Things to do in West Cornwall
West Cornwall is jam-packed with an incredible array of things to see and do, whether your interests lie in watersports, sightseeing, or days spent wandering around the many pretty towns and villages.
Attractions in West Cornwall
St Michael’s Mount - Cornwall is home to many incredible castles, but few compare to St Michael’s Mount. Set on a small tidal island off Marazion, this iconic Cornish landmark can be reached by foot at low tide across the cobblestone causeway or by water taxi at high tide. Explore the historic harbour, wander up the famous path (keeping an eye out for the giant’s heart stone as you go), and marvel at the beautiful subtropical gardens, all while soaking up sprawling views across Mount’s Bay.
Jubilee Pool - The UK's largest seawater lido, Jubilee Pool is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing dip. There are lots of great events throughout the year, from full moon swims and live music to their beloved doggie day in the autumn, while the geothermal pool is a luxurious spot to lounge in balmy waters.
Minack Theatre - Another of Cornwall’s most instantly recognisable landmarks, the Minack invites you to enjoy a truly breathtaking open-air experience, whether you visit for a show, live music, or just to look around the incredible clifftop theatre and gardens. With views across Porthcurno Beach and the rugged coast beyond, it’s one of the best sights in Cornwall by a coastal mile.
Gardens - Boasting its own subtropical microclimate, it’s little surprise that West Cornwall is home to a wonderful selection of gardens to explore. Run by the National Trust, Trengwainton Garden near Penzance is primed for peaceful strolls, whether you love the wildness of woodland or the perfectly pruned walled garden. Trewidden Garden is another family favourite, with one of the best collections of magnolias and camellias, while Tremenheere Sculpture Garden promises a merry mix of arresting artwork, sea views, and pretty tiered gardens.
Lighthouses - Clad with some dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops, you’ll find some fascinating lighthouses in West Cornwall. Godrevy Lighthouse is perhaps the most famous, with its rocky silhouette visible from across St Ives Bay. Pair your visit with an autumnal sunset, and you have the makings of a rather spectacular experience (and photo op). Pendeen Lighthouse near Penzance is another favourite, while Longships Lighthouse off the coast of Land’s End is perhaps the most important lighthouse in Cornwall, protecting ships from the rugged outcrop at England’s most westerly tip.
Engine houses - For the historians and photographers out there, Cornwall’s engine houses make for a fascinating pause while walking the South West Coast Path. Wheal Prosper sits above the beloved beach at Rinsey, making it one of the most scenic examples of Cornwall’s mining heritage, while Botallack and Levant Mines boast a dramatic backdrop atop the granite cliffs along the Tin Coast.
Activities in West Cornwall
Watersports - It will come as no surprise that West Cornwall is a popular destination for watersport enthusiasts. Mousehole and Praa Sands are popular spots for coasteering, while Sennen, Gwithian, and Porthmeor Beaches offer excellent surfing conditions throughout the year. In Marazion, you’ll often see people making the most of the sweeping seas in Mount’s Bay with some kitesurfing, while Perranuthnoe beckons for kayakers and paddleboarders looking to explore the coast. And for those who like to see what’s going on beneath the waves, West Cornwall is full of exciting snorkelling locations, from Prussia and Lamorna Cove to Porthcurno and Porthminster Beach.
Art galleries - Home to some of the most renowned art schools in Cornish history, West Cornwall is infinitely connected to the art world, whether you’re a painter yourself or a historian looking to explore Cornwall’s past through pictures. Penzance and Newlyn share a special connection to Cornwall’s artistic heritage, with several galleries showing off a mix of historic and contemporary works. Head to Penlee House for a walk through time or Newlyn Art Gallery and the Exchange for a more modern blend. St Ives is another cultural hotspot, with iconic galleries such as the Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden promising a deep dive into the area’s most prominent artists.
Museums - West Cornwall also boasts excellent museums, which delve into the area’s rich history. PK Porthcurno looks at Cornwall’s role in global communications, including the first undersea telegraph cable, which arrived in Porthcurno over 150 years ago. St Ives and Helston both feature lovely community museums, while places like Geevor Tin Mine and Penlee House Gallery and Museum explore Cornwall’s industrial past.
Shopping - With bustling towns such as St Ives and Penzance promising a variety of independent shops, there’s always a chance for some retail therapy when staying in West Cornwall. Visit St Ives for cobblestone streets lined with surf stores, fudge shops, and boutiques, or Penzance for books, vintage shops, and local artisanal clothes and gifts. A picture-perfect harbour village, Porthleven boasts several art galleries, independent shops, and gift shops, as well as the beloved Shipyard Market, where artists and local food producers sell everything from jewellery to hot sauce.
Beach saunas - Whether you want to warm up quickly after your sea swim, or your muscles could do with some R&R after a holiday full of clifftop rambling, West Cornwall’s sea-view saunas invite you to unwind in style. Sit back and relax in the essential-oil-infused climes before kickstarting your system with a cold plunge or refreshing shower - the ultimate way to embrace hot and cold therapy! With saunas in St Ives, Porthleven, Newlyn, and Hayle, you’re spoilt for choice for your next steamy visit.
Boat trips - If you want to see Cornwall from a different perspective, we heartily recommend booking a boat trip. Departing from either St Ives or Penzance, these salt-kissed excursions tour West Cornwall’s captivating coast by sea, giving you the chance to spot seals, dolphins, and even whales, all while basking in the beauty of granite cliffs and turquoise waters.
Vineyards, breweries, and distilleries - Cornwall is home to many unique boozy experiences, but visiting the source has to be one of our favourite pastimes. For a grape day out, head to Polgoon Vineyard for a seriously mouthwatering selection of Cornish wines and ciders overlooking Mount’s Bay. Stop by St Ives Brewery’s top-notch taproom in Hayle for a hoppy afternoon tasting your way through a variety of lagers, ales, and stouts. To really get into the spirit of things, book a gin tasting at Pocket Full of Stones in Penzance, where you’ll try a seemingly bottomless selection of gins, rums, and other spirits while learning all about the art of botanicals and distillation.
