The Ultimate 7 day Cornwall itinerary will lead you on a journey of discovery of what Cornwall has to offer. Like Scotland, many people also consider Cornwall to be one of the most beautiful parts of the United Kingdom. With fine coastlines and sandy beaches, cliff-top walks, and historic towns there is no shortage of places to explore.
With generally warmer weather than the rest of England, you will be able to visit in summer or in the quieter shoulder seasons. Cornwall has enough to explore for 7 days, but if you only have 5 days then you can still see a lot. Planning a 7 day Cornwall itinerary will help you maximise the use of your time when you get there.
- The Logistics of the Ultimate 7 Day Cornwall Itinerary
- Day 1 – North Cornwall: Bedruthan Steps and the St. Agnes Heritage Coast
- Day 2 – North Cornwall: Godrevy Coast and St Ives
- Day 3 – West Cornwall: Botallack Mine, Sennen Cove, Land’s End, and Nanjizal Beach
- Day 4 – West Cornwall: Porthcurno Beach
- Day 5 – South Cornwall: The Lizard & Kynance Cove
- Day 6 – South Cornwall: Falmouth and the Roseland Heritage Coast
- Day 7 – East Cornwall: The Eden Project
- If You Cannot do a 7 Day Cornwall Itinerary
The Logistics of the Ultimate 7 Day Cornwall Itinerary
The main attractions in Cornwall are centered around its coast. There are 400 miles of coastline to explore, with 158 of it designated as Heritage Coast. For the ultimate 7 day Cornwall itinerary, it makes sense to plan a circular road trip around the coast. You can either drive around it clockwise or anti-clockwise. This will minimise driving times. We chose to go anti-clockwise with this itinerary. The next step is to group locations together that are near each other to create days. Don’t be afraid to plan a whole day for places you want to explore to its fullest.
Considerations for Accommodation
For your accommodation, you have two options. One option is to base yourself in a central location in Cornwall, allowing reasonable driving distances between all of the places you want to visit. Another option is to stay in multiple locations along your route. This may be good if you want to do some camping on your trip.
When we went to Cornwall, we first stayed in a cottage in northern Cornwall near St Agnes. Later on, we then spent two nights camping down in the Lizard Peninsula. If you are camping then make sure you pack your camping equipment. This might sound obvious, but you do not want to be making an emergency trip to the nearest supermarket for a poor quality tent as we did! Here is how to spend 7 days in Cornwall.
Day 1 – North Cornwall: Bedruthan Steps and the St. Agnes Heritage Coast
Bedruthan Steps – 4 hours
The Bedruthan Steps is one of the most spectacular sections of coastline on the North Cornwall coast. It consists of a sandy beach with rock formations scattered around it. Access down to the beach is via a staircase from the tops of the cliffs. During periods of high tide, you will not be able to make it down to the beach because it will be completely submerged. Keep an eye on the tide times.
Unfortunately, due to a rockfall in February 2020 the staircase down to the beach had to be closed for safety reasons. In January 2021 the area suffered another rockfall, causing further damage along the cliffs. Therefore, it is worth checking the latest news before you visit this beauty spot. I expect that it will be repaired or replaced at some point. Despite this, I would recommend you visit the Bedruthan Steps even if you cannot get down to the beach. The views from the clifftops are stunning.
Upon arriving at the Bedruthan Steps, you will find a large National Trust car park. Currently, you can park all day for £6 or pay less for shorter visits. We found 4 hours was enough, but if you cannot access the beach then 2 hours may be sufficient.
St. Agnes Heritage Coast – 4 hours.
After visiting the Bedruthan Steps, one good option is to drive down to the St. Agnes Heritage Coast and spend the rest of your day there. There is a beautiful walk along the coast and an abandoned old tin mine called Wheal Coates to explore. You may see other tin mines during your 7 day Cornwall itinerary, as Cornwall was one of the world’s biggest producers of tin during the 19th century. At the peak there was over 2000 tin mines in Cornwall.
Parking is at either the St Agnes Head car park or the Wheal Coates Car Park. Both of these car parks are owned by the National Trust. From either, you will be able to access both the coastal walking trails and the abandoned tin mine of Wheal Coates. You can spend as long as you like exploring the St. Agnes Heritage Coast, but I recommend allowing around 4 hours for a leisurely pace.
