Coastal Hikes & Adventures in North & West Cornwall - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Exeter, Explore the City's Underground Passages

Welcome to the UK! You'll arrive in Exeter, a beguiling city in southwest England with excellent access and transport links to South Devon and Cornwall. With over 2,000 years of history and a Gothic cathedral thought to be one of the finest examples of its kind, the city's university is regularly ranked within the top 10 in Europe, giving the town a refreshing and independent vibe alongside its historic charms. 

Speaking of which, Exeter's ancient medieval Underground Passages are one of the city's foremost attractions and the only ones of their kind open to the public. Today, you'll get to weave through these narrow passageways on a guided tour filled with interactive exhibits that show how clean drinking water was transferred into the medieval city via the passageways from springs outside the city walls.

Afterward, don't miss a trip to the Cathedral, built partially on the site of an ancient Roman bathhouse. Its exterior is stunning, and when you step inside, you'll find a 60-foot (18 m) high bishop's throne and sculptures of Alfred the Great, William the Conqueror, and King Canute. Later on, refuel after a day's sightseeing at one of the city's restaurants. Head to the waterfront for al fresco dining with quayside views, or try Eat on the Green, where you can dine in 16th-century surroundings with views over the Cathedral Green.

Day 2: Transfer to Bude, Explore & Relax

Your Cornish adventure officially starts today, and after breakfast, you'll transfer to the charming Victorian coastal town of Bude. A cherished destination for surf enthusiasts, Bude's position along the Atlantic coastline is characterized by rugged cliffs, expansive undulating vistas, and pristine sandy beaches. 

Settle in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the town before your walking holiday begins in earnest tomorrow. Start with an exhilarating stroll along the sandy Summerleaze Beach, where swimmers flock to the Bude Sea Pool: a vast semi-natural tidal pool flanked by cliffs on one side and the beach on the other. While hardy locals will swim all year around, the Atlantic waters are bracing!

Whether you decide to take a dip in the sea or not, toast your trip in typical Cornish fashion with an evening at a local pub. Cornwall is home to some of the UK's best seafood, and whether you're after classic fish and chips or a more refined take on the catch of the day, you'll find it at one of Bude's local pubs and restaurants. Afterward, head back to your hotel ahead of tomorrow's early start.

Day 3: South West Coast Path (Day 1): Bude to Crackington Haven

Wake early this morning and fuel up on a typical English breakfast in readiness for today's hike. Your destination is Crackington Haven, and the 10-mile (16 km) walk along the South West Coast Path is filled with sweeping panoramas of the rocky coastline dotted with fishing villages. You'll be free to enjoy the scenery without worrying about your bags, as your luggage will arrive at your hotel ahead of you each day.

The first leg of your walk follows the grassy cliff path behind the beaches and along the historic Bude Canal to Widemouth Bay, a wild and windy spot (making it popular with surfers) with several excellent local pubs, where you can grab a bite to eat and try one of the local ales. Refreshed and ready to continue, make your way along the path across several sheer clifftops, pausing at Philip's Point Nature Reserve to see if you can spot the grey seals that frequent the bay below.

You'll walk across the cliffs and alongside the Dizzard Forest (the remnants from a prehistoric wood that once covered the entire country) for a stretch and pass a series of gentle waterfalls and hilltops before the path descends into the enclosed bay of Crackington Haven. Here, you can make a beeline for your accommodation and enjoy a warm Cornish welcome before another restful evening at a local pub.

Day 4: South West Coast Path (Day 2): Crackington Haven to Tintagel

Lace up your hiking boots for another windswept day of walking Cornwall's famous coastal path. You'll find some of the 11-mile (18 km) route to Tintagel moderate to challenging but worth it for the incredible clifftop views. Walk above the isolated beaches of the nearby Strangles and past rocky shelves and headlands, mindful of the sheer drops that give way to the Atlantic. It's a beautiful stretch for bird watchers, with colonies of puffins, razorbills, and guillemots dotting the cliffsides.

