If you’re heading to Cornwall on holiday and debating whether to pack your running trainers, but not sure where to run or whether you’ll be motivated enough, then we’ve got you covered.  

Across Cornwall, individuals can join in with free community events organised by the charity, parkrun. Designed to get people outside running, jogging, or walking, the group parkruns are held weekly on Saturday mornings at 9am, with junior routes for 4–14-year-olds on Sunday mornings at 9.30 am.  

Parkrun routes are set at 5k, so there’s no need to plan out routes or calculate distances, and with no time limit, it doesn’t matter if you’re new to running or more experienced. Holidays are for relaxing and taking it easy, and parkrun events make exercising hassle-free. Simply register (if you’re not already a member), choose your location, turn up and enjoy the run among like-minded people. It’s a fantastic way to explore new areas you may not otherwise have seen.   

Lanhydrock 

Bodmin, PL30 5AD 
Parking: pay-and-display car park 
Where to stay: The Farmhouse, less than 20 mins drive 

Set in the glorious grounds of Lanhydrock House, this parkrun begins in front of the magnificent house, before setting off along the driveway, down by the river, back up through the Great Woods and finishing on a downhill section back to the beginning. The beautiful but hilly run is made up of trail paths, and while it may be challenging, the views and scenery are certainly rewarding.  

Tamar Lakes 

Upper Tamar Lakes, Kilkhampton, Bude, EX23 9SB 
Parking: pay and display car park 
Where to stay nearby: Hobb’s Choice 

Beginning on the dam at the base of Upper Tamar Lake, just along from the car park, this circular route follows the tarmac and cinder path around the lake. Running anticlockwise, the lake will always be on the left as you follow the well-maintained and level pathway, which is approximately 2.8 miles (4.5km). After the race, join others in a post-run coffee at Frog Hopper Cafe.  

Eden Project 

Bodelva, Par, PL24 2SG 
Parking: free on-site parking 
Where to stay: Mor Dianc, Carlyon Bay

Enjoy a parkrun in the iconic location of The Eden Project, where the 5k route takes you around the grounds of the attraction, entirely on permanent paths. Beginning at the ‘Banana coach and car park’ and descending in a zigzag towards the biomes, before finishing in front of the entrance to the biomes. While the Grab a post-run coffee from the Eden Kitchen cafe.  

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Pentewan, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6EN 
Parking: pay on exit car park 
Where to stay: Post Box Cottage (short drive along the road) 

Experience a parkrun in the stunning grounds of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, near Mevagissey. Combining a mix of permanent and trail paths, including gravel paths, woodland trails and grassy tracks, the 5k route weaves around the estate, through the gardens and woodlands. Runners can expect several hilly sections, but the luscious scenery makes it all worthwhile. Upon completion, runners are invited for a post-run coffee at The Heligan Kitchen.  

Trelissick  

Feock, near Truro, Cornwall TR3 6QL 
Parking: National Trust car park (free for members) 
Where to stay: Puffins, Malpas 

Whilst this run doesn’t take place within the grounds of , runners have permission to walk through the gardens to reach the starting point near the river. From there, follow the 5k one-lap out and back route along the estuary, through woodland and fields and even across a stream. Runners can meet after for a post-run coffee at the National Trust Crofters Cafe.  

Penryn Campus 

Penryn Campus, Falmouth and Exeter Universities, Penryn, Cornwall 
Parking: free on-site parking  
Where to stay: Fal Reach 

Beginning close to Tremough House at Penryn Campus, the 5k route follows mostly tarmac paths, with a short stretch on packed gravel. The pathways are lined on either side with trees and flowering shrubbery, making the course not only beautiful but also shady on hot days. At the end of the race, join other runners at Amarta Cafe, close to the finish line, for a post-run coffee.  

Penrose 

Penrose Estate, Porthleven Road, Helston, Cornwall TR13 0RA 
Parking: The Fairground Car Park, charges apply (pay by cash, card or via the app) 
Where to stay: Tamarind, Porthleven (Thur – Thur booking) 

Set in the beautiful Penrose Estate between Helston and Porthleven, the 5k route follows the tarmac path through the wooded area of the estate. An out and back flat course, it’s a great option for a slightly easier run or for those new to running. The shade from the trees also makes it a great option for sunny days. Join others for a post-run coffee at Lakeside Cafe across the road from the car park at Coronation Park and Boating Lake.  

Land’s End  

Land's End, Sennen, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 7AA 
Parking: parking charges apply, as per attraction fees 
Where to stay: Pinbren, Sennen 

Enjoy a 5k run at Land’s End, the most westerly point in Cornwall. Run along tarmac, cycle paths and stone paths, soaking up the stunning scenery as you run the out and back route. The post-run coffee will be held at a local cafe, which you can find out about on the day.  

Heartlands  

Pool, Redruth, TR15 3FB 
Parking: two hours free parking at Tesco and B&M and some street parking available (please park sensibly) 
Where to stay: Carn Stables 

Despite the closure of the £35m attraction at Heartlands, the parkrun has continued to take place here, with the good news in February 2026 that the National Trust has been approved to lease the site. The 5k takes place in the grounds of one of Cornwall’s most important mining sites, and comprises three laps, mostly on tarmac with some gravel pathways. Runners can expect interesting scenery along the way, taking in sites of Cornwall’s mining past. Each week, a coffee van is on site, providing coffees for that all-important post-run cuppa! 

Junior Parkrun locations 

If you’re on holiday with a budding young runner or two, they might like to take part in an organised run whilst staying in Cornwall. Children aged 4-14 years can join one of the following junior parkrun events which take place on Sundays at 9am.  

Bude Marshes 

The Crescent car park, Bencoolen Road, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8LE 
Parking: The Crescent car park, charges apply (pay by cash, card or via the app) 
Where to stay: Number Five Canalside 

This out-and-back 2k route begins near the car park at the beginning of the cycle path, follows alongside the canal and weaves through Bude Marshes Nature Reserve. The course, which is a mixture of tarmac and gravel, is mostly flat with some shade for the summer months. Families can meet at The Brendan Arms for a post-run drink.  

Par Track 

Where: Eastcliffe Road, Par, PL24 2AJ 
Parking: free (limited) on-site parking  
Where to stay: All Aboard 

Kids can join the 2k route at Par Track, which consists of two laps around the track and field. They’ll feel like a true athlete while running around the athletics track! Continue the fun and join other families for a post-run coffee at the Par Track Pavillion Cafe. 

Bodmin  

Hillside Park, Scarlett’s Well Road, Bodmin, PL31 2PY  
Parking: free (limited) onsite parking 
Where to stay: Driftwood, Charlestown

Starting at the car park by Scarlett’s Well on the Camel Trail, the 2k route consists of tarmac, trail and grass. The route is made up of two laps, with some shaded woodland areas, ideal for the warmer months.  

If you're inspired to visit Cornwall and check out a run or two, you can find the perfect place to stay here>

Tags: Running