Destinations > Southern England > Cornwall Coast
Cornwall Coast Road Trip
Enjoy an unforgettable road trip adventure to Cornwall, where breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture await. Follow the iconic South West Coast Path, trace the rugged coastline and marvel at panoramic ocean views. Immerse yourself in the legendary tales of Tintagel and King Arthur, explore the majestic ruins of Tintagel Castle, and discover Camelot connections.
Visit charming seaside towns, known for picturesque harbours, quaint streets, sandy beaches, and delectable seafood cuisine. Wander through the quaint streets lined with colourful cottages and artisan shops.
Discover Cornwall's rich maritime history, from tales of pirates and shipwrecks to the legacy of the region's mining heritage. Visit historic harbours, museums, and heritage sites to delve into the fascinating stories that have shaped Cornwall's past.
Visit Cornwall
Head off on a road trip to Cornwall and discover its stunning coastline, picturesque villages, and rich cultural heritage. Visit iconic landmarks, explore charming seaside towns, and relax on beautiful beaches. Experience unique attractions, and indulge in fresh seafood and local delicacies. With its diverse landscapes and fascinating history, Cornwall offers an unforgettable road trip adventure.
☑ Cornwall Coast driving route:
This Cornwall driving route navigates around the stunning coastline with a distance of 212 miles (340km), suited to 7 to 9 days. Go beyond the coast for a fully immersive experience of Cornwall. The road trip guide includes location guides for 16 destinations and hotspots. Make this Cornwall road trip your own, by using the flexible itinerary to fit the time you have from 3 days to 2 weeks.
☑ Tintagel Castle:
Tintagel Castle is a must-visit destination on a road trip to Cornwall due to its legendary association with King Arthur, stunning medieval ruins perched on rugged cliffs, and dramatic coastal views, offering a unique and captivating experience steeped in history and folklore.
☑ Atlantic Way:
Experience the thrill of a scenic drive along the Atlantic Highway in Cornwall, following the winding A39 route along the coastline of Cornwall. Enjoy sweeping panoramic vistas of the majestic Atlantic Ocean, marvel at the rugged cliffs adorning the coastline, and uncover the charm of picturesque seaside towns nestled along the way on this classic Cornwall route.
☑ Lands' End:
Visiting Land's End offers the opportunity to experience the westernmost point of mainland England, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and an iconic signpost marking the end of the country, providing a memorable and picturesque stop along your journey. Land’s End should be a high priority on your Cornwall road trip.
☑ St Michael’s Mount:
Visiting St. Michael's Mount promises a unique experience, with its iconic tidal island crowned by a medieval castle and subtropical gardens. Accessible by foot during low tide or by boat, it offers a glimpse into history, stunning coastal views, and a memorable adventure combining heritage, nature, and maritime charm. Be sure to add a visit to St. Michael's Mount on your visit to Cornwall.
☑ St. Ives:
Exploring St. Ives during your visit to Cornwall offers a picturesque coastal experience. This charming seaside town boasts narrow cobbled streets, art galleries, sandy beaches, and a bustling harbour. Visitors can stroll along the scenic coastline, relax on the sandy shores, explore art galleries showcasing local talent, and indulge in fresh seafood at quaint cafes and restaurants. With its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views, St. Ives is a must-visit destination for any Cornwall road trip itinerary.
☑ Bodmin Moor, Truro and the Tamar Valley:
Explore Bodmin Moor, with its rugged beauty and ancient stone circles. Truro, Cornwall's only city, boasts elegant Georgian architecture and a bustling market, while the Tamar Valley, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers picturesque river views and historic mining heritage. The perfect places to explore on your road trip.
☑ Padstow:
Visiting Padstow promises a delightful coastal experience. This picturesque fishing village is known for its charming harbour, narrow streets lined with shops and cafes, and renowned seafood restaurants. Visitors can explore the bustling harbour, take scenic walks along the Camel Estuary, sample fresh seafood delicacies, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this quintessential Cornish town. With its scenic beauty and culinary delights, Padstow offers a memorable stop on your Cornwall itinerary.
☑ Cornwall Maps:
This Classic Cornwall road trip travel guide is mapped out on 5x Cornwall maps, including a flexible driving route, beaches of Cornwall and places of interest on the South West Coast Path. Use the Overnight Stay to locate 120+ campsites, 25+ motorhome stops & almost wild spots, 60+ hotels and 160+ B&Bs, guesthouses and lodges and the Uncover More map pinpoints 35+ Viewpoints, 180+ Places of interest, 30+ Hidden gems, 25+ Wild swim spots and 15+ On-Screen locations. This planner is suitable for motorhomes, campervans and caravans as sites are included. If you are travelling in a car, choose to camp or stay in a B&B or hotel are also listed.
