> Hillwalk Tours Blog > Hiking in England > 7 things to do in Cornwall
POSTED BY March 21, 2022

Discover one of the most beautiful regions in England! Between Padstow and Penzance, the coastline is full of nature reserves, majestic cliffs, coves with turquoise waters, and historical remains. We’ve listed 7 things to do in Cornwall for you here! 

1. Perranporth Beach

Perranporth Beach is possibly the most popular beach in the South West of England! Surfers, swimmers, divers, sailors and hikers on the South West Coast Path… all of them are used to meeting on this Cornish beach .

Surrounded by cliffs with natural rock arches and vast sand dunes, Perranporth Beach is a little corner of paradise on the English coast. This golden sand beach is huge. It stretches for several kilometers.

Early in the morning, you will probably see a few horses and their riders enjoying the deserted expanses. The beach is easily accessible from the village of Perranporth.

Perranporth Beach
Perranporth Beach

2. Land’s End

Land’s End… or the end of the land. This is what this famous Cornish headland is called! Those who observe the coast from the impressive cliffs will certainly feel that the world stops there.

Why is a visit to Land’s End one of the 7 things to do in Cornwall? Because all along this rocky coast you will find magnificent hiking trails! On site, also discover places such as Enys Dodnan Arch or Maen Castle.

Land's End - the most western point in Britain. Hillwalk Tours
Land’s End – the most western point in Britain

3. Bedruthan Steps

Huge granite boulders strewn across the beach give the coast a spectacular look. This area is famous for its geological formations. This unique landscape has marked the history of the region.

Do you know the legend of the Bedruthan Steps? These granite rocks would have served as stepping stones for the giant Bedruthan. Each of the rocks has its own name: Queen BessSamaritan IslandRedcove IslandPendarves Island, and Carnewas Island.

From the top of the cliffs, the view of Bedruthan Steps is breathtaking!

Bedruthan Steps

Also read our article Hiking England: 5 classic trails


4. Butterhole Beach

While equally beautiful, this beach is – in many ways – different from Perranporth Beach.

Butterhole Beach is a small beach hidden and rarely visited. The reason why it is less known is because it is less accessible. Protected by rugged cliffs, it can only be reached by boat or by a very steep path.

But the reward is worth it – this is a little corner of paradise just for you! Butterhole Beach is definitely one of the 7 things to do in Cornwall!

5. Trevose Head Lighthouse

The Trevose Head headland – west of the town of Padstow – consists of rugged cliffs and lush green fields. These combine for a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Trevose Head Lighthouse, in use since the 19th century, is one of the area’s most popular attractions. The Trevose Head promontory serves as the setting for this beautiful white tower , designed to guide ships through the Bristol Channel.

The South West Coast Path also passes through this beautiful spot on the Cornish coast.

Trevose Head Lighthouse
Trevose Head Lighthouse, South West Coast Path

Read also 7 Facts About The South West Coast Path


6. Wheal Coates

The remains of the Wheal Coates tin mine are iconic.

Overlooking a cliff, the old pump-engine building stands on one of the most beautiful sites on the south-west coast of England. It is one of the many vestiges of mining in the region.

Hiking the South West Coastal Path
Wheal Coates, Cornwall

7. Porthgwarra Beach

When the sun is shining at Porthgwarra beach, you can imagine yourself somewhere in Greece… The crystal clear blue water of the cove, the white sand beach , and the fishing boats returning with their catches, make up an idyllic setting.

The picturesque fishing village of Porthgwarra is one of the best kept secrets in South West England. A real gem , which earned it its place in our ranking of the best things to do in Cornwall!

We hope that you enjoyed this guide to 7 things to do in Cornwall. If you’re interested in taking a hiking tour along the South West Coast Path in Cornwall, just get in touch.