Cornwall has more to offer than almost anywhere else in the UK — dramatic coastline, world-class surf beaches, ancient history, outstanding food, and a pace of life that makes it genuinely hard to leave. If you're camping in Cornwall, you're already in the right place. This guide covers the best things to do across the county, with a focus on activities that suit campers and families.

Beaches

Cornwall has over 300 beaches, ranging from vast Atlantic-facing surf beaches to sheltered coves only accessible on foot. Here are the ones worth prioritising:

• Fistral Beach, Newquay — Cornwall's most famous surf beach. Reliable waves, a surf school, and a great atmosphere. Gets busy in peak season but is worth it.
• Sennen Cove — a long arc of white sand near Land's End with excellent surf and a brilliant café. One of the best beaches in the county.
• Crantock Beach — quieter than the Newquay town beaches, backed by dunes, and excellent for families. The Gannel estuary alongside is worth exploring.
• Perranporth — three miles of sand with reliable surf and far fewer crowds than Newquay in peak season.
• Porthcurno — a stunning turquoise cove near the Minack Theatre. One of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall.
• Watergate Bay — a wide, exposed beach north of Newquay with excellent surf and the famous Fifteen Cornwall restaurant on the beach.
• Kynance Cove — on the Lizard peninsula, with dramatic serpentine rock formations and crystal-clear water. Worth the walk down.

Surfing

Cornwall is the UK's surf capital. Fistral, Sennen, Perranporth, Watergate Bay, and Polzeath all have reliable surf and surf schools for beginners. If you're bringing your own board, a good wetsuit is essential — the Atlantic water is cold even in summer. A camping airer is invaluable for drying wetsuits back at the pitch.

Walking

The South West Coast Path runs the entire length of Cornwall's coastline — 630 miles in total, though most campers tackle it in day sections. The Penwith peninsula around St Just and Land's End is particularly dramatic, as is the stretch between Padstow and Polzeath on the north coast. The Lizard peninsula offers some of the most remote and beautiful walking in the county.

For inland walking, Bodmin Moor has open moorland, ancient stone circles, and the famous Jamaica Inn. Brown Willy — Cornwall's highest point — is a straightforward half-day walk from the road.

Attractions

• Eden Project, St Austell — the world-famous biomes set in a former china clay pit. Worth a full day. Book in advance in peak season.
• Lost Gardens of Heligan, Mevagissey — a beautifully restored Victorian garden with a productive kitchen garden, subtropical valley, and wildlife hide. Excellent for families.
• Minack Theatre, Porthcurno — an open-air theatre carved into the clifftop above Porthcurno Beach. Performances run throughout summer — book well ahead.
• Tate St Ives — a world-class modern art gallery in a stunning clifftop building overlooking Porthmeor Beach. The Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden nearby is also worth visiting.
• Newquay Zoo — a good half-day option for families with younger children, particularly on a rainy day.
• Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay — another solid rainy-day option, with a good shark and ray display.
• Screech Owl Sanctuary, St Columb — a popular family attraction with owls, meerkats, and other animals. Close to several Newquay-area campsites.

Food & Drink

Cornwall's food scene has improved dramatically over the past decade. Highlights include:

• Fresh fish and chips — Mevagissey, Padstow, and St Ives all have excellent options. Rick Stein's in Padstow is the famous choice but the queues are long — there are equally good alternatives nearby.
• Cornish pasties — a genuine Cornish pasty from a local bakery is one of the great camping lunches. Ann's Pasties in Lizard village is widely regarded as the best.
• Clotted cream — on a scone, on ice cream, or straight from the pot. Non-negotiable.
• Local breweries and distilleries — Skinner's Brewery in Truro, Tregothnan tea estate, and Tarquin's Gin in Wadebridge are all worth seeking out.

Cycling

The Camel Trail runs 18 miles from Padstow to Bodmin along a former railway line — flat, traffic-free, and excellent for families. Bikes can be hired in Padstow or Wadebridge. The Coast to Coast trail from Portreath to Devoran on the south coast is another good option.

What to Pack

Cornwall's weather is famously changeable, so packing for all conditions is essential:

• A weatherproof tent with a high hydrostatic head rating — browse our Cornwall Camping Essentials collection
• Layers for cool evenings, even in summer
• A camping airer or washing line for drying beach kit and wetsuits
• Fabsil waterproofer to keep your tent performing in Cornish rain
• Sun cream — the Atlantic light is deceptively strong

Plan Your Trip

For tent recommendations, campsite advice, and camping gear suited to Cornwall's conditions, visit our showroom at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ or call us on 01637 877619. You can also browse our full range online and read our Cornwall camping guide for more advice.