Cornwall is a charming and gorgeous county in the South West of England, defined by its rich history and majestic landscapes. With plenty of hidden gems and thrilling activities on offer, the county has long been a popular spot for holiday makers.
In fact, there’s so much to do in Cornwall that it can often feel overwhelming to plan out the perfect day and not feel like you’re missing out on something.
To help you make the most of Cornwall, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best highlights on offer along with all the important information you need so you can pick out the best activity for you and make your day out in Cornwall a trip to remember.
Days out at the beach
No trip to Cornwall is complete without a beach trip and luckily, the county is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the UK. From hidden gems to popular family destinations, you will find yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect beach.
1. Porthcurno Beach
Porthcurno is an exotic paradise marked by clear turquoise waters and white sands. With strong swells out to sea, the beach is perfect for families and surfers alike.
At the top of the cliffs, you’ll find the dramatic Minack Theatre where you can catch a play in a beautiful amphitheatre above the sea before you take a walk in the colourful gardens.
There are a number of buses heading out from St Ives to Porthcurno including the Atlantic Coasters A1, A2 and A3 routes. For those of you who want to drink in the beautiful scenery along the way, you can opt for an open top bus ride with First Bus’ Land’s End Coaster.
Minack Theatre opening times: Wednesday-Sunday from 10am
If you decide to drive, parking at Minack is free for the duration of your visit but tickets at the theatre fill up fast so make sure you book in advance and arrive early to ensure you can park.
2. Porthmeor Beach
Our very own Porthmeor Beach is a popular choice for swimmers and surfers and is a great way to relax and have fun without having to travel too far. The beach has its own acclaimed cafe and is backed by the iconic Tate St Ives. The gallery is open for day visits and is a great choice for when the weather outside is cold or rainy.
There are plenty of cafes and bars to eat at while visiting the beach, making for a perfect day out in the sun.
- Porthmeor Beach Cafe – Open 8:30am-9:30pm Monday-Sunday on the east side of Porthmeor Beach.
- West Beach – Open 9am-9pm Monday-Sunday at the bottom of Porthmeor Hill.
- The Fish Shed – Open 5pm-9pm Monday-Sunday, located on the west side of Porthmeor Beach and open for bookings and walk-ins.
- Porthmeor West – Open 9am-9:30pm, located at the beach and specialising in taco and pizza takeaway.
The St Ives Surf School is situated between Porthmeor and Porthminster Beaches and is the perfect choice for people looking to learn how to surf with the family or take part in a wide range of other activities from kayaking to paddleboarding. Guests of Cornish Riviera Holidays benefit from a 10% discount on all activities run by the Surf School. A discount code is sent to guests with their check in details.
There is a seasonal dog ban in place from 15th May to 30th September between 10am and 6pm.
St Ives Surf School opening times: Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm
Tate St Ives opening times: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4:20pm
If you’re a member of the Tate, you will be rewarded with free, unlimited access. Otherwise, there are bookings for entry.
3. Bamaluz Beach
Another local St Ives beach, Bamaluz is a secluded hidden gem down near the Harbour beneath St Ives’ Museum. It is most well known for being open to dog walking all year round, making it the perfect secret escape for families wanting to bring their dogs along on their holiday.
There are a number of other beaches in the St Ives area if Porthmeor and Bamaluz don’t hit the spot, including:
- Porthminster – a Blue Flag beach that is perfect for swimming. Enjoy a game of mini-golf while you’re there. There is a seasonal dog ban in place from 15th May to 30th September between 10am and 6pm.
- Porthgwidden – picturesque views out towards Godrevy Lighthouse and a beach cafe where you can enjoy some of the finest food in Cornwall. There is a seasonal dog ban in place from 1st July to 31st August between 10am and 6pm.
- Carbis Bay – can be reached via a coastal walk, allowing you to enjoy scenic views out to sea. There is a seasonal dog ban in place from 15th May to 30th September between 10am and 6pm.
- Harbour Beach – easy access to the heart of St Ives, putting you in walking distance of the many shops, galleries, pubs and restaurants the town is famous for.There is a seasonal dog ban in place from 1st July to 31st August between 10am and 6pm.
