Ideas for a seven day trip (but can be shortened) exploring (by car or bus) the coastline of West Cornwall from Mounts Bay to St Ives. This rugged coastline is teeming with wildlife, steeped in legend, and punctuated by dramatic granite cliffs and crumbling engine houses.
Whether you want to spend a day or week exploring West Cornwall, this is the trip for you. With the help of local experts we've pulled together ideas for days out on this wild and rugged coastline. These combine walks taking in the local highlights of the world renowned South West Coast Path National Trail and the Cornish Mining world Heritage Site with visits to local museums and galleries.
St Michael’s Mount and the Marazion-to-Penzance walk
Morning
In arty Marazion, five miles (8km) from Penzance, browse the town’s seaside galleries before casting away to the sea-bound St Michael’s Mount. At low tide you can walk across the causeway in the footsteps of pilgrims and a legendary giant. At high tide, hop aboard a boat or amphicraft to the island fortress where you can hunt for the giant’s stone heart; be spellbound by storytellers, stand in the firing line of bygone battles and explore subtropical gardens.
Afternoon
Whether you fancy a cream tea, crab sandwich or classic fish and chips, there are plenty of places to dine while drooling over views of Mounts Bay. Then amble the easy-peasy two miles (3.2km) from Marazion to Penzance in time for a fish supper, freshly caught by neighbouring Newlyn’s fishing fleet. “We land monkfish, turbot, brill, pollock, ling, hake and haddock,” says local fisherman James Bosustow.
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The Hoxton Special Cafe & Watersports
(In)famous “Life Changing Coffee” an epic selection of Ice Cream, Cakes, Cream Teas. Watersports including kite-surfing & paddleboarding..07572 432402 -
The Godolphin
Located on the beachfront. Large restaurant with sea view terrace and 10 x en-suite rooms.01736 888510 -
Ship Inn
Airy, nautical-inspired rooms, some with bay views, in a cosy inn offering plus pub food.01736 731234
Legendary Mousehole and Pilcher’s Lamorna Cove
Morning
Dinky Mousehole (3.4 miles/5.5km south of Penzance) was dubbed the ‘loveliest village in Cornwall’ by Dylan Thomas. Fortified by artisan produce from the harbour-side deli, strike out on a five-mile (8km) circular walk to Lamorna Cove – a remote artists’ colony and the film set for many of Rosamunde Pilcher’s novel adaptations. On route, pause at Point Spaniard (where 400 Spaniards landed during the Anglo-Spanish war in the late 16th Century). Peer out to seabirds nesting on St Clement’s Isle and wander through the woodland and wildflowers of Kemyel Crease Nature Reserve.
Afternoon
Dip into Mousehole’s galleries, dine in a waterfront bistro and brush up on the legend of the Mousehole Cat – said to have braved treacherous seas on a fishing trip with its owner, Tom Bawcock (a fisherman who saved the village from starvation one stormy winter). Choose a less stormy day for a boat cruise to encounter seabirds, seals and dolphins while your skipper regales you with tales of smugglers, shipwrecks and pirates.
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Ship Inn
Airy, nautical-inspired rooms, some with bay views, in a cosy inn offering plus pub food.01736 731234 -
The Hoxton Special Cafe & Watersports
(In)famous “Life Changing Coffee” an epic selection of Ice Cream, Cakes, Cream Teas. Watersports including kite-surfing & paddleboarding..07572 432402 -
The Godolphin
Located on the beachfront. Large restaurant with sea view terrace and 10 x en-suite rooms.01736 888510
Poldark and time travel — the white sands of Porthcurno
Morning
Porthcurno (3.7 miles/6km south east of Land’s End) scored a huge role in the BBC TV’s famous adaption of Winston Graham’s Poldark novels. Toss a coin to decide which Poldark film set to visit after tackling three miles (4.8km) of Coast Path above which peregrine falcons, shags and herring gulls soar. Will you head west to Porthgwarra with its slipway tunnel, or east to Penberth, past the 80-tonne hulk of Logan Rock teetering above Pedn-Vounder beach?
Afternoon
At the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum, step back to a time when this beatific beach was at the forefront of global communications (the first undersea communication cables were laid between the UK and America from this very beach). Then take a cliff-side pew at the famous Minack Theatre for an alfresco performance, or just to admire the sublime views, sub-tropical gardens and exhibition centre.