Day 2 – North Cornwall: Godrevy Coast and St Ives
Godrevy Coast – 1-2 hours
Continuing along the North Cornwall coast, you will come to another protected Heritage coastline known as the Godrevy Coast. The best place to visit here is to the west, towards Godrevy Lighthouse. From here, you will see dramatic cliffs and wildlife.
Park at the National Trust owned Godrevy Car Park and walk along the coast to Godrevy Point. The walk is short, and you will be rewarded with stunning views out towards Godrevy Lighthouse. Look down and watch the waves crash into the rocks below. Keep a lookout near the shoreline as you may spot a colony of seals if you are lucky.
You do not need to allocate much time here as there is not a lot to do. One or two hours should be sufficient.
St Ives – The rest of your day
After visiting the Godrevy coast, drive for around 25 minutes down the coast to the town of St Ives. St Ives is a small town but has something for everyone. You will find brilliant sandy beaches, art galleries (do check out the Tate St Ives gallery), and it is a great place for activities. St Ives Bay is also a popular surfing destination. If you want to see more wildlife then consider a boat trip to Seal Island. As you can imagine, this will bring you up close with a colony of seals.
Whilst you are in St Ives, don’t forget to walk around the old narrow (and sometimes cobbled) streets. They seem to follow no logical pattern. On the edge of the town is a rocky outcrop known as “The Island”. Here, you will find St Nicholas Chapel and from there you can marvel at the view across Porthmeor Beach and the town itself. This was the highlight of my visit to St Ives. We were there around sunset and it was beautiful.
Being a town that caters to tourists, you will find no shortage of restaurants and places to eat. St Ives is the perfect place to stop for fish and chips on your ultimate 7 day Cornwall itinerary. St Ives also makes a great place for your base location for accommodation if you prefer a more urban setting. There are many options for hotel stays.
Day 3 – West Cornwall: Botallack Mine, Sennen Cove, Land’s End, and Nanjizal Beach
Botallack Mine – 1 hour
Start your morning with a trip over to Botallack Mine. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most well-preserved examples of a tin mine in Cornwall. Since its inception in the 1500s the mine has produced considerable amounts of copper, tin and even arsenic. The mine closed in 1895 due to falling tin and copper prices and has been abandoned since.
A visit to Botallack Mine will last around 1 hour and allow you to explore what is left of this site. You will be able to walk right down the cliffs to the buildings that still remain. Entry is free and parking will set you back £1 for 1 hour.
Sennen Cove & Land’s End – 2-8 hours
Land’s End is famous around the United Kingdom for being the point on the mainland that is the furthest west. Many people flock to Land’s End to pose for a selfie next to the signpost that is planted there. Some would consider this destination a bit of a tourist trap. However, if you have never been to Cornwall then it is a must-do activity. There is so much more to do around Land’s End that your visit to the signpost need only be a small part.
Parking at Land’s End can be expensive. You can expect to pay up to £7 if you pay when you arrive, but you can buy online in advance for £6. There is a better option, however, so do neither of those. There is a nearby harbour called Sennen Cove that I recommend you visit. This is a small village which has a beach and a few places to eat. You can park your car here for 2 hours for £1.80 or all day for £4. 2 hours may be enough for a quick visit to Land’s End and back but it is worth paying the extra to spend more time in the area.
Start your visit to Sennen Cove with a leisurely walk along to Sennen Beach. Once there, relax for a bit and enjoy the sea breeze and fresh air. Once you have had enough, return to the harbour for a bite to eat. This is the best place for lunch today as prices are more reasonable than you will find at Land’s End.
The Walk to Land’s End via the Southwest Coast Path
From Sennen Cove, you can follow the southwest coast path all the way to Land’s End. This is a lovely 1.2 mile walk that should take around half an hour. Allow the same again for returning back the way you came. Around 10 minutes into the walk, keep a lookout for the Mayon Cliff Ship Wreck. In March 2003 a German cargo ship called the RMS Mülheim ran aground here during bad weather. All crew were rescued safely. Due to years of being battered by storms there is not much left of the ship. However, look closely and you will see some of the remains.
