Devon and Cornwall are summer holiday favourites amongst Brits, with some of the prettiest seaside towns, harbours, beaches, coastal walks, and villages on England’s South West coastline.
A few years ago, I visited Devon and Cornwall with my partner, and this is the exact itinerary we took. There is quite a lot packed in, but the good thing about Cornwall is that you never really have to drive far to get to each of the destinations.
Here is my 1 week itinerary for a Devon and Cornwall road trip…
Day 1: Arrive to Lynmouth, Devon
Arrival day. I originally travelled from London, but we first stopped in Wales, so I made my way to North Devon from there. Depending on where you are coming from in the UK, this could be an all day trip.
I arrived in the late afternoon/ evening and was pleasantly surprised to see the Lynmouth Regatta and Maritime Festival was on. There was that beautiful smell from a barbeque wafting its way around the village, the locals dressed up and singing folk songs and of course the boat race.
The villages of Lynmouth and Lynton sit between a 450-foot cliff (don’t worry you can use the cliff railway to get up to the top). Lynmouth is very secluded, with a beautiful stream flowing through, which at sunset or sunrise is extremely picturesque.
Use this time to have a wander around the village, grab some fish and chips by the ocean and watch the sun go down.
Accommodation: Lynmouth (2 nights)
There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses to stay near Lynmouth, UK. I found Airbnb to be the cheapest and found a large room right across from the ocean for around £60.
Day 2: Lynmouth, Devon
Today you can explore more of this beautiful village. Walk around the village, discovering the quaint little shops and cafes, as well as the ocean/ harbour front. I went for a walk up to the twin village of Lynton (you could take the cliff railway if needed but the walk is so picturesque).
The walk will take you up on a steep path through woodland, and eventually leading out to incredible views over the ocean. Following the ocean path, you will soon reach the Valley of Rocks (where you may see a group of goats grazing!). Behind these rocks is another path, slightly inland and views over the countryside valley. It was so pretty; I seriously could not stop taking photos! The path will lead to Lynton, where you can explore, before taking the cliff railway back down to Lynmouth.
The afternoon can be spent by playing a game of mini golf, which is situated right by the ocean. Not sure I have come across a spot so pretty for a round of putt putt before!
Accommodation: Lynmouth
Another night in your Lynmouth accommodation.
Day 3: Clovelly, Devon
Next stop on your Devon and Cornwall trip, get up early and drive around an hour to the working fishing village of Clovelly. This is one of the prettiest little villages, although it is very steep. The cobbled path makes its way down to the fishing harbour. Along the way there small art galleries, a church, museum, ice cream parlours, cafes, pubs, gift shops and tea rooms.
The village does not have any cars which gives it a really authentic and relaxed vibe. There is also a small fee to enter the village (kind of strange right?) but believe me, it’s worth it. You can also make use of the arts and crafts workshops for a little extra, plus pat the donkeys that live here.
After you have spent some time exploring the village, you can either walk back up or take one of the cars from the harbour, which will drive you back up. Here, we continue on to Cornwall and St Ives, the drive takes around 2 hours.
Me and my partner actually stayed in Carbis Bay (which is close to St Ives and could be a cheaper option). We were quite exhausted once we arrived in Cornwall, so we just walked to a local Spanish restaurant for dinner and then relaxed at the accommodation. If staying in St Ives, you could go for an evening stroll by the beach.
Accommodation: St Ives (or Carbis Bay)
1 night in St Ives. There are accommodation options from budget hostels, bnbs, Airbnb, self catering cottages, camping, hotels, you name it! I stayed in Carbis Bay (around 15 minute drive from St Ives) and found it a little cheaper. If booking for St Ives, try and get in early for the best deals.
Day 4: St Ives & Penzance Cornwall
St Ives deserves most of your day, as there is plenty to do here, so be sure to get up early! We first had a wander around the village, stopping for coffee at the Yallah coffee kiosk (delicious coffee!).
We then headed to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.This is part of the Tate and you can buy a joint ticket to see both museums. St Ives is known for its incredible light and so draws artists to its shores. The Sculpture Garden has many of Hepworth’s art pieces and includes her studio where she worked. Also be sure to check out the Tate Gallery, which is situated right in front of the beach, with some incredible views.
After some lunch, head to one of the four beaches St Ives has to offer. Porthmeor beach, in front of the Tate gallery is popular with surfers, as well as families, and the harbour beach offers relaxed swimming.
Towards the end of the day, start your drive to the market town of Penzance, which will only take around 20 minutes. Once at Penzance you can go for an evening walk along the promenade, check out the Jubilee Pool right on the seafront or wander the pretty streets. There are also plenty of places to eat here with many cuisines available.
Accommodation: Penzance (2 nights)
Spend 2 nights in Penzance, I stayed at a lovely Airbnb run by a lovely lady. We had our own little living room too- for the price of a hotel room (or cheaper). Of course, there are nicer hotels, cosy bnbs and guesthouses to choose from too.
