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A30 closures Cornwall overnights and weekend for fifth time this year

A30 Cornwall traffic to have diversions again for all week night-time and full weekend closures as the Carland Cross junction will be realigned

  • 12:14, 18 MAR 2024
  • Updated 12:21, 18 MAR 2024

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Cornwall's biggest road is to be shut overnight this week and at the weekend for the fifth time this year. National Highways said the closure was necessary to realign the Carland Cross junction as the £330m A30 dualling work is nearing completion.

The A30, near Truro , will be closed to all traffic between Boxheater and Chiverton from today (Monday, March 18) until Thursday (March 21), from 8pm to 6am each night.

From Friday (March 22) at 8pm until Monday (March 25) at 6am, the A30 will also be closed during the day and night with traffic being diverted via the B3285 and A3075.

Access for local residents north and south via the B3284 at Chybucca will be maintained throughout. The closures will be focused on surfacing and infrastructure work along the route.

National Highways said the weekend of full closures is needed to carry on with re-aligning the A30 at Carland Cross as work ramps up towards its estimated completion date of June.

Read next: Fast ferry to Isles of Scilly ready to start in May

Read next: A38 overnight closures start tonight with drivers warned to 'plan ahead'

A spokesperson for National Highways said: "Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys during these closures. As the eastern section progresses, we’ll soon be moving traffic to a new layout at Carland Cross.

"A temporary alignment of the A30 will be in place as we continue work on the new junction. A plan of the new layout is shown below.

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The diversions in place while the A30 is shut overnight this week (March 18 - March 22)

Last month the Government organisation announced that completion date had been pushed back to June because delays caused by the bad weather . National Highways had originally anticipated to reopen Cornwall's main road by Easter. However, the recent bad weather means the work has been delayed by several months - possibly even until June.

The Government organisation said the original delivery plan target date to open the new dual carriageway to traffic was the end of March, ie before the Easter half term break - but confirmed that June is now the most likely date.

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The diversions in place on the A30 as it shuts for more overnight and weekend work

Last month Nick Simmonds Screech, National Highways project director, said: “Following a recent review of the programme, we are now on schedule to open the new road to traffic in June, a matter of weeks after our delivery plan open-for traffic commitment. Given the effects of the pandemic and the delayed start to the construction programme, and against all the challenges thrown at us by recent weather events, we still look on this as an achievement.

“Getting the scheme off the ground during the pandemic was particularly challenging in terms of socially distanced working, virtual meetings and ensuring the safety of the workforce, and despite the weather impacts faced over the course of the scheme, we have made good progress to this point with our principal contractors Costain.

“Once the new dual carriageway’s open, and well before the start of summer school holidays, this will make a significant and positive difference to the journeys of both local communities and businesses, and to the wider travelling public."

Overnight road closures on the A38 begin tonight (March 18) as part of planned maintenance work in Cornwall. The A38 Glynn Valley will be closed at night from Monday to Friday this week between the Twelvewoods roundabout and the Turfdown roundabout, near Bodmin with diversion routes in place. Read the full story here .

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Great British Bucket List

The Best Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary + Tips

Planning a cornwall road trip from beaches and great restaurants, to interesting attractions, this route takes in the best of the county..

travel roads cornwall

If you haven’t been on a road trip around Cornwall yet, then what are you waiting for? When it comes to beautiful English counties, this one has it all. The beaches are some of the most spectacular in the country, with places like Kynance Cove and Fistral Beach attracting tourists from around the world.

There are cute towns and picturesque villages dotted all over Cornwall, with destinations such as St Ives and Port Isaac being a few of our top picks. Then there’s the food scene. Cornwall has access to some of the freshest fish and seafood in the country, so it’s hardly surprising so many top chefs have set up restaurants down here.

Beautiful views on a Cornwall road trip

Plus, there are some great attractions in the county too, including The Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan to name a few. Whether you want to walk some of the South West Coast Path, enjoy plates of delicious seafood or fancy an adventure on the water, this Cornwall road trip itinerary has lots of great tips and recommendations.

Ready? It’s time to hop in the car and start exploring!

Overlooking Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall

The Perfect Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary

This trip can be as long or short as you’d like it to be. I’ve plotted out a route that groups places together based on location, but you could choose one section of this itinerary or plan more of a zigzag style trip from the north coast to the south coast if there are specific places you’re keen to see. If you need help choosing accommodation, I’d recommend looking at Cornish Holiday Cottages , where you’ll find lots of beautiful places to stay on your trip.

This stunning little Cornish village on the north coast of the county is a special place to begin our road trip! With dramatic sea views, ancient buildings and plenty of access to nature, walkers will enjoy exploring on foot.

If you’re interested in history, you’ve just got to visit Tintagel Old Post Office. One of the top National Trust houses in Cornwall , this stone farmhouse was constructed over 600 years ago. It’s wonderfully wonky, and feels like a hotch-potch of design from various periods of history.

Tintagel Old Post Office, Cornwall

I’d also recommend a trip to Saint Nectan’s Glen, a peaceful area of woodland close by. The highlight is St Nectan’s Kieve, a 60ft waterfall which gushes water through the rocks. Pack your wellies and you can even paddle through it for some awesome (and slightly damp) views!

If you’re looking for a walking route in Tintagel, you could go on a 5-mile circular route which starts at the Old Post Office and passes the church and Tintagel Castle (connected with the legend of King Arthur) before heading to the cliffs and then on to Trebarwith Strand Beach. Obviously the only way to finish a coastal jaunt like that is with fish and chips at the village pub!

Tintagel, Cornwall

Next on our Cornwall road trip we’re heading to a traditional fishing village that’s filled with wiggly cobbled streets, fisherman’s cottages and a charming harbour. As you’ll be travelling by car it’s worth noting that there’s no parking in the centre of Port Isaac. You’ll need to leave your car in the main car park at the top, then walk down the steep roads to the harbour area.

Port Isaac, Cornwall

The main draws here are the harbour and the skinny streets littered with seaside gift shops, pasty stores and fish restaurants. If you’re looking for a really special restaurant to dine at, I’d recommend checking out Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen or Outlaw’s New Road – top chef Nathan Outlaw’s two restaurants in the village.

Next up, we’re heading to Padstow – a town regarded as Cornwall’s foodie mecca! With its pretty harbour, candy-coloured houses and great views on the headland, it’s a gorgeous place to add into your Cornwall road trip itinerary. In fact, it’s one of our favourite places to visit in Cornwall .

Padstow Harbour, Cornwall

There’s a plethora of great restaurants, cafes, seafood bars, fish and chip shops and delis in Padstow, plus a cookery school run by Rick Stein. Before your visit I’d recommend you check out our guide to the best places to eat in Padstow , which includes Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth At No.6 (one of our favourite restaurants in Cornwall!)

Lamb main course at Paul Ainsworth At No.6, Padstow

Bedruthan Steps

Drive along the coast from Padstow towards Newquay and you can plan a stop at the incredible Bedruthan Steps . I think this is one of the best views in Cornwall. It’s just incredible!

Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall

I would have said you time your visit for when the tide is out so you can climb down the 120 steps to the beach and take in the immense scale of the rocks. However, there was a rock fall recently so the beach access has now been closed. Even from the cliff path there are really amazing views of the enormous jagged rocks .

There’s parking at the top, run by the National Trust , and from the car park it’s just a short walk down to the cliffs.

On the beach at Bedruthan Steps, Cornwall

Newquay is one of the hubs for family holidays in Cornwall. You can spend a day on the beach, learn to surf, enjoy some great food or simply explore the cute shops and cafes dotted around the town.

Fistral Beach, Newquay

I’d definitely recommend spending some time on Fistral Beach. Often regarded as one of the best beaches in Great Britain, it’s got a large area of sand and is known for its huge waves. It’s a surfer’s paradise, and over the summer you’ll see plenty of surf competitions taking place, including the World Surf League qualifying series at Boardmasters . If you’re looking for places to stay on your road trip, there are some great options in Newquay in our guide to the best luxury hotels in Cornwall .

Perranporth

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to great beaches in Cornwall, but Perranporth is another of my favourites. There are three miles of golden sand, some decent waves and lots of interesting rock formations (including a rock archway) which kids will adore exploring. At low tide it’s fun climbing up the rocks and exploring the natural pools too.

Perranporth

There’s so much more to this fishing town than meets the eye. As well as being a gorgeous spot for a beach break, this quintessential Cornish town also has an arty, cultural side. Head to the Tate St Ives to peruse some great works of contemporary art.

St Ives

Alternatively pay a visit to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden and wander around the gardens enjoying the stunning bronze artworks in amongst the plants and trees.

Beach in St Ives

In amongst the arty attractions you’ll also find plenty of nautical-themed fashion stores, gift shops, ice cream stores and restaurants serving up the freshest seafood.

Sennen Cove

If you’re looking for a great walking route, I’d recommend the three-mile route that runs from the spectacular beach at Sennen Cove all the way to geographical landmark Land’s End. This is a great trail for bird lovers, with cormorants, guillemots and kittywakes all spotted regularly, as well as larger birds of prey.

Sennen Cove

The beach at Sennen Cove is another that is popular with surfers – watch out for some big waves rolling in! After visiting Sennen you could continue on along the coast towards the Minack Theatre . If you want to see a show at this open-air theatre carved into the edge of the rock, be sure to book in advance.

Marazion and St Michael’s Mount

You might not be familiar with the name Marazion, but I bet you’ve heard of St Michael’s Mount! Marazion is the town in southwest Cornwall which lies opposite the famous island. While Marazion itself is lovely with cute seaside pubs and two lovely beaches, the big reason to stop by is to visit the island.

St Michael's Mount, Cornwall

In order to visit St Michael’s Mount you’ll need to book a timeslot (so the island doesn’t become too busy – after all only 25 people live there usually!) As it’s a tidal island, you can walk across the causeway at low tide. Once on land you can explore the 12th century castle and gardens along with the harbour village, where you’ll find shops and cafes.

Kynance Cove

So, you’ve seen some great beaches on your Cornwall road trip, but prepare for something super special! Kynance Cove is often regarded as one of the prettiest spots in the entire country. This tidal beach is famous for its white sand, turquoise sea and rock stacks which you can explore at low tide. There are some interesting caves too, with intriguing names such as The Parlour and The Drawing Room!

Kynance Cove, Cornwall

There’s a car park at the top and then it’s around 15 minutes to walk down to the beach. As this is such a beautiful spot, it gets extremely busy in peak summer. I’d recommend visiting out of peak season or arriving early in the morning.

alnwick garden

If you want to add in a walk in this region you can set off on a two-mile scenic walk to the southernmost point on the mainland, known as Lizard Point. In fine weather it looks almost tropical with bright turquoise waters and blue skies. Meanwhile, stormy weather creates dramatic scenes – so much so you’ll understand why they chose to build a prominent lighthouse on Lizard Point!

Lost Gardens of Heligan

After so much time by the coast, it’s time to take in a few of Cornwall’s key attractions. Located close to St Austell, the Lost Gardens of Heligan cover 200 acres. After World War I they were abandoned and gradually became overgrown. They were restored in the 1990s and are well worth seeing for yourself.  

Giant ferns at the Lost Gardens of Heligan

The garden is particularly famous for its impressive collection of 70 veteran camellias and 350 ancient rhododendrons, some of which were planted back in the 1850s. If you’re green fingered you might want to grab a map so you can find out about the various plant species within the gardens.

The Eden Project

Continuing on inland on our Cornwall road trip, our final stop is at the world-famous Eden Project . The tropical domes have become iconic. Inside you’ll find the world’s largest rainforest in captivity with steamy jungles, waterfalls and even a canopy walkway that takes you above the treetops.

Eden Project, Cornwall

It’s a great place for all the family, and does an important job of educating those of all ages about the unique relationship mankind has with plants and trees. The Eden Project is also home to vast sculptures, beautiful outdoor gardens and England’s longest zipwire.

Things to think about before your Cornwall road trip

Before you work out the best route for your road trip through Cornwall, there are a few things you might want to bear in mind.

  • If you’re visiting in peak summer, think carefully about timings and where you’d like to visit. Lots of Cornish villages and beaches get very busy (especially when the sun is shining) so it’s a good idea to get up early and secure your parking space.
  • Similarly, pubs, restaurants and cafes can get very busy during the summer holidays. If there’s somewhere in particular you’re keen to visit, I’d recommend booking well in advance.
  • Some places require tickets. For example, if you’re thinking of visiting St Michael’s Mount, it’s worth booking your spot in advance.
  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast. It’s good to stay a little flexible as you might want to rejig your plans if there are some rainy days during your trip. If you’re looking for indoor activities, I’d recommend The Eden Project, the Tate St Ives or heading to one of Cornwall’s buzzy cities.
  • Prepare for narrow roads! Some of the roads leading to Cornwall’s beaches and fishing villages are narrow and windy.
  • Respect the locals and protect the landscapes. The locals are used to hordes of tourists invading every summer, but remember to be respectful during your trip. Always take your litter with you and be courteous to others.

I hope this post has given you lots of ideas to help you plan an amazing road trip through Cornwall. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out our guides to the most amazing places to visit in Cornwall , best restaurants in Padstow , the top National Trust houses to visit in Cornwall and don’t miss our 21 fun facts about Cornwall – they’ll seriously surprise you!

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From world-famous artworks and quality crafts, to modern pottery and hip graphics, these are the 19 best art galleries in Cornwall.

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8 Best Glamping Sites in Cornwall, England

Are you looking for the best glamping sites in Cornwall? From wooden cabins with hot tubs to shepherd’s huts, this is where to glamp in Cornwall.

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13 Best Places To Eat In Padstow, Cornwall

The best places to eat in Padstow include Michelin-starred gourmet cuisine, fresh seafood, Italian delicacies and classic fish and chips.

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How big was the world’s largest pasty? Where is Europe’s second largest redwood forest? Read these fun facts about Cornwall to find out now.

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The Gap Decaders

Cornwall Road Trip: The Best Itinerary, Map & Tips

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

The southernmost county in England, Cornwall is famous for its fabulous beaches, picturesque villages, Celtic heritage, and rich inland history. Wrapped together in a breathtaking landscape that is almost surrounded by sea, Cornwall is packed with activities and days out, making it one of the best UK road trips.

One of my favorite holiday spots as a kid, activities like surfing and hiking, spending lazy days on the beach, visiting attractions and learning about history and culture, and sampling the delicious local food means the best of Cornwall has plenty to keep everyone busy!

In this ten day Cornwall road trip guide we share travel tips, a fantastic route that hits all the top spots, things to do and see along the way, and hotel recommendations to help you plan your perfect road trip around Cornwall.

Cornwall road trip

Where is Cornwall England?

Cornwall is a historic and ceremonial county in the southwest of England, bordered to the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean, to the south by the English Channel, and to the east by the county of Devon, with the River Tamar forming the border.

Cornwall forms the westernmost part of the South West Peninsula of the island of Great Britain, with the southwesternmost point being Land’s End and the southernmost Lizard Point. 

The ceremonial county of Cornwall also includes the Isles of Scilly, which are administered separately. Cornwall’s administrative center is Truro, the only city in the county.

Is this your first time visiting the United Kingdom? Get all the information you need in our UK Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Getting to Cornwall

Whether you’re taking a Cornwall road trip in a car, motorcycle, campervan, or motorhome, self-driving is absolutely the best way to explore this spectacular part of the United Kingdom.

You can stop whenever you want, try new activities, visit places you see along the route, and have the freedom to change plans at the last minute.

One of our top road trip tips that will make a huge difference to your Cornish road trip is not to drive to Cornwall on a  Friday ,  Saturday,  or  Bank Holiday !

This is because lots of holiday lets, caravans and campsites have ‘changeover’ day on a Saturday, so the one single A30 main road which crosses into Cornwall just before Launceston is often gridlocked, meaning the A303, which is the main arterial south from the south of England, also backs up. Nightmare!

If you’re coming to Cornwall by plane, fly into Newquay Airport to start your roadtrip, with direct flights from London Gatwick, Manchester, Doncaster, Liverpool, Glasgow and Aberdeen.

If you’re coming from further afield, head to  London Gatwick Airport  and connect from there, or pick up a hire car and take a road trip to Cornwall through the counties of Surrey, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset and Devon, a journey of around 4-5 hours. We recommend booking flights with Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Are you planning to rent a car in Cornwall? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best car rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a roadtrip in England.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in the UK. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Motorhoming in Cornwall can be a challenge, with narrow lanes and small villages – unless you’re an experienced motorhomer , a campervan is probably a better idea 🙂

Best Time for a Cornish Road Trip

March to may.

Early spring can be wet and cold on the Cornish coast but from  late April  and  May  onwards the weather is generally warm and sunny, although you may still get chilly rainy days, so take layers and keep your eye on the weather forecast – a real British occupation!

June to August

During the busiest time in Cornwall, tourist traffic peaks in late July and August , and the roads into the county can become congested. It’s also when Cornwall experiences the warmest and driest weather, making it an attractive place to spend the school summer holidays. But, you’ll need to book your accommodation well in advance, as popular spots book up early.

If you’re not traveling with kids, June is the best month to visit – the weather is mild and sunny, attractions are open and beach days are a real possibility, but there are a lot fewer people around.

September to November

Early autumn , between September and early October, is a lovely time to visit, with warmth still in the air but a sense of peace as the season comes to a close.

Towards the end of September , the Cornish weather starts to turn and becomes unpredictable. Some days can be sunny and dry, but the chances of rain and windy Atlantic storms increase by the day.

December to February

You’re unlikely to see snow, but it most definitely will be cold, wet, and pretty miserable. You may well be the only tourist in the entire county, but it wouldn’t be our choice to road trip Cornwall in winter !

RELATED POST: 14 Stunning Places for Autumn Breaks in the UK

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting England . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices and excellent service.

Cornwall Road Trip Map & Route

The region can be explored in 3 to 4 days, but you will only touch the surface. Instead, take 9 to 10 days to appreciate Cornwall’s breathtaking coastal views, historic landmarks, myths and legends, and exceptional cuisine.

The starting point for our ten day Cornwall itinerary is Looe on the south coast, an hour’s drive from Newquay Airport across the county on good main roads.

From there, you’ll follow the gentle and picturesque coast south, right down to the most southwesterly tip of Land’s End, before heading north along the wilder Atlantic Coast to experience some of Cornwall’s most famous spots.

You probably won’t be able to do and see all the things we suggest in this itinerary, which we’ve visited over many family holidays in Cornwall. But we wanted to include as much detail as possible, so you can pick the things you enjoy most and maybe spot others along the route.

  • Get the Travel Guides
  • Lonely Planet Devon & Cornwall
  • The Rough Guide to Devon & Cornwall
  • West Cornwall: Land’s End Guidebook: Penzance, Lamorna, Porthcurno, Zennor & St Ives

Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary

Looe – Mevagissey – St Mawes – Truro – Lizard – Penzance – Mousehole – Porthcurno – Land’s End – St Just – St Ives – Newquay – Padstow – Port Isaac – Tintagel – Bodmin Moor – Bude

  • Distance 250 miles
  • Duration 10 days
  • Drive Time 8 hours

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Day 1: Looe to Mevagissey

The first day of the Cornwall road trip explores the lively town of Looe before heading southwest to the traditional Cornish fishing village of Mevagissey.

Start your exploration of Looe with a visit to the Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol to learn about the town’s history. Here you can explore the old jail cells and various artifacts, photographs, and records that are hundreds of years old.

Afterward, take a short walk to the harbor to try your hand at crabbing, a fun activity for the whole family. All you need are a bucket, net, and line which you can buy at the harbor, and some bait – crabs seem to like raw bacon best, but anything will do, even a bit of Cornish pasty! Just remember, you can’t eat these crabs and need to put them carefully back into the sea before you leave.

While at the harbor, visit the Looe Harbour Heritage Centre in the old Sardine Factory with exhibitions that detail Looe’s fishing history. Stop by the coffee shop for great views of the river.

