Best days out to avoid the crowds in Cornwall
If you’ve been following our blog, you might notice that some of Cornwall’s most famous landmarks and attractions don’t always make our summer recommendation lists. That’s because whilst spots like the Eden Project, Padstow or St Ives are well worth a visit, they can be overwhelmingly busy in peak season.
At The Cornish Place, we want to help visitors discover the relaxing Cornish escape they’re looking for – and the good news is that when Cornwall’s most popular attractions are getting really busy there are plenty of other amazing places to visit. From lesser-known beaches to towns that avoid the summer gridlock, and hidden foodie spots, we’ve got plenty of recommendations.
So if you’re looking to uncover the slightly quieter corners of the county, soak up stunning scenery, and enjoy your holiday at a more relaxed pace, here are our favourite alternatives to beat the crowds in Cornwall.
Beaches with a breather
To find a beach that is totally empty you need to visit in the autumn or winter season. However, check out these alternatives to Cornwall’s best-known spots for a similar but quieter experience.
Swap Crantock for Polly Joke
Polly Joke beach, Cornwall
You’ve probably heard of Crantock, just west of Newquay. A popular family beach, its golden sand is perfect for building sandcastles, its river is a hit with paddleboarders and the dune systems behind it are a pretty place for watching wildlife. There’s no doubt it's a stunning spot, but if you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter, the secluded Polly Joke cove can be discovered not far away. Park near the Bowgie Inn, walk through fields of poppies and wildflowers, over a bridge and make your way to the beautiful cove beneath.
Swap Fistral for Godrevy
Godrevy Beach, Cornwall
One of Cornwall’s most famous beaches, known for its great surf and family-friendly amenities, Fistral is a spectacular spot but it can get crowded in the summer. Our recommendation would be to head further west to Godrevy which is not far from Hayle. It’s a lesser-known location just off the A30 with less people, but there are still great amenities including lifeguards, parking, a couple of restaurant options and a surf school. Plus, you can enjoy views over St Ives Bay and three miles of golden sand meaning there’s more space for all to enjoy.
Swap Pedn Vounder for Nanjizal
Nanjizal Bay, Cornwall
If you’re following Cornish pages on social media, you’ve definitely heard of Pedn Voundr. Its turquoise waters, white sand and surrounding cliffs are like something out of a fairytale. However, it's easy to get caught out by the tide (and rip tides) and the scramble down the cliff face to reach it can be dangerous. For somewhere just as magical, visit Nanjizal, just south of Lands End. Access is a mile walk from the car park in Sennen via the South West Coast Path and you’ll often see free-roaming ponies grazing. The reward is less people, and the spot is just as impressive with a mermaid pool and stone arch, plus safer access to the water.
Swap Perranporth for Trevaunance
Treveaunance Cove, St Agnes, Cornwall
Another family favourite, Perranporth is one of Cornwall’s busiest beaches in the summer. For a still-popular but quieter alternative, check out Trevaunance which is just a few miles away in St Agnes. There’s a café and pub, lots of rockpools to explore, a car park and lifeguards. Plus, a kayaking school and board rental right next to the sand.
Hidden foodie spots
Looking for a bite to eat but want to skip the summer queues? Here are some of our local favourites.
Slice of Cornwall, Constantine
Slice of Cornwall
A hidden gem off the pretty backcountry roads near Constantine, Slice of Cornwall is a firm favourite with locals because of its delicious food, woodland setting and huge portions. Serving up fantastic brunch options, every kind of waffle you can imagine and plenty of other tantalising treats, this one is not to be missed. For veggies, you can check out the Potager Garden nearby, for plant-based based dishes served up in a relaxed greenhouse café.
Harbour House, Flushing
Harbour House, Flushing, Cornwall
A recently refurbished waterside pub, which gets the last of the day’s sun, Harbour House Flushing features in the Michelin Guide and for good reason. The decor is refined, just like the food, which is crafted using seasonal and sustainable ingredients to create a ‘posh’ pub menu. Harbour House also does one of the best roasts in Cornwall and has a fantastic cocktail offering.
