and meandering. Don’t expect any mobile signal either! Without any breaks, this would take a long full day of driving, or even more depending on traffic.
The two routes we suggest for a Cornwall road trip itinerary follow the coastline closely, each involving a total drive time of around 8–10 hours. This becomes a lot more manageable spread out over several days and interspersed with sightseeing, activities and rest time.
Hiring a car for a Cornwall road trip
We live in the UK and we have our own car, which we use for our road trips in Cornwall. But if you don’t have a vehicle or you’re visiting from overseas, we recommend using RentalCars to find the best deals for car hire in Cornwall.
We use RentalCars ourselves whenever we go on road trips outside of the UK. It’s a really useful platform for comparing providers and prices, and making secure bookings once you’ve decided.
What are the best places to visit on a Cornwall road trip?
Most of Cornwall’s highlights are concentrated around its beautiful coastline and in its charming towns and villages. It’s a fantastic place to get active outdoors, especially if you like beaches and coastal walks.
These are some of the best places to include in your Cornwall road trip itinerary, which we’ll map out into our suggested routes below:
The South West Coast Path
The Cornish coast is navigated by an unbroken hiking trail that extends more than a thousand kilometres around the county’s edge. The South West Coast Path is one of the UK’s most breathtaking hiking routes, and we always make some time to hit the trail whenever we visit.
It’s possible to walk the entire length of the coastal path around Cornwall, and many people do every year. But the beauty of incorporating it into a Cornwall road trip is that you can experience it in bitesize chunks, picking out some of the best walks in Cornwall that fit into your route. Many of our favourite sections of the coastal path can be hiked in a morning or an afternoon.
Kynance Cove and the Lizard Peninsula
Lizard Point is the southernmost tip of the UK, at the extreme tip of the desolate Lizard Peninsula. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of Cornwall and is tailor-made for a road trip.
Kynance Cove is a highlight of the peninsula. It’s the most photographed place in Cornwall, and you will see why! The sheltered cove features a gorgeous beach punctuated by scenic rocky towers and gaping caves.
Tintagel Castle
Situated on Cornwall’s north coast, Tintagel Castle is one of the UK’s most unusual castles. It is built half-and-half between the mainland and a small rocky island, with its two parts connected by a precarious-looking footbridge.
There has been a castle at the location since the 13th century, and so it’s also an important piece of Cornish history.
Bedruthan Steps
Just a little way down the coast from Tintagel you will find Bedruthan Steps, another of Cornwall’s great beauty spots. We like to stop here whenever we’re in the area to catch a glimpse of one of the UK’s most beautiful coastal scenes.
Bedruthan Steps takes its name from a mythical giant who is believed to have used the beach’s huge rock stacks as stepping stones. It sits along one of the most exposed sections of the South West Coast Path and is close to other highlights like Newquay and Tintagel, which makes it easy to incorporate into a Cornwall road trip route.
The Eden Project
The Eden Project is a unique attraction in Cornwall, bringing together a tropical ecosystem under three giant “biomes” on the site of an old 30-acre clay mine.
A subtropical environment has been recreated inside the complex, and you can wander among a mesmerising array of wildlife and flora that you would typically need to take a long-haul flight to witness.
Land’s End
Possibly the most famous landmark in Cornwall, Land’s End sits at the westernmost extremity of the English mainland, midway along one of the most scenic sections of the Cornish coast.
Land’s End has a fun visitors’ centre with shops, places to eat, and entertainment for kids. It’s not just a gimmick though, and well worth making the time to visit, as there’s more to see nearby. It sits right next to Sennen Cove, one of the best beaches in Cornwall, and is close to some of Cornwall’s picturesque historic mining sites.
St Ives
Cornwall is known for its artistic towns and villages. Perhaps the most famous is St Ives, home to one of the UK’s Tate galleries. The seaside town also has an abundance of independent galleries and craft shops woven among its pretty cobbled streets.
St Ives is popular with tourists and gets busy in peak season, but it hasn’t lost any of its charm. It has some lovely beaches and great places to eat, and it’s a convenient base for exploring other coastal highlights nearby on a Cornwall road trip.
Newquay
Newquay is Cornwall’s adventure capital and is an especially good place to visit if you want to dip your toes into surfing. The town has some of Europe’s best surfing beaches for both beginners and pros, and has held various World Surf League events over the years.
Like St Ives, Newquay also makes an ideal base to stay for a Cornwall road trip leg, as it’s within a short drive of various other attractions.
Falmouth
Falmouth is Cornwall’s student town, home to the county’s only university. Sitting on the south coast, it’s got a lively vibe as well as some interesting historical sites and attractions, like Pendennis Castle and the National Maritime Museum.
Staying in Falmouth also gives the opportunity to take a ferry over to St Mawes, a fishing village just across the estuary on the Roseland Peninsula.
Penzance and Mousehole
If you take the train into the Cornwall from elsewhere in the UK, the main rail line ends at the terminus in Penzance, in the depths of the Penwith Peninsula. This is where we usually base ourselves for our regular trips to Cornwall, and it’s also a great stop to include in a Cornwall road trip as there’s a lot to see and do in the area.
Penzance faces onto Mount’s Bay and the iconic sight of St Michael’s Mount, another of Cornwall’s most famous landmarks. Just around the headland is the charming fishing village of Mousehole, and from here you can drive onwards along the coastline towards Land’s End, stopping at attractions like the stunning clifftop Minack Theatre on the way.
Botallack and Cornish mining heritage
If you’ve ever watched the historical drama Poldark on British television, you’ll be familiar with some of Cornwall’s mining heritage. The days of Cornwall’s tin mines are long gone, but the evidence of that era is still strewn all around the countryside of the Penwith Peninsula.
Botallack Mine is the most dramatic example, with its engine house rising up on the cliffside just a few miles up the coast from Land’s End. Follow the road around the coastline and you’ll find more old mining buildings like the Carn Galver engine house. There’s often not a soul to be seen on these roads.