See the morning out at East Looe Beach. You can fish, relax on the golden sands, or take a boat tour to Looe Island Nature Reserve, managed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust . The island, also known as St George’s Island, boasts a variety of animals, birds, and fascinating history.

For lunch, go to the charming Lookout or the colorful Island View Café for stunning views of the island. 

About 23 miles from Looe, stop at the 30-acre Pinetum Gardens in St Austell. The gardens boast over 6000 types of plants and offer a lovely backdrop for gorgeous pictures or taking a walk before hitting the road to Mevagissey . 

Once in the charming fishing village of Mevagissey, visit the local museum in the old schoolhouse. It displays the village’s history, fishing, and local life. Model train enthusiasts will also enjoy the Mevagissey Model Railway Museum , which has numerous well-preserved working train models.

Book a boat trip or sea safari at the harbor to try your hand at sea fishing, or if you want to explore the coastal caves and hidden caves, and see the local wildlife, like dolphins and seals.

If you prefer a land-based activity, take the six-minute drive northwest of Mevagissey to explore the fantastic Lost Gardens of Heligan . These beautiful gardens are Europe’s largest garden restoration and are filled with exotic plants, sculptures, and hidden treasures, with productive gardens, pleasuare gardens and even a jungle to explore.

Back in town, treat yourself to something at The Cornish Fudge Shop , your first opportunity to sample one of Cornwall’s most famous foods, handmade with local ingredients and love!

For dinner, visit the Salamander Restaurant or try the exceptional fish and chips at The Fishermen’s Chippy if you don’t mind a takeaway.

  • Where to Stay in Mevagissey

Upmarket: Lugger Hotel Portloe – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: The Llawnroc Hotel Gorran Haven – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Wheel House B&B – Booking.com | Agoda

travel roads cornwall

Eden Project Side Trip

Located in St Blazey between Looe and Mevagissey, the Eden Project is one of Cornwall’s huge success stories. Built on a reclaimed china clay pit a few miles from St Austell, this otherworldy place is worthy of a full day’s visit.

A global garden, where you can discover the natural world and explore huge covered biomes, the Eden Project is home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest and a beautiful and fragrant indoor Mediterranean garden. There are also extensive outdoor gardens, contemporary artworks, performance and storytelling and a handful of cool places to eat.

Day 2: Mevagissey to Truro

The second day of the itinerary takes you to the lush Roseland Peninsula and the inland capital of Truro. 

Roseland Peninsula

The Roseland Peninsula is about 16 miles from Mevagissey and boasts stunning landscapes and picturesque villages.

Start your trip to the peninsula on the western part of St. Mawes. Visit the historical St. Mawes Castle, one of King Henry VIII’s best-preserved coastal artillery fortresses, which has beautiful views of the Fal Estuary, or you can admire the views on a boat trip from St. Mawes to Falmouth, the Fal Estuary, and the nearby St. Anthony’s Head.

On the eastern ‘finger’ of the peninsula, you can visit one of several beaches, including Portscatho Beach, Towan Beach, and Little and Great Molunan Beach on the southern tip – the latter neighbors St. Anthony’s Head , which is an excellent spot for birdwatching.

To save some driving time, catch the King Harry Ferry , a vehicular chain ferry that crosses the River Fal in Cornwall from Philleigh to Trelissick in just five minutes.

Truro 

En route to Truro , stop at the Punchbowl and Ladle for classic British pub grub and small plates before continuing your journey.

Approximately half an hour north of Roseland is the beautiful town of Truro. It is the capital of Cornwall and offers travelers a lot of history and stunning natural scenery. 

See what is on at the Gothic Revival-style Truro Cathedral , who provide a rich visitor experience through worship, music, events, arts and learnin. Afterward, take a short walk to the Royal Cornwall Museum , which offers interesting exhibits on Cornwall’s history, culture, and natural environment.

Truro is also known for its shopping. Stroll through the town center to visit various independent shops, boutiques, and larger chain stores.

Go for an early dinner at The Rising Sun Pub or The Cornish Vegan , which serves an entirely vegan menu.

  • Where to Stay in Truro

Upmarket: The Alverton – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: County Arms – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Barley Sheaf – Booking.com | Agoda

travel roads cornwall

Falmouth Side Trip

If you have an extra half a day, Falmouth on the beautiful Fal River in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is well worth visiting.

The spirit of the sea boasts a rich maritime heritage and is home to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall , some great beaches, tall ships, traditional Cornish pilot gig rowing, kayaking and diving.

Falmouth is also a creative town, full of art galleries, exhibitions and a loads of independent shops and boutiques. The award-winning Falmouth Art Gallery is one of the leading galleries in the South West.

Day 3: Truro to Penzance

The third day of the Cornwall road trip offers the dramatic Lizard Peninsula and pretty Penzance.

Lizard Peninsula

If you are traveling with children or you’re a big kid yourself, stop at the popular Flambards Theme Park in Helston en route to the Lizard Peninsula. 

Upon arrival in Lizard, known for its rugged coastline and picturesque landscapes, visit the southernmost point of mainland Britain. It offers stunning sea views, towering cliffs and sea stacks, and local wildlife.

The Lizard Heritage Coast stretches from Porthleven to Enys Head, the most southerly point of mainland England, and enjoys the warmest climate in mainland Britain. The Peninsula is a place of rugged coastline of Serpentine rock, gentle heath, and grassland, and hosts several coastal nature trails and the long-distance South West Coast Path .

There are good sandy beaches south of Porthleven including Gunwalloe Church Cove Beach, Kennack Sands and Kynance Cove . This small yet stunning bay has white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring underwater rock formations with a snorkel.

The Lizard Peninsula has several National Trust properties. Visit the historic Lizard Point Lighthouse , which offers guided tours, or the Trelowarren Estate and the fishing village of Poltesco.

Enjoy lunch at Polpeor Café in Lizard or Wavecrest Café in Lizard’s Point, which has lovely outdoor seating and ocean views.

En route to Penzance , stop at Marazion to visit St Michael’s Mount . This island is roughly 500 meters from the mainland and boasts an ancient castle and scenic gardens. You can reach the island via a causeway during low tide, or by boat from Marazion when the tide is too high to cross by foot.

In Penzance, just five miles from Marazion, you can experience a thriving arts community with plenty of galleries and studios to explore. The Newlyn School artists were attracted by the wonderful Cornish light and landscape, and are famous for  painting outdoors or en Plein air .

You can visit Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange and the Penlee House Gallery and Museum to see local artworks from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Another notable museum is the Cornwall Contemporary on Chapel Street, which celebrates local talent.

Walk along the promenade stretching for miles along the magnificent coast. It offers stunning views of the sea and the town and is a great way to take in the local scenery.

For a peaceful stroll surrounded by local flora, head to Morrab Gardens in the heart of Penzance, known for its Mediterranean and sub-tropical plants including the enormous Giant Gunnera, which benefit from the Gulf Stream climate. Outside of town, you’ll find the traditional Trengwainton Gardens and the natural and dog friendly Tanglewood Wild Garden .

Penzance is known for its fresh fish and seafood. Try some for dinner at the Michelin-starred The Shore Restaurant or Cork And Fork , known for using the freshest local ingredients.

  • Where to Stay in Penzance

Upmarket: The Beach Club – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Crown Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Treventon Guest House – Booking.com | Agoda

travel roads cornwall

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip, find out how to road trip on a budget , or get ideas and inspiration with our favorite European road trips .

Day 4: Penzance to Land’s End  

The Penwith Heritage Coast wraps around the tip of Cornwall from Penzance to St Ives, and is our favorite part of Cornwall, with gorgeous beaches, legends aplenty and cute fishing ports.

Head south for the charming traditional fishing village of  Mousehole  (pronounced  Mowzle ), one of Cornwall’s hidden gems (as much as anything in this part of the world can be!). With a thriving harbor and a tumble of narrow cobbled streets to explore, there are lots of things to see and do in the village.

The tip of the Cornish peninsula has some amazing coves and beaches and Porthcurno is one of our all-time favorites. The soft white shell sands are overlooked by the open-air, cliffside Minack Theatre that hosts a range of summer performances and boasts breathtaking sea views. You’ll need to get to the beach early in the summer months, as the car park fills quickly.

If Portucurno is too busy for you, try nearby Pedn Vounder Beach which is reached by a craggy cliff path from the South West Coast Path, Porthchapel Beach which requires a similar scramble, or Porthgwarra Beach , which is a bit easier to access and has caves and rock pools to be explored when the tide is out.

A bit closer to Land’s End is the fabulous Nanjizal Beach . Also known as Mill Cove, the boulder-strewn beach is at the end of a shallow valley and boasts particularly clear water. It’s a spectacular 30 minute walk from Porthgwarra to Nanjizal Beach and the last bit is via steep steps – but it’s worth it once you get there!

Land’s End is the most westerly place in England and is famous for its dramatic cliffs, stunning views, and rugged coastline. Visit the Land’s End Visitor Centre , home to several attractions, including a 4D cinema, interactive exhibits, and a gift shop. It’s a great place to learn about the history and geography of the area. 

Ensure to get a photograph of the iconic Land’s End sign dating back to the 1950s and made famous by the thousands of celebrity End-to-Enders who have posed beside it before or after their journeys across the length of Great Britain from Scotland’s John O‘Groats to Land’s End.

Finish the morning with lunch at The Land’s End Restaurant or the Old Success Inn by Sennen Cove.

  • Where to Stay around Land’s End

Upmarket: The Ship Inn Mousehole – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: The Land’s End Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Boskennal Farm Pod St Buryan – Booking.com | Agoda

travel roads cornwall

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts and road trip songs for the journey!

Day 5: Land’s End to St Ives

Today sees you continuing along the Penwith Heritage Coast, through an area rich with history and legend, and Cape Cornwall, the only ‘cape’ in England.

Take the coast road from Land’s End past the glorious Sennen Cove, a great spot for a dip or a spot of bodyboarding as you head north to St Just , where you’ll be well into Poldark country!

Properly known as St Just-in-Penwith, St Just is situated on the edge of the moors and was originally the center of the tin mining industry in this part of Cornwall. The town’s past is reflected in the streets of granite cottages and disused engine houses which dominate the landscape. 

There are a couple of art galleries in town, including the Jackson Foundation Gallery , an award-winning and carbon-negative art space that celebrates the relationship between art and the natural world. There are also a good collection of gift and artisan craft shops, cafés, and places to eat in town.

Just to the west of St Just is Cape Cornwall , managed by the National Trust. The distinctive headland juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and is part of the so-called Tin Coast and a Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. There are fantastic walks from Sennen and Pendeen along the South West Coastal Path to the Cape.

As you begin to head north to St Ives, stop at one of the historic tin mines along to coast, to learn more about the industry that Cornwall’s economy was built upon. At Botallack , the famous Crowns engine houses cling to the foot of the cliffs and industrial ruins including chimney stacks and engine houses stretch across the wild landscape.

The Geevor Tin Mine Museum has underground hard hat tours led by ex-miners, and the chance to pan for minerals above ground, and at the Levant Mine and Beam Engine , you can watch the 1840 beam engine worked by steam and follow in the miners’ footsteps through the tunnel to the man-engine shaft.

Don’t miss the ancient landmarks of Lanyon Quoit, a megalithic tomb, and Mên-an-Tol, a Bronze Age site with a rare holed stone, believed to have curative powers.

If you fancy a late-afternoon dip as the sun starts to descend, head for Porthmeor Cove, Veor Cove, or Porthzennor Cove. If you prefer to stay dry, stop in at Rosemergy Farmhouse for a delicious Cornish cream tea – just make sure to spread the jam first, followed by the cream!

About 18 miles northeast of Land’s End is the picturesque coastal town of St. Ives , a popular tourist holiday destination. You’ll be arriving in the late afternoon, so check in and head down to Fore Street for restaurants, bars, and a lively holiday atmosphere well into the evening.

  • Where to Stay in St Ives

Upmarket: Carbis Bay and Spa Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Harbour Hotel St Ives – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Stargazy Shepherds Hut – Booking.com | Agoda

travel roads cornwall

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Day 6: st ives.

Make the most of your non-driving day by visiting one of St Ives’ seven fantastic beaches. The long stretch of Porthmoer Beach is where I spent hours bodyboarding in the waves as a kid, now a popular surfing beach along with Porthgwidden Beach and Bamaluz Beach.

Harbour Beach, Breakwater Beach, Lambeth Beach, and Porthminster Beach face into St Ives Bay, making them usually much calmer places to swim and paddle, and great for families with small kids.

If you want a huge, endless and often empty stretch of sand, head for Carbis Bay Beach, a mammoth 25 acres of golden sands lapped by beautifully clear water.

Art lovers can delight in St Ives’ art galleries, including the Tate St. Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden and Museum , in the sculptor’s former studio. These galleries showcase the work of some of the most renowned artists of the 1900s. Another notable gallery worth visiting is the Penwith Gallery hosting contemporary and historical exhibitions.

There is also the Leach Pottery Studio, founded by Bernard Leach, a British studio potter and art teacher, regarded as the ‘Father of British studio pottery’. You can take a tour of the studio and see the pottery being made.

For those with a sweet tooth, visit Moomaid of Zennor on Wharf Road. This popular ice cream parlor offers an array of intriguing flavors, like ‘Prosecco Sorbet’ or ‘Shipwreck,’ which combines sea salt, dulce de leche (caramelized milk), and honey.

Finally, take a late afternoon walk to St Ives Head and the small stone-built St Nicholas Chapel, also known as the Island Chapel. The small peninsula lies on the SW Coast Path and has spectacular sunset views.

If you are dining out, try The Searoom by St Ives Liquor Co. or The Bean Inn Vegetarian Restaurant if you have specific dietary requirements.

travel roads cornwall

Day 7: St Ives to Padstow

The seventh day of the road trip lets you explore Newquay and Padstow. 

About 23 miles from St Ives en route to Newquay , stop at Healy’s Cornish Cyder Farm . You can book a tour of the farm and brewery and pick up some delicious Healy products, like cider jams, preserves, and country wines.

On the Atlantic Highway , Newquay is a seaside town boasting some of Britain’s best beaches, the most iconic being Fistral Beach, popular with surfers. Closer to town, Newquay Beach and Towan Beach with its sea-filled pool are popular with families, as is Great Western Beach with many caves and rockpools to explore at low tide.

Lusty Glaze – I just love that name – is like a theme park beach, with lots going on including junior Baywatch, high ropes courses, kite surfing, a daily BBQ, and even a crèche! And finally, if you want the opposite, with just sand, sea, and peace, head for Whipsiderry Beach, beautifully sheltered by the surrounding cliffs.

A Newquay family favorite is Trenance Gardens and Leisure Park . The park features beautiful gardens, a lake, and a mini-golf course. If you have time to spare before lunch, have a quick exploration of the Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre, dedicated to the aviation history of Cornwall and featuring a collection of aircraft, engines, and other aviation artifacts.

Treat yourself to a light lunch at Gwenna Teahouse or Fore Street Cafe Bar before continuing to Padstow.

Padstow is a charming working fishing port about 17 miles from Newquay. Before you get there, make a stop at Carnewas to see the Bedruthan Steps. This steep staircase features 149 steps that have been carved into the cliff face and serve as the only means to access the Bedruthan Beach beneath the cliffs, as well as giving magnificent views of the nearby rock stacks.

You’ll find lots of things to do in Padstow . Walk a bit of the Camel Trail, a scenic route alongside the River Camel, or stretch your legs and stroll around the colorful harbor full of fishing boats.

For an activity that is slightly less strenuous, visit the Padstow Museum . This small museum showcases the history of the town. It has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Padstow and its people. 

If you are traveling through Padstow between April and September, make sure to visit Prideaux Place , a stunning historic house built in the 1500s. It is open to the public and boasts gorgeous gardens and a collection of antique furniture and artwork.

Another must-see in Padstow is the beautiful interior of the 13th century St. Petroc’s Church, which stands where a church has stood since 518 CE.

If you have time, catch the summer ferry from Padstow to Rock, on the opposite side of the Camel Estuary. Known as ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’, Rock is reputed to be the home of more millionaires than anywhere else in Cornwall. But we’re more interested in the fabulous Rock Beach, a long sandy stretch that fronts the village and is popular with swimmers, sun seekers, and wind surfers.

Afterward, dine at the famous Rick Stein’s restaurant, Stein’s Fish ‘n Chips (open for dinner Thursday to Saturday), or Paul Ainsworth at No. 6 for a Michelin-starred experience.

  • Where to Stay in Padstow

Upmarket: Padstow Townhouse – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: The Old Custom House – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Drang House – Booking.com | Agoda

travel roads cornwall

Day 8: Padstow to Tintagel

On the eigth day of the Cornwall road trip, you will pass through Post Isaac and end the day in Tintagel.  

Port Isaac is a charming fishing village on the north coast of Cornwall, known for being the setting of the fictional village, Portwenn, in the ITV comedy-drama series Doc Martin . 

You can even go on a Doc Martin tour , which includes visiting the Doc Martin house at the top of Roscarrock Hill, easily recognizable from the show. Or you can take yourself to the town alone instead to walk around and admire the white-washed cottages, flower gardens, and historical buildings.

Visit the working Port Isaac fishing harbor, the heart of the village. Watch the boats on the slipway from the old-school harbor wall and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean and the charming Cornish cottages scattered around the bay. You can take a boat trip to explore the coastline or even hire a rod and go fishing to try your hand at angling. 

On land, you can explore Doyden Castle, a National Trust property and one of the best Cornwall castles to stay in , and the unique and beautiful handmade ceramics at the Port Isaac Pottery Studio . Afterward, visit the Old Schoolhouse Gallery, which exhibits work from local artists and artisans, including paintings, pottery, and jewelry.

About 10 miles / 16km from Port Isaac is the small coastal village of  Tintagel , known for its dramatic natural scenery, 13th century castle, and connections to the legend of King Arthur. 

Legend has it that the medieval Tintagel Castle on a clifftop overlooking the ocean was the birthplace of King Arthur, who was possibly a warrior that led British armies against Saxon invaders in the 6th century, although historians cannot confirm King Arthur’s existence.

You will also see Gallos, the King Arthur statue, an 8-foot-tall bronze sculpture by Rubin Eynon of a ghostly figure with a crown holding a sword, and Merlin’s Cave, beneath Tintagel Castle. This cave is said to be where the wizard Merlin once lived.

Visit the 14th century Post Office, which now serves as a museum, and St Materiana’s Church. The small chapel sits on a hill overlooking Tintagel, offering visitors panoramic views of the village and the rugged coastline.

Take a stroll around the village as Tintagel has a charming mix of shops, cafes, and galleries, as well as some interesting historical buildings.

Close to Tintagel village in Trethevy is the pretty Saint Nectan’s Glen, a wooded and rocky valley stretching for a mile along both banks of the Trevillet River. The glen’s most prominent feature is  St Nectan’s Kieve , a fantastic sixty-foot / 18-meter waterfall which flows through a hole in the rocks. Many believe the glen to be one of England’s most spiritual sites, and tie or place ribbons, crystals, and photographs near the waterfall.

End your day with a lovely dinner at the King Arthur’s Arms Inn Restaurant or Tintagel Brewery Bar and Bistro .

  • Where to Stay around Tintagel

Mid-Range: St Tudy Inn Bodmin – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: King Arthurs Arms – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Dolphins Backpackers Hostel – Booking.com | Agoda

travel roads cornwall

Day 9: Tintagel to Bude

On itinerary day nine, the road takes you to the mysterious Bodmin Moor and the holiday town of Bude.

Bodmin Moor

Pop inland from Tintagel and explore the wonderfully peaceful Bodmin Moor , or Goon Brenn in Cornish.

Bodmin Moor is 80 square miles / 208 square kilometers of granite moorland that dates from the Carboniferous period of geological history and is home to Brown Willy, which at 1,378 feet / 480 meters is the highest point in Cornwall, and Rough Tor, a slightly lower peak.

