Joanna’s guidebook
City/town information
It's famous for its pretty boat trips along the estuary, its narrow streets and eclectic mix of shops. You'll be spoilt for choice when looking for somewhere to dine, as there are plenty of independent restaurants and cafes serving freshly prepared dishes all day.
Catch the Bodinnick Ferry and travel the short distance across the river to Polperro near Looe - the views from the ferry are magnificent - or take the ferry to Mevagissey.
241 locals recommend
Fowey
It's famous for its pretty boat trips along the estuary, its narrow streets and eclectic mix of shops. You'll be spoilt for choice when looking for somewhere to dine, as there are plenty of independent restaurants and cafes serving freshly prepared dishes all day.
Catch the Bodinnick Ferry and travel the short distance across the river to Polperro near Looe - the views from the ferry are magnificent - or take the ferry to Mevagissey.
One of Cornwall's best known tourist attractions, St Ives is a working harbour surrounded by stunning beaches, award-winning restaurants and numerous art galleries and exhibitions.
Artists have flocked to St Ives for centuries, since JMW Turner painted here in the 1800s, attracted by its unique natural light and breath-taking seascapes, and it is home to the world-famous Tate Gallery St Ives.
It is also popular with holiday-makers who flock to the famous Porthminster Beach right in the centre of the town every year, to play in the rockpools, surf the waters and sample the local ice-creams.
Film-makers working on Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides fell in the love with the setting and filmed here in 2011.
610 locals recommend
St Ives
One of Cornwall's best known tourist attractions, St Ives is a working harbour surrounded by stunning beaches, award-winning restaurants and numerous art galleries and exhibitions.
Artists have flocked to St Ives for centuries, since JMW Turner painted here in the 1800s, attracted by its unique natural light and breath-taking seascapes, and it is home to the world-famous Tate Gallery St Ives.
It is also popular with holiday-makers who flock to the famous Porthminster Beach right in the centre of the town every year, to play in the rockpools, surf the waters and sample the local ice-creams.
Film-makers working on Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides fell in the love with the setting and filmed here in 2011.
You can't visit Mevagissey without eating fish and chips out of paper on the wooden benches over-looking the harbour - just be aware of the very brazen resident seagulls who won't think twice about swooping down and stealing a chip right out of your hand....
The village is home to gift shops, cafes, restaurants and a small aquarium. During the Summer season you can take a fishing trip around the bay where you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins, seals and other wildlife.
Once you've visited all the shops you can take the coastal path around to Pentewan or the short boat trip across to Fowey.
196 locals recommend
Mevagissey
You can't visit Mevagissey without eating fish and chips out of paper on the wooden benches over-looking the harbour - just be aware of the very brazen resident seagulls who won't think twice about swooping down and stealing a chip right out of your hand....
The village is home to gift shops, cafes, restaurants and a small aquarium. During the Summer season you can take a fishing trip around the bay where you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins, seals and other wildlife.
Once you've visited all the shops you can take the coastal path around to Pentewan or the short boat trip across to Fowey.
This little village and port on the South coast of Cornwall is known for its Hollywood past, as it's been featured in countless productions including The Three Musketeers, Moll Flanders, Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca, Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and more recently the BBC series Poldark.
Still a working harbour, Charlestown has two small beaches where you can chase the waves or simply sit and watch the world go by.
The Shipwreck and Heritage Centre in the village houses artefacts from over 150 ship wrecks and tells the fascinating story of Charlestown.
228 locals recommend
Charlestown
This little village and port on the South coast of Cornwall is known for its Hollywood past, as it's been featured in countless productions including The Three Musketeers, Moll Flanders, Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca, Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and more recently the BBC series Poldark.
Still a working harbour, Charlestown has two small beaches where you can chase the waves or simply sit and watch the world go by.
The Shipwreck and Heritage Centre in the village houses artefacts from over 150 ship wrecks and tells the fascinating story of Charlestown.
It takes a little while to travel the rural lanes to this small village on the South coast of Cornwall but it's well worth the journey. As well as the quirky shops and mouth-watering eateries, the village also reveals a small sandy beach at low tide and its own 16th Century castle high on the hill overlooking the bay.
St Mawes Castle, run by English Heritage, provides an afternoon's entertainment in itself with interactive displays, secret tunnels, prisoners' cells and stunning views from the top of the castle keep.
You should also include Lamorran Gardens in your visit - privately owned, the gardens are open on Wednesday and Friday to the public throughout the main season, and are small but beautiful. Highlights include walled gardens, winding paths and hidden corners, all with far-reaching views across the bay.