Cornwall road trip itinerary 7 days: overview
Our suggested Cornwall road trip itinerary for 7 days incorporates many of the popular highlights mixed with some extra hidden gems along the way.
Here’s a quick overview of the route:
- Day 1: Arrive in Newquay. Including stops en route at Tintagel Castle and Bedruthan Steps, with a local fish and chip dinner.
- Day 2: Newquay to St Ives. Take a surfing lesson, have lunch overlooking the sea, before some beach stops and a famous Cornish pasty on the way to St Ives.
- Day 3: St Ives free day. Enjoy the galleries, shops and beaches, and maybe a local gin school.
- Day 4: St Ives to Penzance around the Penwith Peninsula. A sightseeing journey past Botallack, Land’s End, Minack Theatre, Porthcurno and Mousehole.
- Day 5: Penzance free day. Take a trip to St Michael’s Mount, explore local galleries, have a fish tapas dinner, and finish with a leisurely evening promenade walk.
- Day 6: Penzance to Falmouth via the Lizard Peninsula. Make stops at Kynance Cove and Lizard Point, before an afternoon visit to Pendennis Castle.
- Day 7: Falmouth to Fowey. Visit the Eden Project on the way. Take the river ferry to Polruan, stay overnight in Fowey’s oldest pub and then stop at Looe on the return drive.
Cornwall road trip itinerary 7 days: in detail
Day 1: Arrive in Newquay
Our 7-day Cornwall road trip itinerary begins in Newquay, the adventure hub of Cornwall – but not before a couple of sightseeing stops en route to the town.
You’ll probably enter Cornwall driving on the A30, which carves through the spine of the county. Before you reach Newquay, take a detour up to Tintagel, where you can stop to see the dramatic clifftop castle and maybe take little walk along the coastal path to the secluded Bossiney Cove.
When you continue the drive down to Newquay, you can take another little detour to see the fabulous views at Bedruthan Steps, parking at the National Trust Car Park. If you have time for a little walk here too, you could follow the short trail down to the beach at Mawgan Porth.
Local fish and chips for dinner
When you arrive in Newquay you’ll probably be tired after a long drive and won’t have time to do much. Just use the rest of the day to relax and grab a bite to eat.
We love Francine’s, which is a great local fish and chip shop that serves generous portions. It’s a few minutes’ walk down to Newquay Beach if you want to eat with a sea view.
Where to stay in Newquay
Newquay welcomes millions of visitors every year, and so there’s a great choice of accommodation around the town. See our guide to where to stay in Newquay for ideas. These are our top picks for different price ranges:
- Upmarket: The Headland Hotel. This is one of Cornwall’s most spectacular hotel locations, looming dramatically on the headland overlooking Fistral Bay.
- Mid-range: Oceanside Lifestyle Hotel. Also close to Fistral Beach with some awesome cliff-top views, this hotel has a great in-house restaurant.
- Budget: St Christopher’s Inn Newquay. A lively and sociable hostel in the heart of town on Fore Street.
Day 2: Newquay to St Ives
We love to begin days early in Newquay by getting up to watch the sun rise over Newquay Harbour. The harbour is where the town’s centuries-old fishing industry began, and it’s still a hive of activity every morning as the sun climbs into the sky.
If the tide times and weather conditions allow, take a beginner surfing lesson in the morning. Newquay’s Fistral Beach is one of the best places in the UK to learn the ropes.
For something less strenuous, you could take a paddleboard lesson instead. This isn’t so reliant on tide times and would be a good alternative if you can’t go surfing.
Lunch with a sea view
Before you leave Newquay, stop for lunch at 12 Beach Road. We love this place as it has an outdoor patio area overlooking Towan beach, one of the town’s most popular beaches. There’s a really good gastro-style menu too, with a range of choices like tacos, posh burgers and curries.
Beach stops and a famous Cornish pasty
After lunch, set off from Newquay towards St Ives, which is a straightforward route along the coastal road and the A30. There are several great beaches where you could make a stop along the way.
Perranporth is always fun at any time of year, with a vast stretch of sand interwoven with rock formations, caves and pools. Depending on the timing, you could choose to have lunch here instead of back at Newquay – there’s a unique beach bar called The Watering Hole that is completely surrounded by the sand.
For a quieter spot, you could make a stop at Polly Joke instead, which is a beautifully untouched narrow beach, or Gwithian, a huge beach with great caves and pools that we always like to visit.
Before you reach St Ives, take a slight detour into Hayle and pick up a Cornish pasty from the legendary Philps. Pasties are the epitome of proper Cornish food and you really can’t leave without trying one! We’ve tried them from countless places over the years, but we’ve still not had a better one than Philips.
Where to stay in St Ives
Like Newquay, St Ives is a popular town and there is an abundance of accommodation to choose from. Read our guide to the best places to stay in St Ives for all our recommendations.
These are our top picks for different price ranges:
- Upmarket: Harbour Hotel. With cracking sea views over Porthminster Beach, and facilities including a spa and restaurant/bar with terrace.
- Mid-range: Badger Inn. Located in Lelant, a small village near St Ives on the seafront. You can take a lovely scenic walk along the coastal path from here into St Ives (which is a much more pleasant experience than trying to park in the town!).
- Budget: Cohort Hostel. A really fun and sociable hostel set in a repurposed old chapel and schoolrooms.
Day 3: St Ives free day
Use this full day to slow down a bit and enjoy St Ives. You could spend a good few hours exploring the town’s quirky shops and independent art galleries, and maybe take the chance to visit the Tate St Ives. It’s best to book an entry ticket in advance (which includes free cancellation on GetYourGuide).
The town has some great beaches and short coastal walks if you’d rather use the time to enjoy the seaside. For something a bit different, you could take a gin-making class at Tarquin’s, our favourite producer of Cornish gin! The gin school sessions usually start at 11am and take around 2.5 hours.
For more ideas, see our full list of things to do in St Ives.
