With its stunning landscapes, fine sandy beaches and picture-postcard fishing villages, Cornwall is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the UK. But dig a little bit deeper and you’ll find there’s even more to explore in this spectacular corner of the Southwest.
Whether you’ve been coming here for decades, live locally, or it’s your first visit to Cornwall, sometimes it’s nice to venture off the beaten path and do something a little different.
So if you’re looking for ideas for a unique and memorable day out, here’s a round-up of my top 25 unusual things to do in Cornwall to inspire your next adventure! I’ve included everything from unique attractions and quirky places to visit, to undiscovered hidden gems and some well-kept locals’ secrets… (Shh!).
Jump to:
- Curious Cornish landscapes to explore
- Historical architecture to uncover
- Bude Castle
- Fascinating museums to visit
- Somewhere different to eat and drink
- Unique visitor attractions in Cornwall
- Well-kept-secret coves
- Cornish towns off the beaten track
- Quirky Cornish landmarks to see
- You might also like
- 💬 Comments
Curious Cornish landscapes to explore
Once considered to be ‘Land’s End’ (before mapping became more accurate), Cape Cornwall offers the same experience, minus the masses. This unspoilt cape, where the Irish Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, offers stunning panoramic views to rival Land’s End, punctuated by the iconic tin mine chimney stack, and Brisons rocks below. As part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, it remains untouched and dramatically beautiful.
📍Cape Cornwall, St Just, Penzance, TR19 7NJ
St Michael’s Mount
Cornwall’s very own tidal island, St Michael’s Mount is reachable on foot along a cobbled causeway from the mainland only twice a day at low tide. Or, you could paddleboard across from Marazion at your leisure and take in the scenery while the crowds eagerly await low tide! The island and castle are now owned by the National Trust, but remain the ancestral home of the St Aubyn family who still reside in the castle. Parts of the castle are open to the public and tours are available. There’s even a tiny village to explore on the island.
📍Mount's Bay, Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0HS
St Nectan’s Glen
Nestled between Boscastle and Tintagel in Trevethy Woods, you can access this natural hidden gem on foot over the South West Coast Path if you’re up for a hike. With its series of waterfalls (probably the prettiest in Cornwall) and peaceful woodland, St Nectan’s Glen is considered a sacred and magical spot by many. The waters are thought to have healing properties and, at 60ft high, St Nectan’s Kieve waterfall is certainly a sight to behold. This is the spot where fairy folk congregate, stone stacks are left in memory of loved ones, and fallen tree trunks are studded with coins left by visitors in exchange for wishes. (So be sure to take a coin with you!)
📍Trethevy, Tintagel, PL34 0BE
Lizard Point
Despite Lizard Point being the most southerly part of mainland Britain, it tends to be much quieter than the more commercial tourist hotspot of Land’s End. There are plenty of walks around Lizard Point to take in views of the unusual geology, spectacular coastline and beyond, and it’s a great place to go wildlife watching – look out for the iconic Cornish chough, Atlantic grey seals, dolphins and even the occasional whale.
📍Lizard, Nr Helston, TR12 7NT
Bodmin Moor
Bodmin Moor is the wild and craggy heart of the county, where you can climb to the highest point in Cornwall and take in views that stretch to both coastlines. Known as Brown Willy, the 420m peak has been a sacred site for thousands of years. Minions (the highest town in Cornwall, not the film!) is located on the southeast edge of Bodmin Moor, and three late Neolithic/early Bronze Age stone circles known as The Hurlers can be found nearby. While you’re exploring the moor, be sure to keep one eye out for the legendary Beast of Bodmin Moor that’s been reportedly sighted many times over the decades, roaming the moors and preying on livestock!
📍Bodmin, Cornwall
Golitha Falls
The Golitha Falls valley is a captivating National Nature Reserve, with the River Fowey flowing through it in a series of enchanting cascades and babbling brooks. It’s like something out of a fairytale, particularly in the spring when the ancient oak woodland is carpeted with bluebells and wood anemones. The site can be accessed on foot via the circular Two Valleys Walk starting in St Neots, or you’ll find a carpark near Draynes Bridge. There is also a cabin in the woods serving up everything from barbecue-smoked meats to sundaes for hungry visitors to enjoy in this al fresco setting.
📍Golitha Falls, Liskeard PL14 6RX
Historical architecture to uncover
Restormel Castle
Set by the River Fowey near Lostwithiel, Restormel Castle has links to its more famous counterpart, Tintagel Castle, and is remarkable for its perfectly round design. The remains of this 13th-century castle sit proudly atop a Norman mound, surrounded by a dry moat and stunning views of the Cornish countryside. There is a small admission fee (unless you’re an English Heritage member) but you could easily spend a relaxing half day here exploring the castle, walking the trails, picnicking among the flowers and taking in the views.