A deeply historic place, Bodmin Moor hosts countless ancient monuments, such as the Hurlers, Rillaton Barrow, the Trippet Stones, Leskernick, and countless other menhirs or standing stones, cairns, and settlements. The southeast corner of the moor forms part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.

One of the best ways to experience Bodmin is Alpaca trekking when you get to walk with these wonderful creatures and enjoy the far-reaching views of the moor, followed by a Cornish cream tea!

There are several beaches in Bude, including Summerleaze Beach, which is a central hub of sand, surf and sun and all the watersports you could want. Summerleaze is connected to Crooklets Beach, with its vast expanse of sand and rock pools when the tide is out. Between the two is the Bude Sea Pool, popular with swimmers and paddleboarders.

Make sure to visit the Cornish Pie Company for the best Cornish pasties, turnover-shaped baked shortcrust pastries filled with beef and vegetables. There are lots of details that make Cornish pasties Cornish , like the semi-circular shape and side-crimped along the curve, but all we know is that they are yummy!

  • Where to Stay in Bude

Upmarket: The Beach – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: The Falcon Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Sea Jade Guest House – Booking.com | Agoda

travel roads cornwall

England Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in England.

  • Search for affordable flights to England with Skyscanner
  • Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in England with Booking.com
  • Find and book the best campsites in England with Eurocampings
  • Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in England with Rentalcars.com
  • Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
  • Get highly rated, reliable and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
  • Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in England

Whether you’re driving Cornwall in a car or camper or riding a motorbike, ensure you’ve got all your documents handy and your spare tire is in good condition. If your Cornwall road trip itinerary is longer than a few weeks , you may want to consider a vehicle service before you go, and breakdown cover is probably a good idea.

  • Drivers from non-EU countries may require an International Driving Permit. The general rule is that an IDP will be required if your license is not in Latin script. Check with your car hire company or embassy if you’re in doubt.
  • You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
  • Your car must be considered roadworthy in the country in which it is registered.
  • Your headlights must be adapted for driving on the left if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
  • Unlike France, the UK does not have laws that require you to carry certain equipment in your car, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. Being prepared in the event of an accident or a breakdown is invaluable. Ideally, you should carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit, and a fire extinguisher.
  • Understand insurance options, mileage limits, and fuel policies before booking a rental car.
  • Check the car for damage on collection and make sure anything you spot is noted, and the same again when you drop it off.
  • Remember to drive on the left during your trip to England!

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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Cornwall road trip 10 days itinerary

The Wandering Quinn Travel Blog

Cornwall Road Trip Guide & 4 Cornwall Itineraries To Follow!

Categories England , Itinerary , U.K

Cornwall is possibly the best part of the UK to do a road trip in because a road trip in Cornwall will take you to an unbelievable amount of beautiful places in Cornwall!

On a Cornwall road trip, you’ll come across pristine beaches and secret bays. There are castles and old theatres to see, rock pools to swim in, beautiful Cornish towns, villages and harbours to visit, amazing cafes and restaurants and lovely accommodation,

And whether you have 3 days in Cornwall or 7 days in Cornwall, you will be able to see a lot of this!

In this Cornwall travel blog, I’m going to give you all you need to know to plan a road trip around Cornwall, the best places to visit in Cornwall, how to plan your Cornwall itinerary and some driving tips for Cornwall!

Cornwall Road Trip

Cornwall road trip

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Best Places to Visit in Cornwall

When it comes to planning road trips and a trip in general, the first step is to suss out where the best places to go are and where they are on a map so you can realistically see where you can visit in the time you have.

Although part of a road trip is being on the road, we really don’t want to spend all day driving, to be exhausted from it and not have enough time to enjoy where we are driving through!

Here is a list of the best places to visit in Cornwall on a road trip and below is a map of Cornwall to help you plan your trip around Cornwall.

  • Botallack Mines
  • Constantine Bay
  • St Michael’s Mount
  • Bedruthan Steps
  • Watergate Bay
  • Fistral Beach
  • Treyarnon Bay
  • Eden Project
  • Kynance Cove
  • Chapel Pool
  • Tintagel Castle
  • Polzeath Beach

You may recognise many of these great places to visit in Cornwall and best things to do in Cornwall , but if you are looking for places you haven’t heard of and that fewer people know of, make sure you read my hidden gems in Cornwall list!

Cornwall road trip St Michaels Mount

Map of Places To Go On Cornwall Road Trip

Car Hire in Cornwall

If you have a car then great, if not, you’ll need to hire a car and there are a few ways you can do this.

If you are coming from overseas to Cornwall you could hire a car at one of the London Airports and drive to Cornwall. Or you could hire one from the closest city or airport to where you live,

Or, as I explain more below in how to get to Cornwall, you could fly into Cornwall Newquay Airport , or get a train to Newquay and hire a car from here. This option will save you a lot of travel time and driving time!

I recommend using Rental Cars for car hire in Cornwall as they work with all the top car rental agencies in the UK. Search for car rental prices and availability here!

Planning a Cornwall Road Trip

Personally, I think the best way to plan road trips in the UK is to focus on visiting a different area each day, this is what I did on my Cornwall road trip, Wales Road Trip and Devon Road Trip and it worked well!

For example, because Cornwall has both a North Coast, South Coast and the very Western tip of the country, it’s a good idea to plan each day in Cornwall in one of these areas so you aren’t doing driving long distances every day.

Because the thing about Cornwall is although the distance doesn’t look far on the map, it does take much longer to drive distances in Cornwall than it does in other areas of the UK because of the narrow, windy roads, and the traffic if you go in the summer!

The driving time in Cornwall will also really surprise if you are not from the UK and are travelling from somewhere like the USA or Australia!

Cornwall Roads

On that note, let’s touch on how to drive in Cornwall to help you prepare for the roads in Cornwall!

You may be familiar with small country lanes but if you haven’t done much driving outside of a city or you’re from overseas then there are a few things to note:

  • Make sure you have petrol and fill up when you get low rather than waiting to the last minute as country roads are lacking in petrol stations.
  • Drive really slowly along country lanes, even if someone is behind you. 20mph is a good speed.
  • Keep looking ahead! I know we look ahead when driving but looking even further ahead and looking around corners more is best to check for oncoming traffic.
  • Be mindful of the pull in points so if you need to back up you know where the last one was.
  • If someone pulls in for you, always put your hand or a few fingers up off the steering wheel to say thank you.
  • Locals in Cornwall might seem unfriendly on the roads because they can get annoyed with the amount of tourists on the roads, especially in summer when it gets really busy, still, be polite to them, this is their home after all!

Cornwall Road Trip, Cornwall Roads

Getting to Cornwall

Getting to Cornwall can take a number of hours because of how far South and West it is, this is why you should plan your Cornwall itinerary with at least a few days to spend in Cornwall to make your trip worthwhile.

London to Cornwall for example takes about 6 hours but if you are coming from the South or from London, there are lots of nice places to stop on a Cornwall road trip from London like Dorset and Devon if you have time.

Another option is to fly to Newquay Airport and hire a car in Newquay . Flying to Cornwall may seem extra fancy but it’s a huge time saver and internal flights can be really great value with airlines such as EasyJet!

Stopping will really enhance your overall trip and will help you see lots more beautiful places in the South of England !

Here’s my full post on how to do a London to Cornwall Road Trip and 12 Places to stop!

Cornwall Road Trip Lands End2

Where To Stay in Cornwall

There are lots of places to stay in Cornwall for all different budgets and trip types.

You may associate road trips with #vanlife right now, or camping from your car, and whilst this is of course a great way to travel and stay in Cornwall, you don’t have to do a road trip like this!

I like road trips in the UK that have a base for at least 2 nights in each location as I think it’s the easiest way to see a lot whilst also being enjoyable without having to check-in and check-out of new places every day, this is especially the case when travelling with children and as a family.

A friend of mine recently stayed in one of the Classic Cottages in Cornwall and really recommended it, she loved the self-catering aspect which is definitely great when you’ll be out on the road a lot of the day and being able to come home to a comfy, cosy Cornish cottage really did make her trip memorable.

Getting accommodation near the coast is most ideal for your road trip around Cornwall if you plan on focusing on the coastline and best beaches in Cornwall , which after all, is what makes Cornwall so amazing!

Cornwall Road Trip, sunset

If you are testing out Van Life either in your own van or one you are renting, there are lots of places to camp along the coast and lots of campsites available.

Camping itself is also a great option for Cornwall because typically it has some of the warmest weather in the UK, and if you have always fancied wild camping, here are some wild camping spots in Cornwall to try.

Cornwall Road Trip, camping accommodation

Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary

Depending on how long you have to spend in Cornwall and how much of the county you want to see, I have detailed some brilliant Cornwall itineraries to follow to help you plan your Cornwall road trip itinerary.

3 Day Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary

– Focusing on Southern Cornwall starting at the very South tip

Day 1: Land’s End, Porthcurno and Minack Theatre

Day 2: The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Mevagissey

Day 3: Eden Project

See the full 3 day Cornwall itinerary here!

Cornwall Road Trip Lands End

Search for car hire in Cornwall here!

4 Day Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Penzance, Mousehole & St. Michaels Mount

Day 2: Porthcurno

Day 3: St. Ives & Zennor

Day 4: St. Agnes & Newquay

See the full 4 day Cornwall itinerary here!

Cornwall road trip st ives

5 Day Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary

-Focusing on Northern Cornwall with some South Coast Stops too

Day 1: Plymouth

Day 2: Falmouth, Kynance Cove, Lizard Point, St Michaels Mount, Penzance

Day 3: Minack Theatre, Porthcurno Beach, Lands End, St Ives

Day 4: Padstow, Harlyn Bay, Bedruthan Steps

Day 5: Tintagel Castle 

See the full 5 day Cornwall itinerary here!

Padstow is a popular town in Cornwall, here’s my post on the best things to do in Padstow and near Padstow !

Cornwall road trip, Padstow

7 Day Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary

-Focusing on the North Coast but also lower South Coast and travelling slowly

Day 1: Boscastle – Tintagel Castle

Day 2: Newquay

Day 3: St Ives

Day 4: Geevor and Levant Tin Mines – Land’s End – St Michael’s Mount

Day 5: Lizard Point

Day 6: Falmouth

Day 7: Truro

See the full 7 day Cornwall itinerary here!

Cornwall Road Trip Eden Project

FAQ About a Cornwall Road Trip:

How long does it take to drive around cornwall.

From the Eastern side of Cornwall to the Western tip it takes about 2 hours to drive through Cornwall however because you are going to be stopping a lot on your Cornwall Road Trip and itinerary the distances will be much shorter.

Is it easy to drive around Cornwall?

Yes, the roads can be narrow, windy and busy in places in Cornwall but in general, the roads in Cornwall and good and easy to manage with the help of a satnav.

How many days do I need in Cornwall?

Because of the long drive to Cornwall, I suggest at least 2 days in Cornwall, 3 days is also a good time. However some people easily spend 7 days in Cornwall on a holiday in England which is a good amount of time to relax on some days and visit new places on other days.

What is the best time to visit Cornwall?

Most people visit Cornwall in the Summer months so they benefit from the warmer weather however Cornwall can be visited all year round. The positive to going to Cornwall in the winter is fewer people even if the weather isn’t as good. Spring and Autumn are also considered the best time to visit Cornwall.

I hope that helps you plan your road trip around Cornwall!

  • For more of my posts to help you see the best of the UK see:
  • How To Visit Cheddar Gorge. Things To Do, Cheddar Gorge Walks & Parking!
  • How To Spend 1 Week in Wales! BEST Wales Itinerary!
  • 15 UK Staycation Ideas For This Year! Visit The Best Of The UK!
  • 10 Reasons to Book a Stargazing Cabin in Devon at Royal Oak Farm!
  • 25 BEST Things To Do in Lyme Regis and Near Lyme Regis in Dorset!

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Discover more ways to travel

With ferries, boat trips and scenic railway lines, it's never been easier to explore Cornwall. Travel from coast to coast and experience stunning landscapes and coastal treasures on your journey.

Or why not spend a day visiting our friends in the Isles of Scilly? Hop aboard the Scillonian, the Skybus or helicopter and enjoy some time on the islands.

It's never been easier to leave the cars behind. Click here to discover more ways to travel in and around Cornwall.

481 WIDElooevalleyline.jpg

More to explore

Explore more of Cornwall with our travel options. Discover the Roseland, the city of Truro, St Mawes, and Falmouth with Fal River, or enjoy an island adventure with Isles of Scilly Travel.

Our train lines provide unparalleled views of the coast and countryside and bring you right to the centre of the action.

Find out more and plan your next trip today.

Avoid the traffic jams, the arguments when the GPS sends you the wrong way and the general hassle of having to drive great distances...

GWR operate high speed train services frequently from London Paddington station including the Night Riviera Sleeper Service to Penzance. There are also direct trains daily from Bristol and beyond. More info from: nationalrail.co.uk

Once in Cornwall, there's a great rail network for getting around the county, ideal for when the roads are busy in the summer. Give the driver a rest and grab a cheap day return to St Ives or Looe. Sit back and enjoy the scenery on the Tamar Valley Line or head to the beach at Newquay or Falmouth. For more info, go to Great Scenic Railways

For National Rail enquiries telephone 08457 484950

The First Group co-ordinate bus services from many Cornish stations.

Park-and-ride schemes run in season at Liskeard (for Looe) and St Erth (for St. Ives).

The Tamar Valley is served by its own branch line which runs out of Plymouth. Called the Tamar Valley Line it stops at Bere Ferres and Bere Alston on the Devon side, before crossing over the river to Calstock. From here it continues to its final destination, Gunnislake.

You can also use the main line to access the station at St Germans on the Lynher River.

Yes, there is a good service with most busses passing through or starting from Helston.

travel roads cornwall

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Travel Blog

Cornwall Road Trip 7 Days Itinerary: Coastal Bliss & Hidden Gems

Are you looking for an itinerary for a 7 Days of Cornwall Road Trip? Then you are in the right spot.

Cornwall, with its rugged coastlines, quaint fishing villages, and golden beaches, is a haven for any traveler. You can see as much or as little as you like, stopping as you go to see whatever catches your fancy. 

From rugged beaches to lovely little villages, Cornwall has everything you’d want in a relaxing holiday in the UK. Plus, everything is fairly close together; it won’t take you more than an hour to get between stops. It’s a great a road trip without spending all day in the car! 

It can be quite hard to figure out a great itinerary without knowing the area. My friend Jen Miller is an American living in London and the face behind the blog London in Real Life . She has recently visited Cornwall, and told me all about it for this blog post.

This itinerary offers a mix of coastal towns, historical sites, and outstanding natural beauty, all at a relaxed pace. Keep on reading to find out everything you need for your Cornwall road trip in this complete guide.

Let’s get to it.

beautiful beach in the uk with stunning clear blue water and colorful flowers in front

Table of Contents

Cornwall road trip 7 days itinerary – at a glance, downloadable map one week cornwall road trip, getting to cornwall from london.

  • Cornwall Road Trip Tips 

Day 1: Falmouth

Day 2: falmouth to coverack, day 3: coverack to cadgwith harbour, day 4: exploring the coves en route to porthleven harbour, day 5: porthleven to penzance, day 6: penzance to land’s end to st ives, other amazing attractions in cornwall, is cornwall safe, best time for a cornwall road trip, what to pack for a 7 days cornwall road trip, cornwall quick facts, cornwall road trip 7 days: final thoughts, faq: cornwall road trip 7 days, about the author.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my  disclaimer  for further information.

beautiful cornwall from a cliff

  • Day 3: Coverack to Cadgwith Harbor

Day 7: St Ives

google maps screenshot with route of a one week in cornwall road trip

If you’re coming from London, or another major metropolitan area of the UK, the most budget-friendly route is to take a train to a Cornish city . Going on a road trip to Cornwall from London is a great idea if you are looking for a city escape.

You can then rent a car once you’re in Cornwall . It’s best to book ahead, as there aren’t many rental businesses. They book up fast in the summer months. 

You’ll need a car once you arrive, as public transport in Cornwall is limited and slow. Many of these suggested stops on the Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary are not accessible by public transport. 

Trains to Cornwall are affordable most times of year, especially if you have a Rail Card . The best places to arrive in Cornwall by train are Plymouth, Exeter, and Redruth.

These all have major rail hubs. Check your train options decide which route is best for you, and make sure the local car rental agencies have availability.

Alternatively, you can also grab a rental car in London for this road trip.

Cornwall Road Trip Tips

☀️ Cornwall is compact, so if you don’t want to book different accommodations every night, you can opt to stay in one spot instead. It that case you can do each of these Cornwall itineraries as day trips. For this option, I’d suggest you stay in Falmouth as a home base. It isn’t quite as pricey as the more popular St. Ives or Penzance. 

☀️ Cornwall’s roads are narrow, and some are not paved. If you meet another car head on in some spots, you may need to reverse. It’s best to drive a small car and be familiar with your car’s dimensions . And make sure you don’t get stuck in the mud (like I did!) . 

☀️ Petrol stations are few and far between. Though you won’t go through a lot of petrol on this trip – as everything is close together – be mindful of your levels and top up while you’re near a station. 

☀️ This trip is perfect for a solo travel adventure . I went on my own and loved exploring everything Cornwall has to offer at my own pace.

sunset shot from the authors car

Falmouth is a charming coastal town in the Northeast corner of Cornwall. We’ll start here, then loop around the coast clockwise.

Morning: Arrive in Falmouth and explore the historic Pendennis Castle. Enjoy panoramic views of the sea

Afternoon : Stroll around the town, visiting the National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Evening : Dine at one of the waterfront restaurants, enjoying the fresh seafood Cornwall is famous for

beautiful drone shot of falmouth in cornwall from a road trip view from pendennis castle

What to see in Falmouth 

  • The National Maritime Museum Cornwall is a must-visit, offering a deep dive into the town’s seafaring past. Offers interactive exhibits and historic boats
  • Gyllyngvase Beach and Swanpool Beach: These are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports
  • Falmouth Harbour: One of the world’s deepest natural harbours. It’s a hub of activity with boats, ferries, and yachts. You can take boat trips to nearby places like St Mawes or up the River Fal
  • Pendennis Castle : Historic castle built by Henry VIII. It overlooks the sea and offers panoramic views of the area. It’s a great place to learn about the town’s medieval history.

Accommodation in Falmouth 

Author’s choice.

cute little houses in harbor town folmouth

Jacob’s Ladder Inn

  • Charming B&B
  • Cornish Charm
  • Central Location
  • Live Music Events

Just a short 40 minute drive from Falmouth is the picturesque fishing village of Coverack . Take your time and take advantage of the beautiful stops along the way! 

Morning : set off from Falmouth driving south to Coverack. Enjoy one or two of my suggested stops in Coverack (see below)

Afternoon : Arrive in Coverack, a picturesque fishing village. Wander around the harbor and enjoy the tranquility

Evening : Stay in a local B&B and enjoy a meal at a village pub

cute harbor view with crystal clear blue water

Suggested Stops 

  • Potager Garden and Trebah Garden are beautiful botanical gardens, great for a short wander and a cup of tea 
  • Halliggye Fogou : a remnant of the Iron age, a mysterious network of tunnels
  • Slice of Cornwall : a great stop for coffee, filled flatbread, waffles, and delicious cakes, Slice of Cornwall is one of the best restaurants in the whole of the peninsula. It may be a bit busy, but it’s worth the wait

What to See in Coverack 

Coverack is a very small fishing village with incredible natural beauty. It’s great for just relaxing, wandering, and turning in at a local B&B. 

🌊 Coverack Beach : a mix of sand and pebbles, it’s a lovely spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and beachcombing. The waters are clear and inviting, perfect for swimming and snorkeling in the warm summer months. Sometimes the water is still a bit chilly! 

🌊 Coastal Walks: The village is situated on the South West Coastal Path, offering breathtaking views of the coastline. Go walking along this path, explore the rugged cliffs and hidden coves of the Lizard Peninsula

🌊 Local Cuisine: As a coastal village, Coverack offers fresh seafood dishes in its local pubs and restaurants. You must try a traditional Cornish pasty

Accommodation in Coverack 

cute hotel

The Bay Hotel

  • Overlooking the Water
  • Sea View Rooms

Morning : Depart Coverack and head south to Cadgwith Harbour, choosing from the stops noted below. It’s a very short drive at only 20 minutes end to end, so this day is all about the detours!

