19 secret things to do in Cornwall
With 400 miles of glittering coastline, picturesque fishing villages and world-class food and drink, it’s little wonder that Cornwall is one of the UK’s most popular destinations. It’s certainly no secret that England’s southerly tip makes a magical summer escape, and July and August can see Cornwall’s best beaches bursting at the seams. But while the crowds flock to the county’s big-hitter hotspots, for those willing to venture off the beaten path, there are hidden gems to be discovered and explored. From secluded coves and concealed lagoons to local gin makers and hidden hotels, here are 15 of the best secret things to do in Cornwall.
How many days should I spend in Cornwall?
We recommend staying in Cornwall for at least three to four days so that you can properly enjoy this lovely corner of the world. If you can sneak in a few more days, then even better. From pristine beaches to succulent seafood, you’ll want to explore all this region has to offer.
David Lichtneker/Alamy Stock Photo1. Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle
Cornwall does kooky well, and the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, on our list of the most beautiful places in Cornwall, is a fine example. In the heart of land-of-myth-and-legend Cornwall, this quirky and interesting independent museum is devoted to all things enchanted. It’s lovingly and expertly curated, and it’s extensive – home to one of the largest collections of witchcraft artefacts in the world, from wands to weapons, cauldrons to crystals. Situated in the picturesque harbour of charming Boscastle, there is plenty to discover on the museum’s doorstep too. Nearby, Boscastle Farm Shop serves award-winning food and drinks with showstopping sea views.
Address: The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, The Harbour, Boscastle PL35 0HD
Website: museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk
2. Kudhva Hideout Stay
Four arresting architectural structures, on a 45-acre abandoned quarry, in a raw and rugged landscape overlooking the sea; Kudhva, Cornish for ‘hideout’, is just that. This is a true sanctuary from fast-paced, digitally charged daily life. It’s also distinct from other Cornwall hotels, Airbnbs and holiday cottages, making for a thrilling experience. Totally off-grid, Khudva invites guests to slow down, listen to the waves, watch the sunset, soak in the wood-fired hot tub, or refresh in the wild swimming lake. Each Khudva sleeps two in a mezzanine bed above a compact sofa area below. Raised high above the ground, they command captivating landscape and coastal views from their floor-to-ceiling windows. If you want to unplug, unwind, and connect with the stunning Cornish landscape, this is where to do it in style.
Address: Kudhva, Sanding Road, Trebarwith Strand, Tintagel, Cornwall PL34 0HH
Website: kudhva.com
3. Trevibban Mill Vineyard
Trevibban Mill is an award-winning working vineyard boasting an impressive collection of Cornish wines and cider. Everything is made in its stylish, scenic winery, next to picturesque Padstow on the North Cornish coast. The team here offer tours and tastings, often guided by one of the owners themselves. Stroll through the vineyard, orchard and lakeside, learning about Cornish winemaking, before heading to the contemporary tasting room. Sample Trevibban Mill’s wines and ciders over lunch, featuring tasty sharing boards, hand-carved charcuterie and local cheeses, all while enjoying beautiful views across the valley. This welcoming, unpretentious and well-presented vineyard is a wonderful place to learn about, taste and fall in love with Cornish wine.
Address: Trevibban Mill Vineyard, Trevibban Mill, Padstow PL27 7SE
Website: visitcornwall.com
Getty Images4. Lantic Bay
Close to the harbour town of Fowey, Lantic Bay is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Setting off from the National Trust car park to the east of Polruan, and following the footpath through an unassuming-looking field, quickly reveals a breathtaking view of this hidden cove. Emerald water is constantly in view as you make the 20-minute steep climb down the cliffside – this isn’t a flip-flop friendly walk – arriving at the beautiful, secluded and often deserted beach.
Address: Lantic Bay, Fowey
Getty Images5. St Michael’s Mount – by paddleboard
St Michael’s Mount, an island at high tide, is accessible on foot by a cobbled causeway just twice a day. Its subtropical gardens and striking medieval castle make it a popular destination, but to escape the crowds, launch from Marazion by paddleboard and admire the island’s exotic beauty from the water. Back on the mainland, refuel at the famous Philps bakery, considered by some to be the home of the best Cornish pasty… we’ll leave that for you to decide.