📍Restormel Road, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0EE
Bude Castle
Not a castle in the traditional sense of the word, but it is Grade II Listed and one of Bude’s oldest notable buildings. The Castle Bude was originally built in 1830 as the home of British inventor Sir Goldsworthy Gurney. It’s now a heritage and visitors centre owned by Bude Town Council, with free entry to exhibits about Gurney’s inventions, galleries showing local artwork, and a café serving delicious homemade cakes. The castle green offers a peaceful place to picnic or kick a football about with the kids, and the bandstand is often used during local festivals and community events in the grounds.
📍The Wharf, Bude, EX23 8LG
Fascinating museums to visit
Geevor Tin Mine Museum, Pendeen
The Geevor Tin Mine Museum is the perfect place to get hands-on and learn all about Cornwall’s deep mining history. Follow in the footsteps of Cornish miners, and explore a real tin mine that was still in use up until 1990.
Pendeen itself is a less touristy spot with scenery to rival its more popular neighbours of St Ives and Land’s End. The abandoned buildings of the Botallack Mine [https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/botallack] (one of the filming locations for Poldark) are also just a couple of miles away, too.
📍Pendeen, Penzance TR19 7EW
Museum of Witchcraft, Boscastle
Boscastle itself is a unique place to visit and gets comparatively less crowded than neighbouring Tintagel, but exudes the same North Cornish mystery and intrigue. Tucked away in this enchanting little village is the Museum of Witchcraft, home to the world’s oldest and largest collection of objects relating to witchcraft, magic and the occult (around 3,000 if you were wondering!). So if you like a bit of the spooky and supernatural, this place is a must-visit.
📍The Harbour, Boscastle PL35 0HD
Barbara Hepworth Museum, St Ives
While the Tate St Ives [https://www.tate.org.uk/] will be at the top of many art lovers’ Cornwall travel itineraries, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Gardens (just up the road) is really worth a visit. The museum, also owned by the Tate, is the 20th-century sculptor’s former studio and garden, now preserved with her work on display throughout.
📍Barnoon Hill, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1AD
Bodmin Jail
A fully immersive visitor experience that not only takes you back in time but into the dark world of Victorian crime and punishment. Bodmin Jail is now a boutique hotel as well as a museum and tourist attraction, so you can stay the night in a repurposed prison cell if you’re looking for somewhere unique to stay in Cornwall.
📍Berrycoombe Road, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 2NR
Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Charlestown
The rugged Cornish coast has claimed many ships over the centuries and, with them, the artefacts, treasures and finds of the future. Through the stories of these wrecks and subsequent finds, the Shipwreck Treasure Museum in Charlestown will capture the imaginations of all ages. Located near St Austell on the South Cornwall coast, the picturesque port of Charlestown is popular with visitors, thanks in part to its Poldark fame – but it still tends to get less crowded than some of the other historic harbours in Cornwall.
📍Quay Road, Charlestown, St. Austell PL25 3NJ
Somewhere different to eat and drink
Carn Brea Castle Restaurant
A middle-eastern restaurant in a 14th-century Cornish castle? Who knew! Located on the outskirts of Redruth, Carn Brea Castle has been home to the Sawalha family and their Jordanian restaurant for more than 30 years. If it’s an unusual setting and unique food you’re after, this is the place! They’re open seven evenings a week, but space is limited so definitely book ahead to avoid disappointment.
📍Carn Lane, Carnkie, Redruth TR16 6XL
The First and Last Inn, Sennen
This 17th-century smugglers’ haven has a very similar vibe to the infamous Jamaica Inn but tends to get less busy, so you’re more likely to secure a table and enjoy the atmosphere without the crowds.
📍Sennen, Penzance TR19 7AD
Trevibban Mill Vineyard
Located near Padstow on the North Cornish coast, Trevibban Mill Vineyard is a beautiful working vineyard and orchard that’s open to visitors for tours and tastings. They also serve sharing platters of local produce, which can be paired with their very own wines and cider. Combine this with the beautiful panoramic views across the vineyard and countryside beyond, and you’ve got the perfect place for a grown-up lunch.
📍Trevibban Mill, Padstow PL27 7SE
Unique visitor attractions in Cornwall
Tregothnan Estate
It’s England’s first and only tea plantation, where you can see the tea growing and taste it, too! As if that wasn’t enough, Tregothan Estate is also home to what’s thought to be the largest private botanical garden in Britain. They offer a number of garden tours and tea experiences, but the estate is only open to the public at certain times of the year so it’s best to check their website to plan your visit. You can also stay on the estate in one of their stunning holiday cottages.
