If you’re looking for a picturesque escape in the UK, you can’t find many better than Cornwall. One of the most diverse and rugged landscapes across England, Cornwall’s beauty takes many forms, from its stunning beaches to picturesque villages hidden down winding country lanes.
From humanmade attractions to natural wonders that have been around for hundreds of years, Cornwall is full of many hidden gems to discover! Here are some of our favourite spots, particularly for those seeking breathtaking photo opportunities.
Bodmin Moor
Cornwall is rightly famous for its sprawling, diverse coastline which is a seemingly neverending beauty spot in itself. However, that shouldn’t overshadow the natural beauty that can be found inland.
Bodmin Moor is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, covering over 200 kilometres in North-East Cornwall. The moor is known for its granite, which seemingly sprouts from the earth to create some dramatic backdrops. Cornwall’s highest point can be found here, as can many of the region’s river sources.
Kynance Cove
Arguably one of Cornwall’s most photographed locations, Kynance Cove provides a small representation of everything that is loved about the Cornish coast.
Kynance Cove is a small cove and beach at the southern tip of the Lizard Heritage Coast, just under one hour’s drive from Falmouth. The beach itself is beautiful, with crisp blue water and golden sands. However, it’s the stunning backdrop of curving, rugged rocks heading into the water that makes this place so magical.
Land’s End
Another of Cornwall’s most famous landmarks, this is a must-visit location, purely for its symbolic meaning.
Land’s End, situated on Cornwall’s western tip, has been a popular destination for hundreds of years. The area boasts unending views across the Atlantic Ocean, while its famous signpost is also a must-snap for anybody visiting.
Looe
Besides its beaches, Cornwall’s coast is also renowned for its quaint fishing communities and the local spirit that emanates from these humble towns. One of the most picturesque locations is Looe, which can be found in South-East Cornwall.
The town is built on the steep valley of its namesake river, with houses rising up the banks on either side of the waterway. Historically, it was a region used by smugglers bringing in goods from the sea; nowadays, it is a beautiful coastal town with plenty of tourist features and a beautiful beach.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Cornwall’s beautiful nature meets fantasy in this unique attraction just 30 minutes from Truro. Restored in the 1990s, this historical botanical garden is now one of the UK’s most popular thanks to its diverse regions and breathtaking style.
The Lost Garden’s of Heligan cover 200 acres and include many different regions with distinctive styles. From charming apple patches to the UK’s only outdoor jungle, there are plenty of unique photo opportunities throughout this park.
Polperro
Looe is the quintessential fishing town for anybody visiting Cornwall. However, if you’re after somewhere a little smaller but still packed full of Cornish charm, Polperro is a wonderful choice!
Located just 11 minutes west of Looe, Polperro is a small fishing village that has been relatively unchanged throughout its history. With a population of less than 2,000, there’s a truly communal feel to everything in the village, while the cottages built across the valley are great for capturing Cornwall’s coastal beauty.
St. Michael’s Mount
Another of Cornwall’s unmissable landmarks is St. Michael’s Mount, the stunning castle complex located on an island off the coast of Marazion in West Cornwall. Remarkable in its design, it’s a truly awe-inspiring location that again toes the line between reality and fantasy.
St. Michael’s Mount is a small community island that can be walked to at low tide, but is otherwise cut off from the mainland. The location was named after the famous Mont-Saint-Michel in Northern France, which has similar characteristics. From the stone pathway that gets swallowed by the sea to the 17th-century castle that juts out from the peak, this region looks stunning from every angle.
We hope that these locations will inspire you to visit this beautiful part of the UK! At the Valley, we offer luxury hot tub cottages in Cornwall in our gated community just outside Truro. Explore our wonderful abodes today or check out more of our blog for further guides on things to do in Cornwall.