Cornwall is a county that rewards the curious. Beyond its famous beaches and cream teas lies a landscape of extraordinary variety — windswept moors, subtropical islands, ancient fishing villages, and dramatic headlands that drop sheer into the Atlantic. The best way to discover it all? A series of well-chosen day trips that take you from one end of this remarkable peninsula to the other, and even a little beyond.
Here are eight day trips that will show you Cornwall (and a sliver of Devon) at its most captivating.
Isles of Scilly: An Island Escape by Ferry
Twenty-eight miles off Land's End, the Isles of Scilly feel like another world entirely. The Scillonian III sails from Penzance Harbour (Wharf Road, Penzance, TR18 4FE) to St Mary's, the largest island, in around two hours and forty-five minutes. Day trip fares start at just £35 for adults and £17.50 for children, making this one of Cornwall's great affordable adventures.
Once you dock at Hugh Town on St Mary's (49.9146, -6.3150), you have roughly five hours ashore. Stroll the Garrison Walls for panoramic views across the archipelago, wander the exotic Tresco Abbey Garden (if you catch the inter-island boat), or simply lose yourself on one of the white-sand beaches that wouldn't look out of place in the Caribbean. The water really is that clear.
Practical tips: The ferry runs daily from late March to early November, roughly six sailings per week. Book well in advance during July and August. Alternatively, Skybus flights from Land's End Airport or Newquay offer a faster (twenty-minute) crossing. Bring layers — the crossing can be breezy even in summer.
The Lizard Peninsula: Britain's Most Southerly Point
The Lizard Peninsula is Cornwall at its most elemental. Start your day at Kynance Cove (49.9751, -5.2306), widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The serpentine rock stacks, turquoise water, and white sand make it utterly photogenic — arrive early to beat the crowds and catch the best light.
From Kynance, follow the South West Coast Path south to Lizard Point (49.9576, -5.2027), the southernmost tip of mainland Britain. The Lizard Lighthouse Heritage Centre here is the only lighthouse you can climb in Cornwall, and the views from the top are worth every step of the spiral staircase. On a clear day, you can see the curvature of the earth.
Loop back via the enchanting fishing village of Cadgwith (49.9880, -5.1780), where thatched cottages huddle around a tiny cove and fishermen still launch boats from the beach. Stop at the Cadgwith Cove Inn for a well-earned pint. If time allows, detour to Coverack (50.0237, -5.0937) for rock pooling or the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek (50.0862, -5.2068) for a family-friendly finish.
Practical tips: The Kynance Cove car park (National Trust, free for members) fills quickly in summer. The cliff walk from Kynance to Lizard Point is around two miles each way and moderate in difficulty. Check tide times — sections of Kynance beach disappear at high tide.
Bodmin Moor: Wild Walks and Ancient Stones
Bodmin Moor is Cornwall's brooding interior — a vast expanse of granite tors, Bronze Age stone circles, and windswept grassland that feels utterly removed from the coastal bustle. Begin at the hamlet of Minions (50.5119, -4.4611), where a free car park gives access to the Cheesewring, a remarkable natural stack of weathered granite slabs perched impossibly on the hilltop at Stowes Hill. The four-mile circular walk takes in disused quarries, the Hurlers stone circles, and views that stretch to both coasts on a fine day.
Afterwards, drive to Jamaica Inn (50.5630, -4.5770) at Bolventor, the atmospheric 18th-century coaching inn immortalised by Daphne du Maurier in her 1936 novel. The Smugglers' Museum inside is delightfully eccentric. For a longer walk, tackle the ascent of Brown Willy (50.5750, -4.6150), Cornwall's highest point at 420 metres, from the car park at Roughtor. The five-mile circular route is manageable for reasonably fit walkers and the summit panorama is superb.
Practical tips: Bodmin Moor is exposed and weather can change rapidly. Bring waterproofs and sturdy boots even in summer. The moor is excellent for dog walking. Jamaica Inn serves hearty pub food and is a welcome refuge on a wet day.
Padstow to Rock: A Ferry Hop Across the Camel Estuary
This delightful day trip pairs two of North Cornwall's most appealing towns, linked by a charming ferry crossing. Start in Padstow (50.5399, -4.9379), Rick Stein's home turf, where the harbourside is lined with excellent seafood restaurants and independent shops. Pick up fish and chips or a crab sandwich and eat on the harbour wall watching the boats.
Then hop aboard the Black Tor Ferry for the five-to-ten-minute crossing to Rock (50.5452, -4.9188) on the opposite bank. Ferries depart every twenty minutes and cost just £3 for adults, £1.50 for children — note that payment is cashless only. From Rock, walk along the shoreline to Daymer Bay (50.5590, -4.9290), a sheltered crescent of golden sand backed by dunes, or continue to the tiny Church of St Enodoc (50.5570, -4.9330), where the poet John Betjeman is buried. The church was once almost entirely buried in sand itself.
For a longer adventure, cycle the Camel Trail from Padstow to Wadebridge (50.5167, -4.8333) — the flat, traffic-free path follows a disused railway line along the estuary and is suitable for all abilities. Bike hire is available at several outlets in Padstow.
Practical tips: The ferry runs from around 8am, with last crossings varying by season (4.30pm in winter, 7.30pm in summer). A water taxi service extends evening hours from Easter to October. Padstow car parks fill early in peak season — arrive before 10am or use the park-and-ride.