Where to eat in St Ives
You might be surprised (we were) to hear that St Ives has one of the world’s most renowned burger shacks. For lunch, try one of the famous burgers at Blas Burgerworks, a place that has been recognised for its quality in the likes of the Wall Street Journal and the Good Food Guide. I’s usually closed through the winter months – if your Cornwall Road trip is in the low season, then grab a Cornish pasty from Pengenna Pasties on Fore Street instead.
For dinner, you could ramp it up and dine at Pedn St Olva, with a beautiful panoramic setting on the rocky outcrop between St Ives Harbour and Porthminster Beach.
Day 4: Penwith Peninsula drive to Penzance
Now for a jam-packed day of driving and sightseeing. Be ready to set off early! It’s possible to drive directly from St Ives to Penzance in less than 20 minutes, but why do that when you can take the spectacular scenic route all the way around the Penwith Peninsula?
This is not only the most beautiful part of Cornwall in our view, but it’s right up there with any place we’ve visited in the world. You haven’t seen the true beauty of Cornwall until you’ve witnessed the Penwith Peninsula.
The route all around the coastline only takes about 75 minutes in drive time, but you can break it up with stops at these landmarks:
- Botallack Mine. Park up and walk out onto the coastal path to see the 18th-century engine house rising over the cliffs.
- Land’s End. Stop by at the visitor’s centre and stand at the westernmost point of the UK. We also suggest walking a few minutes around the coastline to see Enys Dodnan Arch, a rocky arch just off the coastline – one of Cornwall’s beauty spots that isn’t so well known.
- Minack Theatre. This might be the world’s most impressive theatre, carved into the clifftops high above the sea. If there isn’t an event on you can pay £10 to explore the theatre and gardens with a guided audio tour. Book in advance on the theatre’s website, as places go quickly.
- Mousehole. Round off the day’s sightseeing in this charming fishing village before continuing into Penzance.
Food stops on the Penwith Peninsula drive
The timing should work out to have lunch at Logan Rock Inn, either just before or after you visit the Minack Theatre. This is one of Cornwall’s oldest surviving pubs, dating back to the 16th century, and it serves some delicious food and real ales. It’s just a few minutes’ drive from the theatre.
If you’re hungry when you’re done in Mousehole, have dinner at the Ship Inn before heading onwards to Penzance. We always make time to visit this friendly village pub that is smack-bang in the middle of the harbour.
Where to stay in Penzance
We’ve stayed at many of Penzance’s hotels and guest houses, and eaten in their restaurants. There are so many good accommodation options to choose from. These are our favourites:
- Upmarket: Hotel Penzance. We love this Edwardian Hotel with sea views, and we can especially recommend the restaurant.
- Mid-range: Duporth Guest House. We often stay in this friendly B&B which has a great self-serve breakfast.
- Budget: YHA Penzance. This backpacker’s hostel is set in a refurbished Georgian mansion and is right near Polgoon Vineyard, so a convenient choice if you want to do a tasting in the winery without needing to drive afterwards!
Day 5: Penzance free day
Ready to slow down a little for another day? You’ve earned it by now. Take this day at a steadier pace to enjoy Penzance and its surroundings.
St Michael’s Mount is the most notable landmark near the town. You can see it rising from the water just across Mount’s Bay, and it can only be accessed by foot via a causeway at low tide. If you’ve watched the House of the Dragon TV series, you might recognise the island and its hilltop castle as the set location for Driftmark.
You could also spend a few hours exploring the town’s shops, galleries, gardens and museums. In spring and summer, we also suggest walking just up the hill from Penzance to visit Polgoon Vineyard. This is one of Cornwall’s handful of independent wineries, and you can take tours and tastings here.
See our favourite things to do in Penzance for more ideas on how to use your time here.
Where to eat in Penzance
Polish restaurants are not necessarily what you expect to see in Cornwall, but there’s a fabulous one in Penzance called the Singing Rooster, and it’s our favourite place to eat in town. They’re usually open for lunch from 11am to 2:30pm.
In the evening, we recommend walking over into Newlyn to eat at Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar. It’s a great little restaurant with an open-facing kitchen that serves fish dishes in an almost tapas style. You can’t book tables, and sometimes there’s a queue due to its popularity, but we definitely think it’s worth the wait! Afterwards, you can walk back along the Penzance Promenade, which is especially beautiful if you time it at sunset.
See our reviews of the best places to eat in Penzance for more food ideas around the town.
Day 6: Falmouth via the Lizard Peninsula
At the southernmost tip of the UK, the Lizard Peninsula is one of Cornwall’s most rugged landscapes. The clifftops here shimmer with a mesmerising spectrum of greens, yellows and reds after being battered by fierce storms over the ages.
The Lizard Peninsula makes for the perfect detour on this leg of our Cornwall road trip itinerary between Penzance and Falmouth.You’ll find all the practical details in our guide to visiting the Lizard Peninsula.
First, stop at Kynance Cove to see the famous beach. After parking at the National Trust Car Park it takes 15 minutes or so to walk down to the sand. Dress warm, and be careful with your footing.
Then, head onwards down to Lizard village. We’d recommend parking in the village before walking down to Lizard Point, the southernmost tip of the UK.
Lunch in the UK’s most southerly pub
While you’re in the area you can take the chance to eat at the Top House Inn, which is the UK’s southernmost pub. It’s not just a gimmick, the food is great! You can also book to stay the night here, which is a good option if you’d rather hang around a while rather than driving on to Falmouth. They serve a fantastic award-winning breakfast, if that helps seal the deal.
Sightseeing and food in Falmouth
The drive from Lizard village into Falmouth takes around 45 minutes, and hopefully you’ll arrive with some time left for exploring the town. See our guide to things to do in Falmouth for ideas.
Pendennis Castle, built by Henry VIII, is Falmouth’s most impressive building and one of the UK’s finest seaside castles. If you have a couple of hours to spare it’s well worth checking out. With roots in the 16th century, the castle is older than Falmouth itself!
A quirky and instantly recognisable feature of Falmouth is Jacob’s Ladder, a stairway with 111 steps that links the lower and upper parts of the town. Right at the top is Jacob’s Ladder Inn, which is great for dinner at the end of the day. Stop by here for some pub grub and have a wander around the area for some fabulous views.
