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Coastal Drives in Cornwall
Cornwall, with its rugged coastline and sea-framed landscapes, offers some of the best coastal drives in the UK. From quaint fishing villages and dramatic cliffs to sandy beaches and surfing hubs, these Coastal drives in Cornwall showcase the county’s must-see locations.
Scenic drives in Cornwall you won’t want to miss
Here are some of the most scenic drives in Cornwall you won’t want to miss:
St Ives to Sennen
The stunning drive from St Ives to Sennen takes you along the northern coast of Cornwall, offering views of the Atlantic Ocean to one side and sprawling moorlands to the other. The route winds through charming villages and past ancient tin mines, providing a glimpse into Cornwall's rich history on one of the best Cornwall driving routes (the B3306).
Landmarks to look out for
Along your coastal drive in Cornwall, you’ll pass by lighthouses, farmlands, and dramatic headlands – not to mention Sennen Cove. Look out for:
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Zennor Head: A dramatic headland with panoramic views
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Gurnard's Head: A rocky peninsula with a cliff castle from the Iron Age
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Botallack Mine: Historic tin mines set against the backdrop of crashing waves
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Land's End: The westernmost point of mainland England
The Roseland
The Roseland Peninsula is considered one of Cornwall’s hidden gems, offering a more tranquil driving route in Cornwall. This route takes you through lush countryside, secluded beaches, down windy country roads and past classic country pubs. Try this coastal drive in Cornwall down the A3078 around St Mawes or the B3289 via the King Harry Ferry.
Find out moreMoreover, this scenic drive is just 50 minutes from Newperran and 55 minutes from Newquay, making it the perfect driving route at Away Resorts!
Landmarks to look out for
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St Mawes Castle: A well-preserved Tudor fortress
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St Just in Roseland Church: Often described as one of the most beautiful churchyards in England
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Portscatho: A charming fishing village with coastal views
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Nare Head: A vantage point offering panoramic views of the coastline
Boscastle to Bude
This Cornwall coastal drive along the north coast showcases some of the country's most dramatic scenery, with towering cliffs and hidden coves. Travel along the B3263 to witness one of the highest cliffs in Cornwall, with the highest reaching 223 meters above sea level.
Landmarks to look out for
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Boscastle Harbour: A picturesque natural harbour and village
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Crackington Haven: A small cove with striking cliff formations
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Widemouth Bay: A popular spot for surfers and beachgoers
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Bude Sea Pool: A partially man-made tidal swimming pool
Tintagel to Bude
This coastal drive in Cornwall is steeped in Arthurian legend and offers a mix of mythical sites and natural wonders to explore. Take the road to Boscastle, pass through the Rocky Valley, and soak in the views of the rolling fields.
Find out moreDrive between hedges and valleys before going through villages and cliffs before passing Widemouth Bay, where you’ll drive along the main coastal road leading to Bude.
Landmarks to look out for
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Tintagel Castle: The legendary birthplace of King Arthur
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Trebarwith Strand: A beautiful beach framed by dramatic cliffs
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Pentargon waterfall: A stunning waterfall that plunges directly into the sea
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Rough Tor: One of Cornwall's highest points with unmissable panoramic views
Newquay to Padstow
This drive takes you through the heart of Cornwall's surfing country, with golden beaches and charming coastal towns. You’ll encounter charming villages and lighthouses, making this coastal Cornwall drive one you won’t want to miss.
Find out moreLandmarks to look out for
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Fistral Beach: One of the UK's best surfing destinations
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Bedruthan Steps: Massive rock stacks rising up from the sea
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Carnewas and Bedruthan: A National Trust site with cliff-top walks
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Trevose Head Lighthouse: A striking landmark on the coastline
Cornish coastal drives – FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about coastal drives in Cornwall.
What landmarks should I look for during a Cornwall coastal drive?
While driving along Cornwall's coast, you’ll no doubt want to watch for historic sites like Tintagel Castle and Botallack Mine.
You won’t want to miss natural wonders such as Land's End and Bedruthan Steps, so be sure to plan your Cornish coastal drives around the scenery you won’t find anywhere else.
There are also plenty of charming villages like St Mawes and Boscastle, so you could plan plenty of stops on your coastal drive in Cornwall.
What’s the best car for a coastal drive in Cornwall?
A compact to mid-size car is often ideal for coastal drives in Cornwall. These cars are often easier to manoeuvre on narrow country roads and in small village car parks, but they are comfortable for the entire family.
A car with good ground clearance might benefit if you explore off the beaten path. However, most main coastal routes are suitable for standard cars.
What is the most scenic drive in Cornwall?
Of course, the most scenic drive in Cornwall will be your personal preference. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
However, many consider the St Ives to Sennen route one of Cornwall's most scenic drives. This coastal drive offers a diverse range of landscapes, from cliffs and sandy beaches to historic mining sites and villages.
However, each of the drives we’ve mentioned has its unique elements – not to mention the spectacular views – so you’ll have to see which Cornish coastal drive is the most scenic when you visit.