Searching for inspiration on places to visit during your upcoming trip to Cornwall?
If you love cosy coastlines and harmonious harbours, we’ve got the perfect place for you. Explore ten towns and villages bursting with life and culture, all within less than an hour’s drive of The Beeches Glamping. With tantalisingly tasty cafés and restaurants, galleries, gift shops and stunning sea views, there’s something to keep everybody entertained.
1) Padstow
Jam-packed full of classic Cornish charm, Padstow is the ultimate destination, boasting stunning surroundings and seven sandy beaches which lie less than five minutes away.
As a working fishing port, it’s no surprise that Padstow is one of the most sought-after culinary hot spots in Cornwall. Put on the culinary map by chef Rick Stein when he opened The Seafood Restaurant in 1975 – and often nicknamed Padstein – Padstow remains an affluent hub of activity, with no lack of amazing places to eat.
2) Portloe
If walking through a tranquil valley and breathing in the relaxing Cornish air is your idea of a good time, then Portloe is the place for you.
Widely considered to be the jewel of the Roseland peninsula, this authentic, ageless valley is remotely located, making it the ideal setting to slow down and enjoy the Cornish pace of life. With incredible views from the Coast Path in every direction, you can enjoy watching spectacular sunsets that showcase a perfect palette of Cornish colours.
3) Rock
Rock is a scenic, sunny resort on Cornwall’s north coast. Populated with fantastic cafés and restaurants, like the popular waterfront Blue Tomato café and The Mariners pub (which was transformed by chef Paul Ainsworth and features a terrace overlooking the water), Rock also has plenty of shops and endless sparkling sea views.
You can explore this vibrant stretch of Cornish coastline via the Coast Path to Polzeath, one of Cornwall’s best beaches, which lies just one hour away. You can also take a short ferry ride across the Camel Estuary to Padstow.
4) Falmouth
If you’re looking for a buzzing, atmospheric town to explore, Falmouth has everything you could possibly want in a seaside town. As well as an exciting programme of year-round events and festivals, there are numerous fun activities to take part in, such as water sports and boat trips at the quay and pier.
You can fill your itinerary with lots of fantastic cultural attractions, such as Pendennis Castle, Trebah Garden and the award-winning National Maritime Museum, or relax on one of the four world-class beaches nearby.
5) Port Isaac
Home to an incredible selection of cafés, restaurants and shops, Port Isaac is charmingly traditional and is one of Cornwall’s most photographed fishing villages. Absorb the village’s rich history as you wander down alleyways lined with pretty cottages, leading to the scenic harbour.
A sublime location to enjoy delicious local seafood and fresh Cornish produce, Port Isacc boasts two fantastic restaurants by renowned chef Nathan Outlaw.
6) St Mawes
St Mawes is one of Cornwall’s most beautiful and exclusive villages. With a distinctly Mediterranean feel and year-round mild weather, you can enjoy sensational ocean views at every turn and a colourful array of flora and fauna.
Blending traditional Cornish charm with an exotic feel, you can discover an abundance of wonderful restaurant options, including The Victory Inn; making St Mawes an unmissable treat.
7) Fowey
Fowey is a bustling town packed full of delightful treats including artisan coffee shops, afternoon tea, art galleries and antique markets, making it an ideal spot for shopping and dining.
Sailing and exploring are also high on the list of amazing things to do in Fowey, with a striking estuary that bursts into life as you approach the harbour. A short foot ferry trip takes you to the pretty village of Polruan, where you can climb the hills to uncover panoramic views of Fowey and beyond.
8) St Ives
St Ives is one of Cornwall’s most picturesque towns, featuring a charming landscape of fishermen’s cottages and winding streets with craft shops, cafés and boutiques. Be sure to treat yourself to a drink at the Sloop Inn; one of Cornwall’s oldest pubs, built back in 1312!
Having attracted many artists over the years, St Ives is the perfect place to discover awe-inspiring art and culture, boasting the Tate Gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
9) Helford Passage
If you’re looking for the perfect romantic escape, we highly recommend visiting Helford Passage. Nestled between arty Falmouth and the stunning Lizard peninsular, Helford Passage has a peaceful beauty that draws people to the spectacular shores of the Helford River.
With subtropical scenery fringed by beautiful woodland, there’s no better place to explore the local area, which is rich in wildlife and ocean views. Enjoy a refreshing drink at the famous Ferryboat Inn; or, if you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, water sports are popular and well catered for at the river’s edge.
10) Boscastle
Boscastle is a truly stunning Cornish coastal location. The scenic village features a beautiful harbour, rambling thatched and whitewashed cottages, and a whole wealth of culture. Discover its medieval history, potteries, and art galleries.
Explore Cornwall with The Beeches Glamping
The Beeches Glamping lies in the heart of Cornwall, nestled between Newquay and Truro. If you’re looking for the ideal place to stay whilst you visit the stunning sites that Cornwall has to offer, we’ve got you covered! Click here to book your glamping experience in the heart of Cornwall today.