Where to stay in Falmouth
These are our top picks among the various hotels and guest houses in Falmouth:
- Upmarket: The Greenbank Hotel. Built in 1620, this is Falmouth’s oldest hotel, and it has an unrivalled view overlooking the harbour.
- Mid-range: Jacob’s Ladder Inn. Mentioned above for its great food, you can also stay the night at this homely inn at the top of the town’s famous 111-step stairway.
Day 7: Falmouth to Fowey via the Eden Project
For the final full day of our Cornwall road trip itinerary for 7 days, set off from Falmouth towards the port town of Fowey.
The route passes close to the Eden Project, so we suggest setting aside at least half a day to visit this sub-tropical environment. It’s best to book online in advance for cheaper prices and ensure you get a slot.
Exploring the port town of Fowey
When you arrive in Fowey, you might immediately fall in love with the place, like we did! It’s a gorgeous little town surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty on the River Fowey Estuary. The town is famous for being the long-time home of author Daphne du Maurier.
Depending on the time you arrive, you could take a short ferry ride across the river to Polruan, an old shipbuilding village on the other side. You can climb up onto the hillside here for some fabulous views back across to Fowey, and stop by in one of the village’s homely cafés or inns.
Read our full list of things to do in Fowey for more ideas.
Dine and stay in Fowey’s oldest inn
Fowey has fewer options for accommodation when you’re only spending a night or two – a lot of the places to stay in the town are holiday homes. But one place where you’re sure to find a lot of olde-world character is The Ship Inn Fowey, which also happens to be the town’s oldest pub.
The pub serves delicious home-made food and also often has live music or other entertainment on. Staying here for dinner and overnight (which includes their excellent breakfast) is a great way to get really immersed in the history of Fowey, as this place has stood in the town for over 450 years.
Stop by in Looe on your way out of Cornwall
This concludes our 7-day itinerary for a Cornwall road trip, but there’s still time for some final sightseeing when you head out of the county. After leaving Fowey, take a little detour to Looe, a picturesque fishing town not far from the Devon border.
If you want one final Cornish pasty before you leave Cornwall, then pick one up from Sarah’s Pasty Shop. The homemade pasties here come in various flavours, and they’re absolutely amazing! It’s a fitting way to finish off this Cornish adventure.
Cornwall road trip itinerary 7 days: map
Click on the map below to open it and explore the route for our suggested Cornwall road trip itinerary for 7 days. It includes the locations for food and accommodation:
Cornwall road trip itinerary 10 days: overview
Our Cornwall road trip itinerary for 10 days follows a similar route to our 7-day itinerary, but the extra few days allows space for some more sights and attractions away from the beaten path.
This itinerary still brings together many of Cornwall’s top attractions, but also weaves in some hidden beaches and offbeat towns. It also includes a bit more walking on the coastal path, with some lesser-known hiking routes that we personally love.
This is our Cornwall 10-day road trip itinerary route in brief:
- Day 1: Arrive in Newquay. Including stops en route at Tintagel Castle and Bedruthan Steps, with dinner overlooking Newquay Harbour.
- Day 2: Newquay free day. Take a surfing lesson, explore the town’s famous beaches and go for a short walk to a coastal viewing point.
- Day 3: St Agnes coastal walk and St Ives. Hike via the Wheel Coates mining heritage site in the morning before and an afternoon’s sightseeing and exploration.
- Day 4: Zennor coastal walk. Have a village pub lunch before returning, take a gin school back in St Ives.
- Day 5: St Ives to Land’s End. Explore Cornwall’s mining heritage on the Penwith Peninsula, and relax at Sennen Cove.
- Day 6: Land’s End to Penzance. Stop off at hidden beaches via short coastal walks, and see the Minack Theatre, Porthcurno and Mousehole.
- Day 7: Penzance free day. Take a trip to St Michael’s Mount, explore local galleries, have a fish tapas dinner and finish with a leisurely evening promenade walk.
- Day 8: Penzance to Falmouth around the Lizard Peninsula. Make stops at Kynance Cove and Lizard Point, before an afternoon visit to Pendennis Castle.
- Day 9: Truro and Trelissick Garden. See the sights of Cornwall’s county town, including its magnificent cathedral, and explore the nearby countryside.
- Day 10: Truro to Fowey. Visit the Eden Project on the way. Take the river ferry to Polruan, stay overnight in Fowey’s oldest pub and then stop at Looe on the return drive.
Cornwall road trip itinerary 10 days: in detail
Day 1: Arrive in Newquay
Our 10-day Cornwall road trip itinerary begins similarly to the 7-day itinerary above, arriving to stay in Newquay via some sightseeing stops. This time we suggest to spend two nights in Newquay, so there’s a bit more time to see the town, try some adventure activities, and explore the amazing coastal surroundings.
Before you reach Newquay, take the detour to Tintagel and stop to see the dramatic clifftop castle. If time allows with your journey, it’s well worth taking the short walk along the coastal path to Bossiney Cove.
Continue on towards Newquay, and take another detour to see the fabulous views at Bedruthan Steps, parking at the National Trust Car Park. We also like to take the short trail down to the beach at Mawgan Porth when we stop here. This would add maybe an extra 90 minutes to the stop.
Dinner overlooking the harbour
For your first night in Newquay in this 10-day itinerary, we suggest eating at a great pub called the Red Lion. They do an amazing ribeye steak! But it’s not just the food that makes this place special – the pub has fantastic views overlooking Newquay Harbour from its upstairs terrace.
Where to stay in Newquay
Newquay welcomes millions of visitors every year, and so there’s a great choice of accommodation around the town. See our guide to where to stay in Newquay for ideas. These are our top picks for different price ranges:
- Upmarket: The Headland Hotel. This is one of Cornwall’s most spectacular hotel locations, looming dramatically on the headland overlooking Fistral Bay.
