Cornwall is the perfect place to take a short break in the UK, as there is so much to see in a short space of time. At The Valley, we welcome guests visiting for week-long holidays to those staying for just a few days, and have set out a suggested itinerary on how you can make the most of only three days in Cornwall!
Day 1: Falmouth and Lizard Point
Arriving in Cornwall, you are likely to want to head to your cottage and relax, but why not leave that until later in the day and get exploring earlier? The town of Falmouth has a variety of activities to interest everyone; there is the harbour to see, gorgeous gardens and fascinating museums and galleries to check out. There are castles and beaches near too if you want to explore something a bit outside the town. Falmouth is an excellent place to stop for lunch also, as there are loads of great eateries boasting locally sourced food from Gylly Beach Café to the Pier Café.
After filling up on some delicious grub, head out of Falmouth to Lizard Point, the most southerly point in mainland Britain. The headland was famous for the number of ships which sunk off the rocky shore, and the clifftops boast breathtaking views of the coastline. From Lizard Point, you can hike along to Kynance Cove. The two-mile walk is easy and rewarding, giving you a glimpse of the azure sea and dramatic cliffs. As the sun starts to set, head to The Valley resort and dine at our award-winning restaurant, Azura, for dinner.
Day 2: Sennen Cove and Land’s End
On your second day enjoying your Cornwall short break, head to the westerly end of the county. Sennen Cove is one of the best surfing spots, and the long sandy beach and small working harbour make the village a great one to explore. Dogs are welcome on the beach in winter – a seasonal ban is in place May to September, and lifeguards cover the beach from the end of March to the end of October. Sennen Cove has plenty of quality cafés and fish and chip shops where you can grab some lunch. When heading to the beach, some traditional fish and chips should be part of the day!
If you are visiting during the colder months and don’t fancy a day of lounging on the beach, the South West Coastal Path runs along the coastline, and you can walk from Sennen Cove to Land’s End, the most westerly point in mainland Britain. A popular landmark, if you time it right, you can visit when there are fewer crowds, from about 5pm onwards. This will still give you time to treat yourself to a delicious Cornish cream tea and see the sunset over the horizon.
Day 3: Marazion and St Michael’s Mount
On the third day of your trip to Cornwall, a few more landmarks should be on the list of things to see! Marazion is Cornwall’s oldest town and a lovely one to explore. There aren’t any chain restaurants or shops either, so wherever you eat or buy a souvenir will be helping to support the local community! After a wander through the town, turn your attention to St Michael’s Mount, one of Cornwall’s most popular attractions. Though its popularity may put you off, it is still worth the visit.
Opening times to St Michael’s Mount castle and gardens vary throughout the year, yet it is always closed on Saturdays. Be sure to check the website before your planned visit so you won’t be disappointed. The medieval castle and church are a fascinating place to visit, and the subtropical gardens will transport you to an exotic landscape. The island is accessible by foot at low tide along the footpath, or by boat at high tide. After exploring the island, why not head back to Marazion for an early evening meal before setting home? Marazion has some fantastic restaurants to try such as Ben’s Cornish Kitchen, Godolphin Arms and The Fire Engine. If you have a long drive ahead and want to get the journey started, just pick up some Cornish pasties for the car!
What would you plan for your mini-break to Cornwall? We’d love to hear what you like to do when in the county for a short time! Be sure to check out our website to find out more about our family-friendly accommodation and last minute deals!