It goes without saying that Cornwall is one of the premium travel destinations that Great Britain has to offer. If you enjoy sandy beaches and stunning coastal views, then you’re unlikely to find a more suitable place. What a lot of people might not realise (especially if they don’t live in the UK) is that Cornwall isn’t a city – it’s a county.
As such, you’ve got loads of little towns and villages all vying for your attention, but which ones are worth visiting the most?
Padstow
Padstow is known among locals and tourists alike as the destination for food in Cornwall. It has fresh fish, gorgeous menus and some of the best restaurants in the area by far. It also happens to be one of the most beautiful places throughout the country, mainly thanks to the iconic harbour and local beaches. Harbour Holidays has a huge dossier of things to see or do in Padstow, so it’s one of those towns that may seem small but has a lot to offer.
St Ives
Most people immediately think of St Ives when Cornwall gets brought up, as it’s one of the most well-known seaside towns in the entire United Kingdom. The perfect setting for a family adventure, St Ives boasts glorious beaches and some brilliant boutique shops. The narrow streets make you feel like you’re in a movie, and it’s easily the best destination if you’re interested in art and culture, boasting a Tate gallery.
Newquay
Newquay is synonymous with Cornwall and will easily be the busiest place on this list. A seaside town that’s known for surfing, you can expect to see loads of tourists here throughout the summer months. It might be a bit too busy and lively for some, but if you’re travelling to Cornwall for watersports, then look no further.
Penzance
With an Art Deco lido that overlooks the English Channel and plenty of high-quality restaurants, Penzance is a town that dazzles on the Cornish coast. It might be the easiest town to get to if you can’t drive because there are several direct train routes here from major cities like London or even Cardiff. Penzance feels exotic without doing too much and provides the perfect combination of green spaces, museums and other things to do. You can also set sail from here to explore iconic Cornish attractions like St Michael’s Mount.
Port Isaac
While technically a village, not a town, Port Isaac is one of those places you have to see to believe. It seems inconceivable that somewhere this beautiful exists in the UK, but tall green cliffs rise up around a small sandy port to create a scene that wouldn’t look out of place in France or Italy. You’ll have a quieter time here than anywhere else, and it’s probably the best place to go for a quintessential local experience. Stay in a small cottage, wander through the fishing village and just take time to unwind.
To be fair, you could travel to any Cornish town or village and have a splendid time. It’s one of those areas that’s just beautiful everywhere. That being said, if you need to be pointed in the right direction, these five towns are the best of the best.