Afternoon : Arrive at Cadgwith Harbour. Explore the village, watch local fishermen at work, and maybe even buy some fresh catch for dinner

Evening : Enjoy a traditional Cornish meal at a local inn

stunning ocean with broad sandy beach

  • Kennack Sands: one of the flattest and sandiest beaches in Cornwall, Kennack Sands is great for a day of exploring and wading in the tidal pools. If you have dogs or kids, this beach is especially lovely for a day out
  • Mora Cafe is a lovely family run cafe on the shores of Kennack Sands, offering ice cream, delicious coffees, and a variety of fresh food. Grab a cuppa and relax on their spacious seaside balcony 
  • National Trust Old Serpentine Works: an abandoned mine that was integral to Cornwall’s Victorian economy. This is a great historical stop. There is also a mapped walk of historical sites along the Coastal Path

What to See in Cadgwith Harbour

🏖️ Cadgwith Harbour itself is the main attraction here. It has cute thatched roofs, and charming cobbled streets, and is a gorgeous fishing village. If you’ve seen the British TV show Doc Martin, Cadgwith Harbour will remind you of the village in that show.

🏖️ The Old Cellars Restaurant: watch the catch of the day come in and move directly to this restaurant to be prepared into lovely meals! It’s a quaint seafood spot with fish that’s as fresh as fresh can be

🏖️ St Ruan Holy Well: A 15th-century Celtic holy well, well-preserved. It’s like glimpsing into the ancient Celtic past. 

Accommodation in Cadgwith Harbour 

cute harbor town

Cadgwith Cove Inn

  • Built in the 19th Century
  • Great Location

Another highlight on this Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary for 7 days is the route to Porthleven Harbour.

We’re now in the middle of the Lizard Peninsula . The Lizard Peninsula is known for its stunning cliffs and hidden coves. You could easily spend days here exploring every one, or pick which one interests you the most and spend your day there. 

Morning : Head to Kynance Cove, the most famous in all of the Lizard Peninsula 

Mid-Day: Visit Poldhu Cove, known for its turquoise waters and unique rock formations

Afternoon : Explore Mullion Cove and its historic harbor

Evening : End your day at Porthleven Harbour for the night.

amazing view of the kynance cove from the road on the cornwall road trip

Suggested Stops

  • Kynance Cove: The most famous and beautiful cove in all of Cornwall, Kynance Cove is the major attraction of the Lizard. Park at the car park, then hike down one of two routes (easy or difficult) to reach the stunning waterline. I recommend doing Kynance Cove first thing in the morning, as by mid-day the car park may be full. Pay attention to the tides, as you’ll miss the lovely mermaid pool at high tide – I made that mistake and was really bummed
  • Poldhu Cove : a more easily accessible beach than Kynance, Poldhu is a lovely sandy beach great for surfing and swimming. There’s a cafe, surf shop, and ample parking. This one is really popular for families, and the coffee at the cafe is delicious
  • Mullion Cove: a historic harbor just south of Poldhu Cove, Mullion Cove is best for exploring rather than swimming and sunbathing. If you like, you can kayak or paddle board to Mullion Island, a nature preserve close to the harbor
  • Gunwalloe Beach : a sandy natural wonder, and dog friendly 

amazing white sandy beach and clear blue waters in cornwall

What to See in Porthleven 

🏝️ Porthleven Beach : right near town is this small rocky beach where you can take in the views of the Cornish coastline. 

🏝️ Penrose: just east of town is an incredible woodland surrounding Cornwall’s largest natural lake. Take a stroll through the woods in this historic spot.  

🏝️ The Ship Inn or the Atlantic Inn: two excellent pubs with even better views! Grab a pint and a pie and sit on the balcony

Accommodation in Porthleven 

pothleven harbor town

Harbour Inn

  • Harbor View
  • Spacious Rooms
  • Bar & Restaurant
  • Entertainment & Quiz Nights
  • Free Parking

The next stop on this Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary for 7 days is Penzance, with a stop at St. Michael’s Mount along the way.

Morning : Drive to Penzance, stopping at St. Michael’s Mount

Afternoon & Evening: Explore Penzance’s historic streets, and visit any of the suggested locations below

stunning view of st michaels mount in cornwall

The one thing you absolutely must see on the short drive between these two stops is St. Michael’s Mount , a historic 1600’s castle that was once a grand family home.

It sits on a small island off the coast. Book in advance, as it sells out quickly in the summer months.

You can also book an incredible afternoon tea at the castle. Leave a good amount of time to explore the island’s medieval church, subtropical gardens, and panoramic views of Mount’s Bay.

What to See in Penzance 

⛵ Penzance Promenade: Stretching along the seafront, the promenade is perfect for a leisurely walk, offering views of the sea and St. Michael’s Mount

⛵ Morrab Gardens : A beautiful subtropical garden in the heart of Penzance. It’s home to a range of exotic plants, a bandstand, and ornamental ponds

⛵ Penzance Harbour: The historic harbour is bustling with activity. You can watch fishing boats, take boat trips, or simply enjoy the views

⛵ Jubilee Pool: An iconic Art Deco lido, it’s one of the oldest surviving sea-water lidos in the UK. It’s a great place to take a dip or relax by the poolside

⛵ Penlee House Gallery & Museum: This museum showcases the history of West Cornwall and features works by the Newlyn School of Artists

⛵ Chapel Street: One of the oldest streets in Penzance. It’s lined with historic buildings, including the Admiral Benbow pub and the Egyptian House

Accommodation in Penzance 

harbor with boats

The Beach Club

  • 4 **** Property
  • Amazing Location
  • Charming Rooms

To go across the entire peninsula from Penzance to Land’s End is only a 20-minute drive. But it’s quite beautiful!

From Land’s End, we’ll head to our final stop on the Cornwall Road Trip 7 days Itinerary: the incredible seaside town of St. Ives.  

Morning : Head to Land’s End, the most westerly point of mainland England

Afternoon : Drive to St Ives. En route, pick from the suggested stops below

Evening : Explore St Ives, a gorgeous village on the sea with a lovely seafront promenade

amazing huge cliffs with a stunning view of crystal clear blue water

Suggested Stops, Penzance to Land’s End

  • If you take the Southern route, you can pass The Merry Maidens Stone Circle : an ancient (2500 BC) stone circle much like Stonehenge , but much more accessible and picturesque
  • If you take the Northern route, you can pass Boscawen-un Stone Circle , of a similar era and just as incredible

What to See in Land’s End

Land’s End is all about the view, and it’s breathtaking. Make sure to pose with the iconic signpost marking the Westernmost point of mainland England!

Just north of Land’s End is the Mayon Cliff Ship Wreck, a very cool shipwreck you can walk around at low tide

Suggested Stops, Land’s End to St. Ives

Make sure to take the suggested route that takes you along the coast (A3071 ) to see these suggested stops. The entire route takes only 35 minutes end to end , without stops. 

🚤 Carn Euny Ancient Village : The remains of a prehistoric village is an incredible sight, reminding you of the ancient history of this region

🚤 Geevor Tin Mine : This preserved tin mine offers a glimpse into Cornwall’s mining heritage. Explore the underground tunnels and learn about the history of tin mining in the region. This is vital to Cornwall’s heritage. It’s why this area is known as the ‘tin coast’! 

🚤 Mên-an-Tol: An ancient Bronze Age holed stone that’s believed to have curative powers 

🚤 Gurnard’s Head: A scenic viewpoint that offers amazing vistas of the coast

Accommodation in St. Ives 

st ives town

Host St. Ives

  • Stunning Rooms
  • Private Parking
  • Concierge Service
  • Close to Beach

Enjoy your final day of the Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary for 7 days in lovely St. Ives.

St. Ives is all about the seafront . The harbor is surrounded by historic buildings . It offers views of fishing boats, sandy beaches, and the sea.

It’s a great place for a leisurely walk or just to bask in the ambiance. 

cute little fisherman's town

What to See in St. Ives 

St. Ives is also famous for its narrow winding streets , historic fishermen’s cottages , and the numerous art galleries that dot the town. The unique light quality in St. Ives has attracted artists for generations, making it a hub for the arts in Cornwall.

  • St Ives Bakery : The best bakery in town! Grab a coffee and a pastry to enjoy on your walk around town. This one surely measures up to the Instagram-worthy cafés in London.
  • St Ives Harbour Old Lighthouse: Walk all the way around the promenade and across the seawall, and you’ll find a lovely spot for photos near this old lighthouse
  • Tate St. Ives: This branch of the famous London Tate Gallery showcases modern and contemporary art, often with a focus on artists who have connections to the Cornwall region. It also has a lovely little cafe
  • Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden : A second branch of the Tage , this nearby museum is dedicated solely to the works of the renowned sculptor Barbara Hepworth. She lived and worked in Cornwall. Explore her studio and the garden filled with her bronze sculptures
  • The Leach Pottery: Founded by Bernard Leach, one of the most respected potters of the 20th century . This pottery studio is now a museum showing his works and the history of pottery in St. Ives.
  • The Island: Walk all the way up the hill of this headland connected to the town, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of St. Ives and the surrounding coastline. At its peak is the Chapel of St Nicholas , which is also a cool little spot to check out. 
  • Fore Street: The main shopping street in St. Ives, it’s lined with boutiques, galleries, and eateries, great for wandering. 
  • Boat Trips : From the harbour, you can take boat trips to see seals, explore the coastline, or go fishing.
  • Cornish Coastal Path: For those who love walking, the path offers breathtaking views of the cliffs, beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean

amazing town in cornwall with beach and boats in harbor for cornwall road trip itinerary 7 days

Taking it easy on this 7 days in Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary was one of my biggest goals. It is impossible to cover every pretty spot in the area in just a few days. Here are a couple of other hotspots and highlights in Cornwall that you can put on your itinerary:

  • Tintagel Castle: Birthplace of King Arthur, perched on dramatic cliffs
  • The Eden Project: Iconic biomes housing diverse plant species from around the world
  • Minack Theatre: An open-air theater built into the cliffs overlooking the sea
  • Porthcurno Beach: Known for its turquoise waters and the famous Telegraph Museum
  • Port Isaac: A picturesque Cornish fishing village
  • The Lost Gardens of Heligan: Victorian gardens
  • Mousehole: A quaint harbor village known for its Christmas lights
  • Bodmin Moor: A rugged landscape with Neolithic sites and granite tors
  • St. Just in Roseland: A charming churchyard garden in a peaceful setting
  • Perranporth Beach: A wide sandy beach perfect for surfing and water sports
  • Fowey: A charming coastal town with a connection to Daphne du Maurier
  • Lanhydrock House: A grand country house with beautiful gardens
  • Trebah Garden: A subtropical paradise with a private beach on the Helford River
  • Geevor Tin Mine: Explore Cornwall’s mining heritage in this historic site
  • Cape Cornwall

cornwall bucket list with 20 attractions on a road trip in cornwall

Yes, Cornwall is very safe.

In terms of safety, it’s considered a relatively low-crime area. Crime rates are generally lower compared to larger cities, making it a safe destination for travelers.

However, it’s still a good idea to take basic precautions. Make sure to be keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings.

Do you need travel insurance in Cornwall? Yes, travel insurance in Cornwall is highly recommended.  Unsafe roads, hiking accidents, and food poisoning are only a few examples of when travel insurance could come in handy.   EKTA offers worldwide travel insurance  with 24/7 service and no hidden fees or restrictions.

The best time for your road trip through Cornwall depends a lot on your preferences.

Spring and autumn offer a balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is perfect for beach enthusiasts. Winter is ideal for those who enjoy a peaceful getaway and don’t mind cooler temperatures.

Here is a small overview of the average weather per season for your road trip:

Spring (March to May):

  • Daytime temperatures: 11°C to 15°C (52°F to 59°F)
  • Moderate rainfall, sunshine hours are increasing

Summer (June to August):

  • Daytime temperatures: 16°C to 20°C (61°F to 68°F)
  • Little rainfall, the sunniest season in Cornwall

Autumn (September to November):

  • Daytime temperatures: 14°C to 17°C (57°F to 63°F)
  • Rainfall is increasing over fall, sunshine is getting less and less

Winter (December to February):

  • Daytime temperatures: 8°C to 10°C (46°F to 50°F)
  • Lots of rainfall, short daylight hours

amazing town in cornwall with beach and boats in harbor last day of road trip

Here are my top 10 cool items to pack for a Cornwall road trip:

  • Rain Jacket: Cornwall’s weather can be unpredictable, so a waterproof and windproof rain jacket is essential
  • Comfortable Walking Shoes: You’ll likely do a lot of exploring, so pack comfortable and sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Backpack: A lightweight, comfortable backpack is handy for carrying essentials and snacks during your adventures
  • Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, UV rays can be strong, so pack sunscreen to protect your skin
  • Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated by refilling your bottle from Cornwall’s many natural springs and fountains
  • Picnic Supplies: Cornwall has beautiful picnic spots, so bring a picnic blanket, utensils, and reusable food containers for a lovely picnic
  • Travel Adapter: If you’re traveling from outside the UK, don’t forget a UK power adapter to charge your devices
  • Camera or Smartphone
  • Maps and Guidebooks: While GPS is handy, having physical maps and guidebooks can help you discover hidden gems
  • Reusable Shopping Bag: Cornwall is environmentally conscious, and a reusable shopping bag will come in handy for local markets and shops

🔥 Cornwall isn’t a country. It’s a county in England. But it’s got its own unique culture and history, which makes it super interesting!

🔥 Cornwall isn’t part of Wales. It’s in the southwest of England. But both places have Celtic roots, so they share some cultural vibes

🔥 Cornwall is part of the UK, so it’s not independent. There are some folks who talk about Cornish independence, but it’s not a big movement or anything. Mostly, people take pride in their unique culture and history.

🔥 The capital of Cornwall is Truro. It’s a pretty small city but super charming! Got a cathedral, shops, and all that good stuff.

🔥 There’s such a thing as a Cornwall accent! It’s kinda similar to the accents you’d hear in other parts of the West Country.

This Cornwall Road Trip itinerary for 7 days is all about soaking in the beauty of Cornwall, taking the time to truly experience each location.

Whether you’re gazing at the horizon from a secluded cove or wandering through a historic village, Cornwall offers a sense of peace and connection to nature that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Take your time, get lost, and make this trip yours.

Cornwall does remind a bit of the Caribbean , make sure to check that out next.

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You should spend at least 4 to 7 days in Cornwall to fully explore its stunning coastline, charming villages, and rich history. This allows time to visit popular spots like St. Ives, the Eden Project, and the historic Tintagel Castle while also enjoying some leisurely moments along the beautiful beaches.

Driving around Cornwall can take around 5 to 7 hours if you’re covering the entire coastline. The winding roads and scenic detours might add time, but they’re worth it for enjoying Cornwall’s picturesque landscapes and charming villages along the way. So, plan for a leisurely journey to savor all the beauty it has to offer!

For a fantastic week in Cornwall, start by exploring the iconic St. Ives and its art scene. Then, visit the Eden Project for its unique biomes. See beautiful cliffs, Cornish fishing Villages, the Kynance Cove and the Bedruthan steps.

Yes, Cornwall is generally easy to drive. The roads can be narrow and winding, especially in rural areas, so drive carefully. Traffic can be heavier in popular tourist spots during peak season, but overall, it’s manageable. Enjoy the scenic drives and explore Cornwall at your own pace.

The best time to visit Cornwall is during the late spring (May to early June) and early autumn (September to early October). During these months, the weather is mild, and crowds are smaller than in the peak summer season. You can enjoy pleasant temperatures, blooming gardens, and less crowded beaches, making it an ideal time to explore the beauty of Cornwall.

Having a car in Cornwall is convenient, especially if you want to explore the more remote and scenic areas of the region. While public transportation options like buses and trains are available, they may not be as frequent or convenient for reaching some of Cornwall’s hidden gems. Having a car gives you the flexibility to visit secluded beaches, quaint villages, and historic sites at your own pace. Make sure to travel on the King Harry Ferry in Cornwall.

Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Cornwall. It offers flexibility to access remote areas, scenic coastal routes, and picturesque villages at your own pace. While public transportation is available, having a car ensures you can make the most of your Cornwall adventure and discover its hidden gems with ease.

Cornwall is known for its stunning coastal landscapes, rich history, and delicious Cornish pasties. The rugged coastline, historic sites like Tintagel Castle, and the culinary delight of Cornish pasties are iconic aspects of this beautiful region in England.

blonde girl pink dress in front of blue door santorini

Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator, based in New Mexico. She spends about half of the year traveling to various destinations together with her husband.

She provides slow-paced itineraries that focus on quality over quantity. Sabrina wants to help her readers to get more out of their travel experiences – while doing less. Read more.

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Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary [with logistics + practical tips]

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: September 9, 2023

Are you planning a road trip around the beautiful English county of Cornwall? Use our Cornwall road trip itinerary with destination information, travel tips and more to help plan your own perfect trip

There is so much to see and do in Cornwall it really is essential to plan your Cornwall road trip itinerary carefully if you want to include your ‘must-see’ places.

Booking tickets, checking tides and making reservations at accommodation plus taking into consideration travel times, where to park and what to pack are just some of the considerations when planning a Cornwall road trip.

This article is a summary of our Cornwall road trip itinerary from summer 2022 (with around 16 hours of daylight*) As you follow through with our itinerary you will notice that we have added a couple of options to help you choose your own must-see places.

We have also included an approx idea of the time and distance between places we drove to and also a link to the Automobile Association map of the drive with an approximate time to allow for your journey. (Times do not include additional times for stopping off along the route)

*During winter months travel daylight hours are reduced to approximately 8 hours.

Note – We actually started and ended our road trip around Cornwall in the neighbouring county of Devon as Doug wanted to ride on the Dartmoor train line from Crediton to Okehampton. This line reopened after being closed for 50 years. Also on our penultimate day, we returned again to South Devon to ride on the Dartmouth Steam Railway.

Exeter to Clovelly

Clovelly to tintagel, tintagel – bodmin moor.

  • Bodmin Moore to St Michael's Mount (Marazion)

Marazion to Mousehole

Mousehole to porthcurno, minack theatre.

  • Minack Theatre to Land's End
  • Land's End to St Ives

St Ives to Bodmin Moor

Train ride to looe, liskeard to jamaica inn (bodmin moor), option – 2  do not catch the train but drive to st ives from the shepherds hut, day 5 – bodmin moor – port isaac – padstow, dartmouth steam railway, dartmouth to bodmin moor, day 7 – bodmin moor – exeter, tips & lessons learned during our 7 day cornwall road trip itinerary.

Prefer to avoid driving as much as possible (or even at all) in Cornwall why not book a private driver-guided tour for one day, two days or more with Meneage Tours? Our preferred partners Meneage Tours offer a wide range of tours and can organise a bespoke tour with you to make the most of your time in Cornwall. Click here for more information!

Day 1 – Exeter – Clovelly – Tintagel – Bodmin Moor

Clovelly

Start – Exeter

Visited – Clovelly, Tintagel

End – Bodmin Moor

We took the train to Exter St David’s train station from Salisbury and spent the evening in Exeter before picking up a hire car mid-morning from outside the train station.

The car we selected to hire was a small SUV.

Clovelly 1

  • Drive to Clovelly in North Devon via A377
  • This is an easy drive with increasing rural beauty
  • Park at the top of the village at the visitor centre in a pay/display car park (Card payment)
  • 1h 32 drive along the A377 road
  • 52.8 miles (83.4 km) distance
  • Click for the AA map of this route

Visitor Information & things to do in Clovelly

  • The harbour village is privately owned and does not allow vehicle transport through the steep cobbled streets.
  • The cost of entrance to the village is £8.50* for an adult
  • Note: Wear comfortable shoes because the path is steep, cobbled and in places a bit slippery when walking.
  • A land rover operates to take you back up the steep hill, £3.50 per adult*
  • Craft workshops
  • Donkey Sanctuary
  • Fishermans Cottage & Kingsley Museum (Charles Kingsley wrote his famous book, ‘The Water Babies’ here)
  • Visit the pub at the harbour called the Snug & Harbour for a drink and some lunch.