- Mid-range: Oceanside Lifestyle Hotel. Also close to Fistral Beach with some awesome cliff-top views, this hotel has a great in-house restaurant.
- Budget: St Christopher’s Inn Newquay. A lively and sociable hostel in the heart of town on Fore Street.
Day 2: Newquay free day
Now it’s time to enjoy a full day in Newquay to explore however you please. This could be an opportunity to experience the town’s world-famous surfing scene by taking a beginner surf lesson. Alternatively, you could explore the coastline and caves around Newquay on a paddleboard tour.
You may prefer to simply spend the day enjoying the legendary beaches in and around Newquay. There are spectacular stretches of sand like Fistral Beach to check out, or you could get off the beaten path and find hidden gems like Whipsiderry Beach. See our Newquay beach guide for all the best spots in the area.
When we visit Newquay for a day we like to walk the short ancient pathway to Trevelgue Head on the east side of the town. At the tip of the headland there are some awesome views of the town and surrounding coastline. Take a picnic for lunch, or maybe some fish and chips from Francine’s to enjoy with the view.
Our tips on the best things to do in Newquay might give you some more ideas, such as the town’s aquarium and historical sites.
Dinner with a view at 12 Beach Road
This is the sea-view restaurant we suggested for lunch in the 7-day itinerary above. At nighttime it has a different vibe, with the relaxing lull of the waves below. Try the tacos or the burgers while enjoying the lit-up seaside scenery after dark.
Day 3: St Agnes coastal walk and St Ives
Ready for a spot of hiking on the coastal path? Set off from Newquay early in the day and head to St Agnes for a captivating circular coastal walk that combines scenery and history.
Park in St Agnes village and walk down to Trevaunance Cove. If you’re lucky you might see some seals here, especially if you’re visiting outside of summer. Then, follow the coastal path south-west from the cove and you will walk past Wheel Coates, the ruins of a mining heritage site that stand dramatically overlooking the sea.
After Wheel Coates, you can continue to Chapel Porth Beach, then follow the roads inland back to St Agnes. This route is a little short of 10km in total, which usually takes us about 3 hours. It’s doable in a morning at a steady pace, timing it to perfection so you arrive back at the village at lunchtime.
Before you head onwards to St Ives, grab a Cornish pasty for lunch from St Agnes Bakery in the middle of the village.
Free afternoon in St Ives
You should arrive in St Ives around early afternoon, with a drive time of around 40 minutes from St Agnes. Head to your accommodation and then use the afternoon to explore the shops and art galleries around Fore Street and St Ives Harbour, or maybe visit the Tate St Ives.
See our recommended things to do in St Ives for ideas on how to spend the afternoon. There will be more time tomorrow to explore the town too.
Dinner at Pedn Olva
You’ll probably be hungry after the morning’s walk, so treat yourself to dinner at the spectacular Pedn Olva. This restaurant sits dramatically atop the rocks that separate St Ives Harbour from Porthminster Beach.
Where to stay in St Ives
Like Newquay, St Ives is a popular town and there is an abundance of accommodation to choose from. Read our guide to the best places to stay in St Ives for all our recommendations.
These are our top picks for different price ranges:
- Upmarket: Harbour Hotel. With cracking sea views over Porthminster Beach, and facilities including a spa and restaurant/bar with terrace.
- Mid-range: Badger Inn. Located in Lelant, a small village near St Ives on the seafront. You can take a lovely scenic walk along the coastal path into St Ives (which is a much more pleasant experience than trying to park in the town!).
- Budget: Cohort Hostel. A really fun and sociable hostel set in a repurposed old chapel and schoolrooms.
Day 4: Zennor coastal walk
The fourth day of our 10-day Cornwall road trip itinerary begins with another morning coastal walk, this time from St Ives to the village of Zennor on the west side of the town. This coastline trail meanders past some glorious rocky headlands and hidden coves.
The walk is a similar length to the St Agnes circular, around 10km, and can be done either as a there-and-back trail or a circular, returning via inland footpaths. Or, to reduce the walk time, you can take the Land’s End Coaster bus from Zennor back to St Ives.
Set off for this walk mid-morning and you will arrive in Zennor just in time for lunch at the Tinners Arms, a wonderful historic pub that dates back to the 13th century. If the sun is shining we also recommend trying the Cornish ice cream from Moomaid, just a few paces away.
Free time and dinner back in St Ives
Arriving back in St Ives mid-afternoon will give you a chance to relax, or do some of the sightseeing you didn’t get around to yesterday. If you’re still hungry, go for dinner at Blas Burgerworks and try one of their world-famous burgers.
Day 5: St Ives to Land’s End, exploring mining heritage
Our 7-day Cornwall road trip itinerary above features a whole day’s drive around the Penwith Peninsula. In this 10-day itinerary we suggest to split that into two days, which allows some more time to explore the landscapes and heritage of this stunning part of the county.
You may want to pick up a Cornish pasty from Pengenna Pasties in St Ives to eat for lunch while you’re on the road. Otherwise, you will be able to stop for a café lunch in one of the charming little villages like St Just, or on the beach café at Sennen Cove.
Exploring Cornwall’s mining heartlands
The Penwith Peninsula was the heartland of Cornwall’s once-thriving tin mining industry, and you can still see relics of it dotted all over the landscape.
Follow the B3306 coastal road around the northern side of the peninsula towards Land’s End, and you will soon reach the old engine house of Carn Galver. Next, stop at Botallack Mine and take the short walk down to see the majestic old engine house built into the cliffside.
The history of this part of Cornwall actually stretches back much further than the mining days. You might want to take some detours to see some of its ancient settlements and stone formations, such as Carn Euny and Mên-an-Tol.
Overnight at Sennen Cove and Land’s End
Sennen Cove has always been one of our favourite beaches to visit in Cornwall. I’ve been there countless times since my childhood and never get tired of the gorgeous sand and feisty sea. Aim to arrive here early afternoon so you have time to enjoy the beach and see Land’s End.
