Cornwall’s Hidden Wonders

With 400 miles of captivating coastline, charming fishing villages and world-class food and drink, it’s little wonder that Cornwall is one of the UK’s most loved destinations. It’s certainly no secret that England’s southerly tip makes a magical summer escape, and July and August can see Cornwall’s best beaches bursting at the seams. But while the crowds flock to the county’s big-hitter hotspots, for those willing to venture off the beaten path, there are hidden gems to be discovered and explored. From secluded coves and concealed lagoons to waterfalls and less travelled landmarks, here are a few of our favourite, slightly lesser known, things to do in Cornwall.

ST NECTAN‘S GLEN

Located in Trethevy, near Tintagel, St Nectan’s Glen is a breath-taking location. Walk through ancient, tranquil woodlands to the magnificent 60-foot tall waterfall, that flows through a rock arch and is almost otherworldly. With two further waterfalls to explore, it is considered one of the most spiritual locations in the UK with some visitors leaving crystals, stone piles, ribbons and prayers near the waterfall as a gift. It is free to explore the beautiful woodlands, but there is a small charge to view the waterfalls.

HAWKER’S HUT

Less than three metres square, Hawker’s Hut is the smallest National Trust property. Reverend Hawker, who was a vicar of Morwenstow, built the hut out of washed-up driftwood. He used the hut to sit and admire the stunning coast while writing poetry. One poem that he is most famous for is “The Song of the Western Man” which is now the national anthem of Cornwall. To visit the hut, go to Morwenstow church which is located by Rectory Farm and walk through the churchyard. Along the walk, you will find signs that direct you to the coastal path. Follow the walk along the coast, and you will see signs pointing towards the hut.

CAPE CORNWALL

With its epic views, iconic tin mine chimney and the photogenic Brisons rocks, Cape Cornwall is where those in the know head for a Land’s End experience without the tourists or the tack. One of only two capes in Britain, here, the Atlantic Ocean crashes into the Irish Sea, creating dramatic waterscapes and tremendous panoramic views. Aside from a small car park, there are no other facilities, preserving the sanctity of this wild, westerly point. Nearby, the village of St Just, the first and last town in England, has a picturesque fifteenth-century church and is littered with beguiling hints of its Roman past, offering an immersive experience of Cornwall’s fascinating history.

ST MICHAEL’S MOUNT, BY PADDLEBOARD

St Michael’s Mount, an island at high tide, is accessible on foot by a cobbled causeway just twice a day. Its subtropical gardens and striking medieval castle make it a popular destination, but to escape the crowds, launch from Marazion by paddleboard and admire the island’s exotic beauty from the water.

TREYARNON BEACH

Treyarnon might not be quiet, but if it’s busy, it’ll be busy with locals. Unlike its better-known neighbours at Constantine, Polzeath and Rock, Treyarnon attracts those in the know who want a low-key beach day with all the trimmings. Its excellent water quality, clean white sand, teeming rock pools and fantastic surf make it a pretty perfect north Cornish beach. Visit while you can – with the arrival of The Pig at Harlyn Bay, Treyarnon might not be a local secret for long.

PORTHTOWAN TIDAL POOL

Concealed behind the rocks to the northeast of the beach, Porthtowan’s tidal pool is tricky to find and often empty. At low tide (always check tide times) it’s possible to reach it across the rocks, or you can follow the coast path and look for the steep and very weather-worn steps that lead down to this secluded lagoon. After swimming up an appetite, continue north on the coast path to Chapel Porth Beach café and try a legendary Hedgehog – Cornish ice cream in a cone, topped with clotted cream and rolled in chopped hazelnuts.

KINGSAND & CAWSAND

The Rame Peninsular is one of Cornwall’s last remaining hidden treasures, and the twin villages of Kingsand and Cawsand are the jewels in its crown. Their sheltered, shingle beaches and crystal-clear, gentle waters are some of Cornwall’s best bays for paddleboarding, wild swimming and kayaking. Packed too with pretty, pastel-coloured cottages, cafes, pubs and shops, this unspoiled corner of Cornwall is an enchanting place to explore. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy local delicacies, fish and chips on the beach, a pasty on the seafront, or a pint of cider with an ocean view – bliss.

FISHING COVE FOR SEAL-SPOTTING

Hidden below a spectacular stretch of the coast path near Godrevy Head, Fishing Cove is well worth the steep scramble down – look for the helpful rope handles in the narrowest spots. The whole area is spectacular, with wildflowers, incredible rock formations and endless seascapes. Fishing Cove itself feels secluded and private, although you might be joined by the seals that love this part of the Cornish coastline.

WATERFALLS OF NANJIZAL

In the wildest west, Nanjizal Beach makes a great alternative if the throngs at Lands’ End are unappealing. It’s a fair walk from any parking, which means it’s often uninhabited, despite being home to the famously photogenic slit-like cave formation the Song of the Sea. Its invigorating freshwater waterfalls are the perfect way to wash the salt away after a swim. It’s also a particularly dramatic location to savour a perfect Cornish sunset.

Nanjizal Beach. Photo by Anna, The Cornish Life blog

GOLITHA FALLS

An extraordinary series of cascading waterfalls, babbling brooks, and mossy rock formations make Golitha Falls feel like something lifted from the pages of a fairy tale. This ancient woodland wonderland is laced with paths and trails and dotted with secret spots. Discover secluded plunge pools, emerald green lagoons and wildflower-strewn clearings. It is also home to its own hidden foodie gem, Inkie’s Smokehouse - a cabin in the woods serving up delicious, house-smoked BBQ food. Here you can feast on Kansas burgers and mac & cheese, s’mores and sundaes in a unique, al fresco setting totally in tune with its atmospheric surroundings.

ST MICHAEL’S MOUNT, BY PADDLEBOARD

St Michael’s Mount, an island at high tide, is accessible on foot by a cobbled causeway just twice a day. Its subtropical gardens and striking medieval castle make it a popular destination, but to escape the crowds, launch from Marazion by paddleboard and admire the island’s exotic beauty from the water.

CHARMING CADGWITH AND COVERACK

Despite its poster child, Kynance Cove, regularly being named as one of Britain’s best beaches, The Lizard peninsular is the unspoiled gem of the south Cornwall coast. Like a moment stopped in time, Cadgwith is a tiny, quintessentially Cornish fishing village, untrammelled by tourism and incredibly picturesque. A 20-minute drive away is the equally charismatic and understated Coverack, with boat-to-plate seafood restaurants, fish and chips on the harbour, and cosy pubs for a pint of something locals.

Main image: Liam Alford