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Top 20 Free Things to Do in Cornwall
Picturing a beach holiday on the Cornish coast with a 99p Flake in hand? Mr Whippy’s are more expensive than they used to be!
But fret not: there are plenty of fun and free things to do in Cornwall that won’t cost you a penny- so you’ll still have enough in your piggy bank for the ice cream van after all! Here are our top 20 free things to do next time you’re in Cornwall:
Key takeaways
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Discover breathtaking coastal views at The Lizard Peninsula and Kynance Cove.
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Walk the causeway to St Michael’s Mount and explore its scenic surroundings for free.
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Enjoy family days out at Perranporth Beach, Trenance Gardens, and Bissoe Valley.
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Step back in time at Castle-an-Dinas, Bodmin Moor, and the Museum of Cornish Life.
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Explore Cornwall’s art and culture with free entry to Falmouth Art Gallery and Trelissick Gallery.
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Spot wildlife, rescued donkeys, and historic lighthouses while soaking up Cornwall’s natural beauty.
The Lizard Peninsula
Known for jaw dropping views and stunning sandy beaches (not lizards), The Lizard is one of Cornwall’s most beloved scenic spots. From exploring caves along the beach’s edge to checking out the fauna and flora that thrive in the area, there’s plenty to say “ooh” and “ahh” to.
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St Michael’s Mount
Take a stroll across the causeway to visit the incredible St Michael’s Mount. While the castle itself has an entry free, the surrounding gardens are free to run around and explore, with 360° views of the Cornish coastline.
Find out moreExplore the island’s village (home to just 30 year-round residents), and stop in the Island Shop to find some locally-made island treasure. Just don’t forget to keep an eye on the tide, or you’ll be arriving back at your caravan with soggy socks!
Museum of Cornish Life
Brush up on your history at the Museum of Cornish Life. Perfect for curious little minds and experienced historians alike, the museum is totally free to enter, making it a great way to spend an afternoon- especially if you’re avoiding a Cornish summer shower!
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Kynance Cove
Follow the winding path down to Kynance Cove, a total hidden treasure. Surrounded by cliffs, the only thing that could make this spot more magical would be mermaids! The beach is a little harder to access than other more touristy spots, but it’s so worth the hike to access this seaside gem.
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Perranporth Beach
With 3 miles of beach, you can leave an endless trail of footprints in the sand. Build sandcastles, explore the rock pools, and chase the waves for hours. Offering up plenty of choice waves, Perranporth beach is great for experienced surfers and nervous boogie boarders just the same.
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Roskilly’s Farm
Stop by Roskilly’s Farm to say thanks to the Jersey cows that provide the milk for Roskilly’s ice cream. Say hello to all the farm animals, take a mooch about the farm shop, and treat the whole family to a tasty scoop at the ice cream parlour. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a Sunday, stop by the Croust House Restaurant for a roast with all the trimmings! It’s farm to table, and farm to ice cream cone.
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St Ives Food and Drink Festival
Got a family of food lovers? Then the St Ives Food and Drink Festival is a must visit. Free to attend, the festival runs mid-May, offering up a whole range of tasty treats by local Kernow vendors.
Find out moreThis goes beyond pasties (although you’ll probably still find a few)- mooch around artisan stalls and swing by the bar for a sip of locally produced gin. Whatever tickles your tastebuds, you’re sure to find something new to sink your teeth into.
South West Coast Path
Throw your walking boots on and explore enchanting Cornish coastline walks on the South West Coast Path. With seriously instagrammable views and plenty of fresh sea breeze, you can stroll on day walks, have a go at a circular route or commit to a longer trail. Pack some snacks, plenty of water, and get those feet moving!
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Truro Cathedral
Want to check out some cool gothic architecture and peer through stained glass windows. Truro Cathedral is a must visit. Right in the heart of Truro’s bustling town centre, the cathedral is one of only three three-spired cathedrals in the UK. Take in the incredible design, before heading off to explore the rest of one of Cornwall’s best towns.
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St Anthony Lighthouse
If you’re an 80’s baby, you’ll know the St Anthony Lighthouse by another name: Fraggle Rock! Take a stroll along the coast path from St Maves to check out the still-working lighthouse. It’s the perfect way to get up-close-and personal with Cornwall’s maritime history, with a little slice of nostalgia thrown in for good measure. “Dance your cares away!”