While in St Ives you can also catch a sea safari boat trip, heading to the Island, Seal Island and Godrevy Lighthouse. Trips will take you past the stunning vistas of Porthmeor and there’s always great opportunities to catch sight of dolphins in the water.
Historic days out in Cornwall
Cornwall has a long and interesting history, from its many tin mines to the ruins dotted around the countryside. For anyone interested in learning more about the county’s history and traditions, there are a number of beautiful cultural destinations you can visit that will give you both a greater insight into the heart of Cornwall and the opportunity to drink in some breathtaking views.
4. Cornish tin mines
Cornwall is well-known for its tin mining with plenty of old mines and museums to visit that commemorate and celebrate this vital part of Cornish history. Visiting a tin mine always makes for a fun day out for those looking for a dash of adventure.
Some of the most prolific tin mines to visit include:
- Wheal Coates – Located at Chapel Porth; 37 minutes from St Ives by car
- Botallack Mines – Tin Coast, near St Just; 33 minutes from St Ives by car
- Wheal Peevor – Redruth; 25 minutes by car
Wheal Coates and Botallack Mines in particular are renowned for their beauty, situated on the cliffs with stunning views out across the sea and plenty of opportunity to spot local wildlife on your visit as well.
Wheal Coates can be reached along the North Coast. Your drive will take you past Gwithian, Godrevy, Hell’s Mouth and Porthtowan. This stretch of coast has a lot of charm characterised by some of the best views in the county, making the drive just as worth it as the destination.
Chapel Porth is a part of the National Trust with a car park that’s free for National Trust members and Blue Badge holders.
Visit the enchanting and cosy beach and admire nature while you walk the lovely coastal paths. From the coastal path you can also head up to explore the historic ruins of Wheal Charlotte, another mine in the area that accentuates the Cornish charm and striking beauty of the heathland.
Opening times:
Wheal Coates – Dawn-dusk Monday-Sunday.
Botallack Mines – the countryside is open from dawn-dusk. The Count House and the Mobility Scooter Hire service are open 10am-5pm and the Count House Cafe is open from 10am-4pm. In November and December, the Count House, the cafe and the Mobility Scooter Hire are open from 10am-3pm.
Wheal Peevor – 10:30am-4:30pm Monday-Saturday
5. Tintagel Castle
Tintagel is a must-visit location for lovers of Cornwall. The castle is steeped in Arthurian legend and the ruins are an entrancing and peaceful stop on any day out. The headland, the caves below and the bronze statue of an ancient king captures the imagination and leaves you with lasting memories to take home.
You can reach Tintagel from St Ives by car though the trip will take just under an hour and forty minutes. If you’re planning on a day trip, make this your only stop or pair it with other attractions in the eastern part of Cornwall.
Tintagel Castle opening times: Friday-Sunday 10am-4pm though opening days can change to include Wednesday and Thursday so be sure to check the English Heritage site before booking.
6. St Michael’s Mount
St Michael’s Mount and Marazion Beach make for the perfect funday out. Enjoy a range of watersports from sailing to paddleboarding at the beach before heading over the causeway to the ancient castle. Here, you’ll find a historic site mired in legends ranging from mermaids and the Archangel Michael to stories of Jack the Giant Killer and the giant Cormoran.
You can reach St Michael’s Mount from St Ives by car on a 19 minute trip or for those who want to make a proper day of it, you can head along the coastal trail that starts near Lelant, allowing you to bask in the scenery of both the north and south coasts.
St Michael’s Mount opening times: the island can be accessed during causeway opening hours so be sure to check the causeway times for the time you’re planning to visit. The causeway cannot be walked during high tide in which case you will need to book a boat trip over to the island.
The castle undergoes seasonal maintenance at certain points in the year. Check the website for St Michael’s Mount for more information before booking your trip.
St Michael’s Mount is open from 9:15am-5pm Sunday-Friday. Last admittance to the island is at 3:45pm.
