About West Cornwall

One of the most beautiful parts of the county, West Cornwall is a haven of natural beauty and impressive landmarks. Running from Hayle on the north coast all the way around the peninsula to Porthleven on the south coast, West Cornwall covers a variety of beautiful corners, including Land’s End (the most westerly tip of mainland England) and the ancient moorland of Penwith. 

An area of contrasts, you can explore dramatic granite cliffs in the morning and white sandy beaches in the afternoon, making West Cornwall the perfect base for any holiday. Boasting a rich mining heritage, remnants of Cornwall’s industrial past can still be seen clinging to the cliffs, whether you’re walking along the coastal path at Rinsey, St Just, or the Poldark-famous cliffs at Botallack. 

Going back even further, West Cornwall is also home to some of the county’s most fascinating ancient sites. The Merry Maidens is one of the county’s best-preserved and most famous stone circles, while Mên-an-Tol’s megalithic structure promises a captivating photo opportunity, or you can head to Chysauster Ancient Village, which invites you to stroll through the remains of one of Cornwall’s Roman-British settlements.

West Cornwall’s ties to the fishing industry are woven deep, with villages such as Porthleven, Newlyn, and Mousehole bringing in fresh catches to this day. This means local restaurants can serve the best of Cornish produce, alongside a refreshing selection of local beers, wines, and spirits. Alongside fishing, this fascinating corner of Cornwall has famous ties to smuggling, which can be seen in hidden coves and even in Penzance’s oldest pub, which is home to an escape tunnel (The Turks Head, in case you were wondering)!

Beaches in West Cornwall

Pack your snorkel and sun cream; nothing beats a beach day in West Cornwall, whether you’re after some surf or somewhere spectacular to sit and relax.

Porthcurno Beach - With towering granite cliffs on either side and sprawling views down the coast towards Logan Rock, Porthcurno Beach has to be seen to be believed. At low tide, you can pop round to see Pedn Vounder, another of Cornwall’s beautiful beaches, or climb the steps to explore the Minack Theatre. 

Carbis Bay - Carbis Bay’s arc of white-gold sand and turquoise waters creates a subtropical paradise you simply won’t want to leave. The sheltered aspect and host of amenities along the shore make this a favourite with families, especially in the summer when lifeguards patrol the beach. 

Lamorna Cove - West Cornwall is lined with hidden coves, and Lamorna has been a favourite for centuries, inspiring countless artists and poets. With its ancient harbour walls and rugged cliffs, the cove paints a rather pretty picture, made all the more tempting when the sun turns the waters bright blue. Swim, scuba dive, or sit and soak up the raw natural beauty.  

Porthmeor Beach - St Ives boasts many incredible beaches, but Porthmeor often takes the cake, especially for surfers. It’s backed by the striking Tate St Ives art gallery, as well as a fantastic Mediterranean-inspired restaurant where you can enjoy delicious food overlooking the beach (it’s particularly good for sundowners in summer and autumn).

Prussia Cove - Once a popular haunt for smugglers, Prussia Cove is now beloved by all for its beautiful location and curious rockpools. Dog-friendly year-round, this beach is great for families as there are lots of rocks to explore, and the surrounding coast is perfect for snorkelling. It’s a bit of a walk from the car park, so pack a picnic and make a day of it. 

The Towans - The name given to the giant expanse of sand created when Hayle, Gwithian, and Godrevy beaches merge at low tide, The Towans is the go-to beach for sandy strolls. With cafés perfectly placed at each end, you can fill your boots (literally) with sandy adventures along the beach and dunes before stopping for one of the ultimate hot chocolates from Kabyn Café.   

Sennen Cove - Sennen Cove and neighbouring Gwynver Beach are two of the best places to surf in West Cornwall. Both spots promise excellent conditions throughout the year, with Sennen adding a dose of luxury with sea-view eateries and showers for those who like to de-sand as soon as possible. Gwynver is a touch wilder and is only accessible from the South West Coast Path or some rather steep steps from the car park. 

