The best campsites and things to do in Cornwall for 2026

Without a doubt, Cornwall has it all. Golden beaches stretching on for miles, subtropical gardens, giant cliffs, pretty fishing villages, and it is steeped in myth and legend

Cornwall is rugged and refined, beautiful, wild and inspirational. The ideal place to spend some holiday time.

For everyone who likes to be beside the seaside, Cornwall is a dream. With hundreds of beaches, from secluded coves to family resorts, you could visit a different beach every day of the week. If you choose to base yourself here for a holiday, then exploring’s half the fun.

It goes without saying that such a popular county has hundreds of campsites and holiday parks to choose from. It can be a daunting task finding where to stay, but our Campsite Finder search tool will help you find the perfect place to pitch, whether you're in a motorhome, caravan, campervan or are sleeping under canvas.

For Cornwall, one of the best features of the county has to be its beaches.

Some of Cornwall's most popular beaches include Fistral in Newquay, St Ives Bay, and Summerleaze in Bude. We’ve detailed a few below but there are far too many to mention here. For a full list of all the beaches in Cornwall you can visit the dedicated beaches page of Visit Cornwall.

Fistral is quite possibly the most famous Cornish beach, the home of British surfing and the place to come for watersports and activity. The beach has a choice of cafés and restaurants, too.

St Ives Bay is a crescent-shaped expanse stretching for over four miles and backed in places by grassy dunes. And less than five minutes’ walk from Bude, Summerleaze Beach is special due to the unique sea pool. Part man-made and part natural rock pool, this saltwater pool is refreshed daily by the tide.

A special mention needs making for the beach at Pentewan, too. This Cornish beach is somewhat unique – it is privately owned by the holiday park that sits behind it. The sands stretch for over half a mile, and Cornwall Watersports, on the beach, offers expert tuition in everything from paddleboarding and kayaking to windsurfing and wildlife boat tours.

The attractions in Cornwall are not all just the beaches, though; there are plenty of other places to visit, from world-famous attractions, to pretty towns and villages like Polperro, Port Isaac and Mousehole.

The Eden Project is probably the most well-known of Cornwall’s attractions and one that is world famous. The impressive, jaw-dropping set of domed ‘greenhouses’ each holds a self-contained climate and ecosystem.

Serving as a remnant of Cornwall’s mining heritage, the ruins of Wheal Coates tin mine sits alongside the South West Coast Path and stands dramatically above the golden sands of Chapel Porth Beach.

Hidden by the wilderness since the outbreak of World War I, the Lost Gardens of Heligan were rediscovered in 1990 and have become Europe’s largest garden restoration project. Heligan’s 200 acres are a paradise for the explorer, garden lover and wildlife fan.

Another unique attraction to Cornwall is the Minack Theatre. Perched on the cliffs above the sea, this outdoor theatre was a labour of love, hand-built by Rowena Cade in 1930.

If you’re one for myth and legend, head to Tintagel Castle on the north Cornwall coast. This ruined coastal castle has links to the legend of King Arthur.

For a break from the main attractions in Cornwall, why not head to Truro, the county’s only city which is great for shopping? Check out markets that are regularly held on Lemon Quay, including an indoor pannier market and a selection of food, jewellery, crafts and homewares outlets.

Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Set along the Helford River, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary offers a meaningful and engaging day out. The focus here is rescue and rehabilitation, giving visitors insight into how injured seal pups are cared for before being released back into the wild.

It’s particularly good for families, but it also appeals to adults who want something a little more grounded than a typical attraction. The riverside setting makes it easy to combine with a gentle walk or lunch nearby.

Gardens, estates and quieter days out

Lanhydrock House

Lanhydrock is ideal if you enjoy mixing history with time outdoors. The Victorian house is impressive in its own right, but the wider estate – woodland trails, riverside paths and open parkland – is where many visitors end up spending most of their time.

It’s a flexible day out: explore the house, stretch your legs on a walk, or simply enjoy the grounds at your own pace.

Godolphin

Godolphin has a quieter, more atmospheric feel than many large estates. Its medieval garden, historic house and surrounding countryside sit within a UNESCO World Heritage landscape shaped by Cornwall’s mining past.

If you enjoy places with space to wander and fewer crowds, Godolphin is a rewarding stop, especially when paired with views across west Cornwall toward the coast.

Eden Project

The Eden Project remains one of Cornwall’s most reliable attractions, particularly when the weather isn’t playing along. Its vast biomes house plant life from across the globe, from tropical rainforest to Mediterranean landscapes.

It works just as well for families as it does for couples and there’s enough space and variety to avoid it feeling rushed, even on busier days.