Other National Trust sites in Cornwall, you can visit include:
- Lanhydrock – a stunning Victorian country house with picturesque gardens; 1 hour 17 minutes from St Ives
- Cotehele – a Tudor house with a rich history as well as a beautiful garden and estate; 2 hours from St Ives
- Trelissick Garden – a house and garden known for its charming woodland, beach and views out to sea; 44 minutes from St Ives
Days out for animal lovers
There is a wide range of fascinating wildlife in Cornwall whether in the sea, on land or in the air. Animal lovers are sure to have a fun and action-packed day out so don’t forget to check out some of Cornwall’s sanctuaries, aquariums and zoos to learn more about your favourite creatures.
7. Newquay Zoo
Nothing quite beats a family day out like a trip to the zoo and Newquay Zoo is the most well-known wildlife park in the county. Boasting a wide range of animals from armadillos and penguins to turtles and zebras as well as a subtropical garden, the zoo is the best place to learn something new and get in touch with nature.
Newquay is a 49 minute drive from St Ives by car and you can also catch the train if you don’t mind a longer travel time.
Newquay Zoo opening times: daily from 10am-4:30pm (last admission 3:30pm)
The zoo undergoes seasonal maintenance so be sure to plan your trip accordingly. Check the Newquay Zoo website for more information.
8. Porfell Wildlife Park and Sanctuary
It’s recommended to make sure you have at least half a day to explore everything Porfell Wildlife Park has to offer and will ensure you get to spend a lot of time with animals such as meerkats, ostriches, parrots and owls.
The Porfell Wildlife Park is quite far from St Ives, totalling around 90 minutes to get to Liskeard. If you’re coming from the East of Cornwall and beyond and want to catch this attraction, it may be a good idea to pop in on your way down.
Porfell Wildlife Park opening times: April 1st-October 31st 10:30am-4pm
Admission will cost £11 for adults, £9 for seniors, £8 for children and children under the age of 3 can visit for free.
9. Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Over in Gweek, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is a beloved attraction and charity that rescues seal pups and rehabilitates them in safety. The sanctuary can also become a permanent home for some seals and visitors will have plenty of opportunities to get a close look at the gorgeous animals and learn more about their history and recovery.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is around 40 minutes away from St Ives by car and makes for a perfect day out for animal lovers and families. When you buy a ticket, you are eligible for twelve months of free entry.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary opening times: Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Last admission is at 4pm.
Booking tickets online is a better way to guarantee entry.
10. Newquay Aquarium
Ocean lovers will also find plenty to enjoy at the aquarium where you can catch a glimpse of and learn more about sea turtles, sharks and octopus. Kids will have great fun with the underwater tunnel and the 40 habitats will take you on a journey across the world.
Like the zoo, it will take you roughly 50 minutes to get to the aquarium from St Ives via car and standard admission prices include £11.10 for juniors and £14.35 for people aged 13 and older.
Newquay Aquarium opening times: Daily 10am-5pm. Last entry is at 4pm.
Opening and closing times can change based on daily changes which can be checked on social media and with entrance staff.
11. Paradise Park
Paradise Park in Hayle is a diverse wildlife sanctuary that is home to a number of animals including penguins, flamingos, red pandas and otters. Walk through the Aviary, meet pygmy goats and miniature donkeys at the Fun Farm or take your kids to play at the JungleBarn.
Paradise Park is only 5 miles away from St Ives, making it an easy day out for the whole family to enjoy. Parking is free and booking tickets in advance of your visit is advised if you want to visit the JungleBarn as well as the park.
Paradise Park opening times: the winter opening times from 30th October 2023 to 28th March 2024 are 10am-4pm. Doors close for entries at 3pm and the last JungleBarn session ends at 5:30pm.
The park is closed for maintenance on the following dates: 19th February, 20th February, 26th February, 27th February, 4th March, 5th March, 11th March and 12th March.
In Cornwall, there’s something for everyone whether you’re looking to explore further afield or plan to stay nearer to St Ives. Check out our articles on water activities in St Ives, things to do with kids and the best bars and pubs in St Ives to find out more about how you can spend your time during your stay with us.
Head to our property page to book one of our holiday cottages today and get started on planning your perfect Cornish day trips.