Address: Saint Michael's Mount, Mount's Bay, Cornwall
Website: stmichaelsmount.co.uk
Getty Images6. Tregirls, Padstow’s secret beach
There aren’t many secret spots left on Cornwall’s Champagne Coast, making this unspoiled golden sandy bay, a 20-minute walk from Padstow, even more special. Its sheltered, shallow waters are perfect for paddling, and there are glorious views of Rock and Polzeath. Some things are worth joining the crowds for, and Padstow’s food scene is one of them. After soaking up some sun and sea at Tregirls, walk into town for a feast at Paul Ainsworth at No. 6 restaurant, or pick up fish and chips from Stein’s on the Quay.
Address: Tregirls Beach, Cornwall
Emma Griffin7. Gin-making at Colwith Farm Distillery
This 200-acre farm near Lostwithiel is run by three generations of the Dustow family and has been producing Cornish spirits since 2014. It was Cornwall’s first plough-to-bottle distillery, and everything is produced from their own estate. Its gin and vodka are served in some of Cornwall’s best restaurants, and they have been awarded double gold medals at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Colwith Farm runs brilliant masterclasses, guided distillery tours, and tastings. Their gin and vodka schools are a particular highlight; offering a hands-on experience of distilling your own gin or vodka to take home for the perfect souvenir.
Address: Colwith Farm Distillery, Pelyn Cross, Lanlivery, Lostwithiel PL22 0JG
Website: colwithfarmdistillery.co.uk
Getty Images8. Seal-spotting and skinny dipping at Fishing Cove
Hidden below a spectacular stretch of the coast path near Godrevy Head, Fishing Cove is well worth the steep scramble down – look for the helpful rope handles in the narrowest spots. Popular with naturists but rarely busy, it’s the perfect place to take the plunge and indulge in some proper skinny dipping. The whole area is spectacular, with wildflowers, incredible rock formations and endless seascapes. Fishing Cove itself feels secluded and private, although you might be joined by the seals that love this part of the Cornish coastline.
Address: Fishing Cove, B3301, Gwithian, Camborne TR27 5EG
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Getty Images9. The hidden pool at Porthtowan
Concealed behind the rocks to the northeast of the beach, Porthtowan’s tidal pool is tricky to find and often completely empty. At low tide (always check tide times carefully) it’s possible to reach it across the rocks, or you can follow the coast path and look for the steep and very weather-worn steps that lead down to this secluded lagoon. After swimming up an appetite, continue north on the coast path to Chapel Porth Beach café and try a legendary Hedgehog – Cornish ice cream in a cone, topped with clotted cream and rolled in chopped hazelnuts.
Address: Porthtowan Tidal Pool/Rockpool, Porthtowan, Truro TR4 8AW
Website: cornwalls.co.uk
10. Laid-back luxury at Talland Bay
Talland is one of those rare beaches in Cornwall with loos as well as a charming café serving great food, coffee and ice cream, plus parking – which never seems to be overcrowded. It’s a super spot for cooling off in the water, skimming stones and watching the world go by. In the hills overlooking the sea is the Talland Bay Hotel – just the place to enjoy a cream tea with sweeping coastal views.
Address: Talland Bay Hotel, Porthallow, Looe PL13 2JB
Getty Images11. Charming Cadgwith and Coverack
Despite its poster child, Kynance Cove, regularly being named as one of Britain’s best beaches, The Lizard peninsular is the unspoiled gem of the south Cornwall coast. Like a moment stopped in time, Cadgwith is a tiny, quintessentially Cornish fishing village, untrammelled by tourism and incredibly picturesque. A 20-minute drive away is the equally charismatic and understated Coverack, with boat-to-plate seafood restaurants, fish and chips on the harbour and cosy pubs for a pint of something local.
Getty Images12. Treyarnon – the perfect north Cornwall beach
Treyarnon might not be quiet, but if it’s busy, it’ll be busy with locals. Unlike its better-known neighbours at Constantine, Polzeath and Rock, Treyarnon attracts those in the know who want a low-key beach day with all the trimmings. Its excellent water quality, clean white sand, teeming rock pools and fantastic surf make it a pretty perfect north Cornish beach. Visit while you can – with the arrival of The Pig at Harlyn Bay, Treyarnon might not be a local secret for long.
Address: Treyarnon, Padstow PL28 8JR
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Getty Images13. Chasing waterfalls at Nanjizal
In the wildest west, Nanjizal beach makes a great alternative if the throngs at Lands’ End are unappealing. It’s a fair walk from any parking, which means it’s often uninhabited, despite being home to the famously photogenic slit-like cave formation the Song of the Sea. Its invigorating freshwater waterfalls are the perfect way to wash the salt away after a swim. It’s also a particularly dramatic location to savour a perfect Cornish sunset.
