Summer may be winding down, but September is one of the dreamiest times to escape to Cornwall. The school holidays are over, the crowds have thinned, and the coastal charm feels calmer, softer - perfect for a seaside getaway.

Cornwall is big, and choosing the right base will shape your trip. Many travellers split their visit between North Cornwall (Padstow, Port Isaac, Tintagel) and West Cornwall (Penzance, St Ives, Land’s End). You can either explore them on separate occasions or combine both by basing yourself somewhere central.

Below are my favourite spots - and if you want to explore further, I’ve linked experiences you can book through GetYourGuide (use to WITHSEIRE5 get 5% discount on all activities and experiences!) .

North Cornwall Highlights

Padstow – Foodie Heaven by the Sea

Padstow is famous for Rick Stein’s restaurants and a harbour brimming with charm, making it a perfect foodie base for exploring North Cornwall.

Fresh seafood restaurants and harbourside dining
Ride the scenic Black Tor Ferry across the River Camel to Rock for a day trip
Cycle the Camel Trail along the estuary (bike hire available)

👉 Try this: Padstow speedboat trips OR Camel Trail along the estuary

Port Isaac – A Postcard Village

This quintessential Cornish picture perfect fishing village was such a cute find during our hike on the Southwest coast path. Apparently well known for Doc Martin and Fisherman’s Friends.

Wander narrow lanes and soak in harbour views
Stop for cream tea at local cafés
Relax with a slower pace and traditional fishing village atmosphere.
We did a lovely short walk from Port Quin (about an hour walk) on a part of the Southwest Coast Path (check the map below!)

Tintagel – Legends of King Arthur

Dramatic clifftop ruins and myths of King Arthur make Tintagel one of Cornwall’s most iconic sites. It is about an hour drive from Padstow.

Walk across the Tintagel Castle Bridge with sweeping sea views
Visit the Old Post Office (National Trust) - medieval buildings and traditional Victorian-style Cornish cottage garden where you can picnic on lovely sunny day
Explore local myth and legend while enjoying a coastal walk. Don’t forget to visit the Merlin’s Cave during low tide at the base of the cliffs.
See the ‘Magical Door’ - quite possibly one of the most photographed places in the UK now.

👉 Tickets are available to book via the English Heritage Website here and are encouraged pre-visit.

West Cornwall Highlights

Penzance – Gateway to West Cornwall

A lively harbour town that makes an excellent base for exploring West Cornwall, easily reached in 5 hours by train from London Paddington.

Independent shops and cafés in the town centre
Swim in the Jubilee Pool, an Art Deco seawater lido
Day trip to the Isles of Scilly by ferry

👉 Try this: Land's End Boat Tour with Wildlife Guides - a tour from Penzance to Land’s End on a boat and see local wildlife on a RIB boat

St Michael’s Mount – Cornwall’s Iconic Castle on the Sea

A fairytale castle rising from the sea, St Michael’s Mount is one of Cornwall’s most magical sights.

Cross the historic causeway at low tide, or take a boat at high tide
Explore castle interiors and subtropical gardens
Panoramic views from the top across Mount’s Bay

👉 Try this: St Michael’s Mount walking and boat combo ticket - remember it is FREE for a National Trust Member!

St Ives – Artists’ Haven

St Ives is known for golden beaches, a bustling harbour, and an artistic heritage that has inspired generations. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when the crowds are smaller but the town is in full bloom.

Golden sands at Porthmeor and Porthminster Beach - perfect for surfers and sunset views.
Visit Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden - for a dose of modern art and sculpture.
The Harbour & Wharf Road – stroll along the harbourfront with its cafés, galleries, and classic Cornish charm.
St Ives’ cobbled streets – full of independent shops and tucked-away corners to explore.

For a full deep dive into the best things to do, eat, and see, check out my St Ives Travel Guide where I share hidden gems, food recommendations, and photo inspiration from my visit.

Land’s End – Where the Land Meets the Sea

The most westerly point of England, Land’s End is all about dramatic coastal scenery.

Land’s End Signpost – an iconic photo opportunity marking the very edge of the country.
South West Coast Path – walk a section of the trail for some of the most breathtaking cliff views in Cornwall.
Atlantic Sunsets – stay for golden hour when the skies turn fiery over the sea.
The Land’s End Hotel – a perfect spot for a drink with panoramic views, especially if you want to pause and take it all in.
Sennen Cove – just along the coast, a sweeping sandy beach loved by surfers and walkers alike.

Minack Theatre – A Theatre Carved into the Cliffs

Carved into the cliffs above the sea, the open-air Minack Theatre is one of Cornwall’s most unique experiences. Even if you don’t catch a performance, the setting itself is unforgettable, with turquoise waters and dramatic coastal views.

Minack Theatre – watch a play under the stars or simply tour the site to admire its incredible cliffside design.
Porthcurno Beach – a sheltered cove of golden sand and crystal-clear water, perfect for a swim or photo stop.
The Shack Café – a relaxed spot to refuel during a walk on the South West Coast Path.
Clifftop Viewpoints – take time to wander along the path and stop at viewpoints for sweeping Atlantic panoramas.

How to Plan Your Trip

North Cornwall: Padstow → Port Isaac → Tintagel.
West Cornwall: Penzance → St Ives → Land’s End → Minack → St Michael’s Mount.
Combine both by splitting your stay: a few nights in Padstow + a few nights in Penzance.

Here’s my custom Google Maps with all the spots mentioned – and I’ll keep adding new places as I visit and discover more!

Cornwall is large, so picking the right base is important. Many travellers split their time between North Cornwall (Padstow, Port Isaac, Tintagel) and West Cornwall (Penzance, St Ives, Land’s End)

Here’s a map to help you find stays and plan your Cornwall trip:

And this list is just a starting point - Cornwall has endless coves, villages, and hidden gems to uncover. Cornwall is best explored slowly. Whether you choose the foodie villages of the north or the dramatic cliffside views of the west, each visit reveals something new. With each trip, you’ll discover a new corner to love. Save this guide for your first trip - and if you’ve been before, you’ll already know one visit is never enough.

📸 Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more hidden corners and photography and guides from England’s countryside.

Thanks for wandering with me!

With love,
Seire x

*Install Get Your Guide app from here and use WITHSEIRE5 to get 5% discount on all activities and experiences!