It's also an area steeped in the mysterious legend of King Arthur, whose reputed birthplace is Tintagel, your overnight destination. It's not hard to imagine Arthurian tales as you pass sights such as the Pentargon inlet, where a waterfall plummets 130 feet (39 m) into the sea below. Eventually, you'll arrive in the storied town, whose rocky promontory was the site of a Roman settlement and Celtic fortress. Once you reach your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax and take it easy in one of the village's excellent pubs.

Day 5: Explore Tintagel Town & Castle

Today is yours to explore Tintagel at your own pace, and there's one sight you can't miss—Tintagel Castle. Perched on cliffs overlooking the sea on the peninsula of Tintagel Island, the castle is accessed via a recently built footbridge from the mainland. The views from the bridge are astonishing, and you'll first experience the castle the way its medieval residents did before the old crossing disappeared between the 14th and 17th centuries. 

Arrive at the 13th-century castle ruins and you'll discover why myths and legends abound at Tintagel. It's been rumored since the 12th century to be the birthplace of King Arthur, and stories of the fortress as a stronghold for medieval Cornish kings are said to have inspired Richard, Earl of Cornwall, to build his clifftop home here. See the walled garden where Earl Richard installed stepping stones to retell the tragic love story of Tristan and Iseult, and cast your eyes down to the sea, where seals can often be spotted playing in the waters below. 

If you can drag yourself away from the wonders of the castle, don't miss Merlin's Cave on the shore below. At low tide, it's an atmospheric spot to visit and adds to the air of Arthurian mystery that shrouds the area. To better understand rural life in centuries past, visit the Tintagel Old Post Office, a 14th-century building and a well-preserved example of a medieval manor house. After a day of exploring, the Camelot Castle Hotel is a great spot for afternoon tea, with grand architecture and sweeping views from its terrace.

Day 6: South West Coast Path (Day 3): Tintagel to Port Isaac

You'll pick up the coastal path from Tintagel this morning and hike along a section of the coast once vital to the Cornish fishing and slate trades. See glimpses of this history as you pass donkey tracks around Backway's Cove and the rocky pinnacles of Hole Beach. Enjoy the easy walk out of Tintagel and follow the coastal path signs to Port Isaac.

The village is a 9-mile (15 km) walk, and you'll need to dig particularly deep on the final stretch from Trebarwith Sand. You'll navigate several steep valley descents and clifftop climbs before reaching the sleepy harbor of Port Gaverne, a 10-minute walk from the welcome sight of Port Isaac.

A gloriously picturesque fishing village amid rugged coastal landscapes, the town is characterized by narrow, winding alleyways (Squeezy Belly Alley is only 18 inches wide) and whitewashed cottages that overlook the bay. If ever a village could tempt a few more steps from the weariest of feet, it's Port Isaac. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the quaint harborside cafés and pubs, then treat yourself to dinner at Outlaw's Fish Kitchen. The restaurant, owned by renowned Cornish chef Nathan Outlaw, has a far-reaching reputation and is home to some of the best cooking in the region.

Day 7: South West Coast Path (Day 4): Port Isaac to Padstow

While you might have a hard job tearing yourself away from beautiful Port Isaac this morning, know that today's hike contains some of the most dramatic views so far, with the bonus of an overnight stay in Padstow, a chic, bustling fishing village that's home to some of Cornwall's finest restaurants. Your last stretch is 12 miles (19 km), and after leaving your accommodation and following the coastal path out of town, you'll pass the remote inlet of Pine Haven and the Iron Age fort of The Rumps, a rocky promontory in an area dotted with sandy coves and surrounded by gorse and woodland.

You'll want to keep your camera close at hand as the path winds its way around several steep headlands and gentle valleys, culminating in views from Pentire Point across the Camel Estuary. Soon, you'll reach Polzeath, another idyllic Cornish village and one-time favorite haunt of the poet laureate Sir John Betjeman. Stop here for lunch on the go (a filling Cornish pasty is a must if you haven't tried one already), and as you head out of town, the path becomes significantly easier as you walk down to the sandy beaches of Daymer Bay, where you'll catch a ferry to Padstow. 

