West Cornwall is a gorgeous region of England, known for its stunning coastline, and picturesque towns and villages. As you can tell from this site, I have been lucky enough to visit many places in England. But there’s so many things to do in West Cornwall that it really stole my heart. It is up there with one of the most beautiful areas I have ever been to (at home and abroad). Here’s some of the things to do in West Cornwall that you shouldn’t miss!
Things to do in West Cornwall – Explore the streets of St Ives
St. Ives is a charming town known for its golden beaches and bustling streets lined with shops and restaurants. It’s a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy its natural beauty. It’s always been on my visit list, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Porthmeor Beach is glorious – it has white sand, clear waters, and is a perfect spot on a sunny day, whether you love swimming, sunbathing, or surfing. There are lifeguards and showers at this beach, and plenty of places nearby to grab food and drinks too.
Overlooking Porthmeor Beach is The Island, which is essentially a park on a hill. At the top you’ll find St Nicholas’ Chapel. Whilst the architecture of the chapel isn’t anything to write home about, the views from the top are totally worth the climb. You can see far out to sea as well as an incredible bird’s eye view of St Ives.
The town has a rich maritime history, and you can learn more about this by visiting the St. Ives Museum. You can still see fishermen hard at work today as you walk by the harbour. The town has long been a hub for artists and creatives too, and a lot of the charm of St Ives can be found in the small streets, that are bustling with shops and galleries.
Foodies will be in heaven in St. Ives, as the town boasts a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars that serve up delicious local cuisine. Many of these are along Wharf Road which overlooks the harbour, including the Rum and Crab Shack and Tretho Lounge. Along the cobbled Fore Street, you’ll find St Ives Bakery, Ardor, and Firehouse Bar and Grill amongst others.
Ultimately, out of all the things to do in West Cornwall, exploring St. Ives MUST be on your itinerary!
Enjoy the beach at Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay is a small coastal village located just outside of St. Ives. This is where I stayed on my trip to West Cornwall in an incredible 3 bedroom home on Sykes Cottages called Cornerway (not an ad!). This area is much quieter than St Ives and offers a peaceful and relaxing setting.
The main attraction in Carbis Bay is undoubtedly its beach. The sandy beach is a mile long and the water is crystal clear. There are coves to explore and rock pools, and it is a good spot for anyone wanting to try paddleboarding or kayaking as the water is much calmer. It’s less of a touristy place than St Ives, so there’s no lifeguards or showers available here.
The South West Coast Path offers breathtaking views over Carbis Bay, and leads you to further beaches along an extremely photogenic route. This is definitely a great spot in West Cornwall for those that love hiking and nature.
There are a lot less food and shopping options in Carbis Bay than in St Ives, but what they do have is good quality. We got take out from Becks Fish and Chips the afternoon we arrived (there is the option to sit in as well). There was a queue to get in as it’s so popular, and we got there just after it opened! As you’d expect from a coastal town the fish was super fresh and delicious. For a more high-end dining experience, Carbis Bay Hotel is directly on the beach and has several restaurants that have been frequented by celebrities and politicians.
To experience the natural beauty and serenity of West Cornwall, Carbis Bay is the place to visit.
Things to do in West Cornwall – See Land’s End
Land’s End is a famous landmark located on the westernmost point of Cornwall – quite literally, the end of the land! It draws visitors from all over the world to witness its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged coastal landscape.
You can take part in guided walks and cycling tours if you wish, or for those more daring you can try rock climbing or abseiling. Alternatively you can stroll along the cliffs and take in the stunning vistas at your own pace.
There’s a range of shops, cafes, and attractions at Land’s End, including a 4D cinema, a history exhibition, and a telescope where you can see as far as the Isles of Scilly on a clear day. The First and Last Inn – a welcome haven to smugglers and ship wreckers since the 17th century – offers somewhere to stop and have a drink and bite to eat, just a mile away.
Land’s End is a unique place full of history that is worth visiting as part of a trip to West Cornwall.
Browse the galleries of Mousehole
Mousehole (pronounced “Mau-zol”) is a cute fishing village situated on a sheltered harbour. As you explore the narrow streets and alleys that wind through the village, you can admire many of the quaint fishermen’s cottages that line the harbour.
The village is home to several art galleries. These include The Tyler Art Gallery specialising in modern and contemporary art, the family-owned Joel Gallery, and The Mowzer Gallery, showcasing a range of original art by local artist Josh Sims, as well as a handful of other creatives.
If you’re an artist or photographer yourself, it’s likely you’ll find plenty of inspiration in Mousehole. And if you’re interested in finding out more about the history of the area, you can book onto a guided tour and be shown around the village by a local.
There’s several places to eat during a visit to the village, including The Ship Inn right on the harbour’s edge (I had a relaxing lunch here), the 1940’s themed Four Teas Cafe, and The Old Coastguard looking out over the sea.
Events happen at Mousehole throughout the year, from arts and crafts fairs to a literary festival to the annually anticipated Christmas light display. It’s always worth having a look online to see what might be on during the time you’re in the area.
