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TEN DAY TRAVEL GUIDE in Cornwall
This guide starts from the south coast of Cornwall and follows the coastline west and then to the north coast before finally heading east. The route can be reversed and started on the north coast. Most of the places in this guide make excellent day trips and don’t have to be part of a multi-day itinerary.
This 10 day guide is perfect if you are travelling by motorhome, caravan, tent or even staying in hotels and B&Bs. We travelled in a Bailey Motorhome.
DAY 1
THE LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN OR THE EDEN PROJECT
Both of these gardens are beautiful and worth a visit. We visited the Eden project a few years ago and loved it and on a recent trip visited the Lost Gardens of Heligan that on a summer's day almost feels unbeatable. We particularly loved the Lost Jungle section. The Eden Project does cost a lot more and that could be the deciding factor to which one you visit.
THE LIZARD COAST AND KYNANCE COVE
After spending the morning visiting one of the gardens head an hours drive west and you will come to the Lizard Coast. There are many beautiful coves here but we loved Kynance Cove. It is tidal and part of the cove will be cut off at high tide. Head to the cliffs above and admire the views and turquoise water and golden sand.
DAY 2
COVERACK
A beautiful small harbour village with parking facilities just outside of the village to make life easier. This is what Cornish harbour towns are all about and the beautiful old harbour with its fishing boats and beautiful buildings are worth a visit. You might never want to leave, the beach here is als very beautiful and is perfect for stand up paddle boarding as it is relatively calm.
LOE BAR
The largest freshwater lake in Cornwall was originally an estuary but now blocked by the Loe Bar. The desert-like feel of the place makes it a worthwhile stop. The unique plants the grow on the sand are fun to discover and the views from the cliffs above are spectacular.
PRAA SANDS
Head to Praa sands in the evening for some dinner on the beach front and even stay in the car park in your camper overnight. 24 hours of parking only costs £8.
DAY 3
DAY AT PRAA SANDS
A trip to Cornwall needs to have a few beach days and Praa Sands is perfect for families. The relatively calm waters are great for body boarding and beginner surfers. You can also paddle board here and the beachfront hire shops can provide all the equipment you need.
PENZANCE
In the afternoon/evening wander around the old streets of Penzance or explore the harbour. Plenty of places to eat out as well.
DAY 4
MOUSEHOLE
Another tiny fishing village to explore. Beautiful winding streets that would be easy to get stuck down in a vehicle. The harbour here is beautiful and the tiny beaches in the harbour and turquoise water make this village unique.
Watch the sunset at Logan Rock
Head towards Treen where there is a great car park before Treen Campsite. Hike the coast and explore Logan rocks for incredible views of Pedn Vounder and Porthcurno at sunset.
DAY 5
MINACK THEATRE
Where better to watch a play than the incredible Minack theatre. You can also just visit the theatre and gardens during the day and tickets cost around £6.50 per person. The views from the top are worth it. You can either drive to the car park or hike to the top from Porthcurno.
PORTHCURNO
Cornwalls crown jewels, Porthcurno is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world let alone Cornwall. It is perfect for families, easy to get to and safe. Spend the day enjoying the warm golden sand and dramatic cliffs loom over the turquoise water.
PEDN VOUNDER
For the more adventurous, hike down the cliffs to Pedn Vounder the next door neighbour of Porthcurno. You will need to wait for the tide to start retreating before you can get to the beach. Low tide is what makes this place special as sand bars magically appear from the oceans waves.
DAY 6
LANDS END
Stand at the edge of the world and enjoy magnificent views out across the Atlantic. There are beaches to explore her as well such as Sennen beach which is known for surfing.
ST IVES
One of our favourite towns in Cornwall and surrounded by beautiful beaches and coves. The many bakeries here are a constant temptation which you will succumb to. Park at the rugby club as it's the easiest place to park before walking into town.
GODREVY
The 8 miles of golden sand beaches around St Ives are vast and magnificent. Head east to the end of the beaches to a place called Godrevy. Gwithian beach is your destination and a perfect place to learn to surf. There are hidden beaches here too that you can get to in high tide to avoid the crowds of the more accessible beaches. Hike the coast line and see if you can find the sleeping seals on their own private beach.
DAY 7
BEACH DAY AT GODREVY
As you might have arrived at Godrevy late in the afternoon the previous day, we suggest spending a day at the beach. Take time to relax, learn to surf or top up that tan. If you have a national Trust membership you can park all day for free at Godrevy. Have lunch or dinner at the Rockpool Cafe.
DAY 8
POLLY JOKE
Camp at Treago campsite and explore the beautiful coastline from Polly Joke beach all the way to Holywell Beach. This was possibly our favourite piece of coastline. There are so many incredible coves to explore that look they have been transported from a more exotic climate. If you are lucky you might spot seals sunbathing in small coves.
HOLYWELL
It is big and beautiful and the views of the beach, ocean and rock formations as you make your way down to the beach are breathtaking. Made famous as a popular filming location in the Poldark series. Try to find the hidden Holy Well in one of the caves on the west side of the beach at low tide.
DAY 9
FISTRAL
The Surfing capital of Cornwall this beach can get very busy. The consistent waves are worth it though and any keen surfer will want to spend time here.
BEDRUTHAN STEPS
One of Cornwall's most incredible beaches. The beach has several stacks each having its own name. The beach is completely cut off at high tide and a rock fall in February 2020 damaged the steps down to the beach leading to its closure. While the views are dramatic, swimming should be avoided due to strong rip currents, submerged rocks and fast tides.
DAY 10
TREYARNON
A popular tourist beach with a beautiful large rock pool to swim in at low tide. A fun family friendly beach with holiday parks in close proximity.
CONSTANTINE
Just around the corner from Treyarnon, it is bigger and just as beautiful with sand dunes at the rear of the beach. A warning for bodyboarders and surfers though as there are coral breaks here and strong rips and currents at times.
BUDE
Head to bude for an evening swim at low tide in the bude sea pool and then finish your epic adventure in Cornwall with fish and chips looking over Summerleaze beach.
IF YOU LIKE THIS THEN PIN IT FOR LATER!
The Alverton Hotel sits in the centre of Truro, a great base to explore nearby places in Cornwall a peaceful sanctuary without compromising location. We were invited to stay at the Alverton Hotel in spring and were lucky to discover beautiful bluebells in the gardens, adding a burst of colour to the former 18th-century convent.