Think you could love the South West, but hate planning? You need this perfect Cornwall itinerary over 3 days, taking in just a few (OK there are heaps more, but who has that much holiday?) of the very best highlights.
Read on for beaches, beauty and gorgeous countryside dotted with impossibly tiny lanes. You will need one car, one mini suitcase and a lot of Cornish pasties. While you’re in the South West, your next step could be a a Devon road trip or even a jaunt around the perimeter of Wales.
The perfect Cornwall itinerary – 3 days
The UK seems pretty small if you’re from the US, but it will still take 5 -7 hours to drive to Cornwall on your first day, if you’re based near London. So buckle up for the full ride and head all the way to the south west tip of the UK, Land’s End, on your first day. From there, you’ll know every move you make is taking you a little closer to base.
Day 1 – Land’s End, Sennen Cove
Arrive in the afternoon of your first day and stop off at either pretty Sennen Cove along the coast or Land’s End itself. The point has been developed into a themed attraction, which is great for families. But if you’re a little quieter like me, come after it closes and you can walk through for free to see the real beauty of the area. Get there before 5.30 pm and you’ll still be able to pick up a delicious cream tea flavour ice cream in the park’s cafe, but there won’t be any crowds.
The coastline is perfect for dramatic selfies and solitude. Naturally, you’ll also need a shot of the famous white sign post which marks distances to other (much hotter) globetrotting destinations. There is a stand where they ask for a few pounds to take the perfect selfie with the landmark, but I always look terrible in selfies!
Snap shots of the picturesque rocks and walk the coastal path for just 15 minutes to an inn at the end of the world (or maybe just Cornwall) – which is the white building in the shot below.
Day 2 – The Minack Theatre, Marazion, St Michael’s Mount
A frankly hair raising drive will take you to the Minack, much of it through single track roads and the final bit at the top of a large hill which only allows cars to travel in one direction – but it will be worth it.
The theatre is carved into the very rock, a one of a kind sight – and I can guarantee that you’ve never seen a play acted somewhere like this before! They are open every day for you to tour the set at a cost of £5, but the best day to come is Sunday when you’ll see the latest production in full dress rehearsal or Tuesdays and Thursdays for a matinee show. I think it’s most magical when there is a show taking to the stage, don’t you?
St Michael’s Mount via CC-BY-2.0 as all my photos were overexposed on this sunny day!
Next, it’s over to the fairytale castle you see above – set on its own private island just off Marazion. The first thing to know is that the mount is closed on Saturdays. But, any other day, you can hop over for £2 each way in the boat manned by locals and explore the National Trust castle (entrance £10), which was once a monastery.
Looking to save a few pounds? You can also walk to the mount, but you’ll need to time your arrival and departure with when the causeway through the water is open. The times are displayed on the St Michael’s Mount website and on Marazon Beach. Bring cheap plastic flip flips and roll up your trousers for the walk. It’s a lovely experience though, when the water is warm.
You can also save on parking if the charity car park on grass to the left hand side of the beach entrance is open, costing £2.50 versus the main car park which is £5 all day.
Day 3 – St Ives and Boscastle
Kick the final day off with a gorgeous beachside morning at St Ives Beach, where the sand is as soft as silk. Don’t forget to duck back from the waves and explore the back of the beach where you’ll find hidden and mysterious caves inside the cliff side.
Sad to say, but it’s time to start making progress on the journey home. Sweeten the deal with a stopover in one of the prettiest and most authentic North Cornish villages, Boscastle. Park just outside the village in a road entirely overhung by trees for free and, if you’re a fan of all things halloween, try something different at the fascinating Boscastle Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. Entry to three floors of curiosities is just £5 and it will take you through a deeper history of Cornish folklore.
Try not to do too much cackling over the witchy garden! If the museum doesn’t take your fancy, Boscastle is also just bloomin’ marvellous, with a lazy river and quirky pubs. In its centre, you’ll find a National Trust visitor’s centre with tasty ice creams, slap up teas and great gift ideas.
So tell me, how lovely was your long weekend in Cornwall? How many cream teas did you have? If you’re keen to go abroad next time, try my run down of all the working holiday visas for Brits!
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It looks like a fantastic long weekend, I’m dying to visit!
Looks like perfect itenerary to an amazing place. Loved the pics.
We did this!
Driving to Newquay on day one, visiting the waterfalls at St Nectan glen, and king Arthur’s castle at Tintagel. Day two we drove to the Eden project, and then on to peaceful mullion where we had booked to stay a few days. Day three we visited kynance cove which is just bEautiful. Day four we visited st michaels mount, walked across the causeway, and wondered around the island, and visited Porthleven on our way back to mullion. Day 5 we wanted to see Falmouth but heavy rain cut the holiday short so we started our long journey home.
So many beautiful places to see in Cornwall, such little time! The peacefulness is amazing, skinny one track roads for two way traffic will help hone your reverse driving skills!
So glad you had a good time! Awesome.