11 Best Things to Do in Cornwall, United Kingdom – Where to Go, Attractions to Visit

What are the best things to do in Cornwall?

Lush countryside, dramatic coastal sceneries, famous castles, culinary genius – there are never-ending things to do in Cornwall. It is a peninsula located in the southwestern tip of England with a unique culture and mild climate.

This ancient Celtic kingdom is beautiful and inspirational, guaranteed to enthrall any traveler. Here are 11 things to do in Cornwall, but definitely, these are only the start of a great adventure.

Attractions and Things To Do in Cornwall

1. Eden Project

At the top of every list of the ultimate things to do in Cornwall is this eco-center around St. Austell. It is the most celebrated landmark in the area and for a good reason – these giant bubble-shaped biomes are every bit Star Trek-esque and the largest greenhouses in the world.

Eden @ Eden Project, Cornwall by Tim Parkinson / CC BY 2.0

Miniature ecosystems flourish within, from the most wonderful plants to the most exotic. Ecological exhibits abound, plus beautifully landscaped gardens and other exciting outdoor activities including the longest zip wire in England and a giant gravity swing. Young or old, this space-age structure is sure to delight.

Price: £25 for adults; £34.65 joint ticket with Lost Gardens of Heligan
Hours: 9.30 AM to 6 PM (Last admission is 4.30 PM)
Location: Bodelva PL24 2SG, United Kingdom

2. St. Michael’s Mount

One of Cornwall’s most iconic images, this abbey-crowned island is a stunning sight just a mile north of Lizard Point. During the low tide, you can walk along the cobbled causeway, but if it is a high tide, there is a ferry in nearby Marazion. Pay a visit and get spectacular photos.

St Michael’s Mount by Kathryn Yengel / CC BY-ND 2.0

Price: £12.50 for adults; £6 for children
Hours: 10.30 AM to 5.30 PM from Sunday to Friday in July to September; 10.30 AM to 5 PM in March to June and October
Location: Penzance, England

3. Geevor Tin Mine

Mining is an industry of old in Cornwall and this historic mine located in St. Just provides insight into the dangerous conditions that miners used to brave. The guided tours in the underground shafts are educational and entertaining, while above ground, visitors are greeted by original machinery used to sort minerals and ores.

Geevor Tin Mine by Ed Webster / CC BY 2.0

Price: £12.95
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM every Sunday to Friday from March to October, and up to 4 PM from November to February
Location: Pendeen, Penzance TR19 7EW, United Kingdom

4. Kynance Cove

No list of top things to do in Cornwall will be complete without mentioning the gorgeous beaches. There are plenty to choose from Chapel Porth, Porthmeor Beach, Porthminster Beach, Gyllyngvase Beach – but the top pick is Kynance Cove on the eastern side of Mount’s Bay. It is a showstopper with serpentine, sapphire seas, and offshore islands.

Kynance Cove Panorama 8. Nikon D3100. DSC_0368-0370. by Robert Pittman / CC BY-ND 2.0

Price: Free
Location: Helston TR12 7PJ, United Kingdom

5. Tresco Abbey Garden

The garden is nature’s treat. Laid out in 1834 in a 12th-century Benedictine priory, over 20,000 exotic species can be enjoyed here, plus the Valhalla collection salvaged from ships which foundered on the shores of Tresco. It is one of the top things to do in Cornwall.

Price: £15 for adults; children go free
Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM
Location: Tresco, Isles of Scilly TR24 0QQ, United Kingdom

6. Newquay Zoo

This is only a miniature zoo, but it scores gigantic marks on kids – and it is no surprise. Who would not fall in love with the cute penguins, lemurs, and parrots around? If you are running for Parent of the Year, be sure to bring the kids and add this to your priority things to do in Cornwall.

Compare the meercat.com – Newquay Zoo by Airwolfhound / CC BY-SA 2.0

Price: £13.60 for adults, £10.20 for children, and £42.60 for families
Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM
Location: Trenance Gardens, Newquay, England

Restaurants

7. The Cornish Crepe Co.

Do not let the kiosk set up fool you. This restaurant deserves its spot as one of the best things to do in Cornwall. The Cornish Crepe Co. is as gourmet as it gets. Food is made fresh while you wait, and whether you prefer savory or sweet, you can be sure you will receive no less than crepe perfection. Bestsellers include sun-dried tomatoes and herbs and traditional lemon and sugar with sultanas. Do not miss their dreamy ice cream, too!

Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM
Location: The Railway Car Park, Padstow PL28 8BY, United Kingdom

8. Cherry Trees Coffee House

Take a seat in this airy coffee shop and nurse a warming drink while watching life pass by along the harbor’s edge. There is no shortage of hot food here, as well as homemade cakes that bring comfort at any time of day.

Price: Small meals and snacks between 60p to 3.20
Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM
Location: West Quay, Padstow PL28 8AQ, United Kingdom

9. The Old Ship Hotel

This 17th-century Georgian seafront hotel is sure a sight to behold, but its pub is a gem that features the best Cornish produce and seafood, along with the regular live music. The menu is varied, seasonal, and puts the spotlight on fresh vegetables and meat that come from local farms.

Price: A bottle of wine begins at £15.50; Mains between £15 to £22
Hours: Open daily
Location: King’s Road, Brighton BN1 1NR, United Kingdom

Museums

10. Museum of Witchcraft

It is not Hogwarts, but this oddball museum has a charm of its own. If you are into this quirky, mysterious, and fantastical stuff, be sure to visit the Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle. The world’s largest collection of witchy memorabilia sits here. Exhibits include voodoo dolls, hag bridles, and supposedly haunted skulls.

(Green Witch) Witchcraft and healing (healing potions) – The Museum of Witchcraft – Boscastle, Devon by Glen Bowman / CC BY 2.0

Price: £5
Hours: 10.30 AM to 6 PM every Monday to Saturday; 11.30 AM to 6 PM on Sundays from March to November
Location: The Harbour, Boscastle, England

11. Royal Cornwall Museum

A little bit of everything can be found in this museum. Visitors are treated to Celtic torques, geological specimens, ceremonial carriages, Egyptian artifacts, and a gallery with works of Newlyn artists, Turner, and Van Dyck.

Arsenopyrite by University of Exeter / CC BY 2.0

Malachite by University of Exeter / CC BY 2.0

Price: £5.50 for adults; 16 years and under go free
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM every Monday to Saturday (Last admission 4 PM)
Location: River St., Truro, England