Exploring Lands End Cornwall and Surrounding Areas

Cornwall is such a beautiful part of England, particularly in the summer when the suns out (hopefully) and the water is a beautiful turquoise colour. Land’s End Cornwall and other nearby areas have always been a popular summer holiday sport for Brits. With everything from the rolling hills of the pretty English countryside, to quaint little harbour towns and seaside villages, this is a great place to explore.

What can you do in Lands End Cornwall and beyond?

Lands End

Lands End is the most South-Westerly part of the UK and sits on 200ft high granite cliff tops, which on a clear day you can even see the Isle of Scilly. Along with the views there are a number of family attractions, eateries, arcades, gift shops, farm animals and more. Great for kids, a little touristy maybe but it does host great views! The surrounding areas are all within easy reach and are just as beautiful.

Cape Cornwall

Owned by the National Trust, Cape Cornwall is one of only two capes in the UK and sits at the spot where two oceans meet. A short drive from Lands End Cornwall, I would say this is a much more rugged and tourist spot to visit. If you like a more natural attraction, then I would come here over Lands End. You can walk up the small mound, on which sits a chimney stack, built back in the copper and tin mining days. This can also be a great spot for bird watching and even seeing dolphins out in the ocean.

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The Minack Open Air Theatre

The Minack Open Air Theatre is situated in a stunning setting, right on the cliff edge. First built in the 1930’s, this open-air theatre had its first performance, ‘The Tempest’ in 1932, the stage being lit up by batteries and car lights. Nowadays you can still see performances, opera, plays and musicals. By day, the theatre is set amongst a gorgeous backdrop of turquoise blue ocean and by night the moon lights up the sea, creating quite a magical atmosphere.

Porthcurno Beach

I was lucky enough to be travelling around the Lands End area in Cornwall whilst England was going through a heatwave. The hot sunny days make Porthcurno beach look like a paradise you would typically not expect from the UK! The water was so blue and clear, and the sand soft and white, it was hard to believe this is in the UK. The nearby Porthcurno Telegraph Museum is a great insight into Cornwall’s past and its pioneering involvement in global communications.

Coastal Path Near Lands End Cornwall

There are many coastal paths near Lands End and the UK has hundreds country-wide, that often stretch on for miles. Walking along the path you will spot big cliff faces, old ruins, pretty flowers, gorgeous little coves, and quant towns. The terrain can vary quite a bit which keeps the walk really interesting and allows for some awesome photo opportunities.

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Botallack Mine

Sitting amongst the wild and rugged landscape the Botallack Mine is situated right on the edge of the cliff, with dramatic views from all sides. There is a short or longer walk around the historic mining and industrial landmarks, set alongside the pretty (and some rare) wildflowers. There is also a small National Trust museum and café, where the friendly staff are eager to help. I have a longer post on the Botallack Mine here if you’re interested.

Mousehole

Pronounced ‘mous-ul’, not ‘mouse hole’ which was what I was saying the entire time I was there, is one of the prettiest little harbour town’s Cornwall has to offer. This small fishing village sits between Lands End Cornwall and Penzance. It has an old-world charm, with small gift shops, restaurants, cafes, ice cream parlours and art galleries. This is such a relaxing way to spend and afternoon! For more info on Mousehole, then read my longer post here.

St Michael’s Mount

A little further from Lands End (but still only around a 30-minute drive) is the beautiful St Michael’s Mount, the Cornish counterpart of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France. I didn’t actually walk up to the mount as the tide was starting to come in (and I do regret this, so do make sure you plan your visit in time with the tides, if you want to see the castle and gardens). Even just from the outside though, you can get stunning views and the local town is also really pretty.

St Ives

If you are heading to St Ives on a sunny summer’s day, be warned, it gets very busy! Although it is just so pretty it is still worth it! There is actually a lot to do here so be sure to spend at least a whole day here. St Ives has four different beaches to choose from, some calm and secluded and some great for surfers.

The town is also home to the Tate gallery, set on a backdrop of a stunning beach. There are of course the usual small, independent art galleries dotted around the place which are all a worthwhile visit. St Ives is known for its incredible light and has been home to many artists over the years, including Barbara Hepworth. You can visit her old home which is now a museum.

As well as this, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, souvenir shops and everything else a beachside town usually has.

Travelling to Lands End Cornwall

By train: You will need to catch a train to Penzance station, which is located right by the seafront. This is the closest you can get by train, so you will need to catch local buses to the other areas.
By bus: National Express runs coach service to Penzance.
By car: Take the M4 motorway (from London) or the M6 motorway (from Manchester) and enter the M5 motorway heading to Exeter. Then join the A30 which will take you to Cornwall.

I really hope you enjoyed my post on Lands End and nearby places. This is such a beautiful part of the world. If you would like to here more from me, why not sign up to my monthly newsletter for recent updates.