(*Feb 2023)

Statue of King Arthur at Tintagel.

  • Drive to Tintagel via the A39 road
  • This is a leisurely drive along the coastline into Cornwall.
  • If you wish you can stop off at Boscastle, a beautiful village reached by turning onto the B3263 road at Trengune (well sign-posted) and visit the museum of witchcraft and magic.
  • In Tintagel park at one of several pay and display car parks.
  • I hr via the A39 road.
  • 35.2 miles (56.6 km)

Visitor Information and Top Things to do in Tintagel

  • Pay and display car parks, not all take bank cards, the one we parked at took £1 coins.
  • The car parks were very busy when we visited but we found by driving through the village we found a quieter car park.
  • Merlin’s Cave and the nearby headland can be accessed for free.
  • Visit the King Arthur statue, accessible over the footbridge and at the headland.
  • NOTE: The walk down the hill is a bit steep in places so wear good footwear.
  • Refreshments/toilets are at the bottom of the hill.
  • A transport service offers a ride back up the hill at a cost.

Gate on Bodmin Moor.

  • Accommodation on Bodmin Moor – Shepherds Hut. Blackthorn Cottage PL30 4NS
  • 19.7 miles (31.7 km)

Shepherds Hut

Shepherds Hut

We decided to stay somewhere a bit different!  Also somewhere a little remote but still relatively central in north east Cornwall and somewhere with easy access to the A30 and other parts of Cornwall.

We particularly enjoyed the quietness and the regular sight of Bodmin moor ponies, sheep and cows,  not to mention all manner of bird species and the most amazing clear night views of the stars.

Click for more information about the Bodmin Moor Shepherd’s Hut

Day 2 – Bodmin Moor – St Michael’s Mount – Mousehole – Porthcurno (Beach/Minack Theatre) – Land’s End – St Ives

Porthcurno

Start – Bodmin Moor

Visited – St Michael’s Mount, Mousehole, Porthcurno, Minack Theatre, Land’s End, St Ives

Bodmin Moore to St Michael’s Mount (Marazion)

St Michaels Mount 4

  • Bodmin Moor – From the Shepherds Hut drive to Marazion in West Cornwall on the shoreline of Mounts Bay. 
  • We left plenty of time for this drive to arrive at the car park overlooking Mounts Bay to be sure of parking the car before catching the boat we had booked to take us the ½ mile boat ride to St Michael’s Mount.
  • We needed cash for this pay and display car park.  
  • I h 15 mins via A30
  • 54.4 miles (87.5 km)

Visitor Information and Top Things to do in St Michaels Mount.

  • Walk or catch a boat to St Michaels Mount (island) – check tide times and crossing times
  • We spent about 3 to 4 hours on a hot sunny day exploring the gardens and the castle before taking refreshments in the lovely cafe.
  • NOTE. The castle and the gardens are separate tickets.
  • Castle – This was first a Priory then a castle and from around the 1600’s the home of the St Aubyn family.
  • Gardens – Terraced sloping gardens with plants that benefit from the amazing local micro-climate on the island.

Mousehole

  • Drive to Mousehole from Marazion- stay off for a look around or drive through, 
  • 20 mins via A30 and B3315
  • 8.1 miles (13 km)

Visitor Information and top things to do in Mousehole (pronounced Mowzel).

  • A beautiful, picturesque fishing village around 4 km (2.5miles) from Penzance on the shore of Mounts Bay, Cornwall that dates back to the 13th Century.
  • Enjoy the narrow streets, the harbour walls and the beautiful fishing village cottages. Take care, some of the streets are steep to walk!
  • Rich literary past, termed, “the loveliest village in England” by the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas.
  • See the harbour and take a boat cruise trip or visit the famous Ship inn for lunch, often visited by Dylan Thomas.
  • A vast array of cafes and shops are available, and a must to try is the Cornish ‘Stargazy pie’ made from herrings or pilchards (sardines), eggs and potatoes under shortcrust pastry. 
  • Local walks exploring the local coves and pathways are a popular visitor past time, including the walk to Newlyn and Penlee.
  • We passed through quite quickly as we were unable to find a parking space.
  • Parking is available in Quay street and the harbour walls.

Porthcurno 1 1

  • Drive to and explore Porthcurno and Porthcurno beach from Mousehole.  This drive took about 45 mins because of the traffic congestion and narrow roads on the approach to Porthcurno.
  • 26 mins via B3315
  • 8.6 miles (13.9 km)

Visitor Information and Top Things to do in and around Porthcurno and Porthcurno beach.

  • Beautiful scenic and greatly photographed far South West Cornish coastal village and beach.
  • Famous for golden sandy family beach and blue waters.
  • Easily reachable along a sandy path 250 yards from a pay-and-display car park.
  • Overlooked by granite cliffs on both sides of the beach, including on the west side the famous open-air Minack Theatre.
  • Check the program for the live performance dates.
  • Allo plenty of time for this drive, because of the narrow roads and the traffic congestion to Porthcurno and the Minack Theatre (there was a show on that afternoon), the journey took about 45 mins to drive and then we had to wait for a car parking space too.
  • Nearby are multiple beaches and coves including the Logan Rock and the 16th Century pub The Logan Rock Inn.

Minack Theatre 2

  • Drive to and visit (if showing) a performance at the Minack Theatre
  • 4 mins via signposted route
  • 0.6 miles (0.9 km)

Minack Theatre to Land’s End

Lands End

  • Drive to Lands End and visitor centre. A short drive, a large amount of parking is available with payment at a kiosk on the entry to the large car park. Entry to the visitor centre is free.
  • 14 mins via B3315
  • 4.1 miles (13.9 km)

Visitor Information and Top Things to do at the Lands End visitor Centre.

  • Land’s End is the westerly headland in Cornwall and a popular location for visitors to have their photo taken at the signpost showing the distances to global locations.  Visitors can pay to have professional photos taken with their home location on the signpost.
  • Also popular with visitors planning to also visit the most Northerly point of mainland Great Britain at John O Groats in Scotland.
  • Visitor attractions at the centre include cafes and kiosks for food and drink including the First & Last Inn, a 17th Century smugglers bar but now a great place with excellent food and real Ales.
  • Other attractions include the Experience Ticket, Aardman presents, A Grand Experience as well as an array of gift shops.

Land’s End to St Ives

St Ives to St Erth

Drive to St Ives

By this time of the day (late afternoon), we decided to drive the coastal B3306 road to St Ives to enjoy a leisurely drive on a summer afternoon and enjoy the scenery.  

Whilst driving we passed local historic attractions dating back to the Cornish Tin mining heritage. 

Included below are the two route options, one to reflect a direct drive to St Ives and the second to stop off at one or both of the attractions. As detailed below we had not booked either attraction in advance having already decided it would be too much of a rush to visit on this trip…. definitely on our next visit.

  •  If following our itinerary if you choose Option 2 you will have to allocate sufficient time to the attractions. 
  • See below for opening times and note both Levant Mine and Beam Engine and Geevor Tin Mine are by pre-booked tours only.

Option A – Drive to St Ives via coast road B3306

  • 40 mins via B3306
  • 20 miles (32.1 km)

Option B – Drive to St Ives via coast road B3306 and stop off at the Geevor Tin mine and the Levant Mine and Beam Engine at Pendeen near St Just].

  • 51 mins via B3306- Plus additional time to explore if chosen (we did not have time on this visit but will definitely visit on our next road trip around Cornwall)
  • 21.8 miles (35.1 km)

Levant Mine and Beam Engine (National Trust)

  • Open all year round.
  • Appears in the BBC series Poldark, doubling up as Tessiders Rolling Mill.
  • The only Cornish Beam Engine (in the original location) that is still working.
  • Steam engine is dated from around the 1840’s.
  • Open 1030 until 3pm
  • Tour only. Takes around 1 hour.
  • Cost £11 (2023) for non National Trust members.
  • Site of a mining disaster in 1919.

Geevor Tin Mine (Privately owned)

  • Open all year round
  • Only a 10 minute walk along the coastal path from the Levant Mine and Beam Engine.
  • Open 9 am until 4 pm
  • Visitors usually spend around 2 hours visiting.
  • Cost £17.70 (2023)
  • Refreshments on site – Count House Cafe
  • For visitor information and top things to do in St Ives see Day 4
  • Drive from St Ives to Bodmin Moor
  • Shepherds Hut. Blackthorn Cottage PL30 4NS
  • I h 13 mins via A30

Day 3 – Bodmin Moor – Lost Gardens of Heligan – Looe – Jamaica Inn

Jamaica Inn

Visited – Lost Gardens of Heligan, Looe, Jamaica Inn

End – Jamaica Inn (Bodmin Moor)

  • Bodmin Moor Shepherds Hut (Blackthorn Cottage PL30 4NS) and drive to the Lost Gardens of Heligan near Mevagissey on the Cornish coast.
  • 49 mins via A30
  • 26.5 miles (42.6 km).

Visitor Information and Top Things to see at the Lost Gardens Of Heligan and nearby.

  • Open daily (except 24th/25th December).
  • Opens 10 am until 5 pm.
  • Cost from £18.50 for an adult.
  • Giants Head
  • Woodland Walk.
  • Visit the shop and enjoy lunch at the Heligan Kitchen cafe.
  • Eden Project  – Cornwall.  Globed gardens enclosed within tropical biomes.
  • Mevagissey and Bay – Beautiful harbour and fishing village.

Train to Looe

  • Drive to Liskeard train station to catch the train for the short train ride to Looe. Really easy to park the car at the train station which was a pay/display car park.  Paid with a card, really easy with no problems.
  • NOTE: There are 2 parts to the train station, one for the main train line and a separate part for the Looe Valley branch line to Looe. 
  • 49 mins via A390
  • 26 miles (41.8km)

Visitor Information and top things to do in Looe

  • Approx 30mins, direct service, approx cost £10 for an adult return ticket. 
  • We checked the time of the return train to make sure we could get back easily.
  • Looe – A popular Victorian destination of Looe with a rich fishing heritage providing the usual array of seaside town shops, restaurants, amusements and individual boutique shops.  
  • A town of two halves separated by a bridge over the tidal River Looe. We explored the harbour area and the famous Banjo peer during our time here and of course had an ice cream and sat and enjoyed the afternoon relaxed beach atmosphere and luckily on this day, a hot sunny summer’s day.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan 5

  • Drive from Liskeard train station to Jamaica Inn and Museum on Bodmin Moor via the B3254 road.
  • (Jamaica Inn made famous from the 1936 book by Daphne Du Maurier, the Inn dates back to 1750 when it was a coaching Inn) – We had dinner and drink here too.
  • 25 mins via B3254
  • 11.2 miles (18.1 km)
  • Drive from Jamaica Inn to Shepherds Hut (Blackthorn Cottage PL30 4NS on Bodmin Moor) a tranquil, beautiful scenic road, be careful of the wild ponies and the sheep, both may be on the road and as we found just around a bend in the road, so take it slowly!
  • 15 mins via A30
  • 8 miles (12.8 km)

Day 4 – Bodmin Moor – St Ives

St Ives 7

Visited – St Ives

St Ives –  We decided on this day to visit St Ives to spend longer there after only passing through on Day 2 and being train lovers, made a last minute decision to take the train from St Austell instead of driving. Also part of this consideration was that we might encounter difficulty in parking the car at this very popular seaside town.

Included below are the two route options, one to reflect a to St Ives and the second is the train option from St Austell. We had not booked any train tickets or reserved any seats in advance but this presented no issues at all as St Austell is a staffed train station.

  •  If following our itinerary, if you choose Option 2 you will have to allocate sufficient time in your plans to find car parking in St Ives or as a further alternative park the car at St Erth and catch the train for the short train ride to St Ives.

Option – 1 St Austell to St Ives by train.

Drive to St Austell train station and park the car (pay and display, pay with card at the ticket machine). Paid parking for the day.

  • 36 mins via A30 and A391 roads
  • 21 miles (33 km)
  • Approx 1 hr 15 mins train journey, with one train change at St Erth, approx cost £12 for an adult return ticket. 
  • We made sure to check the time of the return train to make sure we could get back easily.

On the return we also stopped off the train at /Carbis bay for a look around, this has a very steep down to the bay from the train station and an even steeper climb back up!

The return journey was straightforward and relaxing. 

Drive from Bodmin Moor to St Ives.

  • Ih 14 mins via A30
  • 56.4 miles (90.8 km)
  • NOTE – Return drive to the Shepherds hut with a stop at the beautiful Carbis Bay.
  • Time and distance as above but remember to allow time to explore the Carbis Bay area, stop off at the popular Carbis Bay hotel for a meal or afternoon tea.

Visitor Information and things to do in St Ives

  • Tate, St Ives
  • Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
  • In St Ives, we had some of the very best fish we have ever tasted at the Harbour Fish and Chip shop.
  • Porthmeor Beach.
  • Carbis Bay beach.
  • Boat trip to seal island
  • Read more – Things to do in St Ives

Padstow

Visited – Port Isaac & Padstow

Drive from the Shepherds Hut to Port Isaac on the North Cornwall Atlantic coast.

  • 44 mins via A30 and B3267
  • 19 miles (30.6 km)

Visitor Information and top things to do in Port Isaac

  • Port Isaac is the village where the popular TV program Doc Martin is filmed when the fishing village becomes Portwenn. 
  • We parked at the top of the village and walked down the hill, explored all the known filming locations and walked back up the hill via the cliff-top walk.
  • Drive from Port Isaac to Padstow further around the north Cornwall coast.
  • 31 mins via A39 and A389 roads
  • 15.7 miles (25.3 km)

Port Isaac 2

Visitor Information and things to do in Padstow

  • Explore the harbour area and had some of the famous fish and chips from the popular TV Rick Stein owned restaurant,
  • Drive back to the Shepherds hut on Bodmin Moor , stopping off to explore the Moor area and take in the natural beauty of the moor and to stop off for some photographs along the way.  A relaxing leisurely drive.
  • 32 mins via A39 and A389 roads
  • 16.9 miles (27.2 km)

Day 6 – Bodmin Moor – Paignton – Dartmouth

Dartmouth

Visited – Paignton, Dartmoor

  • Drive from the Shepherds hut to Paignton (in South Devon) to take the Dartmouth Steam Railway and also taking in a boat trip across the River Dart.
  • A longish drive and a day that can be replaced with an alternative itinerary option if steam trains are not your thing. Consider exploring the south Cornish villages of Fowey and Polperro instead.
  • Paignton – We took the drive conscious of the need to arrive 30 minutes before the train departed to collect our booked tickets and also to allow time to find car parking.
  • 1H 42 mins via A30 road.
  • 74.1 miles (119.3 km)

Dartmouth Steam Train

  • The Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company is based in the South of the county of Devon, the neighbouring county to Cornwall, and is an incredibly popular attraction that includes steam trains with a coastal view, a boat trip on the River Dart and also a lovely paddle Steamer.
  • We caught the early train at 10 am from Paignton train station, the Steam Railway station next to the national rail station.
  • Multiple tickets are on offer but we chose the ’steam train’ option which included the train to and from Kingswear and also the ferry to and from Dartmouth.
  • Unfortunately on our day of travel, the weather was very hot, dry and sunny so for safety reasons the steam train locomotive was replaced with a diesel locomotive. Still an incredible experience.
  • Dartmouth – From here the Pilgrim Fathers departed for the new world in 1620.
  • For more information click here
  • Return drive to Bodmin Moor Shepherds Hut (Blackthorn Cottage PL30 4NS) as per reversed earlier journey or consider a return via a different route.  
  • We took a longer route through the Dartmoor National Park (still in Devon) back to the Shepherds hut.
  • Ih 56 mins via B3357 
  • 65 miles (91 km)

Bodmin Moor 3

End – Exeter

Drive from the Shepherds hut to Exeter in Devon to return the hire car. We allowed plenty of time for this, not forgetting to fill the car up with petrol before returning the car.

  • 1h 5 mins via A30 road.
  • 59.4 miles (95.6 km)

Although we planned each and every day of this road trip itinerary thoroughly we still had to make adjustments along the way.

A few tips to consider based on our trip

  • Allow plenty of time to park.
  • Carry change for parking meters (though not all accept cash)
  • Roads can be narrow, single file, and livestock on the roads so be careful!
  • Book meals even at pubs especially for evenings and weekends.

Although we had planned to drop off our hire car at Exeter St Davids we had a change of plan and continued to Newbury for the next stage of our journey a visit to Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) Read more about visiting Highclere!

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Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary (& MAP)

Planning a Cornwall road trip? Want a map and itinerary to help guide your route and decide what to visit? No worries- we've shared our one week Cornish itinerary here, as well as 40 of the best places to visit in Cornwall- with a map!

Planning a Cornwall road trip? Want a map and itinerary to help guide your route and decide what to visit? No worries- we’ve shared our Cornish itinerary ideas here for 5, 7 10 or longer days, as well as 40 of the best places to visit in Cornwall- with a map!

Don’t forget to download your FREE Cornwall road trip planner below (complete with map and itinerary ideas)

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

JUMP AHEAD TO...

Why plan a Cornwall Road Trip?

Cornwall is one of our favourite places in England to road trip around.

The combination of Cornish coast, beautiful beaches, cute villages, history, incredible scenery and delicious cream teas is just too much to resist.

I was lucky enough to be based in Cornwall when I was stationed there in the Navy- so there are some secret places on this itinerary which you don’t often hear about until you live there… ssssh !

Here are some of our favourite places to visit in Cornwall, along with our suggested Cornwall road trip itinerary and a handy Map of Cornwall so you can plan your own trip! 

Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary- where to start

Like anywhere, planning a road trip to Cornwall takes a little time and research. There are so many beautiful places to visit in Cornwall (as you will see below) that if you only have a week to visit, you’ll need to plan your itinerary carefully.

Our suggestion is to not try and do too much. We spent 7 days in Cornwall with our motorhome, which made it easy to move around from place to place and explore. If you’re going to be staying in one area, we highly recommend hiring a car or a campervan, to make it easier to explore the Cornish roads.

Much of Cornwall is quite remote and public transport can be hit and miss, so having your own vehicle will make things much easier.

We recommend Europcar and Booking.com

NOTE: This is a HUGE Itinerary and post- over 4000 words! If you would like, you can download it:

Cornwall Road trip Itinerary for 7-10 days

We spent a week in Cornwall during October; (“we” being two adults and teenage girl. We travelled in our motorhome, using campsites and wild camping wherever possible.

Here’s the Cornish itinerary we did:

  • Day 1- Mevagissey.
  • Day 2- Falmouth and Pendennis Castle
  • Day 3- St Michael’s Mount (although we had horrible weather, so we carried on to Land’s End instead of stopping. Stayed at Sennen Campsite
  • Day 4- Land’s End/ Sennen, back to St Michael’s Mount and Minack Theatre
  • Day 5- St Ives, Newquay, Perranporth and Boscastle. Parked at Tintagel Car Park overnight
  • Day 6- Tintagel Castle and Merlin’s Cave . Don’t forget St Nectan’s Glen if you have time.
  • Day 7- Bude Beach

NOTE: We visited Cornwall with our teenager, who loves road trips, which means we did a lot of driving around. If you’re visiting Cornwall with younger kids, you might want to add more stops and cover less ground.

Cornwall trip planner for 5 days or a long weekend

You can easily enjoy a road trip around Cornwall for 5 days, or even a weekend. Just pick and choose your itinerary wisely and remember you won’t be able to drive as fast as usual due to the tiny Cornish roads, so plan accordingly and don’t take on too much.