Praa Sands - A firm family favourite, Praa Sands boasts a merry mix of sand, sun, and surf, with lifeguards in the summer and an excellent beachfront café and bar for ice creams, pizzas, and proper Cornish beers. The beach at the eastern end is often much quieter, while the vibrant section in front of the car park boasts easy access to the amenities.

Places to eat in Cornwall

Dining out in West Cornwall has to be one of the greatest joys of any stay, whether you love an epic full Cornish breakfast, a cream tea piled high with jam and clotted cream (yes, in that order), or a memorable evening enjoying Michelin recommended fare overlooking the ocean. 

The Old Coastguard, Mousehole - Featured in the Michelin Guide for its spectacular setting overlooking the sea and mouthwatering menu, The Old Coastguard is a firm favourite, whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner with someone special or a week-defining Sunday lunch. 

Porthmeor Beach Café, St Ives - Sea views, cocktails, and tapas; Porthmeor Beach Café really does have it all. Stop by for a light breakfast before hitting the surf, a tasty tapas lunch, or a Med-inspired dinner as the sun sinks behind the horizon. 

The Mussel Shoal, Porthleven - One of Cornwall’s hidden foodie gems, The Mussel Shoal is a relaxed place you can kick back with a pint of Cornish lager and a bowl of dirty fries, and soak up the pretty setting of Porthleven harbour, all while a carefully curated playlist fills the air. 

45 Queen Street, Penzance - Boho chic vibes and cool, creative menus await at 45 Queen Street. Think relaxed breakfasts, seasonal lunches, and suppers made all the better for a colourful cocktail. Oh, and they’re super dog-friendly, so the whole pack can enjoy the visit!

The Cabin Beach Café, Perranuthnoe - Another dog-friendly place to eat in West Cornwall, The Cabin boasts an incredible location just above the beach. Snag a table outside and settle down to a hearty lunch or toothsome Cornish cream tea. They also have a great selection of ice creams, which are best enjoyed on the beach or coast path.

Gurnard’s Head, Zennor - Michelin recommended and set against Penwith’s wild and beautiful coastline, the iconic yellow pub, The Gurnard’s Head, is hard to beat. The menu is centred around fresh, local ingredients, with breakfasts to die for (the Turkish eggs are our top pick ). Roaring fires in the winter and a lovely beer garden for summer make this a year-round favourite.

Argoe, Newlyn - Celebrating Newlyn’s historic connections with the sea, Argoe serves fresh seafood from the harbour outside, ensuring a true taste of Cornwall with every visit, whether you opt for mussels, hand-dived scallops, monkfish, or chips (Cornish potatoes also deserve celebrating, after all).

The Mexico Inn, Long Rock - A pub with a culinary heart, The Mexico Inn has perfected Cornish dining. The bar is well stocked with local favourites, while the menu offers a selection of tasty bar snacks and button-popping mains, from beer-battered fish and chips to delicious homemade pies with mash and gravy. 

Prettiest Towns and Villages in Cornwall

St Ives - With one of the most instantly recognisable harbours in Cornwall, it’s easy to see why St Ives has been the centre of artistic focus for centuries. Home to several white sandy beaches, lots of independent shops, and a seriously mouthwatering selection of restaurants, pubs, and cafés, St Ives really does have it all. Visit for beach days, arty afternoons, and boat trips to see the local marine wildlife up close.

Penzance - Whether you love strolling around art galleries, lounging in cafés, or walking along the coast marvelling at the iconic visage of St Michael’s Mount as you go, Penzance has something for everyone. Enjoy beautiful gardens, refreshing dips in the lido, and shopping aplenty - we particularly recommend exploring Chapel Street, where quirky architecture and curious shops await.  

Newlyn - One of Cornwall’s most famous fishing villages, Newlyn is the place to be for any seafood lover. Visit Argoe or Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar for delectable dining, or stop by Aunty Mays for one of the best Cornish pasties around. And for any screen junkies out there, Newlyn Filmhouse invites you to watch the latest flicks in true style. 