From Sennen Cove Harbour Car Park at the south side of the beach, it’s about a half-hour walk up and along the coastal path to Land’s End. You could choose to just drive to the visitors’ car park at Land’s End instead, but we prefer this walk for the lovely scenic views. You might even be able to spot the shipwreck of the RHS Mulheim beneath the cliffs.
There isn’t a huge choice of accommodation around Sennen, but one great option is the Old Success Inn, a 17th-century pub with sea views over the cove. This is a St Austell Brewery pub, so you can expect some great local ales!
For a real one-off experience, you could book to stay at The Land’s End Hotel instead. The hotel overlooks the granite cliffs right on the point of Land’s End, and has a restaurant with simply spectacular views. The room rates are not quite as expensive as you might expect.
Day 6: Land’s End to Penzance
The coastal path in Cornwall has many highlights, but for us, the section between Land’s End and Penzance is unrivalled for its sheer beauty. We’ve walked the entire route in a day before, which took from dawn until dusk, but for this day of your Cornwall road trip itinerary we suggest to slowly drive along it and stop for the best bits.
Nanjizal Beach is one of Cornwall’s most idyllic secluded beaches, and it can only be reached by foot on the coastal path. You can get to it in around 30–40 minutes from Land’s End, but we suggest to drive to Porthgwarra Beach and walk from there.
The walk from Porthgwarra to Nanjizal takes about 40 minutes, with some awesome views of gaping caves in the cliffside along the way. Time it at low tide to see both beaches at their most stunning. In particular, this will give the best view of the unique “Song of the Sea” cave that you can see from the sand at Nanjizal.
Porthcurno and the Minack theatre
Next, head onwards towards Porthcurno Beach and make for the car park at the Minack Theatre. This jaw-dropping clifftop theatre draws visitors from all over the world. You’ll need to book in advance on the theatre’s website to take a guided audio tour.
The theatre is right next to Porthcurno, where you can park at the beach car park. This beautiful sloping beach is sheltered by high cliffs and characterised by its fine white sand formed by crushed sea shells.
We also recommend finding your way around to Pedn Vounder Beach, just south of Porthcurno. At low tide you can walk around to it, or alternatively clamber over to it on the coastal path, following a steep trail down.
This might sound like some effort, but the reward at the end is the sight of a beach that is consistently rated as one of the best in the UK for its picture-perfect scenery and turquoise waters.
Whenever you’re hungry, drive into the nearby village of Treen for lunch at the 16th-century Logan Rock Inn, one of Cornwall’s oldest inns.
Winding down in Mousehole
The last stop on the way to Penzance is the fishing village of Mousehole, famous worldwide for its Christmas lights. The village’s charming little harbour is guaranteed to win your heart. My own grandfather was born in this village so I might be a little biased, but there is something really magical about the place.
In Mousehole you can potter around the harbour, pop into the little shops and galleries, and stop for a coffee in the Mousehole Deli & Kitchen café. If you’re still around at dinnertime, have lunch in the friendly Ship Inn at the middle of the harbour before heading onwards to Penzance.
Where to stay in Penzance
We’ve stayed at many of Penzance’s hotels and guest houses, and eaten in their restaurants. There are so many good accommodation options to choose from. These are our favourites:
- Upmarket: Hotel Penzance. We love this Edwardian Hotel with sea views, and we can especially recommend the restaurant.
- Mid-range: Duporth Guest House. We often stay in this friendly B&B which has a great self-serve breakfast.
- Budget: YHA Penzance. This backpacker’s hostel is set in a refurbished Georgian mansion and is right near Polgoon Vineyard, so a convenient choice if you want to do a tasting in the winery without needing to drive afterwards!
Day 7: Penzance free day
Days 7 and 8 of this 10-day Cornwall road trip itinerary are the same as days 5 and 6 of our 7-day itinerary above. Firstly, day 7 is a chance to slow down and explore at your own pace around Penzance.
St Michael’s Mount is the most notable landmark near the town. You can see it rising from the water just across Mount’s Bay, and it can only be accessed by foot via a causeway at low tide. If you’ve watched the House of the Dragon TV series, you might recognise the island and its hilltop castle as the set location for Driftmark.
You could also spend a few hours exploring the town’s shops, galleries, gardens and museums. In spring and summer, we also suggest walking just up the hill from Penzance to visit Polgoon Vineyard. This is one of Cornwall’s handful of independent wineries, and you can take tours and tastings here.
See our favourite things to do in Penzance for more ideas on how to use your time here.
Where to eat in Penzance
Polish restaurants are not necessarily what you expect to see in Cornwall, but there’s a fabulous one in Penzance called the Singing Rooster, and it’s our favourite place to eat in town. They’re usually open for lunch from 11am to 2:30pm.
In the evening, we recommend walking over into Newlyn to eat at Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar. It’s a great little restaurant with an open-facing kitchen that serves fish dishes in an almost tapas style. You can’t book tables, and sometimes there’s a queue due to its popularity, but we definitely think it’s worth the wait! Afterwards, you can walk back along the Penzance Promenade, which is especially beautiful if you time it at sunset.
See our reviews of the best places to eat in Penzance for more food ideas around the town.
Day 8: Falmouth via the Lizard Peninsula
At the southernmost tip of the UK, the Lizard Peninsula is one of Cornwall’s most rugged landscapes. The clifftops here shimmer with a mesmerising spectrum of greens, yellows and reds after being battered by fierce storms over the ages.
The Lizard Peninsula makes for the perfect detour on this Cornwall road trip itinerary leg between Penzance and Falmouth. You’ll find all the practical details in our guide to visiting the Lizard Peninsula.
First, stop at Kynance Cove to see the famous beach. After parking at the National Trust Car Park it takes 15 minutes or so to walk down to the sand. Dress warm, and be careful with your footing.
Then, head onwards down to Lizard village. We’d recommend parking in the village before walking down to Lizard Point, the southernmost tip of the UK.
Lunch in the UK’s most southerly pub
While you’re in the area you can take the chance to eat at the Top House Inn, which is the UK’s southernmost pub. It’s not just a gimmick, the food is great! You can also book to stay the night here, which is a good option if you’d rather hang around here a while rather than driving on to Falmouth. They serve a fantastic award-winning breakfast, if that helps seal the deal.