Cornwall Road Trip Map – Cornwall Itinerary

Here’s a map of the places we visited in Cornwall during our 7 day Road Trip. We didn’t visit all the places listed below in one week- there’s far too many, but at least that gives you an excuse to some back again!

Hopefully, this map helps you plan your Cornwall travel and decide where to stay along the way.

Cornwall UK Road Trip Map Itinerary- Cornwall Places to visit

Common Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary questions:

These are questions we and many other people have asked:

How long does it take to drive around Cornwall?

Like anywhere, your Cornwall road trip can be as long or short as you make it. The coastal road of Cornwall, from the Cornish border near Plymouth, stopping at St Austell, Falmouth, Lands End, St Ives and Bude, is about 200miles (320km) and you could possibly do it in a weekend if you didn’t sleep or stop very much.

Don’t forget, Cornish roads are NOT motorways- you will not be driving at 70mph. Heck, you’ll be lucky if you do a regular 30mph. So 200 miles on the Cornish coast will take you a lot longer than you expect!

Cornwall Trip Planner- How many days do you need in Cornwall?

We highly recommend going for as long as you can! Depending on where you are travelling to or where else you’re including in your England road trip , it can take a while to reach Cornwall, so at least a long weekend but ideally a week to really make the most of it!

How far is it from London to Cornwall?

The distance from London to Cornwall is about 250 miles (depending on starting and stopping point) and will take you about 4 and a half hours to drive on a clear traffic day.

TOP TIP: DO NOT TRY TO TRAVEL TO CORNWALL ON A BANK HOLIDAY! Or on the first day of a school holiday. Seriously- the roads are tiny, busy and sloooooow. You will regret all your life’s choices. Go earlier, later or ideally avoid the school holidays all together.

What is the best time to visit Cornwall?

There are plenty of good times to visit Cornwall, away from the busiest months of July and August. Personally, we love May, June and September- it’s also one of the best places to visit in Europe in Autumn .

Where to stay in Cornwall

Of course, what you include in your itinerary is up to you (and where you’re going to stay.) If you’re visiting Cornwall in the school holidays, we recommend choosing and booking your accommodation first, and THEN creating an itinerary for travel around the area which suits you. You can pick and choose from the ideas below as you wish.

Of course, there are a HUGE range of places to stay in Cornwall, from exclusive hotels with breathtaking views of the Cornish coastline, to cheaper B and Bs and AirBnBs.

Campsites in Cornwall

If you’re travelling by motorhome, campervan or car with tent, there are plenty of GREAT campsites to enjoy. Again, many of them are incredibly popular, so book as far in advance as possible.

We used Brit Stops and also stayed at Sennen Campsite (close to Lands End). For the rest of the time we found motorhome parking places as we travelled and stayed off-grid as much as possible.

Planning a road trip? You might find these useful:

  • How to plan a UK road trip
  • The best England road trip destinations
  • 21 Fun car games for kids
  • 12 ideas for unforgettable UK road trips

Best places to visit in Cornwall- 40+ ideas for you

Below, you’ll find 40+ places we love to visit in Cornwall, for different reasons. We’ve included many on the Cornish coast, as we love the beaches in Cornwall, but there’s plenty away from the crowds too.

So, in now particular order, here are some of our favourite places in Cornwall:

The BEST things to do in Cornwall, England in winter or summer. Beautiful beaches, Tintagel Castle, St Ives, Newquay and some SECRET places to see you've never heard of before! Plan your visit to Cornwall here- with a map and itinerary guide to help you have the best Cornish trip ever!

Historical & Famous Places to see in Cornwall

Cornwall is a land full of history. From Pirates and smugglers, to beautiful houses, castles and lighthouses, there are some incredible places to visit in Cornwall. Here are a few of our favourites:

Land’s End- a destination on every Cornwall Road Trip

You can’t go all the way to Cornwall and NOT go to Land’s End. It’s a long way to drive, I know, but such a beautiful place- and it’s the furthest west you can get on mainland England. Next stop- America!

There’s plenty of parking, as well as toilet facilities, cafes and trinket shops.

I love the fact that the year is changed on the Land’s End post so it always shows the year in your photos!

Cornwall Road Trip places to see- Land's End in Cornwall.

Tintagel Castle and Merlin’s Cave

Tintagel Castle and Merlin’s Cave were one of the highlights of our roadtrip to Cornwall. We were so lucky with the weather- especially in October half-term- but just LOOK at the colour of that water. 

Tintagel Castle is part of English Heritage, which you can join HERE for only a few pounds a month (it also gives you free access to famous places like Stonehenge (we saw the most INCREDIBLE sunrise at Stonehenge ever- see it here) 

Visit the famous Tintagel Castle- home of King Arthur! We also explored the aswesome Merlin's Cave- definitely a must if you're in Cornwall. #tintagel #castle #uk #cornwall #merlin #cave #camelot #placestovisit #thingstodo #england #visit #traveltips #trave

Historic Places to see in Cornwall- St Michael’s Mount

St Michaels’ Mount is on the south coast of Cornwall- and well worth a visit. It’s on an island and is actually a twin to Mont St Michel (one of the most historic places to visit in France! )

You can walk out to the castle and back at low tide- just be careful about the tides as the water flows in very fast. If it’s not low tide, there’s a boat which you can take to get out and back.

Looking for the best places to see on a Cornwall Road Trip? Here are 40 UNMISSABLE places to see in Cornwall to make your road trip the best it can be! #stmichaelsmount #cornwall #roadtrip #castles

We flew our travel drone out over the sea and got some spectacular shots of the castle in the sunshine.

Best place to go in Cornwall? The Minack Theatre

The Minack Theatre is unlike anywhere else we’ve ever been- an open-air theatre carved into the cliff. 

I’ll be honest, we didn’t know what to expect and when we saw the motorhome parking was at the bottom of the cliff, we were so close to not bothering. But boy are we glad we did!! It’s SPECTACULAR- and so unique- definitely one of the best places to visit in Cornwall.

The Theatre is still a working theatre, and people travel from miles around to view a play there- if you’d like to do the same, make sure you book up well in advance as it’s very popular!

When shows aren’t scheduled, you can walk around the theatre and seating, have a picnic, take advantage of the cafe and enjoy the views. 

Looking for the best places to see on a Cornwall Road Trip? Here are 40 UNMISSABLE places to see in Cornwall to make your road trip the best it can be!

Restomel Castle

Restormel Castle   is a  13th Century Castle built in a circle which is in remarkably good condition! Open from April-October, it’s a beautiful place for a picnic, with stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

Cotehele is one of my favourite National Trust properties. It’s a medieval house with some Tudor additions- and it’s really beautiful. There is also Cotehele Quay which has ‘Shamrock’, a Victorian sailing barge, and a beautiful tearoom right on the river. If you have time, be sure to add this stop to your Cornwall Road Trip itinerary.

This is a breath-taking Victorian country house. Seriously, there aren’t many estates left like this one. It’s another National Trust property , with plenty of activities taking place throughout the year.

Jamaica Inn- worth a road trip to Cornwall!

Cornwall’s most famous smuggling pub. Located high up on Bodmin Moor and made famous by Daphne du Maurier, Jamaica Inn has been there for over 300 years, welcoming weary travellers. Apparently, it’s haunted too- so I’ll let you decide if you want to stay in one of its 36 bedrooms! There is also a museum and a restaurant.

Pretty villages & towns to visit in Cornwall

You can’t visit Cornwall on a road trip without driving through at least one beautiful stone village. They’re EVERYWHERE. However, if you want some help with your Cornwall trip planning, here are a few of our favourites:

It’s hard to believe that this beautiful village is one of the main gathering for witches in the UK, but it’s true. It has a great witch museum, which is touristy in parts but really interesting in others.

Boscastle has endured horrendous floods twice in the last few years, with the worst being in August 2004. Waters reached over 2m deep in some places- you can see the markers on the buildings as you walk around. It’s incredible that no-one died.

Our favourites were the ice cream and the incredible pottery factory, which sold some beautiful and unique pieces.

Boscastle- definitely a place to visit in Cornwall

Cornish road trips should always include Newquay. It’s beautiful and has one of the best surfing beaches in the UK. Although that has almost become a problem- it has become a mecca for Stag and Hen parties, as well as surfers and teenagers.

All these happy visitors give it a great party atmosphere and the nightlife is lively, but it is VERY touristy and sometimes can be far too crowded (although in fairness the same can now be said for many other parts of Cornwall too.)

Still there is a huge amount of accommodation options, from posh hotels to large houses for parties. See the latest deals here:

Beautiful places to visit in Cornwall- Newquay Harbour

St Ives is one of the best summer holiday destinations in the UK – beautiful, quaint and with a couple of incredible white sandy beaches- possibly the best in Cornwall. However, it also has the downsides you expect from a Cornish town- it’s a NIGHTMARE to park and gets incredibly busy in the summer.

There is a park and ride on the top of a hill (which tolerates motorhomes during the day but doesn’t encourage them). Don’t expect to be able to park near the beach unless you get there first thing in the morning; even then I think there is now a waiting limit on the parking of a few hours.

Still, it’s definitely worth a visit- the harbour and the beaches alone are worth the effort.

Cornwall Road Trip Guide- St Ives

If you do get the option to stay in St Ives for a couple of days, here are some great options for you:

Here are some other activities to do in St Ives:

Tate St. Ives

If you like museums, the Tate St Ives  art museum is well worth a look. Even if you don’t the views from the gallery are spectacular or you could always enjoy an ice cream and sun yourself on the beach for a few hours!

Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Museum St Ives

If you haven’t heard of her, no judgement- I hadn’t either! But her sculptures are beautiful. This museum is small, but interesting if you enjoy crazy sculptures in the garden… (don’t we all??!!)

Newquay or St Ives- which is better?

Many people wonder whether they should visit Newquay or St Ives. The answer is: it depends on what you want.

St Ives is more ‘arty’ and general has a quieter crowd. Newquay is party town- lots of stag and hen parties and more families and a younger, surfer crowd.

Both places are ‘cool’ in their own way, but one is more overtly loud and proud than the other.

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Tintagel village is famous for being the home of King Arthur’s Tintagel Castle and Merlin’s cave, but there is so much more to it than that.

The village is built from built Cornish stone and is full of cute houses, shops and delicious tea rooms (as is most of Cornwall!) There are also a couple of decent pubs too, including the Cornishman Inn which has a pub garden and serves great food. 

Don’t miss King Arthur’s Great Halls in the village itself (the stained glass window is incredible) and the fitter of you must make the walk up to St Materiana’s Church, which stands proudly on the headland overlooking the Castle and the breathtaking views out to sea. 

Talking of sea views, if you’d like to stay in Tintagel for a night, head to the Camelot Hotel. This building looks impressive, the decor is opulent and the views from the bedrooms are insane. Well worth the (pretty steep!) price. 

travel roads cornwall

My Mother-in-law used to talk about Mevagissey all the time- it was one of her favourite places in Cornwall. And honestly, it’s one of ours now.

It’s VERY touristy, and some of the shops are crazy expensive, but it’s such a beautiful village with a cute harbour and DELICIOUS pasties. (Most places in Cornwall have delicious pasties, but these seemed to be even better. Or maybe we were just hungry!) Again, here are some of the best places to stay in and near Mevagissey.

Ferry from Mevagissey to Fowey 

This is a lovely way to see more of the coastline from the water and is a great trip on a calm, sunny day (I wouldn’t advise it if the weather is bad- being on that sea in a storm can be miserable- I speak from experience!!)

You can take a ferry from Megavissey to Fowey, which takes about 40 minutes and runs daily from April- September, weather permitting. In 2018 returns cost £14 and cycles were £8. Well-behaved dogs go free!

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I love Falmouth. It’s one of our favourite places in Cornwall. Falmouth is a big city, but everything feels very ‘seaside resort’ and relaxed.

It’s the third deepest natural harbour in the world and there’s so much history to explore- if you get a chance, visit the area for at least a couple of days so you can try to see everything. There are plenty of wonderful hotels and guesthouses if you don’t have a van or tent- have a look at the latest deals here:

Cornwall road trip- castles in Cornwall

Pendennis Castle 

Positioned on the headland with impressive views, this castle is well worth a visit (although possibly not if you’ve already been to St. Michael’s Mount- it’s not got the same ‘wow’ factor.)

Having said that, this castle was very important in both World Wars and there are exhibitions which are pretty interesting. It’s run by the English Heritage, so worth becoming a member. Find out more HERE

National Maritime Museum

This museum now has 3 floors and 12 exhibitions, so it’s not for the faint-hearted or as a quick ‘looksee’, but if you are at all interested in the sea, naval history, the history of the boat or want to sail model boats on the lake inside, it might be just the place.

Take a ferry ride 

This is one of my favourite ways to explore any harbour- and Falmouth has several great options. My personal favourite is St Mawes- Falmouth ferry, which passes some beautiful parts of the harbour, including Pendennis Castle and St Mawes Castle. You might even see some dolphins! More info can be found  HERE

Looking for the best places to see on a Cornwall Road Trip? Here are 40 UNMISSABLE places to see in Cornwall to make your road trip the best it can be!

Skinners Brewery.

In Truro, just outside Falmouth, you’ll find Skinners Brewery – an award-winning producer of pale ales and bitter. You can book a tour, enjoy an evening of live music, or just sample some of their famous brews!

Places of Nature to visit in Cornwall

Any good Cornwall itinerary should include plenty of time to enjoy some of the ‘great outdoors’. Cornwall is a county made for being outdoors- from beautiful beaches to the wildness of the moors, and everything in between. Some of the best things to do in Cornwall involve getting out and about in nature.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan 

Near Mevagissey is a real-life secret garden- the Lost Gardens of Heligan. It was literally found 25 years ago through a secret door, which led to the entire estate being renovated and is now open to the public.

The play areas and outdoor attractions are mostly seasonal, but many parts are still open over winter.

travel roads cornwall

Visit The Lizard… (but only if you have time on your Cornwall Road Trip )

the Lizard is the most southerly point in the UK and it’s beautiful if you catch it on a nice day. There are some lovely Cornish coastal walks and the wildlife is stunning. But then, that’s true of most of Cornwall.

As a ex-Naval aircrew who used to be based down in RNAS Culdrose, I get quite excited by the Lizard (we did all our navigation training using the Lizard as a reference point!)

But honestly, if you’re going to any of the other cliffs on your Cornwall Road Trip, it’s probably not worth your time unless you REALLY want to visit the most southerly point in the UK. The Lizard is a National Trust property- click here to find out more.

travel roads cornwall

Secret places to visit in Cornwall- St Nectan’s Glen

travel roads cornwall

St Nectans Glen is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe. It’s near Tintagel Castle, so you can tie the two in together for a great day out.

This breathtaking series of waterfalls is nestled into a secret gorge and the whole area looks like something out of a fairytale.

To get there, you walk along a path through beautiful woodlands, often following the path of the river, before suddenly arriving in front of the magnificent St Nectan’s Kieve- the main waterfall.

St Nectan’s Kieve is 60ft high and falls through a hole in the rock. It used to be a basin, but the water eventually eroded it into what you see today. 

Many people are unaware of the existence of St Nectan’s Glen- so it’s a lot less crowded and ‘touristy’ than other places in the area- especially in summer, although it’s open most of the year. 

For the best experience, arrive early in the morning and try to be first on the trail so you can experience St Nectan’s Kieve by yourself (and get the best photos!)

Climb Brown Willy- Cornwall’s highest point

Who wouldn’t want to climb Brown Willy…..?!?!?! (oh go on, I know you’re smiling at that one! I couldn’t resist putting this just before the fertility hole below…..!! )

It’s Cornwall’s highest point, which I know isn’t saying much, but it’s a nice stretch of the legs on a summer’s day and the views from the top are magnificent.

travel roads cornwall

Men-an-Tol stone at Morvah- a bit of magic on your Cornwall trip

This is one of those fun things that is STILL on our list, as we didn’t get a chance during this visit. This stone is thought to be from the Bronze Age, making it around 3,500 years old.

There are actually 4 stones in the area, but only one has the hole through the middle. Passing through this hole is said to aid fertility, both for women wanting children and farmers wanting crops… who am I to argue??!

travel roads cornwall

Places to see in Cornwall- Eden Project

The Eden Project is one of the most family-friendly things to do in Cornwall – kids of all ages love it.

There are different sections showcasing jungle, desert and other diverse nature settings. But there is also a zip line (I love ziplines!) Also, big bands regularly play there (think Blondie, Bryan Adams, Muse and Tom Jones!)

travel roads cornwall

Dozmary Pool

This is said to be the pool where the lady of the lake resides. Apparently, it was here that King Arthur received his sword, Excalibur. The pool was once thought to be bottomless, but sadly it’s become much shallower in recent years. In 1976 it dried up completely!! Still, for anyone interested in Arthurian myths and legends, it’s a nice addition to your Cornwall road trip.

Bodmin Moor- road trip to Cornwall legend!

Bodmin Moor is definitely the stuff of legends. Wet, windy and wild, it’s the highest part of Cornwall, and if you can catch it on a good day it’s spectacular.

In 1983, a report was given to the police of a ‘wild beast’ said to be haunting the moor, with ‘sharp teeth like those of a leopard’. Those reports still continue today- don’t say I didn’t warn you…

travel roads cornwall

Golitha Falls

While you’re at Bodmin Moor, visit the nearby Golitha Falls. If this isn’t a place which can convince you of fairies and magic, nothing will!

Bedruthan Steps

Apparently, a giant used to use these steps as a shortcut across the bay… (hmmm, now where have I heard that before!?? Oh yes, at Giant’s Causeway on our Ireland road trip )  Whether you believe in legends or not, this bay is STUNNING with clear turquoise waters and soft sands. Just beware- getting down to it takes some effort, which is why it stays fairly quiet, even in high summer.

Best Beaches in Cornwall

Some of the best places to visit in Cornwall are the beautiful beaches. And they also house some of the best things to do! Beachlife in Cornwall is literally a way of life for many, from surfers to beach combers (and, of course, pirates and smugglers!) You’ll enjoy many sea views on your Cornwall trip, but try to make time for a visit to a beach- or at least a walk on one of the many Cornish coastal paths.

Bude- Cornwall’s best surfing beach?

Bude is right on the border between Devon and Cornwall and is on the North Coast, which is the best side for surfing if that’s what you’re looking for.

The nightlife is much more relaxed than at Newquay and there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy, including a sea pool cut into the rock at Summerleaze Beach. Bude has twice been voted best UK Coastal destination – so it does get busy during the summer. If you have time, combine a trip to Bude with a North Devon road trip and enjoy more of the incredible beaches and coastline.

travel roads cornwall

Porth Joke- Cornwall’s best secret beach?

Talking of beautiful Cornish beaches, here’s a secret gem not many people know about.

This tiny cove has incredibly soft sand and, most importantly, is relatively quiet throughout the year- despite the popularity of Newquay only a short distance away.

We were recommended to add Porth Joke to our Cornwall road trip itinerary as somewhere to get away from the people- even in high summer.

The beach is a short walk from the car park and there are no toilets, cafes or other facilities, which is probably why it remains so empty all year round, but it’s definitely worth the effort. 

It’s sheltered on 3 sides, so you’re fairly well protected from the wind, but you can still enjoy some of the famous surf. It’s quite shallow, so safe for swimming or snorkelling (but please be aware of rip tides which are common all along this coastline- don’t let children go too far offshore.) 

There is no shade, so I highly recommend taking a parasol if you’re going to spend the day (and you are definitely going to want to spend the day!) 

Bring a cooler with lots of drinks and food (yes, you’ll need to carry it from the car) and settle down to do nothing but listen to the surf, paddle, poke at rock pools and watch the sunset. Sheer magic. 

travel roads cornwall

Perranporth Beach

Beautiful beach with lots of sand, and a great arch for your Instagram photos. We love it because of this cool arch, the gorgeous sand and the fact that it’s dog-friendly all year around.⁠

travel roads cornwall

Nanjizal Beach- Song of the Sea Cave

This is one of the prettiest coves in all of Cornwall. There are caves and even a waterfall to enjoy as you head to the beach. Directions can be found HERE

Lusty Glaze Beach

I couldn’t not include a beach with a name like Lusty Glaze Beach !! This beach near Newquay is privately owned but you can visit for free. The high cliffs give it some great protection and it offers a huge variety of activities including climbing, abseiling, a restaurant and a creche!

