Top Things to Do in Cornwall, England - Cornwall Attractions
Things to Do in Cornwall
Popular things to do
- Surfing
- 4WD Tours
- Hiking Trails
- Private Sightseeing Tours
- Day Trips
- Lookouts
- Cultural Tours
- Walking Tours
- Nature & Wildlife Areas
- Tours & Sightseeing
- Top Picks
- Points of Interest & Landmarks
- Multi-day & Extended Tours
- Sporting Events
- Beaches
- Ports of Call Tours
- Transfers & Ground Transport
- Gardens
- Luxury & Special Occasions
- Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours
- Food, Wine & Nightlife
- Weddings & Honeymoons
- Yoga Classes
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Cornwall.
Top Attractions in Cornwall
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Open now
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Valleys
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Biking Trails • Parks
Learn more about this content
Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- BluebellplasnewyddCardiff, UK1,404 contributionsThere is not much here apart from National Trust cottages. It is a pleasant and isolated port with not much going on but well worth visiting by car. There is a small carpark.Written 29 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- 50MarkTruro, UK101 contributionsGreat beach to sit and watch the surfers, had fish and chips and watched the breakers, highly recommended to visit . Just watch out for the parking !Written 8 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- 51plusNorthampton, UK88 contributionsVisiting the Bude Tunnel was an enlightening experience, and I can only say I’m glad that, so far, this magnificent attraction is not widely known. I feel there should be a entrance fee of at least £19 to discourage the uninitiated public visiting, and spoiling the ambience by their inherent ignorance of post modernist brutalist architecture allied with the local mysticism of King Arthur. A truly magical day that totally overshadowed my previous visits to Kelmarsh, Dover and Dartford tunnels. I feel this will become an annual pilgrimage.Written 17 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- htw00d7 contributionsA must visit when in St Ives. A beautiful, special place. The sculptures and the planting work well together. We visited twice during our visit to experience the sculptures both in the rain and in the sunshine. Highly recommend. Friendly and helpful staff.Written 7 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Marjorie T8 contributionsWe had booked a garden visit early in the afternoon to tour round the stunning cliff edge tropical gardens. We also viewed the exhibitions and had a bite to eat from the cafe. After a cliff walk we returned to watch a performance of Calvino nights with a circus type theme involving acrobatics, fire, comics but all worked into a funny but poignant story. We had a little rain but that didn’t dampen our our enjoyment.Written 20 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- IndiaKateLondon, UK39 contributionsExcellent day out .
We started our tour with a cream tea in the cafe which was delicious . The girl that served us was really lovely and patient as we kept changing our minds .
Then came the tour of the castle . Our guide , Ian , was amazing . His enthusiasm shone through and he spoke very clearly . His knowledge of the history of the castle made it it very interesting . We listened attentively and he was far from boring . I would recommend this to young and old even if you are not interested in history . The castle was built by Henry the 8th and was used right up until the Second World War .
I believe it is on a 72 hour standby should it be needed again .
I can’t sign off without mentioning the panoramic view. Which is because it was strategically placed to defend us from invaders .Written 19 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - leilei00009United Kingdom92 contributionsWide beach, soft sand, amazing colour. Great for a walk and to dip your toes in. Gazing across the horizon and chilling. Just beware the seagulls!Written 25 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- familytravel4x4Liphook, UK522 contributionsWe hired bikes from the Padstow bike hire and cycled almost to Bodmin in less than a couple of hours of relatively gentle effort given the trail is effectively flat as it follows the route of the former railway. The views of the river and estuary are spectacular and there are lots of stopping places to sit and/or picnic if desired. The only section where we walked was through Wadebridge, where we felt a little concerned with the traffic. But it was short lived and then we were soon back on the trail. Our goal was the Camel trail tea gardens - an excellent watering hole to stop for refreshments and rest the legs before the return trip. A must do even if you are not a regular cyclist given it allows more of the trail to be explored than can be done on foot.Written 10 October 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Visit021Sherborne, UK90 contributionsFab facility where sea swimming isn't feasible. Water allegedly 8C when we went in but, with a shorty wetsuit, gloves and socks, we stayed in a for a few minutes.
There's a gentle slope into the pool on the landside, so you can get in gradually. This side also has terraces with hooks you can hang your stuff on.
It wasn't staffed when we went - perhaps as it was still the winter season. Luckily we met a regular who invited us along to an end of season event at the pool the next day, which made us feel safer swimming in such cold water for the first time.