Address: Nanjizal Beach, St Just, Penzance TR19 6JJ
Alamy14. Baby Bay
Hidden beside one of North Cornwall’s poster child beaches, Pentireglaze Haven is better known by its affectionate local nickname - Baby Bay. The golden sands and good vibes of Polzeath make it one of Cornwall’s best beaches, but for those seeking something a little more low-key, a scramble down from New Polzeath reveals this lesser-known, dinky and delightful cove. Even better, Baby Bay is now home to a fabulous wood-fired sauna for those looking to recharge, refresh and relax after a dip in the ocean, and a food truck dishing up a changing menu of daily specials and tasty treats. And, of course, the chic, surfy paradise of Polzeath is just around the corner.
Alamy15. Cape Cornwall
With its epic views, iconic tin mine chimney and the photogenic Brisons rocks, Cape Cornwall is where those in the know head for a Land’s End experience without the tourists or the tack. One of only two capes in Britain, here, the Atlantic Ocean crashes into the Irish Sea, creating dramatic waterscapes and tremendous panoramic views. Aside from a small car park, there are no other facilities, preserving the sanctity of this wild, westerly point. Nearby, the village of St Just, the first and last town in England, has a picturesque fifteenth-century church and is littered with beguiling hints of its Roman past, offering an immersive experience of Cornwall’s fascinating history.
Address: Cape Cornwall, TR19 7
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk
Getty Images16. Kingsand and Cawsand
The Rame Peninsular is one of Cornwall’s last remaining hidden treasures, and the twin villages of Kingsand and Cawsand are the jewels in its crown. Their sheltered, shingle beaches and crystal-clear, gentle waters are some of Cornwall’s best bays for paddleboarding, wild swimming and kayaking. Packed too with pretty, pastel-coloured cottages, cafes, pubs and shops, this unspoiled corner of Cornwall is an enchanting place to explore. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy local delicacies, fish and chips on the beach, a pasty on the seafront, or a pint of cider with an ocean view – bliss.
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17. Ci Ci’s Cocktail Bar
Tucked away above Paul Ainsworth’s Michelin-starred No.6 restaurant is the wonderful Ci Ci’s Cocktail Bar. Recently refreshed with a stunning redesign, it is open to book without a dinner reservation. It’s a beautiful setting in which to sip exquisitely crafted, classic cocktails showcasing the finest Cornish ingredients. It’s also a fantastic way to sample some impressive No6 food, thanks to the fabulous Pintxos menu inspired by San Sebastian and Barcelona. Bar snacks here are seriously top-tier – croquetas stuffed with Iberian ham and aged Manchego, jamon toast with tomato-soaked sourdough and Jerez vinegar, and crispy patatas fritas. An artfully curated space serving ridiculously good food and drinks in the very heart of picturesque Padstow – Ci Ci’s is an utter delight.
Address: Ci Ci’s Cocktail Bar, Paul Ainsworth at No6, 6 Middle Street, Padstow PL28 8AP
Website: paul-ainsworth.co.uk
Alamy18. Golitha Falls
An extraordinary series of cascading waterfalls, babbling brooks, and mossy rock formations make Golitha Falls feel like something lifted from the pages of a fairy tale. This ancient woodland wonderland is laced with paths and trails and dotted with secret spots. Discover secluded plunge pools, emerald green lagoons and wildflower-strewn clearings. It is also home to its own hidden foodie gem, Inkie’s Smokehouse - a cabin in the woods serving up delicious, house-smoked BBQ food. Here you can feast on Kansas burgers and mac & cheese, s’mores and sundaes in a unique, al fresco setting totally in tune with its atmospheric surroundings.
Address: Golitha Falls, Liskeard PL14 6RX
Website: gov.uk19. The Hidden Hut, Porthcurnick Beach
As its name suggests, this foodie haven is truly tucked away along the coast path near Portscatho on the remote Roseland Peninsula. It’s an unmissable spot producing incredible food in a spectacular position, all with an understatedly chic Cornish vibe. By day, the hut serves a small menu of simple, delicious lunches and light bites to be enjoyed on the beach. The menu is meticulously sourced from the best pick of local ingredients and made fresh each morning. By night, the hut hosts open-air feast nights – cooked outdoors over a wood fire or local charcoal. Each event is built around a signature dish – previous feasts have included lobster and chips, slow-roasted spring lamb, wood-fired seafood paella, mackerel grill, and sticky ribs. A delicious gem of a place.
Address: The Hidden Hut, Portscatho, Truro TR2 5EW
Website: hiddenhut.co.uk