Dogs are banned from May-September. The beach can be accessed at low tide by walking around the headland, or reached by many, many steps (368 apparently!), so plan accordingly!

Fun Activities to do in Cornwall

There are plenty of fun things to do in Cornwall- some more energetic than others! We’ve already included some of the best places to visit on your Cornwall trip, but here are a couple of other fun activities that you can add to your Cornwall trip planner.

Zipwire at Adrenalin Quarry near Liskeard

I love ziplines and this one looks AMAZING!! It zips you 490m across a quarry, over a lake and through/ over various vegetation, at speeds of up to 40mph.

There are twin zip-wires, so you can race your friend! Apparently, they’ve had riders as young as 3 and as old as 90- sign me up!! At Adrenalin Quarry , there is also a wipeout Aqua Park, coasteering, a giant swing and axe throwing!

travel roads cornwall

Surfing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Cornwall- and there are PLENTY of places to get involved. You want to head to the north coast for the better beaches and waves, and if you’re visiting in school holidays I’d recommend booking in advance.

For a fantastic beach with surfing, visit Westward Ho! (yes, the exclamation mark is part of the name). This is one of the safest beaches in Cornwall, and there’s plenty of places to eat, facilities, play areas and surf schools- perfect for some outdoor exercise to keep fit on your road trip !

Fun things to do in Cornwall

Silly Surfing for Charity

Every June for one weekend only, Porthmeor Beach (next to St Ives) becomes…well… a bit silly! Surfers dress up in fancy dress and surf; there’s an open-air cinema, as well as many other attractions.

Tickets for the open cinema and other events sell out in advance, so if you’re planning to go please book early. All proceeds currently go to the charity Surfers against Sewage. Porthmeor also has the open cinema at other times throughout the year- you can find out more HERE

Watch silver ball hurling at St Columb Major

I’m a sucker for bizarre and crazy things (like these bizarre European traditions and events!) but this may be the craziest yet. It happens once a year in early February and…well… I’m really not sure I can explain the rules.

Shopkeepers barricade their doors and windows and thousands of spectators flock to watch fully-grown men fight for a ball and try to get it…somewhere. The ‘pitch’ is about 20 square miles, making it the largest pitch for any ball game in the world. Now there’s a fact for the pub quiz!

Fun Places to visit with kids in Cornwall

Here are some ideas for places to take kids (both young and old!) when visiting Cornwall!

Newquay Zoo and animal wildlife park

Like most zoos, it’s a great place to bring the whole family and has a wide range of animals. A current list can be found on their website HERE

Lappa Valley Steam Railway

I’m a sucker for a good steam railway, but honestly, this one is more geared towards younger children. However, there’s also crazy golf, canoeing and playparks, so it’s a great day out to get them exhausted!

Pirates Quest

This is an indoor attraction, which can come in VERY handy in Cornwall (seriously, go prepared for rain.) This exhibition is an hour-long history of piracy, depicted by real-life actors and interactions. It’s only seasonal, so check if it’s open on their website HERE

Flambards Theme Park

One for the kids or a rainy day, but this theme park will put a smile on anyone’s face. There are rides, exhibitions and indoor attractions- perfect whatever the weather!

travel roads cornwall

Travelling with kids? You might find these useful:

  • Best children’s car games
  • Quiet and fun activities for kids while they travel

Cornwall Road Trip Tips

To really make the most of your Cornish road trip travels, you’ll need several things:

  • A Vehicle. Personally, we love travelling by motorhome. If you don’t have your own, you can always hire a motorhome or campervan to give yourself more flexibility for your trip. If not, hire a car and use hotels. We recommend Europcar and Booking.com
  • We highly recommend joining the National Trust and English Heritage – even if it’s just for a month if you’re visiting from abroad. They will save you a lot of money if you visit more than one property and the money goes to a great cause- protecting our Nation’s heritage.
  • Lastly, don’t forget that there aren’t any motorways in Cornwall. The roads are small and can be very (very!) busy, especially in summer. Plan accordingly and don’t expect to be driving at 70mph anywhere. The weather can also turn quickly, going from warm and sunny to raining and foggy. Be prepared for all eventualities, whatever the weather forecast may say!!
  • Most of all, enjoy your Cornwall Road Trip! It’s a stunning part of the world and I hope you have an amazing time. Let me know how you get on.

Want to save this list for later? Here’s the pin. Enjoyed this post? We’d love it if you shared it on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Thank you!

Looking for the best places to see on a Cornwall Road Trip? Here are 40 UNMISSABLE places to see in Cornwall to make your road trip the best it can be! Includes a map, Cornwall itinerary guide, castles, waterfalls, beaches and beautiful places in Cornwall.

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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20 comments.

We missed visiting Cornwall on our last trip to the UK. Perhaps next time. This will surely come in handy. Great post and super helpful!

Hope it helps when you finally get there!

Wow, this really inspires me to return to Cornwall. I’ve had some fabulous trips there in the past but for some reason I’ve been nipped across the border into Wales more recently instead of heading down to the southwest. Must make my way back in 2019. So much inspiration for new places to try – and a happy reminder of just how much I love Perranporth.

I know- we loved Perranporth too!! But we also love Wales, so I understand your predicament!!

I love your way of writing, put a smile on my face. And that sunset picture, OMG you really wouldn’t think that was in England! Really enjoyed this post and it does make me want to visit Cornwall, my in-laws went last year and really loved it too.

Thank you- I appreciate that. 🙂 I hope you make it to Cornwall soon!

I’ve been to England several times, but I haven’t had the chance yet to make it to Cornwall. I’ve always heard such amazing things about that part of England and now I know why. It looks incredible! I’m definitely saving this for when I can visit the area. I didn’t know there was so much to do in that area. Thanks for sharing!

You’re welcome- hope you get to visit one day.

Can you believe that I’ve lived in the South West of England for a year but never made it down into Cornwall?! I’m so gutted – this post is amazing. There’s so much more to see than I thought (I thought it was just beaches tbh!) how silly of me. Lusty Glaze beach reminds me of a beach back in Australia! Except I suppose it’s a bit more nippy than Aust 😛 Looks stunning though, let’s hope i get to do my own Cornish roadtrip one day 🙂

Nooooo!! You need to go next summer- May/ June is good normally.

Cornwall looks amazing! I once had a roommate from Cornwall…so neat to see some pictures of where he was from! (Being a huge English Lit nerd I always think of it as the birthplace of King Arthur, haha!) I hope I can visit one day. <3

I hope you get there too- it’s a gorgeous part of the world.

Hi Kat and Jade – loved your home movies of the Cornwall trip and it’s really inspiring me! I am coming from France in August to hire a motorvan from Plymouth and do a week moving around Cornwall. I will be with my wife and 3 kids so thought to play it safe at first and have booked a camping place near Lands End for the first 3 days but then thought about going where the road leads us for the rest of the time – including some of the places you mentioned like Falmouth or Bude. But I have a question cos I have no experience of motorhome in UK; do you think we will be alright to find a place to park or pitch up as we move along in August or do you think it’s really necessary to book places in advance? I know it’s a difficult question but if you could just give a sense of how flexible and open it is in Cornwall to find a place to stay spontaneiouly in Cornwall? thanks so much Andy

Thanks for this have saved and downloaded to really go through later. I am so excited to go to Cornwall but we only have 4 days!

Hi Kat I too LOVE Cornwall and agree with most of your suggestions. I’d just like to add a couple of suggestions – first off, Lamora Cove – on the way to Lands End from Marazion (where St Michael’s Mount is). Beautiful cove and cliff top walks. Secondly, if you decide to take in a show at the Minack wrap up warm – whatever time of year it is… I’m talking long John’s, fleeces, coats AND blankets. Trust me – we made the mistake of just a couple of layers!! And finally the Minack theatre overlooks, IMHO, the best beach in Cornwall (and possibly also some of the best history), Porthcurno

Wow! What a great road trip with some amazing places to see and things to experience! I’ve always heard wonderful things about this part of England. Time to make that trip!

Hope you make it one day- it really is beautiful.

This is a great itinerary. I always forget just how big Cornwall is. I have only done St Ives and Lands End so looks like I will need to go back and plan another trip. We got so close to St Michael’s Mount but never saw it which is a shame.

Oh no! How sad to get so close and not see it. Hopefully next time!

There is definitely a great deal to find out about Cornwall. I really like all the places you mentioned.

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A Perfect Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary

Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary

Cornwall in England! Drive in here and be amazed every minute wondering if you are in England or elsewhere. This southern county of England carries the charm of mediterranean coasts with colorful harbors, delicious seafood and ultimate English coastal landscape with lots of historical sites and gardens to enjoy apart from the beach hopping. Thanks to the recommendation I have heard from a friend to watch the Netflix series, Poldark , I am even more hooked to Cornwall than I ever was when adding it to on the best UK road trips bucket list. I have visited the majority of the east of Cornwall during the covid pandemic, and here is a perfect Cornwall road trip itinerary to help you plan your Cornish visit. Though I missed experiencing the food delicacies as much as I should have due to the covid restrictions, I have really enjoyed the coastal experience here, which was a mesmerizing experience to have explored this hidden gem in the UK . During the time spent here, it was very clear why the Cornish coastal walks attract both walkers and hikers, apart from the beaches that attracts surfers, water sports lovers and seafood lovers.

Cornwall coastal scenery with a ship

Located in the South western tip of the UK, it is harder to explore all corners of Cornwall by public transport from main cities like London, but definitely worth a visit so as some of the major places are still easily covered. No wonder many movies and books are set in this land of stories , since I visited here I have not stopped thinking of what life was like here back then. I hope you enjoy this road trip itinerary to Cornwall and embark on your Cornish adventures.

READ: Best Scenic Drives in the UK

Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary Map

Top places to stay in cornwall, top tips for driving in cornwall, 1. perranporth beach, 3. cape of cornwall.

  • 4. Land's End

5. Porthcurno Beach

6. mousehole, 7. penzance.

  • 8- Carnewas and Bedruthan's Steps

10- Polzeath Beach

11- port isaac, 12- tintagel, pin this cornwall road trip itinerary, 2 days cornwall road trip itinerary.

Cornwall is located in the South West coast of England, and the homeland of the Cornish people. Surrounded by Atlantic Ocean and English channel, Cornwall is very famous for its coastal scenery. Cornwall has a rich history with its own kingdom and dynasty, which makes it a very unqiue English county amongst others. Cornwall was a mining centre in the middle ages with copper and tin mining making a large part of its economy apart from fishing, which declined by 1990s. Today, Cornwall is famous for its tourism, which caught up after the railway operations began with the main station at Penzance.

cornwall

JOURNEY OVERVIEW:

We drove to Cornwall from Bath/Bristol area and stayed in Newquay as our base while we explored the different parts of Cornwall. If you are not a full time traveler, you can easily do this taking one or two days off from work, closer to a weekend with a bank holiday. I would totally recommend having a rental car or camper van to explore the corners of Cornwall. You could also visit for a long time and explore the coastal walks if you have more time. The itinerary covers all the top landmarks to explore in Cornwall, even if it’s a weekend road trip from London or other main cities by car or a long holiday here which included more coastal walks etc. I honestly think I could spend here months happily- the setting of this place demands it, mixed with the landscape and historical vibe.

Cornwall Road trip Coastal Scenery and a girl

Some of the top places to stay in Cornwall include the major harbor cities – St Ives, Padstow, Penzance, Newquay, Truro and Falmouth. The options here are plenty ranging from cottages, holiday rentals, Airbnbs, hotels and hostels. During my search for accommodation here, I was very convinced to stay in the Cornish cottages seeing the unique experiences, but there are plenty of beach hotels and Airbnbs to aim for as well that suits your style. For camper vanners, there are multiple campgrounds as well.

Driving in Cornwall is straight forward unlike elsewhere in England, which can be confusing for internationals not used to complex round about. However, the roads are really like the extreme countryside of England, very narrow and with less visibility of incoming traffic with elevated roads like in mountain ranges. If you are renting, I would advise to get small vehicles to Cornwall and to reduce driving time to avoid road fatigue as it is not a very flat ride. If you are a good driver, but not used to England, Cornwall is not tricky when it comes to complicated rules. So go for coastal road tripping if you would like to 🙂

A British heritage jeep in Tintagel Cornwall

Day 1: South East Coast

Perranporth beach is one of the finest and longest beaches in Cornwall, filled with golden sand along the Atlantic ocean. The vast beach is exotic with its cove like rocks, sand dunes and surfs which attract youngsters, tourists as well as families.

Perranporth beach cliff cove in cornwall

The beach is so big that you can enjoy a nice beach walk along the coast watching the stunning sea scenery and waves. The beach is very family friendly that pets and kids will particularly enjoy playing at the beach.

Perranporth beach Cornwall Roadtrip

Tips: There are multiple cafes and bars in Perranporth beach for a drink or a bite, especially filled during holiday seasons. There is also a big parking lot near the beach including some benches for those who would like to stay on the land and watch the sea.

St Ives is one of the well known and celebrated fishing harbor towns in Cornwall, being a popular setting for so many movies and stories set in Cornwall. No wonder it wins one of the top holiday destinations in England regularly, this fishing town feels like a dream in its first sight.

St Ives harbour, Cornwall

This quaint town of fishing cottages, and harbor, and attractive coastal activities like boat tours and even a scenic railway, this Cornish town definitely has the soul of the Cornwall experience that anyone dreams of. At the moment, I was feeling like a character in a book or a movie while I enjoyed seafood here and watched the harbor.

St Ives beach with a girl

Cape Cornwall is one of the two capes of England, well located in a coastal route from St Ives. Cape is one of the iconic historic landmarks of Cornwall with the mine here a memorial to the mining history of this area. Being located in the southern coastal tip closer to Lands End, the landscape here is one of the best in Cornwall and not to miss.

Cape of Cornwall with a girl

Tip: If you are by car, there is a parking closer to the coast and then you can take a coastal walk from there. The road here is narrow, so be careful and go only with a small vehicle.

4. Land’s End

Land’s End is in the western south end of England and a geographic landmark that attracts many tourists around the year.

Lands end entrance, Cornwall

Apart from the sign post here, which is any traveler’s dream, Land’s End is a big tourist complex nowadays with lots of fun attractions, holiday stays and a large shopping complex.

READ: Two weeks Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

Jumping at Lands End signpost

As we visited during the covid pandemic, everything was closed, however Lands End overall seemed to have a playful atmosphere , and a fun place to hang out with family and friends.

Air ambulance, Land's end,Cornwall

The Lands End cliffs here is a stunning view and the coastal walks the prettiest. Walking here reminded me of the John O Groats experience, which is the northern most tip of UK and a must add to a Scotland road trip itinerary.

Lands End Cliffs, Cornwall

Porthcurno is a sandy beach with turquoise water near Penzance, which is a beach paradise and one of the best in Cornwall. This beach is surrounded by stunning cliffs with a grand view and you will be mesmerized by the waves. It is perfect for swimming and surfing, but make sure you check weather conditions and tide times.

Entering Porthcurno beach, cornwall

I was awestruck to see this beach, as you would not believe you are in England when you are here. The turquoise water, soft white sands and outstanding natural beauty here is very unique to this beach and a must addition to your Cornwall road trip itinerary and to your UK bucket list.

Porthcurno beach, Cornwall

Just around the corner is the Minack theatre, granite cliff made open theatre is known as one of the best in the world for the epic view from here.

Tips: About 200 m behind the beach, there is a pay and display car park and there is also a public toilet here. There is a steep step down to get here, which is easily done by a healthy person.

Mousehole harbor is a pretty little town near Penzance, which is very picturesque. Parking spaces and shops are limited compared to other places, but it is unique and especially famous among writers. It is a typical Cornish village with beautiful views, perfect for a scenic walk and enjoying a cream tea. It is very close to Penzance and it is about a three mile walk here.

Mousehole harbour, Cornwall

Tip: Best route to walk to Penzance to Mousehole is via Newlyn, which gives you a glimpse of the fishing industry here while also enjoying the coasts.

Penzance is one of the major cities in Cornwall with the railway station from the rest of England, and a popular Cornish harbor town with a range of activities. Popular beaches like Porthcurno, Praa sands and long rocky beach are nearby as well as the Minack theatre with the granite cliffs. St Michael’s mount is a spectacular tidal island here, visited by a granite causeway, only accessible during low tide. The town also has some of the best seafood restaurants and fish market.

Penzance Harbour, Cornwall

Tip: Don’t miss walking through the Chapel street which is in the middle of the Penzance Centre and is filled with restaurants, galleries and boutiques. And of course, there is a church here, named St Marys church.

Day 2: North East Coast

8- carnewas and bedruthan’s steps.

Located in the north west coast path between Newquay and Padstow, Carnewas mine and Bedruthan steps offer one of the epic coastal sceneries in Cornwall, with a grand view of the Atlantic ocean. The beach here is just like Porthcurno with turquoise water and the Bedruthan steps reminds heavily of the Scotland’s Duncansby stacks. Bedruthan steps have a cliff top campsite and a car park, and is a popular destination on the Cornish coast.

Bedruthans Steps, Cornwall

Tip : Being in the open, the view here is completely weather dependant. It is best to hike around here on a sunny day. For enjoying the weather, it is best to go here on a sunny day like everywhere else in this area. I am mentioning this particularly for it being one of the best south west coastal views not to miss during Cornwall visit.

Padstow is another popular fishing port on the north Cornish coast, with many attractions nearby, making it a strong candidate for Staycations. The town is filled with fisherman’s cottages and merchant’s houses, and epic holiday resorts making it a tourist hub. Some of the top beaches here include St George’s cove and Hawker’s cove that is walkable distance and there is also beached of Rock, which can be accessed by a ferry ride. Padstow harbor is bustling, with many shops and cafes around. We even saw some paddle boarders enjoying in the water. Padstow is very famous for the seafood restaurant by Rick Stein, who is a famous chef. I found the goodies pretty costly but enjoyed a stroll in the Rick Stein branded shops here.

Padstow Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary

Another gem in the North Cornwall, Polzeath beach is another long sandy beach especially famous for surf lessons. This is also a family friendly beach, one of the most safest, where you can take your kids and pets. There is also parking at this beach, making it super accessible.

Entering Polzeath Beach, Cornwall

This quaint fishing town is very well celebrated among tourists too, very popular as the film Doctor Martin was shot here. Houses here are clear depiction of Cornish white-washed architecture and the winding streets giving it a pretty vintage look. The village is down the coast and there is a car park at the top of the hill for visitors. When we visited, it was pouring when we reached here, so we could not stop and explore unfortunately.

Port Isaac Coast, Cornwall

Tintagel is one of the most historic and dramatic Cornwall coastal area to visit. Crowned with a castle, a stunning bridge and an outstanding cave, this British heritage site is also another place well celebrated by artists and writers.

Tintagel Cornwall

The coastal scenery here is unmatched and the coastal walk here is highly recommended. During our visit, the weather was not safe and the tides high, so we could not go to the castle or take the alk, you shiuld have seen my disappointment face that day as I have been dreaming of walking that bridge from so long. Nevertheless, look at the coastal scenery here! Just Vow!

Tintagel Coast, Cornwall

Even though, we could not walk around much, we did enjoy exploring the sorroundings. The view is too good from all angles.

Tintagel landscape, Cornwall

I sat down and admired the coast for sometime, and reliving this dreamy Cornwall trip, as it was time to bid bye to Cornwall and move northwards to North Devon. I told myself that I am returning Tintagel, with plenty of time to snatch that good weather to go on that dreamy coastal walk and cross the Tintagel bridge.

tintagel cornwall

Jumana is a travel writer and technologist living in the United Kingdom, born and brought up in India. While she is busy with her full time job as a computer technologist, she is an active explorer during her spare time. She has been exploring states of India since she was 15 and then around the world since she moved to the west in her 20s. Her favourite travel style is “On the Road” and she has perfected the art of road trip planning, covering multiple famous and undiscovered routes around Europe, UK and USA. She is on a mission to road trip the planet and learn more about the cultures around the world.