To find creative inspiration on a trip to West Cornwall, be sure to add Mousehole to your visit list.
Things to do in West Cornwall – Experience the history of Marazion
Marazion is known for its stunning views of St Michael’s Mount which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. It is home to a medieval castle and incredible landscaped gardens. It is honestly one of the most beautiful places I’ve explored! You can find out more about St Michael’s Mount in my dedicated post.
Aside from St Michael’s Mount, Marazion has some charming historic architecture to see. Pictured below is the town hall, where you can find the Marazion Museum, exploring the area’s seafaring traditions and its connections to St Michael’s Mount. There’s also some pretty homes and cottages dotted around the village that are very photogenic!
There’s independent boutiques and galleries to browse too. My favourites included Silver Origins, a family-with over 50 years’ heritage in jewellery design, and Morva, selling crafted items that are designed and made by Cornish makers.
For food and drink options, there’s plenty of choice. The King’s Arms dates back to the 18th century, and is believed to be one of the oldest brick buildings in Cornwall. It’s a great spot to people watch if you’re able to nab a table on the street. Cutty Sark is a relaxed and stylish choice, and I can recommend the fish and chips (you’ll note I had this several times in Cornwall as it’s rude not to)!
St Michael’s Mount is an absolute must-see in West Cornwall and was my personal highlight. By extension, you’d be silly not to go into Marazion too and appreciate its history and character!
Things to do in West Cornwall – Appreciate nature in Hayle
Hayle was once an important industrial town. In 2006, the harbour and Foundry part of the town were awarded World Heritage status in recognition of their historic importance. Nowadays it’s better known for its nature attractions. It’s home to Paradise Park – a wildlife sanctuary that has over 1,000 birds and animals and is the home of the World Parrot Trust. You can also see plenty of birds at Hayle Estuary, looked after by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
It also has several golden beaches, including the popular Hayle Towans Beach pictured. It has beautiful clear water and is close to the town should you want a refreshment. I have to recommend Birdie’s Bistro – it’s family run, has beautiful views of Hayle Estuary, and the food is tasty and fresh. Other options include Lula Shack – a fusion of Cornish, New Orleans creole and Floridian crab shack spice – and Sanders Fish and Chips that has been going for over 20 years.
If you love nature and the great outdoors, Hayle is the place to go.
Things to do in West Cornwall – Go shopping in Falmouth
Falmouth is one of the larger towns in West Cornwall and has the world’s third largest natural harbour. One of the joys of the town is the abundance of independent boutiques brimming with character and individuality.
- Antics of Falmouth has a mix of handpicked antique, vintage and interesting furniture and decorative wares, rescued from Cornish attics and barns.
- Whistlefish is one of my favourite places to buy cards, wrapping paper, and gifts, with plenty of Cornish-inspired designs.
- Falmouth Bookseller is one of the leading independent bookshops in the UK, packed full of books to cater to all interests, and also has a cafe.
- Willow & Stone is filled with gorgeous vintage-inspired things for the home, including lighting, prints, storage, and ironmongery.
- Un-Rap is Falmouth’s zero waste shop, selling organic dried foods, gifts, natural toiletries and reusable lifestyle goods.
This is just a small handful of the independent shops you can find in Falmouth!
St George’s Arcade was once the second biggest cinema in the country, but is now home to shops too. Another great place to shop is the Falmouth Farmers’ Market that runs every Tuesday and sells a range of local craft and produce from Cornish producers.
As well as being a great shopping destination, Falmouth is known for its thriving arts scene. The Poly is a historic arts centre that regularly hosts exhibitions and markets where you can buy handcrafted jewellery, ceramics, and textiles. Sailor’s Jail Gallery has a basement gallery, shop and a creative space where classes are regularly held. There’s also events regularly on in the area, such as the Falmouth Beer Festival that is held every September and Falmouth Oyster Festival that is held every October.
Shopping and supporting independent businesses in Falmouth is definitely something to add to your list of things to do in West Cornwall.
West Cornwall FAQs (2026)
It depends on your vibe!
– St. Ives is best for art, boutiques, and eateries (but can get very crowded).
– Penzance is the practical hub with great transport links and a “real town” feel.
– Carbis Bay is best for relaxation and a big sandy beach but there’s little choice for food.
– Sennen is great for rugged coastal walks.
The water in West Cornwall is some of the clearest in the UK, but it rarely gets above 18c, even in August. If you plan on surfing or spending a long time in the water, a wetsuit is highly recommended.
West Cornwall is well-connected by the Land’s End Coaster – an open-top bus that loops around the coast between St. Ives, Land’s End, and Penzance. It’s one of the most scenic bus rides in the world!
In Cornwall, the rule is strict: Jam first, then clotted cream on top. (Doing it the other way is the “Devon way,” which dare I say, is my preference!).
Have you been to West Cornwall? What was your favourite place? Let me know in the comments.
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
