In my opinion, Cornwall is one of those places that never disappoints. There’s so much to love, from its stunning coastlines to sandy beaches. Its quaint villages feel like something out of a postcard. It’s hard to fault a place so beautiful. Plus, you can’t visit without trying a proper Cornish pasty. Trust me, they’re unbeatable!
Cornwall really does have something for everyone. If you’re feeling active, you can surf the waves in Newquay or hike the Southwest Coast Path. Prefer a slower pace? Wander through harbours like Polperro or relax on a golden beach.
So, if that’s not enough to tempt you for your next road trip, I’ve shared my top itineraries for planning an amazing trip. Whether you’ve got a full week to explore Devon and Cornwall or just five days to dive into Cornwall’s highlights, I’m sure there’s something here to make this your next adventure. Plus, if you’re looking to extend your trip around the South West you can shop my detailed guidebook here.
Picture driving along winding coastal roads with sweeping ocean views, stopping off at colourful fishing villages where time seems to stand still. Whether you’re here for the sites, the beaches, or just the Cornish cream and scone, you’ll leave with some great memories.
Here’s why Cornwall is the perfect road trip destination:
A perfect week-long route that showcases the best of Devon and Cornwall. Starting in Exmoor, it takes you along the north coast before looping around Cornwall’s south, ending in Dartmouth. From iconic landmarks like Tintagel Castle to secret spots like Nanjizal Beach, this itinerary has all the must-see spots.
Day | Journey | Activities | Accommodation | Drive Time |
1 | Exmoor to Woolacombe | Lynmouth & Lynton / Valley of Rocks / Combe Martin & Beaches / Ilfracombe Town & Harbour | North Morte Farm | 1 hr 54 mins |
2 | Woolacombe to Tintagel | Woolacombe Beach / Clovelly / Sandymouth Bay / St Nectans Waterfall | Headland Caravan & Camping | 2 hr19 mins |
3 | Tintagel to Watergate Bay | Tintagel Castle / Port Isaac / Padstow / Trevose Head Lighthouse / Bedruthan Steps / Watergate Bay | Watergate Bay Touring Park | 1 hr 46 mins |
4 | Watergate Bay to Lands End | Newquay / Fistral Beach / Healey’s Cyder Farm / Wheal Coates / St Ives & Porthminister Beach / Botallack Mine / Gwynver Beach | Trevedra Farm Caravan & Camping Site | 2 hrs |
5 | Lands End to Lizard (Visiting Lands End Optional) | Nanjizal Beach Caves / Minack Theatre / St Michael’s Mount / Mullion Cove / Kynance Cove / Lizard Point | Kynance Camping | 1 hr 50 mins |
6 | Lizard to Looe | Mevagissey / Eden Project / Polperro / Looe | Bay View Farm Camping Site | 2 hr 20 mins |
7 | Looe to Dartmouth | Bigbury / Salcombe / Slapton Sands / Blackpool Sands / Dartmouth | Dartmouth Camping & Caravanning Club Site or drive home | 2 hr 29 mins |
Short on time? This 5-day itinerary focuses solely on Cornwall, hitting all the must-see spots and hidden gems. You’ll journey from the historic Tintagel Castle to the lush gardens near St Austell and the charming villages along the southern coast.
Day | Journey | Activities | Accommodation | Drive Time |
1 | Tintagel to Newquay | Tintagel Castle / Port Isaac / Padstow / Bedruthan National Trust / Lusty Glaze / Newquay / Fistral Beach | Watergate Bay Touring Park | 2 hrs 36 mins |
2 | Newquay to Land’s End | Healeys Cyder Farm / Wheal Coates / St Ives & Porthminister Beach / Botallack Mine / Gwynver Beach Sunset | Trevedra Farm Caravan & Camping Site | 1 hr 54 mins |
3 | Land’s End to Lizard (Land’s End Optional) | Minack Theatre / Porthcurno Beach / St Michael’s Mount / Mullion Cove / Kynance Cove / Lizard Point | Kynance Camping | 2 hrs 19 mins |
4 | Lizard to St Austell | Falmouth & Pendennis Castle / Donkey Sanctuary / Mevagissey / The Lost Gardens Heligan / St Austell | Court Farm Campsite | 1 hr 57 mins |
5 | St Austell to Looe | Eden Project / Fowey / Polperro / Looe | Bay View Farm Camping Site | 1 hr 30 mins |
Still curious about planning a road trip to the South West? There’s so much more to discover! Head over to my YouTube channel, Robbie Roams, where I share detailed guides, hidden gems, and top tips for exploring Cornwall and beyond. From breathtaking drone footage to practical travel advice, you’ll find everything you need to inspire your next adventure. Plus, don’t forget to subscribe for even more road trip ideas!
Collie dog lover, keen traveler and travel guide writer. In 2022, I launched No Fuss Travel Guides with 'North Coast 500 - The Road Trip of a Lifetime' which became an Amazon best seller. I've since worked with tourism boards including Visit Wales and have been featured in The Guardian 'Best of Travel'.
Hopefully you find some value in my videos & blogs, if there's something you want to ask me, fire away.
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Rob, Staffordshire, UK