150 locals recommend
St Mawes
It takes a little while to travel the rural lanes to this small village on the South coast of Cornwall but it's well worth the journey. As well as the quirky shops and mouth-watering eateries, the village also reveals a small sandy beach at low tide and its own 16th Century castle high on the hill overlooking the bay.
St Mawes Castle, run by English Heritage, provides an afternoon's entertainment in itself with interactive displays, secret tunnels, prisoners' cells and stunning views from the top of the castle keep.
You should also include Lamorran Gardens in your visit - privately owned, the gardens are open on Wednesday and Friday to the public throughout the main season, and are small but beautiful. Highlights include walled gardens, winding paths and hidden corners, all with far-reaching views across the bay.
Neighbourhoods
A beautiful neighboured which runs next to the estuary. It hosts lovely Pasty shop/bakery (Marys) and a little garage.
The lodge itself is tucked away back into the woodlands. It boasts its own stream and plenty of surrounding nature.
Tresillian
A beautiful neighboured which runs next to the estuary. It hosts lovely Pasty shop/bakery (Marys) and a little garage.
The lodge itself is tucked away back into the woodlands. It boasts its own stream and plenty of surrounding nature.
Beaches
Porthcurnick/Portscatho
The tiny open-air café above the sandy cove is the real destination here. The Hidden Hut dishes up delicious salt cod, king prawns and bouillabaisse at lunchtime but those in the know bag tickets for their feasts – priced from £9 to £20 depending on what’s cooking – which sell out an hour after they’ve been posted online. Diners bring their own cutlery and booze, and eat around giant fire pits on the beach. The beach itself is owned by the National Trust and there are lots of rockpools, ideal for children and water activities, while other smaller beaches nearby are accessible at low tide – just make sure you know the time of high water.
137 locals recommend
The Hidden Hut
Porthcurnick/Portscatho
The tiny open-air café above the sandy cove is the real destination here. The Hidden Hut dishes up delicious salt cod, king prawns and bouillabaisse at lunchtime but those in the know bag tickets for their feasts – priced from £9 to £20 depending on what’s cooking – which sell out an hour after they’ve been posted online. Diners bring their own cutlery and booze, and eat around giant fire pits on the beach. The beach itself is owned by the National Trust and there are lots of rockpools, ideal for children and water activities, while other smaller beaches nearby are accessible at low tide – just make sure you know the time of high water.
The prettiest beach on the Cornish Riviera is Pendower, a mile-long stretch of sand with a panoramic view of Gerrans Bay. You can stretch out on the deserted golden beach or follow the stream up to explore rock pools full of little crabs and jellyfish. The surrounding sand dunes are great for picnicking in the sunshine - grab supplies from the food trucks parked at the end of the beach.
25 locals recommend
Pendower Beach
South West Coast PathThe prettiest beach on the Cornish Riviera is Pendower, a mile-long stretch of sand with a panoramic view of Gerrans Bay. You can stretch out on the deserted golden beach or follow the stream up to explore rock pools full of little crabs and jellyfish. The surrounding sand dunes are great for picnicking in the sunshine - grab supplies from the food trucks parked at the end of the beach.
Laidback and low-key, Gyllyngvase Beach is wonderfully undemanding. The wide arc of sand means plenty of room to spread out, the car park is conveniently close and the sea is safe for swimmers of all ages, making this one of the best family-friendly beaches in Cornwall. Dry off after a dip on the sunny terrace of Gylly Beach Café which serves fresh seafood and hosts acoustic gigs by local musicians.
Swanpool Beach – just around the headland from Gyllynvase Beach.
149 locals recommend
Gyllyngvase Beach
Laidback and low-key, Gyllyngvase Beach is wonderfully undemanding. The wide arc of sand means plenty of room to spread out, the car park is conveniently close and the sea is safe for swimmers of all ages, making this one of the best family-friendly beaches in Cornwall. Dry off after a dip on the sunny terrace of Gylly Beach Café which serves fresh seafood and hosts acoustic gigs by local musicians.
Swanpool Beach – just around the headland from Gyllynvase Beach.
Even in high season you're likely to have this gorgeous beach practically to yourself. Set in a deep cove between grassy headlands, Porth Joke (known locally as Polly Joke) has beige sands, crystal-clear waters and great conditions for surfing without the crowds. Holiday cottages are available for rent in nearby Crantock Beach and Holywell Bay, and Newquay is only five miles away. Porth Joke itself has few beach facilities and is only accessible on foot, but this is the price of real peace and quiet on this beautiful stretch of coastline.