Mousehole - Whether you visit in summer for sunny strolls along the coast (with a picnic full of goodies from the local deli, of course) or winter when the iconic harbour is lit up with an incredible array of Christmas lights, Mousehole is the perfect holiday destination whatever the season. 

Porthleven - A foodie hotspot with one of Cornwall’s top food festivals and gateway to the Lizard Peninsula, Porthleven is for those who fancy a pint with a pretty special view. The historic harbour and clock tower set the scene, inviting you to sit back and relax at one of the harbourside pubs, or clamber onto the coastal path for a salty stroll. In winter, there’s no better place to see the storms, while summer promises seafront shopping followed by an Ann’s pasty. 

Sennen - Surfs up at Sennen, one of the best beaches in Cornwall to hit the waves. Not only does the sandy beach promise consistent surf throughout the year, but there are showers so you can wash off before heading to the pub for dinner with a view. A stone’s throw from Land’s End and boasting some beautiful walks, Sennen is for those who want to spend their time outside soaking up the beauty of West Cornwall.

Hayle - With easy access to the longest beach (well, technically beaches) in Cornwall, Hayle is a dog-friendly paradise. Stroll along the nearly 4-mile-long stretch of sand before heading to one of the many dog-friendly cafés around Gwithian and Godrevy for a cosy coffee and a wedge of cake. Hayle’s high street is also well worth a visit, with a selection of vintage, surf, and gift shops - not to mention a lip-smacking ice cream parlour for summer snacking.  

Marazion - This pretty coastal village might be renowned for the castle that sits offshore, but there’s so much more to uncover during your stay. Pick up one-of-a-kind jewellery from the lovely art galleries, go wildlife watching near Marazion Marsh, or spend long, leisurely days sprawled out on the sun-warmed sands. And, of course, hop across the causeway to see Cornwall’s iconic St Michael’s Mount up close.

St Just - If you’re looking for a secluded spot to unwind during your holiday in West Cornwall, St Just is just the place. Tucked away in the wilds of Penwith, a stone’s throw from the sea, this idyllic town has everything you need, including a welcoming pub, an excellent deli, and one of Cornwall’s most fascinating art galleries, the Jackson Foundation. 

FAQs

What was filmed in West Cornwall? 

Unsurprisingly, the BBC series Poldark found many of its spectacular backdrops in West Cornwall, from the dramatic mines around Botallack and St Just to the pretty stone slipway at Penberth. Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Judy Dench had a wonderful time filming around West Cornwall for Ladies in Lavender, including Prussia Cove, Penzance, and Helston, while Dustin Hoffman shot a few scenes of Straw Dogs in St Buryan and Lamorna Cove. 

What wildlife can be seen in West Cornwall?

Home to a wonderful array of landscapes, West Cornwall is perfectly placed for spotting a plethora of wildlife. Mount’s Bay is one of the best places for spotting dolphins and sometimes even whales, with regular boat trips running through the spring, summer and autumn months. Grey and common seals can be found all along the coastline, although the stretch around Godrevy Lighthouse is particularly popular for spotting seals safely. The Lizard is one of the best spots in Cornwall for choughs, but West Cornwall boasts its hotspots too, with Land’s End and Botallack a favourite of this iconic Cornish bird. For even more ornithological pursuits, head to Marazion, where the marsh is a renowned bird-spotting destination, especially in autumn when undulating murmurations fill the skies. 

How to get to West Cornwall

Getting to West Cornwall from the north is wonderfully easy; simply stay on the A30 until you reach Hayle, where you can peel off for St Ives, or keep heading south for Penzance and West Penwith. If you’re coming from the east, the A394 from Helston will take you all the way to Penzance, where you can continue to Newlyn and Mousehole, or head inland to Porthcurno on the south coast, or Zennor on the north. 

What is considered West Cornwall? 

West Cornwall refers to the western leg of the county, which includes sections of the south and north coasts. Looking at a map, you can pretty much draw a line from Hayle to Porthleven, and everything to the left is considered West Cornwall.