Upon arrival in the harbor, you'll be transferred to your hotel and reunited with your luggage. While your epic walk along the South West Coast Path has come to an end, there's still much to explore, and Padstow has no shortage of attractions. Head back to the harbor for a cool drink and watch the fishermen at work, or seek out local artwork at the galleries that dot the medieval streets that wind back from the port. Afterward, go for a predinner stroll along St George's Cove and return to Padstow for dinner, where you'll be spoiled for choice with excellent eateries.

Day 8: Cornish Coastal Adventures in Padstow

Today is yours to spend exploring Padstow and the nearby coast. It would be remiss not to lunch at one of seafood restaurateur Rick Stein's restaurants, the first of which, The Seafood Restaurant, firmly put Cornwall on the culinary map when it opened in 1975. If you're keen to explore the nearby coves and beaches, then Treyarnon Bay Beach at St Merryn, an hour's scenic walk from Padstow, is a lovely sheltered bay where you can spend a lazy few hours paddling in the rock pools or braving the Atlantic.

Later on, you'll have the option of working up an appetite for tonight's dinner with a private kayaking or standup paddleboarding tour around the coast. Meet your guide in Padstow and transfer 30 minutes to Port Quin, a nearby hamlet and cove with plenty of caves to paddle to and explore. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned kayaker, your friendly guide will tailor your session to meet your needs. Afterward, you'll transfer back to Padstow in time for your dinner reservation. 

Day 9: Guided Day Tour of Bodmin Moor

Wake to the sound of gulls as Padstow gently comes to life, with the fishing boats making their way out of the harbor to bring back another day's catch. There's no rush this morning, so enjoy a leisurely breakfast before meeting your guide and driver for a full day exploring Bodmin Moor. Fans of author Daphne du Maurier will recognize the location as the backdrop to her eerie novel "Jamaica Inn." It's these moors that you'll spend the day exploring with your guide.

Depending on your interests and how much walking you'd like to do, your guide will tailor your trip to your preferences. The moors are rich in folklore, and some famous highlights you can visit include Dozmary Pool, the lake where, according to legend, King Arthur received the sword Excalibur. Legends aside, your day of sightseeing will include several granite tors that rise up from the rolling moorland, as well as evocative stone circles and ancient monuments.

Part ways with your guide in the afternoon and cap your day with a traditional Cornish cream tea. A light afternoon meal, a cream tea consists of freshly baked scones, strawberry jam, and clotted cream. Whether the jam or the cream is spread first is fiercely debated throughout the UK, but since you're in Cornwall, know that the tradition here is to spread the jam first (whereas in Devon, it's the other way around!). 

Day 10: Transfer to St Ives, Polgoon Vineyard Wine Tasting, Tate Modern St Ives

Arguably ,.Cornwall's most popular destination, St Ives regularly attracts over half a million-day trippers each year, and there's a reason why. For centuries, artists and painters have flocked to the picturesque seaside resort seeking the town's special quality of light, said to arise from St Ives' vast quartet of golden beaches. Arrive at your hotel, and waste no time in discovering the maze of whitewashed atmospheric cobbled streets and beautiful beaches for yourself. Start with a walk along Porthminster Beach and stop for dinner at the Porthminster Beach Café, an award-winning restaurant with sweeping sea views.

Cornwall's microclimate lends itself particularly well to viticulture, and you can spend some time today at one of the area's renowned wineries. Polgoon Vineyard is nestled on sheltered slopes overlooking Mount's Bay, where it's protected from prevailing winds. The result is a thriving vineyard and orchard that produces award-winning artisan Cornish wines and ciders. Meet your guide for the 20-minute drive and spend the morning learning how the vines and fruit are meticulously cared for. You'll follow the tour with lunch in the Vine House Kitchen and a tasting of five award-winning wines.

Return to St Ives, and the afternoon is dedicated to the town's world-famous art scene. The Tate Modern St Ives officially opened in 1993 and is one of only two Tate galleries (the other is in Liverpool) outside London. Spend a couple of hours absorbing the works of Cornish artists such as Alfred Wallis, then continue to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. If you're keen to pick up an original piece to take home, you'll find plenty of local galleries filled with artwork from both established and emerging local artists.