54 locals recommend
Poly Joke Beach
Even in high season you're likely to have this gorgeous beach practically to yourself. Set in a deep cove between grassy headlands, Porth Joke (known locally as Polly Joke) has beige sands, crystal-clear waters and great conditions for surfing without the crowds. Holiday cottages are available for rent in nearby Crantock Beach and Holywell Bay, and Newquay is only five miles away. Porth Joke itself has few beach facilities and is only accessible on foot, but this is the price of real peace and quiet on this beautiful stretch of coastline.
Regarded as one of the best beaches in the world, Kynance Cove is straight out of a childhood fairytale. Mossy stacks rise from deep turquoise waters, the sand is astonishingly white, and magical serpentine rocks shimmer in the sunlight. This beach was a favourite of Lord Alfred Tennyson who would come to sit and watch the 'glorious grass-green monsters of waves' colliding against the craggy cliffs. When high tide cuts off the beach in the afternoon, retreat to the hillside National Trust café for tea and scones over a rosy sunset.
223 locals recommend
Kynance Cove
Regarded as one of the best beaches in the world, Kynance Cove is straight out of a childhood fairytale. Mossy stacks rise from deep turquoise waters, the sand is astonishingly white, and magical serpentine rocks shimmer in the sunlight. This beach was a favourite of Lord Alfred Tennyson who would come to sit and watch the 'glorious grass-green monsters of waves' colliding against the craggy cliffs. When high tide cuts off the beach in the afternoon, retreat to the hillside National Trust café for tea and scones over a rosy sunset.
For Caribbean-blue waters and fine silky sand in south-west Cornwall, head to Porthcurno Beach, one of the best places to visit in Cornwall. The high cliffs provide shelter from the wind, gentle slopes allow for easy access and a small stream winds down to form a natural paddling pool for children. It's just along the coast from another brilliant Cornish beach, Pedn Vounder]. Don't leave without catching a show at the Minack, an extraordinary open-air theatre built on a rock jutting out to sea, where actors recite Shakespeare with a stunning backdrop of crashing waves.
144 locals recommend
Porthcurno
For Caribbean-blue waters and fine silky sand in south-west Cornwall, head to Porthcurno Beach, one of the best places to visit in Cornwall. The high cliffs provide shelter from the wind, gentle slopes allow for easy access and a small stream winds down to form a natural paddling pool for children. It's just along the coast from another brilliant Cornish beach, Pedn Vounder]. Don't leave without catching a show at the Minack, an extraordinary open-air theatre built on a rock jutting out to sea, where actors recite Shakespeare with a stunning backdrop of crashing waves.
Impressive Atlantic waves draw surfers to the sleepy fishing village of Sennen in western Cornwall. It's one of the most scenic spots on the coast with pristine white shores, rolling hills and an astoundingly blue sea. After hanging up your wetsuit, linger over a pint and a ploughman's lunch at the supremely cosy Old Success Inn. The beach is also just around the corner from breathtaking Land's End - savour the views with a stroll up the coastal paths through fields of wildflowers and fluttering butterflies.
246 locals recommend
Sennen Cove
Impressive Atlantic waves draw surfers to the sleepy fishing village of Sennen in western Cornwall. It's one of the most scenic spots on the coast with pristine white shores, rolling hills and an astoundingly blue sea. After hanging up your wetsuit, linger over a pint and a ploughman's lunch at the supremely cosy Old Success Inn. The beach is also just around the corner from breathtaking Land's End - savour the views with a stroll up the coastal paths through fields of wildflowers and fluttering butterflies.
Activities/Adventure days
Eden Project
Retallack Water Sports
Giant Slip and Slide Cornwall
Camel Trail (Cycle Way)
Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
B3273Cornwall Waverunner Safaris
Lusty Glaze RoadWesup
Coasteering Cornwall
75 Camp Hall RdDairyland Farm World
Flambards Theme Park
Clodgey LaneParadise Park
16 Trelissick RdNewquay Zoo station
Blue Reef Aquarium
Towan PromenadeCornish Seal Sanctuary
Food scene
Heron Inn
Trenhaile TerraceSams On The Roselamd
The Idle Rocks
Tredenham RoadMannings Hotel
82 Lemon StThe Thomas Daniell
Infirmary HillHubbox
116 Kenwyn St