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M25 closure: Everything you need to know as drivers face delays on first morning of 'nightmare' diversion

The UK's busiest motorway is shut in both directions this weekend across a five-mile stretch. Here's what you need to know about how bad traffic could be, a map of the diversion route and why it's happening.

travel roads cornwall

News reporter

Sunday 17 March 2024 05:25, UK

A section of the M25 is closed while a bridge is demolished. Pic: PA

Drivers are facing significant delays as a section of the M25 shuts in both directions this weekend in an unprecedented move.

Motorists saw two miles of congestion on the approach to the closure in Surrey this morning, as traffic builds along the main diversion route through Byfleet, West Byfleet, Woking and Ottershaw.

National Highways estimated that the average journey time along the diversion route on Saturday morning was 25 minutes.

The closure of a five-mile stretch between junctions 10 and 11 on the UK's busiest motorway is already causing travel chaos - just hours into a two-and-a-half day closure.

Daryl Jordan, of Woking Borough Council, said residents will be "affected massively" by the closure, adding: "It's going to be a nightmare."

South East Coast Ambulance Service, which covers Surrey, also urged drivers to clear the way for ambulances ahead of a "challenging weekend" for crews.

But how long will the section be shut, where are the diversion routes and why is it happening?

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Here's everything you need to know.

When is the closure and how long will it last?

The closure started at 9pm on Friday 15 March and the section will be shut until 6am on Monday 18 March, covering the five-mile stretch between junction 10 and 11.

What is the diversion route?

Here's the 11.5-mile diversion route that's been outlined by National Highways, which maintains England's motorways:

  • Junction 10 to junction 11: Northbound A3 to Painshill Junction, A245 towards Woking, and then A320 to M25 junction 11
  • Junction 11 to junction 10: A320 south towards Woking, A245 towards Byfleet and Painshill junction, Southbound A3 to junction 10.

You can see it on the map below:

A map showing the M25 closure and the diversion route

And here are some Google Maps screenshots showing roads that are part of the diversion route:

M25 junction 10 towards A3 northbound

Satnav warnings

Drivers are being urged to ignore satnavs and only follow official diversion routes to prevent causing gridlock during an "unprecedented" closure.

Jonathan Wade, National Highways project lead, said the amount of disruption will partly depend on whether drivers stick to official diversions.

"How many people are going to take the initiative and try and use satnavs?" he said.

"There's probably a greater risk of congestion by people just doing their own thing and thinking they can perhaps beat the signs and find a shorter or quicker route.

"That will cause further congestion on some of the key junctions so please avoid doing that if at all possible."

National Highways senior project manager Daniel Kittredge said: "If people move away from diversion routes that we prescribe, it creates additional issues in different parts of the road network.

"The majority of the time that will be local roads, so that really impacts residents in those particular areas.

"That's why we're trying to encourage people to not follow the satnav.

"Stick on the prescribed diversion route. It's going to be more suitable for your journey."

How bad could it be?

It's the first scheduled daytime all-lanes shutdown on the M25 since it opened in 1986, so the full extent of possible delays is not yet known.

This section of the M25 normally carries between 4,000 and 6,000 vehicles in each direction per hour from 10am until 9pm at weekends, so the disruption caused by the works is expected to be significant.

More than 200,000 vehicles are expected to be affected, including many travelling in and out of London, and to and from Heathrow and Gatwick airports and Channel ports.

Business owners along the diversion route have said they were forced to make cuts to their services in anticipation of traffic.

Mark Pollak, owner of Billy Tong, which caters for events and sells biltong at markets, said he expects to see 50% of the firm's turnover for the weekend go "down the drain".

He said he had to refuse a request for Billy Tong to cater an event in Guildford and had to cancel its stall at Surbiton Farmers' Market on Saturday, with staff not wanting to face expected traffic to get to jobs.

What advice has been issued?

"Drivers should only use the M25 if their journey is absolutely necessary," said Mr Wade.

"This is the first of five full closures of one of the busiest junctions on our road network," he added.

"We have spent months planning for these closures and making sure there are diversion routes in place, but there will still be heavy congestion and delays."

'Motorists should decorate the bathroom'

Mr Wade also advised motorists to find something to do at home like " decorate the bathroom " or "play in the garden" ahead of the closure.

He urged people to avoid travelling altogether.

"Avoid the area totally if you can," he told The Independent's daily travel podcast.

"Either avoid travelling completely or find something to do at home, decorate the bathroom or something, I don't know, or play in the garden.

"If you must go, travel by train, walk, use your bicycle.

"If you can, avoid driving anywhere around those diversionary routes."

Airport warnings

People due to travel to Gatwick and Heathrow could also be affected by the closure.

Heathrow Airport is advising passengers planning to use this part of the M25 to allow for extra time before their flight.

"Passengers using public transport should also be aware that The Airline (between Heathrow and Gatwick) and RailAir (RA2), will be running amended timetables over this weekend, please check with your operator for the latest information," their statement said.

A London Gatwick Airport spokesperson told Sky News: "Passengers driving to the airport are advised to check diversion routes before they travel and allow extra time for potential delays.

"Gatwick's train station is well-connected and is a great alternative option for people travelling to the airport this weekend."

'You ain't seen nothing yet'

Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said: "For drivers who've already had their patience tried by the queues at the junction 10 works, the phrase 'you ain't seen nothing yet' springs to mind."

"National Highways' plea for people to avoid driving in the area applies not just to trips on the M25, but also to those on surrounding local roads on to which the M25 traffic will be diverted," he added.

"The hope must be that drivers take great care, however frustrating the delays and disruption might be.

"The last thing we need is shunts or crashes, however minor, because the slightest mishap will compound the misery."

Other motoring experts have warned that official estimates of congestion levels may be "optimistic" while local councillors in areas where motorway traffic will be diverted are anticipating "gridlock".

Read more from Sky News: Luxury hotel offers free night's stay if it rains too much 'Absolutely gross' maggots force flight to make U-turn

Why is it happening?

Government-owned company National Highways said the action is necessary to enable a bridge to be demolished and a new gantry to be installed as part of a £317m improvement project.

National Highways says the project will increase the number of lanes and make it easier to enter and exit the M25 at junction 10, which is one of the UK's busiest and most dangerous motorway junctions.

"These improvements will bring long-term benefits to drivers who pass through this stretch of the M25, not to mention pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders who will also see positive changes in the area," Mr Wade said.

Is the closure a one-off?

No - it's just one of five planned full closures between the junctions. The other dates have not yet been confirmed.

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travel roads cornwall

"Three of those closures will be between junctions 10 and 11 - the A320 at Chertsey... and two of them will be between junction 9 at Leatherhead to junction 10 at Wisley," Mr Wade said.

He said the dates of the later stages would be released in due course with motorists given plenty of notice.

"We will not just spring them on people," he said, adding they would take place between May and December.

The project began in summer 2022 and is expected to last three years in total.

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5 of the best road trips in England

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View of the coastline from Tintagel castle, Cornwall, England. Exmoor and Dartmoor in Devon and Cornwall offer a scenic road trip spanning 500km, featuring fishing villages, traditional pubs, and stunning landscapes. Photo / 123rf

On these five road trips , drivers are rewarded with the best of England’s countryside , national parks, heritage sites and coastal scenery. Take your time; there’s lots to see, writes Claire Naylor.

Take a coastal tour of Devon and Cornwall highlights

Exmoor to Dartmoor; 500km

Quaint fishing villages, traditional pubs and stunning coastal landscapes draw people to the two counties of Devon and Cornwall. Start on the north Devon coast, exploring the epic Exmoor National Park, home to roaming ponies and atmospheric Victorian towns like Lynton and Lynmouth. Heading east on the A39, you’ll cross into Cornwall where Tintagel – a clifftop ruined castle steeped in the legend of King Arthur – is worth your time. Linger in the hip surf town Newquay and the arty hub of St Ives, before hopping across to the south coast of Cornwall at Penzance, where the impressive island of St Michael’s Mount reached on foot by a causeway at low tide dominates the seascape. Walk the rugged beaches at the Lizard Peninsula and learn all about conservation and our earth at the world-class Eden Project, before ending with a hike through craggy hills in Dartmoor.

Top tip : Beware of hiring a large camper or caravan – it won’t be easy to negotiate the narrow country lanes, particularly in summer when they’re busy with other drivers.

See the south coast and New Forest

Swanage to Brighton; 200km

Swanage, on the Isle of Purbeck (not an island!), makes a good base for exploring the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site for its unique rock formations, landscapes and fossils. Stop by the 1000-year-old Corfe Castle, before making your way to the New Forest (not “new” or a “forest”!). This national park of heath, farms and woodland is a top spot for cycling , hiking and eating in traditional pubs serving locally sourced menus. From there, go east to explore the castle and cathedral of the market town of Arundel. The final stop is Brighton, England’s number one LGBTIQ destination with legendary nightlife and an award-winning pier packed with arcades.

Jurassic Coast scenery in Dorset, England. The Jurassic Coast of Dorset, a Unesco World Heritage Site known for its unique rock formations and fossils, is a key attraction on the Swanage to Brighton route. Photo / 123rf

Pick your interest in the Lake District

Windermere to Keswick; 70km

Start your exploration of England’s favourite national park at Brockhole on Windermere, one of the four visitor centres (there are others at Keswick, Ullswater and Bowness) to pick up a wealth of information about walking trails, cycling routes and water sports. Between hikes, rides and sailing trips, stop by the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere to see how the local landscapes inspired one of Britain’s best-loved children’s authors; visit Grasmere for local gingerbread, the Wordsworth museum and superb independent restaurants; and buy supplies in Keswick at the many shops selling outdoor gear.

Top tip : Hardknott Pass is one of the steepest roads in the UK, a single track winding through the hills east–west, and only for experienced, confident drivers. Also, carry some change; not all car parks have internet connection so you may need to pay with coins instead of via an app.

Beautiful Bowness Bay seen from the bank of Windermere at Bowness-on-Windermere. Photo / 123rf

Loop the Yorkshire Moors

York to York; 200km

Get to know thousands of years of local history on the atmospheric streets of York, with its Viking settlements and impressive Gothic Minster. Then head north towards the North York Moors National Park where you can tramp along trails across heather-clad moorland. Make a night-time visit to Dalby Forest for stargazing (the national park is designated an International Dark Skies Reserve ) and take any Harry Potter enthusiasts to Goathland – the station was the filming location for Hogsmeade in the films. Runswick Bay, a beautiful beach village of stone fishermen’s cottages at the north of the park, is worth a visit, then head southeast to Whitby where you’ll want to linger for a couple of days. Used as a setting in Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula , the town is steeped in legend, with a ruined medieval abbey on one side of the River Esk, and a classic Georgian town on the other. Stop to wander the alleys of historic smugglers’ village Robin Hood’s Bay before returning to York.

The Yorkshire Moors offer heather-clad moorland, stargazing in Dalby Forest, and a touch of Harry Potter magic at Goathland station. Photo / 123rf

Cruise through history in the northeast

Newcastle to Bamburgh; 200km

Newcastle, a busy student city, has a reputation for great nightlife as well as a large arts and culture scene. It marks the beginning and end of the Roman-era coast-to-coast Hadrian’s Wall – learn about it at Segedunum Fort before heading west into Northumberland National Park. Stay overnight for stargazing: Kielder Observatory runs events and astronomy classes. Once you’ve had your fill of hiking rugged landscapes, head northeast to Alnwick, a beautiful coastal town with a medieval castle and stunning gardens. Bamburgh is your final stop, with seemingly endless coastal walking trails in the shadow of a vast clifftop castle with a history dating back 1400 years.

Alnwick boasts a medieval castle and stunning gardens, making it a must-visit on your northeast road trip. Photo / 123rf

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Traffic delays in full bloom this weekend around Tukwila and UW

Mike Lindblom

Drivers going south on I-5 will find only one or two lanes open when they leave Seattle this weekend, as contractors continue to repair worn-out concrete.

Lane reductions are planned from Boeing Access Road to the Highway 599 junction in Tukwila. Based on previous roadwork there, traffic lineups are likely to extend two or three miles into Seattle, as motorists approach the construction zone.

North of downtown Seattle, cherry blossoms will lure thousands of people to the University of Washington campus. At the same time, utility work will cause a three-lane closure of Montlake Boulevard over Highway 520.

I-5 in Tukwila will be reduced to just one southbound lane, from 10 p.m. Friday until noon Saturday. After that, a second lane will reopen until all five southbound lanes are unblocked at 4 a.m. Monday. Construction on I-5 will be on the left side, and all entrances and exits will stay open.

The Washington State Department of Transportation is briefly closing a fourth lane to create a safety buffer between the repair job and moving traffic.

That decision is unrelated to the crash Jan. 21 north of Vancouver, Wash. , when a suspected drunken driver injured six WSDOT workers parked in pickup trucks before a pothole-repair shift.

WSDOT started adding a buffer lane a few years ago, in reaction to careless driving and worker injuries. And the agency closed four lanes March 1-2 during repairs near the Albro Street exit in Seattle, spokesperson Amy Moreno said.

Drivers can bypass the clogs by taking I-405 on the Eastside past Renton to the I-5 merge at Southcenter; or via Highways 99 and 599 from Sodo through the Duwamish River Valley, she suggested.

Fortunately for freeway flows, the Mariners aren’t playing home games yet, and the Sounders are on the road in San Jose.

So far, crews have replaced 653 concrete panels on nights and weekends, during this phase of the state’s Revive I-5 program in South Seattle and Tukwila.

Soon the repairs will overlap with spring and summer weekend events, an unavoidable situation that will make traffic tougher, Moreno said. After this weekend, WSDOT expects eight more weekends of multilane closures in south Seattle and Tukwila during 2024. The next is tentatively planned for Easter weekend, in the northbound lanes next to Beacon Hill.

The Montlake Boulevard job — involving crews installing utilities, signs and pavement — runs from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday. Both southbound lanes of Montlake and one northbound lane will close. Drivers crossing Lake Washington from the Eastside can exit at Montlake to reach UW, but all other ramps will close. Bicyclists and pedestrians must cross Montlake Bridge on its east edge.

When that’s done, there will be two new dedicated left-hand turn lanes from northbound Montlake to westbound 520 and I-5. No longer must drivers proceed north and make an unorthodox U-turn at tree-lined East Hamlin Street, for that I-5 connection. 

King County Metro Transit will detour Route 45 to UW from Loyal Heights and Green Lake and Route 75 from Lake City and Sand Point, to end just short of campus. Otherwise, buses would be delayed on campus loop roads, by drivers and pedestrians seeking cherry blossoms. Sound Transit’s U District and UW light rail stations are a popular way to avoid congestion.

In other alerts, Sounder event trains will operate Saturday to and from the AMA Supercross Championship at Lumen Field, departing Everett Station at 2:45 p.m. and departing Lakewood Station at 2:11 p.m., serving all stations along Sounder N and S lines into Seattle. Find a full schedule at soundtransit.org .

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The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

Eclipse 2024: State officials warn to be prepared for large crowds, traffic jams

The ohio emergency management agency expects anywhere from 150,000 to 575,000 visitors statewide.

travel roads cornwall

  • Officials fear traffic jams after the eclipse ends if everyone tries to leave at once
  • The 124-mile-wide path of totality will cross Ohio from southwest to northeast a little after 3 p.m. on Monday, April 8

Ohio is bracing for big crowds for the solar eclipse and asking visitors to come prepared and pack their patience.

Emergency management planners, transportation officials and the Ohio State Highway Patrol said people will likely trickle into the state in the hours leading up to the April 8 solar eclipse but then almost everyone will want to leave right after it ends.

If that happens, it'll prompt traffic jams across the 124-mile path of totality.

Solar eclipse 2024: How to watch the April 8 event and protect your eyes, kids and nerves

State officials are trying to hammer home the message that staying put overnight or even for a few hours will help ease traffic congestion and driver frustration. They're also reminding people that they're not allowed to pull over on the side of a highway or off ramp to view the eclipse.

"Come early and stay late," said Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. Ray Santiago. Fill your gas tank, bring a paper map, don't count on cell service working and be patient, he said.

When will the eclipse happen in Ohio?

  The 124-mile-wide path of totality  will cross Ohio from southwest to northeast a little after 3 p.m. on Monday, April 8. Dayton, Mansfield, Akron and Cleveland are in the path of totality while Cincinnati and Columbus are just south of it.

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency expects anywhere from 150,000 to 575,000 visitors statewide. Sunny conditions could cause crowds to swell but cloudy skies may suppress turnout. Viewers may shift their travel plans if parts of the state have better weather forecasts.

Total solar eclipse in Ohio in 2024: Public events and camping options for the big day

State agencies, including emergency management, transportation, the patrol and parks , are all preparing for the influx of visitors and treating it as a "high traffic event" spread across a big chunk of Ohio. More than 450 viewing events are planned.

Gov. Mike DeWine issued an executive order directing state agencies to be prepared for the eclipse.

The last total eclipse in Ohio was in 1806. The next one in Ohio won't be until 2099.

Laura Bischoff is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

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Faa warns of impacts to air travel during great north american eclipse.

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The Federal Aviation Administration is warning travelers and pilots the total solar eclipse in April could snarl air traffic, especially at airports located in what is known as the path of totality.

The FAA posted what it called “special air traffic procedures” on its website Thursday that listed the possible impacts on the industry and what airports could be subject to operational changes.

Hundreds of airports are either located in the path totality or are close enough in proximity to service aviators interested in the phenomenon.

The bulletin includes major airports such as Dallas-Fort Worth International, Indianapolis International and Cleveland International.

Starting before noon on April 8, the Moon will completely block the Sun for several minutes, leading to temporary darkness that will begin over Texas and travel over 15 states.

All of the Lower 48 will be subject to a partial event, but communities that are under what space experts call the umbra will have prime viewing of the narrow path of totality.

More than 30 million Americans are estimated to live in the path, with millions more expected to travel to states such as Texas, Ohio and New York to see the spectacle.

The Federal Aviation Administration is warning travelers and pilots the total solar eclipse in April could snarl air traffic, especially at airports located in what is known as the path of totality.

The event is similar to an eclipse that happened back in 2017, when the Sun was temporarily shielded by the Moon from coast to coast.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association reported air traffic during the previous event increased 20-40% at control centers that were in range of the path of totality.

The association said Indianapolis Center saw a 36% increase, its Seattle Center reported an uptick of 33% and Kansas City saw a 35% jump when compared to typical workday traffic.

The event is similar to an eclipse that happened back in 2017, when the Sun was temporarily shielded by the Moon from coast to coast.

While commercial traffic stays within a manageable range, air traffic controllers said the addition of civilian aircraft causes numbers to exceed holiday traffic volumes.

The combination of any type of weather systems on top of the increased traffic can lead to significant delays, like what happened to Chicago’s main airports during the event nearly seven years ago.

The FAA warns pilots that special restrictions may also be issued three to five days ahead of the event.

Neither the FAA nor the Transportation Security Administration have released specific guidance for passengers ahead of the eclipse, but as a general recommendation, airlines always suggest arriving at the airport at least two hours before departure.

Starting before noon on April 8, the Moon will completely block the Sun for several minutes, leading to temporary darkness that will begin over Texas and travel over 15 states.

Some airlines, such as Delta and Southwest, have offered special flights designated to view the path of totality from around 30,000 feet, but deals lasted only a few hours before selling out.

One of the last communities in the continental US to see the path of totality will be Houlton, Maine, where the entire event will be over by 5 p.m. EDT.

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The Federal Aviation Administration is warning travelers and pilots the total solar eclipse in April could snarl air traffic, especially at airports located in what is known as the path of totality.

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