South West Coast Path

Padstow

Padstow is a working port, with fisherman providing fresh seafood to the local restaurants which have become a major drawcard of the town. Padstow is also home to the infamous ‘Doom Bar’, a sandbar at the mouth of the Camel Estuary that has caused over 600 shipwrecks, supposedly the result of a mermaid’s curse.

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Porthcothan

Porthcothan Bay is one of the gems of the north Cornwall coast. Located part way between the holiday towns of Newquay and Padstow, this tiny seaside village has plenty of dramatic scenery to impress walkers.

Newquay

The seaside town of Newquay is bordered by several miles of golden beaches and is the surf capital of Britain. There’s plenty of eateries located all over the town, serving everything from Cornish pasties to fish and chips, international cuisine and more.

Perranporth

Perranporth is a bustling little seaside resort with a spectacular beach. It was part of Cornwall’s mining heartland and it is this rich history which inspired resident writer Winston Graham, the Poldark author.

Portreath

Portreath is a small resort with a very narrow harbour. It was once a busy port, importing coal and exporting copper, but now it only shelters the occasional fishing boat. The original loading ramp can still be seen in the village.

Hayle

Hayle is renowned for its industrial heritage that is evident in its historic architecture and landmarks like Harvey’s Foundry. The estuary provides opportunities for birdwatching and is a designated Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) reserve. The quaint town centre has shops, pubs and restaurants.

St Ives

St Ives has an excellent choice of beaches, stunning views, great surf, a wide range of places to eat, and some of the finest art galleries in the UK. Tate St Ives, overlooking Porthmeor Beach, is home to exhibitions of work by contemporary artists and locals. With the benefit of the mildest climate in the UK, along with waving palm trees and translucent waters, there is a definite tropical feel to the Porthminster Beach.

Zennor

The the tiny hamlet of Zennor lies above the high, rocky cliffs of the coast and the rugged, boulder-strewn, granite hills and moors. Be sure to visit the 12th-century church – the roofing style is unique to this area; it resembles the timbers of an upturned boat.

Pendeen

As you walk, you’ll pass the Pendeen Watch Lighthouse before turning inland to the village of Pendeen itself, a former mining community (the last mine closed in 1991).

Sennen Cove

Sennen Cove is a renowned surf spot and arguably one of Britain’s best beaches. The small town here hosts a few pubs and eateries and is a popular spot on a summer’s day.

Porthcurno

As you arrive at Porthcurno, you will pass the amazing clifftop amphitheatre of the Minack Theatre, hewn into the rock of the cliffside – it is truly one of the most unique settings for a theatre anywhere in the world. There are regular performances throughout the months of May to September. The village is tucked away in the valley to the right where you’ll find your accommodation.

Penzance

Penzance is a lively town that is worth some exploration. From here you can walk to Marazion and spend some time exploring St Michael’s Mount. The Mount has a beautiful little harbour and houses, with the towering castle and church above it, now all managed by the National Trust and the St Aubyn family who still reside in the castle.

Porthleven

Porthleven is all about the harbour, from where fishmongers emerge with their day’s catch of crab, mackerel and lobster. There are good eateries, pubs and delis. The town is home to an ever-growing colony of art galleries and craft shops promoting works by local artists.

Mullion

The seaside village of Mullion is on the impressive Lizard Peninsula, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town is one of the most picturesque villages in Cornwall and is home to an assortment of shops, art galleries, pubs and tearooms in traditional, whitewashed buildings.

Kynance Cove

Kynance Cove is one of the world’s most spectacular beaches. The turquoise seas meet a white sandy beach interspersed with colourful serpentine rock stacks. At low tide, caves and islands are yours to explore, but don’t get cut off by the tide! 

Lizard

Lizard Town, also known as Lizard Village and The Lizard, is the closest settlement to Lizard Point, the most southerly point in Britain. While not particularly charming architecturally, it has a real community atmosphere and an excellent pasty shop.

Coverack

Coverack is an endearing seaside village with a crescent-shaped beach, sparkling aquamarine waters and colourful fishing boats. Tucked away in a sheltered bay on the eastern side of the Lizard Peninsula, this archetypal Cornish village with its little old cottages, friendly locals and laid-back vibe is one of the county’s favourite holiday destinations.

Helford

The sleepy village of Helford was once an important port; the Helford River was busy with trade ships stocked with rum, lace and tobacco.

Falmouth

Falmouth is one of the South West’s leading cultural and festival destinations. On arriving in town, you will discover that there is much to see. Take in superb views from Pendennis Castle, built by Henry VIII in the 16^th-century, in defence against the threat of invasion from Spain and France, or perhaps take a cruise up the River Fal to Truro or Frenchman’s Creek, which inspired author Daphne du Maurier and her novel of the same name.