📍Tresillian, Truro, Cornwall, TR2 4AJ
Hangloose at the Eden Project
You may be wondering why one of Cornwall’s most popular attractions has made it onto my ‘unusual’ list… Well, apart from having the largest indoor rainforest in the world, did you know the Eden Project is also home to the longest and fastest zipline in the country? The Hangloose Adventure [https://hanglooseadventure.com/eden/] Skywire is 600ft long and reaches speeds of up to 60mph – plus, it has one of the best bird’s-eye views of any zipline, right over the Eden project biomes and gardens! There are also a number of other adrenaline-fuelled adventure activities you can take part in on site.
📍Bodelva (near St Austell), PL24 2SG
Minack Theatre
Perched on the side of a cliff overlooking Porthcurno Bay, with the spectacular Cornish waters as a backdrop, the Minack Theatre is a really special and unique place to watch open-air theatre – especially as the sun goes down. You can also visit when there are no shows happening and take a guided tour of what has to be one of the most unusual performance venues in the UK.
📍Porthcurno, Penzance, TR19 6JU
Lost Gardens of Heligan
Close to the Eden Project near St Austell – yet probably less well-known – these spectacular 400-year-old subtropical gardens have a lot to offer all ages, all year round. As well as productive gardens supplying the delicious food cooked on-site in the Heligan Kitchen (I’d really recommend eating here!), there’s the jungle, pastures, farm animals, a large outdoor play area, walled fruit and flower gardens, glasshouses, ornamental garden rooms, and a plethora of picnic spots.
📍Pentewan, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6EN
Well-kept-secret coves
Nanjizal Beach
With its freshwater waterfall, natural pools and epic rock formations, Najizal Beach at Penwith is a surprisingly well-kept secret – probably due to the lack of parking nearby. But it’s well worth the short walk down the valley just to see the ‘Song of the Sea,’ a majestic 100m vertical slot carved through the granite rocks. Located within an SSSI, the area is also a great place for wildlife and popular with birders.
📍St Just, Penzance TR19 6JJ
Crackington Haven Beach
Nestled between the popular tourist destinations of Bude and Boscastle, Crackington Haven is a well-kept secret spot for locals to spend the day at the beach during the busy season. This peaceful cove is great for surfers, swimmers and families alike. Fun fact: it’s also home to the highest cliff in Cornwall at 735ft!
📍Nr Bude, Cornwall, EX23 9JG
Cornish towns off the beaten track
Cadgwith
Located on the Lizard Peninsular, Cadgwith is Cornwall’s southernmost fishing village. This unspoiled hidden gem is a small and perfectly formed alternative to the more touristy St Ives and Port Isaac. Packed with thatched cottages, colourful fishing boats and two small shingle beaches, it’s like a living picture postcard.
Newlyn
Despite being the biggest fishing port in Cornwall and having long associations with the art world, Newlyn is one Cornish harbour that often gets overlooked by visitors – making it a quieter destination to enjoy fresh local seafood and soak up the coastal town vibes. Nearby Lamorna is another artists’ favourite and far less crowded than St Ives.
Quirky Cornish landmarks to see
Hawker’s Hut, Morwenstow
Hawker’s Hut is the smallest property looked after by the National Trust. This tiny writing retreat was originally built in 1843 by the local vicar of Morwenstow, Reverend Hawker, out of shipwreck salvage and driftwood timbers collected from the rocks below. Tucked into the side of the cliff and overlooking the sea, it certainly has some inspiring views! Perhaps this is where he wrote the famous Cornish song, ‘Trelawney,’ and came up with the idea of a harvest festival. Find the hut just a short one-mile walk from Morwenstow Church (where you can park for free) towards the cliff and down some steps.
📍Morwenstow, Nr Bude EX23 9SR
The Merry Maidens Stone Circle
Also known as Dawns Meyn (‘Dance of Stones’), the Merry Maidens stone circle may not be as notorious or impressive as, say, Stonehenge but it’s just as enigmatic (and far less crowded). This Cornish neolithic monument lies in a gently sloped field beside the B3315 near Lamorna, about 4 miles from Penzance. Local folklore says the 19 equally spaced standing stones are Cornish maidens who were turned to stone as a punishment after being caught dancing on the Sabbath. It’s also thought to be the only prehistoric monument with its own bus stop – so it must be special!
📍B3315, Penzance TR19 6BQ