One disappointing thing about Land’s End is that if you want to have your photo taken next to the famous sign then you can expect to pay around £10. This service allows you to customise the sign to display your hometown and the number of miles to it. We felt the price was too steep but it is a novelty some people may enjoy. If you manage to arrive at a quiet time of day then it is possible to take your own photo from behind the ropes. However, there is no guarantee that there will not be other people in your shot.
As is usual for a busy tourist attraction, expect to find many gift shops and places to eat. Just don’t expect the prices to be reasonable.
Continue on to Nanjizal Beach
Depending on how much time you have left in your day you may decide to walk back to your car in Sennen Cove. However, if you would like to explore more of the Penwith Heritage Coast then you can continue on for another 1.7 miles to Nanjizal Beach. The walk will take you about 35 minutes and you should allow for the same on the way back. Add on the walk from Sennen Cove and the route back and you are looking at a 5.6 mile 2 hour coastal walk.
Nanjizal Beach is a small secluded beach with sea caves, rock pools, and a narrow archway made of rock. There is even a small waterfall. Nanjizal Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the nature around you. A visit here can take you as long as you like. Just keep in mind that you will be an hour’s walk from your car in Sennen Cove at this point.
Day 4 – West Cornwall: Porthcurno Beach
Porthcurno Beach – 4-8 hours
After the long coastal walks yesterday, you may be tempted by a more relaxing day today. Perhaps it is time to spend the day on two of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall. Porthcurno beach should be your starting point – located in the south of the Penwith Heritage Coast.
Porthcurno beach is an award-winning beach with beautiful white sand and turquoise coloured water. It can make you feel like you are on a Caribbean island on a hot day. The cliffs on either side of the beach help to shelter you from the winds.
One activity you can do at Porthcurno beach is to visit the Minack open-air theatre. This is situated on a hill to the right of the beach. Even if you are not interested in the theatre then it is worth walking up the hill for the views of the beach.
If you prefer a quieter but equally stunning beach then walk for 15-20 minutes along the clifftops to reach Pedn Vounder beach. You will not be disappointed.
Porthcurno beach has a large car park with fees of £6.50 for a full day and £4.70 for 4 hours. These prices are as of 2021.
Saint Michael’s Mount – 2 hours.
If spending an entire day on the beach is not for you then consider exploring the nearby Saint Michael’s Mount. Saint Michael’s Mount can make a great stop on the way back to your accommodation. Saint Michael’s Mount is a tidal island off the coast of the town of Marazion.
Between low-tide and mid-tide, you will be able to cross on foot. On the island is a castle with entry prices of £11.50 for an adult. The castle is of course optional, as is making the crossing. The best memory you take from this place is likely to be the stunning views across the water towards the castle. This means that if you arrive during mid to high tide then you will not be disappointed.
An alternative way to spend a few extra hours would be to explore the town of Penzance. This might be a good alternative to the beaches if you are unfortunate enough to have a rainy day.
Day 5 – South Cornwall: The Lizard & Kynance Cove
Day 5 of our 7 day Cornwall itinerary takes you to the Lizard peninsula in the south of Cornwall. This area was one of the most memorable parts of my recent trip to Cornwall. There are a few attractions in the area and you can easily spend an entire day here. Some people stay for longer – the lizard is a destination in itself.
Lizard Point – 1 hour
Lizard Point is officially the most southerly place in the United Kingdom. Like Land’s End, it is one of those places you should visit just to say you’ve been. However, that is not the reason you should visit. You should visit for the magnificent views and the coastal walk along to Kynance Cove.
Begin your day by parking for free on the grassy parking area at Pentreath Lane in the town of Lizard. From there, walk south to Lizard Point. There is also a National Trust car park by Lizard Point as well, but this will cost you up to £6 for the day.
Before leaving, make sure to grab some tea or ice cream at Britain’s most southern cafe – Popeor Cafe. The prices are reasonable.
Lizard Point to Kynance Cove – 4-5 hours
The walk between Lizard Point and Kynance Cove will take you across gorgeous rugged coastal scenery. At the end of your walk, you will be rewarded with one of the best beaches in Cornwall.