Sightseeing and food Falmouth
The drive from Lizard village into Falmouth takes around 45 minutes, and hopefully you’ll arrive with some time still to spare for exploring the town. See our guide to things to do in Falmouth for ideas.
Pendennis Castle, built by Henry VIII, is Falmouth’s most impressive building and one of the UK’s finest seaside castles. If you have a couple of hours to spare it’s well worth checking out. With roots in the 16th century, the castle is older than Falmouth itself!
A quirky and instantly recognisable feature of Falmouth is Jacob’s Ladder, a stairway with 111 steps that links the lower and upper parts of the town. Right at the top is Jacob’s Ladder Inn, which is great for dinner at the end of the day. Stop by here for some pub grub and have a wander around the area for some fabulous views.
Where to stay in Falmouth
These are our top picks among the various hotels and guest houses in Falmouth:
- Upmarket: The Greenbank Hotel. Built in 1620, this is Falmouth’s oldest hotel, and it has an unrivalled view overlooking the harbour.
- Mid-range: Jacob’s Ladder Inn. Mentioned above for its great food, you can also stay the night at this homely inn at the top of the town’s famous 111-step stairway.
Day 9: Truro and Trelissick Garden
Cornwall’s county town, Truro, is about a half-hour drive inland from Falmouth. On the way, you can take a short detour to see Trelissick Garden, a 30-acre estate that overlooks the River Fal. The site is run by the National Trust and features a café, plant shop, bookshop and craft gallery.
Truro isn’t typically heralded as a tourist destination, but it might surprise you. There’s plenty to see and enjoy, not least its magnificent cathedral, which is Cornwall’s tallest building at 76 metres.
Lemon Street Market in Truro is a characterful little mall packed with independent shops and an art gallery. You could spend an hour or two exploring here and stop for a hot drink at one of the town’s charming cafés. See our guide to things to do in Truro for more ideas.
Where to eat in Truro
There are some really fun places to eat in Truro. At lunchtime we recommend dropping into Lily’s of Truro, a rustic, colourful café where you can enjoy lovely homemade food and freshly roasted coffee.
In the evening, try out Hub Box, which is an award-winning craft burger shack set in a converted church. Yes, really! It’s a really cool place that’s full of vibrant colours, with some great local beers available too.
Where to stay in Truro
The pool of accommodation options is a little more limited in Truro, and there isn’t much at the budget end. Still, there are some lovely hotels if you know where to find them, and these are our favourites:
- Upmarket: The Alverton. This historic hotel is set in a building dating back to 1830 and has been used as manor, a library, a bank and a convent. Now four star accommodation set among scenic gardens, it’s a short walk from the town centre.
- Mid-range: Mannings Hotel. Right in the town centre, this lovely hotel set in a Georgian townhouse is also a popular restaurant.
Day 10: Truro to Fowey via the Eden Project
Our 10-day Cornwall road trip itinerary rounds off in similar style to the 7-day itinerary above. The drive from Truro to Fowey passes close to the Eden Project, so we suggest setting aside at least half a day to visit. It’s best to book online in advance for cheaper prices and ensure you get a slot.
Exploring the port town of Fowey
When you arrive in Fowey, you might immediately fall in love with the place, like we did! It’s a gorgeous little port town surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty on the River Fowey Estuary. The town is famous for being the long-time home of author Daphne du Maurier.
Depending on the time you arrive, you could take a short ferry ride across the river estuary to Polruan, an old shipbuilding village on the other side. You can climb up onto the hillside here for some fabulous views back across to Fowey, and stop by in one of the village’s homely cafés or inns.
Read our full list of things to do in Fowey for more ideas.
Dine and stay in Fowey’s oldest inn
Fowey has fewer options for accommodation when you’re only spending a night or two – a lot of the places to stay in the town are holiday homes. But one place where you’re sure to find a lot of olde-world character is The Ship Inn Fowey, which also happens to be the town’s oldest pub.
The pub serves delicious home-made food and also often has live music or other entertainment on. Staying here for dinner and overnight (which includes their excellent breakfast) is a great way to get really immersed in the history of Fowey, as this place has stood in the town for over 450 years.
Stop by in Looe on your way out of Cornwall
This concludes our 7-day itinerary for a Cornwall road trip, but there’s still time for some final sightseeing when you head out of the county. After leaving Fowey, take a little detour to Looe, a picturesque fishing town not far from the Devon border.
If you want one final Cornish pasty before you leave Cornwall, then pick one up from Sarah’s Pasty Shop. The homemade pasties here come in various flavours, and they’re absolutely amazing! It’s a fitting way to finish off this Cornish adventure.
Cornwall road trip itinerary 10 days: map
Click the map below to explore the locations featured in our 10-day Cornwall road trip itinerary:
Cornwall road trip FAQs
Is driving in Cornwall difficult?
Driving on Cornwall’s roads can take some getting used to if it’s your first visit. The Cornish country lanes are notoriously narrow and winding, and there is a very particular local road etiquette.
We’ve compiled a list of essential tips for driving in Cornwall, which will give you a detailed rundown of what to expect on the roads. These are some of the most important things you need to know before your Cornwall road trip:
- Be patient and considerate. Cornwall is predominantly farming county, and most roads are single-lane, so there’s a strong probability of getting stuck behind tractors. You’re also often likely to find yourself in situations where you need to give way on narrow roads.
- Allow more time for journeys. This links to the point above – you never know what you’re going to meet on the Cornish roads, and the weather can be unpredictable too. Set off early and don’t create stressful situations around drive times.
- Bring change for parking. Not all of Cornwall’s car parks take card payments, and you won’t find many cash machines out in the wilderness.
- Fill up on petrol. At times you might drive for many miles in Cornwall without seeing a fuel station. Make sure you top up the tank before you set off for each leg of your Cornwall road trip (especially before those drives around the peninsulas).