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Bissoe Valley Nature Reserve
Nestled in a former mine site, Bissoe Valley is a little pocket of Cornish wilderness that makes for a picture-perfect afternoon out. Keep an eye out for rare bugs and butterflies- like the blue-tailed damsel fly and grayling butterfly- that call the reserve home.
Find out moreWith 3 hectares of woodland to play hide-and-seek in, ponds to feed the ducks, and wheelchair/pushchair accessible footpaths, all the family can enjoy this tranquil spot. Plus- it’s dog friendly, so you can bring along your four-legged bestie!
Trenance Gardens and Leisure Park
Trenance Gardens offer up the best of both worlds, with beautiful surroundings and plenty to keep busy feet occupied. Home to several parks and playgrounds (all free to enjoy) little ones can burn off some serious energy. For bigger kids, the skate park is a great place to practice their moves, whilst mum and dad enjoy a cream tea in the Tranance Cottage tea room.
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Castle-an-Dinas
The Iron Age’s version of a crop circle, Castle-an-Dinas is a pretty impressive hillfort at the summit of Castle Downs. Legitimately the stuff of legends, visitors can explore the concentric rings of this ancient spot. Smack in the middle of the Cornish countryside, it’s a great way to get in touch with the past, and maybe spot a sheep or two acting as nature’s lawnmover.
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Falmouth Art Gallery
Are you an art lover? Falmouth Art Gallery is a must-visit for you. Located on Falmouth highstreet, the gallery features a rotating range of displays by local artists, hosting seasonal events that showcase the very best of Cornish talent. Be sure to check out their weekly workshops, for family-friendly activities and sessions to get your creative juices flowing.
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Porthcurno Beach
For turquoise waters surrounded by granite cliffs, look no further than Porthcurno beach. Take a stroll along Porthcurno’s circular walk for spectacular views of the rolling waves, or stop off at The Minack Theatre- carved into the cliff face itself!
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The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary
Say “hee-haw” to over 100 rescued donkeys, horses and ponies at The Donkey Sanctuary. Take a walk along the visitor walkways and watch the donkeys living their best lives in the paddocks.
Find out moreIf you’re feeling peckish, you stop off in the cafe., serving up vegan-friendly snacks and plenty of homemade cake. Entry to the sanctuary is completely free, but donations to keep their four legged residents healthy and happy are always welcome. You can even adopt a donkey, for an extra memorable holiday souvenir.
Newquay Harbour
If you enjoy fishing, Newquay Harbour is sure to reel you in. Amongst the fishing boats, you can try your hand at crabbing, or snack on some fresh shellfish from the local stalls. Find a spot to relax and watch the boats as they sail by- ideally with a fish and chips in hand! For early risers, the harbour is also the perfect spot to watch the sunrise over the waters, before spending your day exploring Newquay’s town centre.
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Bodmin Moor
Dark and romantic in equal parts, Bodmin Moor is rich with history- and ghosts too, apparently. Not just a pretty view, Bodmin boasts its own share of urban legends. Take the kids hunting for the “Beast of Bodmin”, but don’t worry: if you don’t find it, you’ll still be able to spot plenty of wildlife (including over 1000 ponies!) roaming the moors.
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Jamaica Inn
If it’s a pirate life for you, the Jamaica Inn is a great space to stop off, and grab a pint or too. A traditional smugglers inn, today it’s home to a charming pub and restaurant, with rooms for tired travellers. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cornish pint or a cosy coffee, and is a great treat for fans of the Daphne du Maurier novel.
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Trelissick Gallery
Open seven days a week, the Trelissick Gallery is home to experienced and emerging artists’ work from across Cornwall. Take a closer look at everything from contemporary sculptures to intricate woodwork and glassware. If you want to try your hand at something new, the Cornwall Crafts Association hosts regular workshops at the gallery- you’ll need to book in advance, but most are free to attend.
Find out morePlan your next holiday in Cornwall with Away Resorts
After a day getting gloriously windswept on the South West Coast Path or trying (and failing) to keep your pasty away from the seagulls in St Ives, you’ll need a comfy base to crash. That’s where we come in.
Our Cornwall holiday parks land you right in the heart of all the good stuff. Think secret coves, clifftop views, and National Trust spots that don’t cost a penny to explore.