When you are ready for the 2.1 mile walk to Kynance Cove, start heading in a westerly direction from the cafe and follow the coastal trail. You can’t get lost. The walk across the clifftops will reward you with views of a rugged coastline and Pentreath Beach.
As you approach Kynance Cove, you will realise what is so special about this place. Kynance Cove is a white sandy beach filled with towering rock stacks and caves. During a low tide, you will be able to walk between the rocks and explore.
If you arrive during a high tide then you can watch in amazement as the turquoise water is funnelled between the rock stacks and crashes violently towards the shore. During my trip, I arrived when the tide was high and sat for hours watching the waves.
If you don’t fancy the walk then don’t be put off visiting Kynance Cove. Head back to your car and drive to the National Trust car park not far from Kynance Cove.
Kayaking – 2 hours
Do you want to explore the sea caves around the Lizard peninsula? Or do you want to see seals up close? Consider taking a kayaking tour with one of the tour operators in the area. This is an activity all the family can enjoy. It will certainly give you a different perspective of the cliffs that dominate this ancient coastline.
Day 6 – South Cornwall: Falmouth and the Roseland Heritage Coast
Falmouth – 4-5 hours
Start your day by heading to Falmouth, a town known for its deep natural harbour. If you are interested in boats then spend a couple of hours exploring the National Maritime Museum. For your £14.50 entry ticket, you can learn all you need to know about Cornwall’s maritime history.
If boats are not your thing then consider visiting the magnificent Pendennis Castle that was constructed by Henry VIII. This is located on the headland to the east of the town. A visit there will set you back £10.90 (as of 2021) and take around 2 hours to get a full overview of the fortress.
Roseland Heritage Coast – 4 hours
Once you are done exploring the sights within Falmouth it may be time to grab some fish and chips and sit by the harbour. You can then take a ferry from there across to St Mawes on the Roseland Heritage Coast. The ferry runs every half an hour and takes around 20 minutes. St Mawes is a picturesque village on the Roseland Peninsula and rewards visitors with some brilliant sea views. There is another castle you can visit here as well if you want to see a second castle.
In addition, if you have the time you can take another short ferry from St Mawes across to St Anthony Head. This journey takes about 10 minutes and will allow you to explore the Roseland Heritage Coast. Follow the southwest coastal path around to St Anthony’s beach and marvel at the views across Falmouth Bay towards Pendennis Castle. The walk there and back will be around 2.5 miles.
Day 7 – East Cornwall: The Eden Project
Eden Project – 4 hours
The Eden Project is a large botanical garden featuring thousands of plant species from around the world. The Eden Project consists of two massive indoor spaces made up of domes, and an outdoor area. Each indoor enclosure in the complex features its own biome. The larger one consists of the largest indoor tropical rainforest in the world. The other features a Mediterranean environment.
You will need around 3-4 hours to visit the Eden Project. This makes it a perfect afternoon activity for all the family on your last day. It is possible to spend longer there depending on how interested you are in all of the plants you are finding. An entry ticket will cost you £28.50 but it is worth the time.
Shipwreck Treasure Museum – 1 hour
Another option for this day is to visit the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, located in Charlestown. The Shipwreck Treasure Museum is an interesting place featuring over 8,000 artefacts from over 150 different shipwrecks. An entry ticket will cost £6 and a visit will take less than 1 hour.
If you are feeling adventurous then you can visit the tunnels underground beneathe the surface of the town. These tunnels were carved out to extract China clay from the area, which was then sold all over the world.
If you have any remaining time in your day then spend the end of your holiday in Cornwall relaxing on Charlestown beach.
If You Cannot do a 7 Day Cornwall Itinerary
It is perfectly possible to have an enjoyable trip in Cornwall and see a lot without planning a 7 day Cornwall itinerary. Some people visit for 5 days and may have to think about what to leave out of their itinerary. This will come down to personal preference and whether you enjoy beaches more than walking or vice versa.
If I had to choose, I would remove the visit to Falmouth and spend more of my time exploring the coastal scenery of Cornwall. Another option is to spend less time on beaches on days 4 and 5. That would allow you to create a longer day itinerary by taking bits from both. A further option is to fit in the Eden Project on the day you return home from Cornwall, if, there is time.