Day 11: Guided Driving Tour Around St Ives' Scenic Highlights

St Ives is well placed to explore many of Cornwall's top attractions, and that's exactly what you'll do when, after breakfast, you head out with a private driver and guide. Your first stop is the open-air Minack Theatre, which, at first sight, resembles an ancient Greek amphitheater. The site was built by Rowena Cade, who bought the rocky headland at Minack for £100 and, in 1930, set out to build a theater carved into the towering granite rock and set high above the white sands of Porthcurno Bay. If you want to catch a Royal Shakespeare Company performance here, you'll need to book well ahead.

Spend time touring the tropical gardens and admiring the sweeping views, then if the weather's playing ball (or even if it's not!), check out the pristine beach at Pedn Vounder, a 10-minute drive away. Regularly described as Cornwall's most beautiful beach, you'll find immaculate golden sands and turquoise waters reminiscent of the Caribbean. The nearby fishing town of Mousehole (pronounced Mowzul) is your next stop, where you'll find plenty of excellent lunch stops crowning the picturesque 13th-century harbor.

In the afternoon, head southeast to Lizard Point, the UK's most southerly spot, which, while not as famous as Land's End, is significantly less developed. If you're looking for the perfect photo for your UK trip, this may well be it! The peninsula is home to some of the UK's most spectacular rocky coastline, and nearby Kynance Cove has been featured in many films and TV series, including "Poldark." Tear yourself away from Lizard's rugged beauty, and you'll return to St Ives in time for a pint in your favorite pub or dinner at one of the restaurants that line the harbor.

Day 12: Transfer to Penzance, Lost Gardens of Heligan

This morning, you'll transfer half an hour south to Penzance, a glorious town familiar to Gilbert and Sullivan fans as the pirates' base in their comic opera, "The Pirates of Penzance." Nowadays, western Cornwall's largest town is known for its exotic gardens, beautiful coastline, thriving arts scene, and gateway to some of Cornwall's most famous destinations, including St Michael's Mount, which you'll have an opportunity to visit tomorrow.

Once you've had a chance to settle in and grab a bite to eat, one option is a trip to the evocative Lost Gardens of Heligan. Originally created in the 19th century by the Tremayne family, the gardens fell into neglect after World War I and all but disappeared into a wilderness until they were rediscovered and restored in the 1990s. Meet your guide, and after a 1.5-hour transfer, you'll be greeted by over 200 acres (81 ha) of themed gardens and pathways.

Immerse yourself in the vast Jungle Garden with its subtropical plants, Victorian Productive Gardens, and intriguing sculptures like the Mud Maid and the Giant's Head. Both blend seamlessly with their surroundings and require a careful eye to discern from the rest of the foliage. Alongside the gardens' stunning plant collections, wildlife habitats, and historical features, you'll also find an excellent on-site café and gift shop.

Day 13: Hike & Explore St Michael's Mount or Scilly Isles Day Trip

It's your last day in Cornwall, and you have a couple of great options for a memorable finale. If you're keen for one final hike, embark on a 3-mile (5 km) route to the spectacular St Michael's Mount. This tidal island, reminiscent of Mont St Michel in Normandy (the history of the two was entwined until the dissolution of the monasteries), is crowned by a towering castle and lush, subtropical gardens. While the trail to the island meanders through charming villages, the island's medieval castle and historic labyrinthine streets are the stars of the show.

If the tide is in and you can't cross the walkway, don't worry; the island is serviced several times a day by boats that leave from the mainland. Speaking of boats, another option is a sailing excursion to the Scilly Isles, an archipelago including untouched, uninhabited islands that lie just 28 miles (45 km) off the Cornish coast. Your cruise starts with a relaxed sail from Penzance to Land's End along the coastline, reaching the islands just in time for lunch. With miles of hiking trails and secluded sandy beaches to relax on, it's the perfect way to spend your final day before returning to Penzance in time for dinner.

Day 14: Transfer to Exeter, Explore at Leisure

In the evening, round out your English adventure with a visit to one of the city's historic pubs, whose bars are reputed to have been frequented by Sir Francis Drake and Charles Dickens.

Day 15: Depart Exeter

Your tour of Cornwall and Devon has come to an end; after a leisurely morning, say your goodbyes to Exeter and continue to your next destination. Safe travels!

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