Nancarrow Farm, Truro
Feasting courtyard, Nancarrow Farm
For something a little more luxurious and a chance to sample some of Cornwall’s finest produce, Nancarrow Farm is known for its amazing summer feasts hidden in an idyllic valley near Truro. A working farm, much of the ingredients are sourced on site including organic veg and home-reared meat. They also host farm suppers in their Oak Barn, where you can enjoy a three-course meal.
Quieter alternatives to Cornwall’s most popular days out
If you’re looking to experience the best of Cornwall, but without the hassle of large crowds, here are our quieter alternatives to Cornwall’s most popular days out this summer.
Swap Lands End for Lizard Point
Lizard Point, Cornwall
Land’s End is Cornwall’s most famous headland, but did you know that Lizard Point is actually the most southerly point in Britain? It’s also a less busy and less commercial spot to enjoy far-reaching views over the Atlantic Ocean. Much like at Land’s End, visitors can expect to see plenty of wildlife like seabirds and seals. Plus, there’s a National Trust car park and a little beach you can swim from at the bottom.
Swap the Minack for Miracle Theatre
Minack Theatre, Cornwall
If you’ve got your heart set on watching an open-air theatrical performance, the Minack Theatre isn’t your only option. Although the amphitheatre-like setting overlooking the waves is well worth a visit, if you’re looking for an easier and more family-friendly option you can try Miracle Theatre. A travelling theatre company known for their humorous performances, their shows move around the county throughout the year. Popular venues include the subtropical grounds of Trebah Garden and the pretty woodlands and fields of Enys.
Swap the Camel Trail for the Bissoe Trail
Bissoe Trail, Cornwall
A day out on the bikes is a great adventure for all the family, and the Camel Trail is Cornwall’s best-known cycling route. However, in the summer months it experiences an exceptional amount of footfall. Head to the Bissoe Trail for a quieter experience, which also has mostly level terrain. You can rent bikes and leave your car at Saint Piran Café and stop off for a bite to eat afterwards.
Swap the north coast South West Coast Path for the Roseland
St Anthony Head Lighthouse, Cornwall
The South West Coast Path is one of Cornwall’s greatest assets, providing a walking route around the entirety of the coastline – but by swapping busy north coast stretches for the serene Roseland Peninsula you can enjoy quieter paths and beaches. The Roseland Peninsula is an untouched part of Cornwall, where pretty fishing villages dot the coast. One of our favourite walks is the three-mile circular route from the St Anthony car park around the headland.
Swap Padstow for Falmouth
Falmouth Harbour, Cornwall
For foodies, Padstow is top of the Cornwall list, thanks to celebrity chef Rick Stein. However, this harbour town swells to max capacity in the summer with holidaymakers. For a quieter alternative, Falmouth is still busy, but it’s larger, making for a more relaxed experience. It has a huge selection of eateries, including Restaurant Mine and CULTURE which are on the Michelin list. There are also a great selection of free houses for sampling local beers and wines. Plus, better beach options so you can enjoy the full Cornwall experience in one place.
Swap the Eden Project for south coast subtropical gardens
Tremenheere Gardens, Cornwall
One of Cornwall’s most popular visitor attractions, the Eden Project is a sight to behold. But to avoid the crowds, Cornwall’s south coast is also home to a splendid collection of subtropical gardens. Visit Trebah for a relaxed saunter through vibrant gardens leading down to a private beach, or Tremenheere – which has an art gallery, sculpture gardens and panoramic views over Mounts Bay and St Michael’s Mount.
Swap St Ives boat trips for St Mawes and St Anthonys
St Mawes Harbour, Cornwall
We love to experience Cornwall from the water with a boat or fishing trip. Most people head to St Ives, which is one of our favourite places in Cornwall, but overcrowded during the summer. Our summer alternative is catching the ferry from Falmouth to St Mawes, where you can soak up the scenery of the Fal River. When you reach St Mawes there are galleries to explore, plenty of riverside walks, beaches and the chance to spot the famous St Anthony lighthouse up close.
Ready to beat the crowds this summer?
If you want to experience the best of Cornwall without the chaos of the summer footfall, our luxury holiday cottages in Cornwall provide easy access to both coasts and plenty of great days out whilst providing a quiet bolthole.