St Michael's Mount at sunset, reflected in a calm tidal pool with rocky shoreline in the foreground

The best Cornwall attractions

Determining the best Cornwall attractions is no easy task. This is a county of rugged, primeval coastline and lush, fertile countryside – a place where vibrant towns and villages sit alongside hushed, lonely, granite-topped moors. History, too, has woven diversity into the fabric of the land. The result is a tapestry of opportunities. A mosaic of castles, cliffs, stately homes and cultural institutions, all offering a unique slant on a distinctly Cornish way of life.

It is hoped that this guide will help chart a course through Cornwall. Whether seeking excitement, relaxation or new experiences, a sense of adventure is guaranteed.

Mevagissey Coastal harbour village with colourful fishing boats, hillside houses and rocky cliffs under a bright blue sky

Harbours

Cornish culture is inextricably tied to the sea. The county was once a centre of international trade and shipbuilding, and maritime industries like fishing still form a vital pillar of the Cornish economy.

This rich history has left Cornwall with many charming seaside harbours. Most are very beautiful, and some remain as working fishing ports. For visitors, they offer a chance to explore the coastline from the water and perhaps even try a spot of sea fishing.

  • St Mawes Harbour (9 miles away): a small, picturesque harbour known as a haven for sailing enthusiasts.
  • Mevagissey Harbour (10 miles away): an ancient harbour that hosts a thriving modern fishing industry and welcomes thousands of visitors annually.
  • Charlestown Harbour (16 miles away): a UNESCO World Heritage Site, still used by square riggers ships – the type made famous by pirates of old.
  • Padstow Harbour (29 miles away): a popular local fishing spot, and the beating heart of this charming port town.
  • Looe Harbour (39 miles away): a bustling harbour on the Looe Estuary known for its colourful boats and distinctive Banjo Pier.
  • Mousehole Harbour (46 miles away): a picture-postcard harbour that serves as the perfect entry point to the 'loveliest village in England'.

Historic churches

Cornwall has many beautiful and historic churches, with many dating back to before the 14th century. They range in size and stature, from quaint village chapels to the Gothic grandeur of Truro Cathedral. All are worth visiting, and many are within easy reach of The Nare.

  •  St Symphorian, Veryan (1 mile away): moments from The Nare, this small chapel has stood at the centre of Veryan village since Norman times.
  • St Just's Church, St Just in Roseland (7 miles away): a particularly beautiful parish church, surrounded by subtropical gardens on the banks of the River Fal.
  • St Mawes Church (9 miles away): a Grade II-listed 19th-century church, built in the Early English style to replace a former medieval chapel.
  • St Anthony's Church, St Anthony in Roseland (9 miles away): a 13th-century church overlooking the Percuil River, extensively restored in the 1800s.
  • Truro Cathedral (14 miles away): Cornwall's largest church, this three-spired, 19th-century edifice is largely considered a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture.
Floodlit Truro cathedral beside a river at dusk with boats in the foreground
Ruined stone castle walls with an arched doorway on a coastal cliff under a bright blue sky

Castles and forts

History lovers will find some of the best attractions in Cornwall among its many castle ruins and forts. Some of Cornwall's hillforts date back to prehistoric times, while examples like Restormel Castle stand as crumbling monuments to Norman military might. Certain sites, such as Pendennis Castle, offer interactive exhibits and activities, making them ideal for family day trip.

  • St Mawes Castle (9 miles away): a 16th-century fortress, built by Henry VIII to defend the Carrick Roads waterway from French invasion.
  • St Catherine's Castle, Fowey (22 miles away): a small artillery fort, used as recently as the Second World War and now managed by English Heritage.
  • Restormel Castle (23 miles away): one of Cornwall's most renowned Norman fortifications, Restormel is notable for its almost perfectly circular construction.
  • Pendennis Castle (25 miles away): the sister fortress of St Mawes Castle, Pendennis stands watch over the eastern bank of the Carrick Roads estuary.
  • St Michael's Mount, near Penzance (40 miles away): a stunning island fortification with roots stretching back to the 12th century, accessible only by boat or tidal causeway.
  • Tintagel Castle (45 miles away): these beautiful coastal ruins date to the early medieval period and are famous for their association with the legends of King Arthur.
Lanhydrock Castle Historic stone manor house with ivy-covered walls surrounding a circular lawn courtyard under a bright blue sky

Stately homes and manor houses

Wonderful stately homes can be found across the county, including two National Trust properties, Lanhydrock and Trelissick, both within easy reach of The Nare. As well as architectural grandeur, many offer beautiful gardens, tea rooms and gift shops.

  • Caerhays Castle and Garden (7 miles away): a private manor house dating back more than 200 years, complete with an internationally acclaimed garden and enchanting coastal walks.
  • Trelissick House (9 miles away): notable for its grand neoclassical columns, this manor has a pretty woodland garden and enjoys sweeping views over the River Fal. It also houses a café, a tearoom and a large second-hand bookshop.
  • Lanhydrock House and Garden (25 miles away): a magnificent Jacobean mansion refurbished to suit late Victorian tastes. The house sits within a formal garden, surrounded by nearly 1,000 acres of parkland.
Falmouth View over a marina filled with yachts and motorboats on a calm estuary, with a hillside town and light mist in the background.

National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Falmouth • 24 miles (55 minutes) from The Nare

The Nare is an active supporter of this independent museum, which celebrates and explores the overwhelming influence of the sea on Cornish history and culture. The museum boasts one of the UK's most extensive collections of small boats, as well as many historical artefacts of local maritime life. With a children's play zone and a programme of interactive activities, it easily ranks among the best Cornwall attractions for families and maritime enthusiasts alike.

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Bodmin Moor Golden light over rugged granite tors and moorland grass under a clear blue sky

Bodmin Moor

Near Bodmin • 39 miles (60 minutes) from The Nare

The best attractions in Cornwall, it could be argued, are not made by mankind but hewn by Mother Nature over many thousands of years. Bodmin Moor is a case in point. Bleak, windswept and achingly beautiful, this 80-square-mile granite moorland is home to Cornwall's highest peaks and some of its most dramatic views.

Today, the moor is a popular hiking spot and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the largest in the county. One of it biggest draws, however, is its connection to ancient folklore. Bodmin is home to several sites associated with King Arthur, including Dozmary Pool – the lake, some say, where Arthur relinquished Excalibur after his final battle.

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