When is the best time for a Cornwall road trip?
Cornwall is a great place to visit at any time of year, and each season has its own special qualities. We have travelled in Cornwall in every season over the years, and always come away with a great experience to remember.
You can expect the weather in Cornwall to be warmer than the UK average at any time of year. The county typically has hot summers, warm springs and mild winters. Cornish weather can be unpredictable though, and each peninsula and sub-region has its own microclimate, so you need to come well prepared regardless of when you visit.
Can you visit Cornwall in winter?
Personally, we especially love visiting Cornwall in winter as it’s much quieter. This is a good time for a road trip because accommodation will be a lot cheaper, and you don’t need to worry quite as much about booking in advance.
The landmarks and countryside are less busy with tourists, and you’re also more likely to see marine life come out to play, such as seals in the bays. Just be extra careful driving on the Cornish lanes when it’s icy.
What is Cornwall like in spring?
Springtime in Cornwall is still quite peaceful, and you have the awesome benefit of seeing the Cornish countryside and coastline blooming with flowers.
It’s the only time of year you can see the famous Polly Joke Poppies near Newquay. If you visit Trelissick Garden as recommended in our 10-day Cornwall road trip itinerary, you will see bluebells in flower among the trees.
Spring is also a great time to learn surfing in Cornwall as the waves are typically tamer at this time of year. You’ll need to wear a good wet suit, as the water is cold! You can hire them in the popular surf locations like Newquay and Falmouth.
Is Cornwall best in summer?
Summer is Cornwall’s peak tourist season, and the towns, villages and beaches get very busy. While you can never guarantee the weather, summer days can get hot in Cornwall and it’s a great time for days on the beach. The mild water temperatures in summer are much more amenable to swimming.
It’s festival season in summer in Cornwall. Visiting during this season gives you the chance to coincide your road trip with a big event, such as the Boardmasters Festival in Newquay or the Penzance Literary Festival.
You will need to make bookings well in advance if you choose to visit Cornwall in summer, especially accommodation.
What is Cornwall like in autumn?
Like springtime, autumn in Cornwall is a quieter time. You’ll have some space when visiting attractions, although you probably won’t have them entirely to yourselves, as is sometimes the case in winter.
Driving through the Cornish countryside in autumn is a wonderful experience as the scenery is drenched in those moody autumnal hues of yellow, orange and brown.
Autumn is also a great time of year for foodies to visit Cornwall. It’s the perfect season for shellfish and is generally great for most seafood, which is unsurprisingly a Cornish speciality.
What should I pack for a Cornwall road trip?
Packing for a Cornwall road trip will depend on the timing of your trip, although as we mentioned above, you need to come prepared for any weather conditions regardless of when you visit.
These are some essentials we would recommend packing for a Cornwall road trip at any time of year:
- Hiking boots. The coastal path in Cornwall is very well maintained, but you still need sturdy footwear.
- A waterproof and windproof hiking jacket. Walking on the coastal path will expose you to the elements.
- Clothes for all weather. Tailor it to the season, but make sure you’ve got enough in your case to wrap up warm if the cold bites, or make the most of the sunshine.
- Sun protection. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sun cream.
- Swimwear, beach gear and a travel towel. Even in winter! You never know when you might want to hit the beach and take a dip.
- Offline maps. We use the app maps.me to download local maps we can use without an internet connection. You will often find yourself without signal in the Cornish wilderness.
- A picnic blanket. There will probably be times on the road trip when you want to have lunch on the trail or on the beach.
- Loose change. Don’t assume card payment will be accepted everywhere in Cornwall. Whether it’s a rural car park, village ice cream shop or breakfast café, you’re guaranteed to meet situations where you’ll need to pay with cash.
- Eco-friendly reusable water bottle. This is vital to keep you hydrated when you’re out on the trail or sightseeing.
- Books and games. You never know when you’ll get unlucky with the weather in Cornwall.
- Camera. You’ll probably want to capture the amazing scenery throughout the trip.
Where do you stop on a drive to Cornwall?
The drive to Cornwall is usually a long one, and you’ll want to make a few stops on the way. Depending on where you’re travelling from, these a few places we suggest:
Cheddar Gorge
If you want to do a bit of sightseeing and exploration on the way to Cornwall rather than sticking to the motorways, check out Cheddar Gorge, just a few miles off the M5 in Somerset.
Cheddar Gorge is an impressive limestone gorge riddled with caves, and is a site where some of the oldest human skeletons have been found. You could spend up to a full day here exploring the caves and clifftop walks.
We usually like to just stop in the village for an hour or so to explore the shops, and of course eat some cheddar cheese!
Stonehenge
This landmark needs little introduction. The legendary prehistoric monument of Stonehenge is situated perfectly for a stop-off if you are driving to Cornwall from London.
When we were living in London ourselves a few years ago, we liked to set off before dawn so we could arrive at Stonehenge for sunrise. It’s a great way to experience the site, and there’s no traffic on the roads at that time. You’ll also arrive in Cornwall with plenty of your first day to spare.
Colliford Lake
Most routes into Cornwall pass through Bodmin Moor once you enter the county. This moody plain of granite and grassland sits just inside Cornwall, with the A30 passing through its spine.
Colliford Lake is a large lake in the heart of Bodmin Moor, and you can reach it with a short detour off the A30. It’s a lovely spot to stop for a picnic with a scenic view, and maybe see some local wildlife.
What are the best service stations en route to Cornwall?
There is a frequent drumbeat of service stations along the motorways and dual carriageways on the routes into Cornwall. Some of these are better than others, and there a couple of excellent ones where we always aim to stop.
Gloucester Services is probably the best motorway services we’ve been anywhere in the UK. There is both a northbound and southbound services on the M5, each of which has a large farm shop as well as a maze of dog walks outside.
The Hog & Hedge on the A30 in Exeter is another services where we usually stop. It’s one of the precious few dog-friendly services in the UK, and the facilities are just very good all round.
Have you taken a Cornwall road trip before? We’d love to hear your own tips in the comments below.
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