☑ Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary:
This itinerary is perfect for exploring the coastline of Cornwall as well as inland. The travel guide covers visitor information for 10 destinations along the way, plus loads of links and references. Check out iconic and historic sites, dramatic coast, stunning moorland, walks in the area, myths, folklore and legend, and more, with references and 100s of attractions. Browse things to do in Cornwall, including local experiences and activities available as bookable links.
England Road Trip Travel Guide: Cornwall Road Trip Overview
Save hours searching the internet using our well-researched inspiration and signposting to plan your perfect visit to Cornwall.
Enjoy a road trip to Cornwall on this flexible driving route itinerary.
This Cornwall route planner covers guides to 22 destinations and locations.
The Cornwall destination guide includes references and embedded links to over 70 attractions, experiences, and activities.
Browse from a range of bookable, local experiences and activities, by location, such as tours, boat trips, bike hire, and things to do in the Lakes.
Easily locate viewpoints, hidden gems, wild swim spots and more.
Find the best Cornwall campsites, almost wild spots, pub stops and motorhome stopover spots from our Overnight Stays map.
Travelling in a car? Stay overnight in a hotel or B&B.
Buy the Cornwall Road Trip in two ways:
Individual Road Trip
One-off payment: 1 year access. No subscription to cancel.
All Southern England Road Trips
One-off payment: 1 year access. No subscription to cancel.
More Things to Do in Cornwall
South West Coast Path: The South West Coast Path covers approximately 296 miles (or around 476 kilometres) of the total 630 miles (1,014 kilometres) of Cornwall's stunning coastline. This means nearly half of the entire path is situated within this picturesque county. Discover the South West Coast Path as it traverses across North, West and South Cornwall for parts of the legs it crosses the Cornish coast.
Legend and History: Discover Cornish legend and history including pirates and smugglers, Cornish Saints and Holy Wells, and Mining and Industrial Heritage. Plus, of course, the legend of the King. Visit Tintagel Castle, associated with the legend of King Arthur. The Castle is a medieval fortification perched on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It offers stunning views and a glimpse into Cornwall's rich history.
Best beaches and watersports: Relax on some of the best beaches in the UK. In particular, visit Newquay, a popular surfing destination and home to some of the best beaches in Cornwall, including Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay. St Ives also boasts some of the best beaches in Cornwall, including Porthmeor Beach and Porthgwidden Beach. There are so many more to enjoy!
Historic fortresses and Coastal Defenses: Encounter many castles and fortresses overlooking the sea, including the well-preserved Pendennis Castle - an artillery fortress dating back to the Tudor period, offering panoramic views of the coastline and the Carrick Roads estuary. St. Mawes Castle is another coastal artillery fortress, offering historical significance and scenic views of the Fal Estuary.
Iconic landmarks: Discover iconic landmarks including the Land's End signpost. Land’s End is the most southwestern point of mainland Britain and a popular tourist destination, with stunning views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. Visit Godrevy Lighthouse, which has been immortalised in Virginia Woolf's novel "To the Lighthouse," stands on Godrevy Island. It's a striking landmark and a symbol of Cornwall's maritime heritage. Uncover many of the iconic landmarks dotted around the county. St. Michael's Mount is a well-loved landmark and striking silhouette. It was a significant religious site and a monastery was established here in the 8th century.
Scenic Beauty: Marvel at the beautiful scenery such as the Lizard Peninsula - a beautiful area of coastline with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and hidden coves. It is also home to more beautiful places, including Kynance Cove and Lizard Point. Kynance Cove is renowned for its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs. It's a must-visit spot for its natural beauty and coastal walks.
National Trust Properties: Cornwall boasts a wealth of National Trust properties, from grand estates to picturesque gardens. Each property showcases the region’s rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the county's cultural heritage.
Historic towns and ports: Historic towns and ports in Cornwall, such as Penzance, Falmouth and Padstow, are steeped in maritime heritage, featuring charming cobblestone streets, ancient harbours, and a wealth of cultural landmarks, providing a delightful experience for history enthusiasts and visitors alike.
Vibrant arts scene: The charming town of St Ives has a lively arts scene, attracting artists and art enthusiasts with its numerous galleries, exhibitions, and creative events. Visit Tate St Ives, a renowned art gallery showcasing contemporary and modern art.
For fans of Poldark: With its rugged coastline and historic mining heritage, the area served as the backdrop for the popular TV series "Poldark," based on the novels by Winston Graham. Fans of the show can explore various locations in Cornwall associated with the Poldark series. Exploring these locations allows fans to immerse themselves in the world of "Poldark" while appreciating Cornish natural beauty and historical significance.
These are just a few of the many themes and places to discover on this route. With its stunning scenery, charming towns and villages, and vibrant culture, Cornwall is sure to have something to interest everyone.