Day 5: Botallack Mine, Cape Cornwall, Lands End & Porthcurno, Cornwall
Day 5 is quite jam packed, but the driving distance is pretty short between destinations.
Start by driving from your accommodation in Penzance to the Botallack Mine, which will take around 20 minutes. Here you will find ruins of mines, perched right on the cliff tops. There is a small museum and café with friendly staff who will talk to you about the history of the place. You can take the short walk around the old engine houses, taking in the stunning rugged scenery as you go. Be sure to have a spot of cake after you walk!
Then it’s just an 8 minute drive to Cape Cornwall, the more wild and less touristy version of Lands End. You probably will not spend too long here, unless you want a quick coastal walk, but it’s a scenic spot for photographers. A 20 minute drive will take you to Land’s End, the most South-Westerly part of the UK. This is a tourist attraction, so you will find more people, cafes, an arcade, even a 5D cinema! The views out over the ocean are lovely though, and there are even a few farm animals to check out, as well as a pretty coastal path.
An 11 minute drive from Lands End will take you to Porthcurno, a pretty beach looking like something out of Europe, rather than England! The beautiful turquoise blue waters are clear, and the beach golden. You could spend some time at the beach or even visit the Minack Open Air Theatre, which is situated on the cliff above the beach. They still hold operas and performances here, and the backdrop is absolutely stunning.
Heading back to Penzance via a 25 minute drive, have a relaxing dinner by the promenade or just relax in your accommodation, you will likely be tired!
Accommodation: Penzance
Your second night in Penzance.
Day 6: Mousehole, St Michaels Mt, Polperro, Looe, Cornwall
Another long day, so get up early here and drive for 10 minutes down to the pretty harbour village of Mousehole. This quaint village boasts a pretty fishing harbour, independent art galleries, souvenir shops, cute cafes, and pretty scenery. Spend the morning here and have a nice brunch, before setting off to St Michaels Mount (just under a 20 minute drive).
Not to be confused with the one in France, St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall. Visitors can cross over to the ocean at low tide or by boat at high tide, to visit the castle and gardens.
After this, there is a longer drive of 90 minutes to reach the village of Polperro. This is such a pretty harbour village, complete with quaint laneways lined with flowers, unique gift shops, small galleries, as well as pubs, cafes and restaurants. There is even a pretty little beach with a small cave to explore.
If you have time, Looe is only a 11 minute drive away and is also a lovely little town. I did not spend too long here as time was getting on, but we had a walk around and people watched by the picturesque river. A 15 minute drive from Looe will take you to the small town of Seaton. This Seaton is not to be confused with the one in Devon (confusing!).
Once here you can check in and relax. Our Airbnb host had a cream tea set up for us, which we enjoyed with views out to the beach. In the evening we had a little walk along the beach and got some dinner from the pub.
Accommodation: Seaton, Cornwall (2 nights)
Seaton is a small town so there may not be too many options, I would recommend an Airbnb. There are plenty of options just outside if need be, and only a short drive away. I actually wanted to get accommodation Kingsand and Cawsand but they were limited and expensive, but it turns out Seaton was such a relaxing break, I would recommend it!
Day 7: Seaton, Kindsand & Cawsand, Devon and Cornwall
Getting up early, I made the most of our accommodation being only a few minutes walk to the beach, and went for an early morning swim. If you are feeling a little tired, this will surely wake you up! It may have been summer, but the water is still freezing haha.
After some breakfast, make the 25 minute long drive to the beautiful twin villages of Kingsand and Cawsand, which are right on the border between Devon and Cornwall. I think this was my favourite place from the whole of this trip- I felt like I was in Italy or something. We had incredible summer weather, and the white cottages, against the blue of the sea was just so beautiful. Explore both villages, take a dip in the ocean, or you could even try stand up paddle boarding (SUP). I did this, and paddled out around the pretty coves, the water cold but crystal clear.
You can also take a pretty woodland walk, which leads out to a coastal path, and to access to some small secret coves/ mini beaches. Towards the end of the day, head back to Seaton. There is not too much to do here, but if you have time our host mentioned there was a pretty woodland walk nearby. I just enjoyed relaxing in the evenings, right by the ocean.
Accommodation: Seaton, Cornwall
A second night by the quiet seaside village.
Day 8: Seaton, Cornwall and drive home via Dartmoor National Park, Devon
The last day of Devon and Cornwall…boo!! But the adventures are not over yet. Now, this may depend on your home destination, but it is most likely you will be able to drive back through Dartmoor National Park. The roads will take you over rolling hills and open countryside, where you will be able to see the wild horses that live here. There are a few small villages to stop at for food. We stopped at a really pretty place situated by a woodland stream. We only drove through but if you wanted to extend your trip and make use of the hiking here, you could do.
So that’s it… my weeks itinerary for an awesome Devon and Cornwall road trip. Hope you enjoyed! And please share to anyone you know would love this trip!
| You might like: The Botallack Mine Walk: Cornwall |
