Cornwall’s inland towns and villages are located away from the coastline, often serving as market towns, transport centres or former industrial communities. While they do not offer direct access to beaches, they provide access to the countryside, river valleys and areas such as Bodmin Moor and the Tamar Valley. Many also function as practical bases for exploring both the north and south coasts.
The character of inland Cornwall differs from the coastal areas. Some towns developed around mining or industry, while others have agricultural or market town origins. Facilities are often more extensive than in smaller coastal villages, with better road and rail connections. This page provides an overview of the main inland towns and villages to help compare different locations.
Main Inland Towns
These towns are larger and more developed, typically offering a wider range of services, accommodation and transport links.
St Austell – Cornwall’s largest inland town, known for its china clay industry and proximity to the Eden Project and south coast beaches.
Bodmin – Central market town near Bodmin Moor, with good road connections and access to walking routes and open moorland.
Liskeard – Market town with a mainline railway station, providing access to Bodmin Moor and surrounding rural areas.
Launceston – Historic town near the Devon border, dominated by its castle and functioning as a gateway into Cornwall.
Redruth – Former mining town at the centre of Cornwall’s industrial heritage, now a local service and residential centre.
Camborne – Adjacent to Redruth, forming part of a larger urban area with strong links to Cornwall’s mining and engineering past.
Smaller Inland Towns and Villages
These locations are generally quieter, with fewer facilities and a stronger connection to the surrounding countryside.
Wadebridge – Town on the River Camel, known for the Camel Trail and as a base for cycling and access to nearby coastal areas.
Lostwithiel – Small historic town on the River Fowey, with medieval streets and a quieter, less developed character.
Callington – Small town in south-east Cornwall near the Tamar Valley, serving surrounding rural communities.
Camelford – Small town north of Bodmin Moor, often used as a base for exploring moorland and nearby countryside.
Inland towns and villages are best suited to visitors looking for easier access, lower accommodation costs or a base for exploring multiple parts of Cornwall. They are also useful for accessing walking areas such as Bodmin Moor and inland sections of the South West Coast Path.
While these locations lack immediate access to beaches, most coastal areas can be reached within 20 to 40 minutes by car. For visitors primarily focused on seaside activities, coastal towns may be more suitable, but inland locations provide a practical alternative with fewer crowds and easier transport links.