Land's End to Sennen: A Clifftop Loop
Forget the theme-park trappings of the Land's End visitor attraction and focus instead on the raw, magnificent coastline. The circular walk from Sennen Cove (50.0714, -5.6970) to Land's End (50.0659, -5.7128) and back is just 3.6 miles and takes around an hour and a half, but it packs in some of the most dramatic cliff scenery in England.
Start at Sennen Cove's gorgeous surf beach, one of the finest in West Cornwall, and follow the South West Coast Path south along towering granite cliffs. You'll pass the wreck of the RMS Mulheim, a German cargo ship that ran aground in 2003, before reaching the iconic Enys Dodnan rock arch and the Armed Knight sea stack at Land's End itself. The return leg follows the inland path via Mayon Cliff, with sweeping views back towards Sennen and the Longships lighthouse offshore.
Practical tips: Park at Sennen Cove car park rather than the expensive Land's End car park. The path is well-maintained but exposed — wind can be fierce. Sennen Cove has excellent surf, so bring a board or hire one from the surf school if you want to extend your day.
St Michael's Mount: A Tidal Island Fortress
Rising from Mount's Bay like something from a fairy tale, St Michael's Mount (50.1175, -5.4773) is Cornwall's most iconic landmark. At low tide, you walk across a granite causeway from the village of Marazion (50.1233, -5.4709) to the island; at high tide, you take a small boat. Either way, the approach is unforgettable.
The medieval castle perched on the summit has been home to the St Aubyn family since 1659 and is managed by the National Trust. Inside, you'll find Tudor-era rooms, a magnificent priory church, and collections of weaponry and paintings. The subtropical gardens clinging to the island's southern slopes are a horticultural marvel, open from May onwards.
Explore the harbour village at the base, where a handful of shops and a cafe provide refreshments. Allow two to three hours for a thorough visit.
Practical tips: The castle reopens for the 2026 season on 15 March and the gardens on 1 May. Book tickets online in advance for a discount. Causeway crossing times depend on tides — check the website before you go. Marazion itself has good cafes and a lovely beach for a post-visit wander.
Fowey and the Daphne du Maurier Trail
Fowey (50.3363, -4.6361) is arguably Cornwall's most literary town, the place where Daphne du Maurier lived, wrote, and set many of her most famous novels. This day trip combines the pleasures of a beautiful estuary town with a deeply atmospheric coastal walk.
Begin in Fowey itself, exploring the steep, narrow streets that tumble down to the harbour. Visit the Daphne du Maurier Literary Centre on South Street (5 South Street, PL23 1AR), a small but absorbing museum dedicated to the author's life and works. Browse the independent bookshops and galleries, then pick up a pasty from one of the bakeries for the walk ahead.
From the National Trust car park at Coombe Farm, follow the 3.5-mile circuit along the South West Coast Path to Polridmouth Cove (50.3168, -4.6348), the inspiration for the fictional cove in Rebecca where the boat was discovered. Continue to the red-and-white-striped Gribbin Tower (50.3193, -4.6650), a Victorian daymark with panoramic views. The path passes through woods and along clifftops that feel exactly as du Maurier described them — secretive, windblown, and slightly wild.
Practical tips: The annual Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature (formerly the du Maurier Festival) takes place each May and is a wonderful reason to time your visit. The town is best explored on foot — parking is limited. A passenger ferry connects Fowey to Polruan on the opposite bank, offering lovely views back across the estuary.
Over the Border: A Taste of Devon
Cornwall's eastern border with Devon is no hard boundary, and some of the best day trips from the Cornish side lead you into South Devon's rolling hills and historic towns. The handsome market town of Tavistock (50.5448, -4.1438), on the western edge of Dartmoor, makes an excellent first stop. Its pannier market operates several days a week and is superb for local produce, crafts, and antiques.
From Tavistock, it's a short drive to Buckland Abbey (50.4870, -4.1500), once home to Sir Francis Drake and now a fascinating National Trust property set in peaceful grounds above the Tavy valley. The house contains Drake's famous drum and a wealth of maritime history.
For something more urban, press on to Plymouth Barbican (50.3657, -4.1340), the city's historic harbour quarter where the Mayflower Steps mark the point of departure for the Pilgrims in 1620. The cobbled streets are lined with independent restaurants, galleries, and pubs. The Plymouth Gin Distillery, housed in a former Dominican friary dating from 1431, offers excellent tours and tastings.
Practical tips: Tavistock's farmers' market runs on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. Buckland Abbey is open from late March to late October (check National Trust website for exact dates). Plymouth is around 25 miles from the Cornish border and easily reached via the A38.
Quick Tips for Cornwall Day Trips
- Start early. Car parks at popular spots fill by mid-morning in summer. Arriving before 9.30am transforms the experience.
- Check the tides. St Michael's Mount, Kynance Cove, and several coastal walks are tide-dependent. Consult tide tables the evening before.
- Layer up. Cornwall's weather is mercurial. A sunny morning can turn to drizzle by lunch. A lightweight waterproof and an extra fleece take up little space.
- Go off-season. Many of these trips are at their best in spring (April–May) or early autumn (September–October), when crowds thin and the light is golden.
- Use ferries and buses. The Padstow–Rock ferry, Fowey–Polruan ferry, and local bus services reduce the need to drive and add to the adventure.
- Book ahead. The Scillonian ferry, St Michael's Mount tickets, and popular restaurants all benefit from advance booking, especially in July and August.