When it comes to finding the best places to go in Cornwall, the team of experts at Forever Cornwall are hard to beat. Here we share our favourite spots to visit in 2023, from beautiful beaches and wonderful walks to brilliant places to eat and drink across Cornwall — from the sheltered coves around Port Isaac on the north coast to the southernmost tip on the wild Lizard Peninsula.
West Cornwall
Gwithian
Best beach
At the mouth of the Hayle estuary, Lelant is a dog-friendly beach (also known as Porth Kidney) where the river runs into the sea. It’s a safe, fun place for a swim, especially at high tide. Hannah
Another cool beach experience is to find Fishing Cove… Head to Portreath and pull into the carpark at the top of the hill about a mile outside Gwithian. Walk back along the coast path and look for little turning right (half hidden by bushes!) about 100m along. It’s a real scramble down but a wonderful moment of discovery…at its best in the morning. If you are lucky you’ll be the only one there for a wild swimming moment in crystal clear water (but don’t go in if the sea is rough!). Phil
Somewhere to eat
With one of the most enviable spots on Cornwall’s north coast, The Hungry Horsebox serves up delicious post-surf fodder on Gwithian’s golden sands, all made from scratch using the best Cornish ingredients. Their dhal and tagines are to die for! Florence
Favourite walk
The coastal walk from Gwithian carpark to Mutton Cove is an easy 40-min walk, with stunning views of the sea and Godrevy lighthouse along the way, and a large ‘harem’ of seals at the finishing point! Jenny
Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, walk from Gwithian to Hayle all the way along the beach. Head off as the tide is starting to go out then you have all day to do it. Get lunch in Hayle and walk back again. Maria
Discover our beautiful holiday cottages with sea views just off Gwithian’s golden sands
Mount’s Bay
Best beach
Perranuthnoe Beach, a large sandy beach in Mount’s Bay on the south west coast, disappears at high tide. It’s close to the unspoilt village of Perranuthnoe, which has lots of places to eat, and you also get excellent views of St Michael’s Mount from the beach. Shannon
Somewhere to eat
The Cabin Beach Cafe is an amazing little gem of a cafe in the village of Perranuthnoe, perched just above the sea. It’s open all year round and serves up lots of tasty food, from delicious brunches to cream teas. Shannon
Top tip!
Go a bit further along from Prussia Cove and you will come to Kenneggy Cove, which is more hidden. It’s an easy 15-minute walk, or you can turn it into a half-hour circular from Prussia Cove, following the coast path along to Kenneggy Cove. You can either turn back or take the track into the woods at Kenneggy. This will eventually bring you out back onto the main road, which you can follow back to Prussia Cove car park, then Prussia Cove again. Shannon
South Cornwall
Falmouth
Best beach
My favourite quiet option is Castle Beach, which just has a tiny (but cool) coffee shack. At low tide there are 100 rockpools, at mid tide your can swim out over the rocks for brilliant snorkelling, and at high tide the sea comes right up to the beach steps so you can get in and out of the water really easily. Perfect for early morning or late afternoon swims at any time of year, as long as the sea is calm! Phil
Somewhere to eat
My favourite pub in the lively town of Falmouth has to be the Star & Garter, which has stood as a pub at the heart of the town since 1892 and has unspoilt views of Falmouth Harbour. Fish comes straight from the boat, meat from the farm, plus there are world-class whiskies and rums galore. Jenny
Favourite walk
Walk from Flushing around Trefusis Point and on to Mylor. There are some nice pubs in Flushing, such as the Royal Standard, which has a pizza shack in the garden during the summer, and cafe in Mylor right on the harbour. Castaways, also on the harbour, is good for ice creams! Hannah
The Lizard
Best beach
Named after the hoards of coins that were found after an 17th-century shipwreck, Dollar Cove on the remote Lizard Peninsula isn’t on the tourist map and is generally quiet, even in the height of the summer. It’s pebble and shingle beach gives way to a beautiful stretch of sand which is only revealed at low tide. Florence
Somewhere to eat
The Mussel Shoal, Porthleven — This kiosk on the quay serves fresh food and drinks. You can choose to eat at one of the tables on the quay or take away. There’s always a great atmosphere and is open all year round thanks to the outdoor heaters. Abby
Favourite walk
The 22km-hike from Porthleven to Lizard Point is one for enthusiastic walkers (ideally have two cars and leave one at the end point). Or try the shorter (but just as beautiful) version from Mullian to Lizard Point. Abby
Fowey River
Best beach
It’s a bit of a trek to the gorgeous National Trust beach of Lantic Bay but it’s well worth the effort! Its waters turn turquoise on a bright sunny day. There’s something special about being on a beach where so many visitors arrive by sea. Niki
Favourite walk
I love the two mile walk from Lerryn to St Winnow. This tiny (I mean really tiny) hamlet halfway up the Fowey river was the film location for the original 1970’s Poldark and the 15th century grade I listed church is really worth stepping inside. Also find the amazing farm museum next door (a lifetime’s project of passion by John the local farmer) and the wonderful converted horsebox which sells streetfood … in 2022 it was tacos!! Back in Lerryn, the village stores have brilliant ice creams and cream teas and local produce… and the The Ship pub is pretty good, too. Phil
Top tip!
Get on the water! The beautiful Fowey river area is magical. The river stretches six miles of tidal reach and best experienced afloat, so hire a self-drive boat in Fowey, rent kayaks or get SUP lessons from award-winning Encounter Cornwall in nearby Golant. Phil
Somewhere to eat
Fowey’s got eateries to suit all tastes…. Go for fine dining at the Fitzroy for a treat (booking essential) or its (baby) sister eatery North Street Kitchen (you might need to queue but it will be worth it) …or for memorable character, charm, rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia and an epic cream tea try the Pinky Murphy Café. Phil
North Cornwall
Port Isaac and Port Gaverne
Best beach
The little beach at Port Gaverne is a gem — a bit of a ‘best kept secret’ because it’s not a major beach but all the better for it. You have Cornwall Rock Tors for kayaking, SUPing and coasteering, or you can just bbq and chill on the beach and enjoy open water swimming here — it’s ideal as it’s so sheltered. Phil
Top tip!
Discover the film locations for Doc Martin, the popular TV series, by taking a walk around the village and down to the cove of Port Gaverne! Jenny
Newquay and Crantock
Somewhere to eat
The Fox’s Revenge, Newquay — This cosy pub just outside Newquay serves up fresh food year round. I particularly love their fantastic Sunday roasts. Abby
Favourite walk
Head to Porth Joke (or Polly Joke as it’s known locally). Find it by heading out towards the Bowgie Inn but turn down left through Treago campsite and to the little carpark at the bottom and enjoy exploring… Pentire Point West is covered in stunning poppies in early summer, or amble towards Holywell Bay and loose yourself in the sand dunes. Phil
Top tip!
The Gannel Estuary is amazing at any time of the year… Find the Fern Pit Café for breakfast then get the foot ferry over the Gannel and explore Crantock, Polly Joke and beyond… Phil
Take a look at our holiday cottages on Cornwall’s north coast