Could do with lockers if they could fit them in - might be a good revenue generator too. No changing rooms.Written 6 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Sophiag1London, UK216 contributionsVery pretty harbour, quite picturesque, lots of people visiting.
There’s lots of different restaurants from Michelin star Rick Stein to you local chippy.
Personally unless your going for lots of walk around Padstow wouldn’t really go there again.
Loads of seagulls, beware as they can attack if you have food in your hands.Written 17 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Chris CWeston super Mare, UK4 contributionsBeautiful walk, in fact so beautiful we had to walk back again. The coastline is stunning.
My wife and I have been rattled by the review saying it wasn't far enough. WHAT? That's like complaining that a castle shouldn't have been placed up a hill. On a sunny day this is lovely. Dropping into Polperro at the end is like a dream. A lovely placeWritten 15 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - M H4 contributionsWell worth a visit - it does involve quite a lot of walking through woodland / uneven ground so not suitable for everyoneWritten 2 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Devon fanDevon, UK227 contributionsI had been wanting to do this for a while and when we went on holiday in the area in May I kept my eye on the weather forecast (particularly how windy it was) and then booked the tickets the day before. It is quite expensive, but slightly cheaper if you don’t pay the gift aid option and we were fortunate to benefit from the concession price. Those who moan about the price probably don’t realise that it cost £4 million to build the bridge and of course they need to recoup that money! The bridge saves walking down and up a lot of very steep steps, however you do need a certain amount of fitness as the ground is very uneven in parts and involves walking up and downhill and some steps. Wear walking boots, trainers or comfortable walking shoes. There are glorious views from numerous points and boards to read about the history and legend. Probably not the place for young children who have a tendency to wander, as there are very steep drops without fences.
At the end you have the option of walking back over the bridge and then walking uphill back to the village or you can take a land rover from here for £1.50 each. Or you can walk down some very steep steps to the cafe, shop, toilets and exhibition. The cafe is pleasant with indoor and outdoor seating, also ice cream is served from a window. Despite what a previous person said the shop is nothing like a National Trust shop as this is owned by English Heritage. We sampled some mead whilst we were there. You can then walk uphill back to the village from here, or take the Land Rover for £2 each. I really enjoyed my visit and thought it was worth the money, However my husband who is not as fit as me was worn out!
We arrived at 10.30 and including the cafe and shop we were there about 2 hours.
Parking in King Arthur’s car park was £4 all day and King Arthur’s cafe in Tintagel was a nice lunch or afternoon tea stop.Written 20 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Pompey_SunseekersCosham, UK151 contributionsWell worth a visit to this beautiful building if you are in Truro. Spectacular ceiling. Loved the story of the much older original St Mary’s parish church which was incorporated into the cathedral building itself and still is a parish in its own right. Also loved the story of the kinky cathedral whereby main body of the cathedral had been deliberately architecturally designed to be at an angle (a kink) from the main presbytery area in order to preserve some housing around the new building. It’s great to think they considered this in Victorian times.Written 20 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Vcookielincs12 contributionsWe visited the gardens in April. It was a shame that dogs are not allowed in the formal gardens, as we had to take it in turns. They were absolutely stunning!
Everyone is thought of, as there is a buggy for those less able to get to the main house and cafe. You can also book and hire out a Tramper, if you need extra help getting around.
The parts we walked with the dog were beautiful, The woods had carpets of bluebells. It was peaceful and well kept.
Next time we hope to visit inside the house but we had a great day and purchased some lovely plants as a memento of our holiday.
Super, friendly and cheerful staff made the visit extra special.Written 20 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cornwall
- The top attractions to visit in Cornwall are:
- Cornish Coastal Path
- Fistral Beach
- Bude Tunnel
- Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
- Minack Theatre
- The best outdoor activities in Cornwall according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Llama Lland
- Prime Time Boat Trips
- Feadon Farm Wildlife Centre
- Screech Owl Sanctuary
- The Flicka Foundation - Donkey Sanctuary
- The best day trips from Cornwall according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Essential Cornwall - the "must see" places
- West Cornwall Tour with Poldark Filming Locations
- Doc Martin and The Legend of King Arthur Tour
- Quoits, Stone circles and Monoliths on Bodmin Moor
- Half-Day Private Doc Martin and Fisherman's Friends Tour
- The most popular things to do in Cornwall with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Freewave Surf Academy - Day Adventures
- Cornish Wave Surf & Adventure
- Newquay Activity Centre
- Quiksilver Surf School Newquay
- Ocean High