Cornwall offers a wide range of attractions beyond its beaches, including historic sites, coastal landmarks, gardens and cultural locations. These are spread across the county, with some concentrated along the coastline and others located inland. Many of the best-known attractions combine natural scenery with historical or cultural significance.
The type of attraction you visit will depend on your interests and location. Some sites are large, well-established destinations with visitor facilities, while others are smaller landmarks that are best combined with coastal walks or nearby towns. This page provides an overview of Cornwall’s main attractions to help you plan visits alongside beaches and coastal towns.
Most Popular Attractions in Cornwall
These are some of the most visited and widely recognised attractions in the county.
St Michael’s Mount – Tidal island with historic castle and gardens, accessed on foot at low tide or by boat from Marazion.
Land’s End – Westernmost point of mainland England, known for coastal views, cliffs and visitor facilities.
Minack Theatre – Open-air theatre built into cliffs above Porthcurno, hosting performances and open to visitors during the day.
Tintagel Castle – Historic cliff-top site associated with Arthurian legend, connected by a footbridge across a coastal valley.
Eden Project – Large visitor attraction featuring biomes with global plant collections, located in a former quarry near St Austell.
Gardens and Estates
Cornwall’s climate supports a number of well-known gardens and historic estates, particularly on the south coast.
Lost Gardens of Heligan – Restored historic gardens with woodland, productive areas and walking routes near Mevagissey.
Trebah Garden – Subtropical garden descending to a private beach, with sheltered planting and coastal access near Falmouth.
Lanhydrock House – National Trust estate with Victorian house, formal gardens and extensive parkland near Bodmin.
Coastal and Natural Landmarks
These locations are defined by their landscape and coastal setting rather than built attractions.
South West Coast Path – Long-distance coastal walking route running through Cornwall, linking cliffs, beaches and many of the county’s main viewpoints.
Lizard Point – Southernmost point of mainland Britain, with rugged coastline, walking routes and lighthouse nearby.
Godrevy Lighthouse – Offshore lighthouse near St Ives Bay, viewed from coastal paths and associated with nearby beaches.
Bedruthan Steps – Series of large rock stacks along the north coast, viewed from clifftop paths near Newquay.
Bodmin Moor – Upland landscape in central Cornwall with tors, open moorland, walking routes and historical features including stone circles and former mining sites.