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Porthgwarra Cove Cafe
A welcome stop off on the Path for coffee, light lunches and cream teas. Open 10 am - 3pm 7 days a week (check facebook). so£pmip01736 871754 -
Old Success Inn
Airy quarters in a 17th-century seaside pub offering breakfast & a patio with coastal views.01736 871232 -
Ship Inn
Airy, nautical-inspired rooms, some with bay views, in a cosy inn offering plus pub food.01736 731234
Land’s End, Sennen Cove and the Song of the Sea
Morning
At Land’s End, the most westerly tip of England, pose for the customary souvenir picture. If you don’t care for the ‘theme park’ attractions that have cropped up at this popular landmark, backtrack one mile (1.6km) along the Coast Path to the serene beauty of Nanjizal. With any luck you’ll be the only soul here, staring out to the rock formation of the Diamond Horse and the sparkling waters slipping through the narrow ‘Song of the Sea’ rock arch.
Afternoon
Carve out at least an afternoon to spend in Sennen Cove, an easy mile’s walk (1.6km) along part of the South West Coast Path (or a two-mile/3.2km drive from Land’s End). Here you can take a surf lesson, visit the Lifeboat Station or dive into the local art scene at the Roundhouse and Capstan Gallery. A very short climb above the town takes you beyond the former coastguard lookout to the cliffs overlooking Gamper Bay and the wreck of RMS Mulheim. End the day with fish and chips on the beach or seafood in Sennen’s swanky surfside restaurant.
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Old Success Inn
Airy quarters in a 17th-century seaside pub offering breakfast & a patio with coastal views.01736 871232 -
Porthgwarra Cove Cafe
A welcome stop off on the Path for coffee, light lunches and cream teas. Open 10 am - 3pm 7 days a week (check facebook). so£pmip01736 871754 -
The Commercial
The Commercial is a friendly, family run inn with 4 star accredited accommodation, serving locally sourced food and drink.01736 788455
Cornish mining heritage at Cape Cornwall
Morning
Just under six miles (9.3km) north of Land’s End lies St Just. From here, embark on a five-mile walking loop via Cape Cornwall – an iconic promontory where the Atlantic currents divide. Gaze out to seabird breeding colonies on Brison Rocks and enjoy panoramic views to Land’s End and some of the Cornish Mining World Heritage coastline, before sipping local ale in an atmospheric 14th Century pub.
Afternoon
Park a couple of miles from St Just at Pendeen (or take the No.7 bus, or the No. 300 during summer) for an easy three-mile stroll (4.8km) around some of the key monuments of this granite and mining coast. With every footstep you can imagine the camera rolling from scenes in Poldark and steam coming from the mining chimneys. Clap eyes on the sea-lashed engine house at Botallack mine, go underground at Geevor Tin Mine and see a working beam engine in action at Levant mine.
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The Commercial
The Commercial is a friendly, family run inn with 4 star accredited accommodation, serving locally sourced food and drink.01736 788455 -
Count House Cafe
The Count House Cafe at Geevor Tin Mine and Botallack Count House01736788864 -
Old Success Inn
Airy quarters in a 17th-century seaside pub offering breakfast & a patio with coastal views.01736 871232
Zennor’s mermaid, wild food and an Iron Age fort
Morning
Beguiling Zennor is just 4.4 miles (6.4km) from St Ives. It’s where DH Lawrence once lived and a legendary mermaid is said to have lured a local chorister into the cobalt seas. Witness the fabled 15th Century Mermaid Chair in St Senara Church and hunker under the low, granite ceilings of the historic Tinners Arms, before striking out along two miles (3.2km) of Coast Path to the site of an Iron Age fort on Gurnard’s Head.
Afternoon
A few minutes’ jaunt inland from Gurnard’s Head, take a pit stop at the bright yellow inn (dogs and walking boots welcome) for a dish of finger-licking food, including wild ingredients plucked from the surrounding coast and countryside. If food is your passion you can hook up with Fat Hen’s Caroline Davey for a wild food walk. “I want to show people the potential of wild ingredients and how to use foraged foods like any other ingredients you would buy from the supermarket,” says Caroline.
Arty St Ives and the pearly sands of Carbis Bay
Morning
The fishing town-cum-artist-colony of St Ives has grown into one of the UK’s most popular seaside destinations. If you’ve got a car, the best way in and out of town is via the park and ride train service from Lelant Saltings. Whether you hop on here or from St Ives, take a seat on the coastal railway to soak up the seascapes that inspired John Miller’s internationally renowned paintings. Disembark beside the pearly sands of Carbis Bay and take a tour on a Hawaiian outrigger canoe before a gentle mile-long (1.6km) stroll back to the arty hub of St Ives.
Afternoon
Take in the highlights on the St Ives Town Trail (1.9 miles/3km), from the sands of Porthminster to surfy Porthmeor, overlooked by the world-famous Tate St Ives. Other must-see hotspots are the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the Leach Pottery. But don’t miss out on the littering of lesser-known galleries where you can meet local artists. Get in touch with your creative side on a ‘sketch and stroll’ or try all sorts of craft activities at Barnoon Workshop before a sundowner in one of Cornwall’s oldest inns and dinner at one of the many fine eateries.
While Penzance and St Ives have the widest selection of accommodation, there are plenty of cosy inns with rooms tucked away on this part of the coastline. There are also well-equipped campsites just footsteps from the South West Coast Path. If you want a single base for the five days, opt for a self-catering cottage within easy reach of the main town hubs.
The businesses shown below are supporters of the Coast Path and welcome walkers. Additional listings can be found on the Visit Cornwall website. If you would like to have your accommodation and luggage transfer arranged, Contours Walking Holidays and Encounter Walking Holidays can create your perfect package.
Caravan in the Meadow
Cosy caravan with all mod cons, located in meadow with beautiful views. Discounts and lifts for SWCP walkers.
Bosavern House
Quality B&B accommodation on the dramatic Lands End peninsula. Close to the historic mining town of St Just. An ideal base to explore the beautiful surrounding area.
The Old Post House B&B
Cape Cornwall Club
Trevaylor Campsite
500m from the Coast Path, Trevaylor is a family run camping and holiday park offering around 60 camping pitches
Tremorran Bed & Breakfast
Lamorna Pottery B&B
Treverven Farm Camping
Tents, Caravans & campervans welcome at this tranquil site with glorious views over the coast. Close to award winning beaches.
YHA Penzance
Shared and private rooms, bell tents, landpods and pitch-up camping. Dogs welcome at campsite.
The Dairy Barn
The North Inn, Pendeen
Traditional Cornish Village Pub with large beer garden, 4 x B & B rooms and simple camping with sea views
Panorama Guest House
A small, friendly, family-run guest house in Newlyn, ideally situated for access to the Coastal Path and with bus stops right outside. Dogs welcome by prior arrangement.
The Studio
Land's End Hostel and B&B , Trevescan
Porthcurno Barns Holiday Rentals
Family run holiday homes nestled in the peaceful seaside hamlet of Trendrennen, within walking distance of the stunning Porthcurno, Pedn Vounder and the Minack Theatre
Keigwin House
The Tremont Hotel
The Tremont is approx. 300 metres from the South West Coast Path offering quality bed & breakfast, packed lunches and drying facilities. Walkers welcome.
Mariner's Cottage, Mousehole
Recently refurbished cottage sleeps 4. Water's edge garden and far reaching views of Mount's Bay. Dog friendly.
AG Properties Cornwall
2 Bed self catering Apartment, Penzance. Walking distance to town centre and South West Coast path. Free parking.
Boswednack Manor B&B
Upper Deck B&B
The Upper Deck B&B has two superb bedroom suites with lovely sea views of St Michaels Mount Castle. The SWCP passes our front door.
Trevalgan Touring Park
Located just 2 miles from St Ives town centre, in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with a wonderful peaceful atmosphere. Ideally situated to explore the delights of the West Cornwall peninsula.
St Ives Holiday Village
Set over 100 acres of woodland, the park is a haven for nature. Accommodation ranges from woodland chalets to luxurious lodges. Ideal for nature lovers and families who want to explore the great outdoors,the Path and nearby beaches of St Ives
Boskerris Hotel
Located in Carbis Bay, Boskerris hotel is a family run oasis. We have 15 individually decorated bedrooms, most of which with an outstanding panoramic ocean views.
Ayr Holiday Park
We offer luxury holiday caravans, s/c apartments, touring & camping pitches with amazing views and facilities. Less than half a mile from beaches, town centre & harbour. Town centre 10 minute walk from the park or a short bus/taxi ride.
Cohort St Ives
Newlyn is home to Cornwall’s biggest fishing fleet, so whether you fancy fish and chips or a seafood feast, fish lovers will be in foodie heaven. Penwith is also home to an abundance of wild ingredients from samphire to three-cornered leeks, as well as locally-reared meats.
The businesses shown below are supporters of the Coast Path and welcome walkers. Additional listings can be found on the Visit Cornwall website.
The Commercial
The Commercial is a friendly, family run inn with 4 star accredited accommodation, serving locally sourced food and drink.
Old Success Inn
Airy quarters in a 17th-century seaside pub offering breakfast & a patio with coastal views.
It’s best to have a car if you want to explore the nooks and crannies of the area, but the hubs of St Ives and Penzance have excellent rail links. There are also bus services that link Penzance and Land’s End (No. 1/1A), Penzance and St Ives (No. 16/16A) and St Ives and Pendeen via Penzance (No. 17/17A). During summer the West Penwith Community Bus Association runs a bus service (No. 7) between Zennor and Land’s End, which is particularly useful. Visit www.travelinesw.com for public transport timetables and route planning advice. For Baggage transfers visit...www.lttaxis.co.uk
From Dover it is 354 miles (570km) and approx 6 1/2hrs drive to Penzance. From Harwich it is 398 miles (641km) and a 7 hour drive.