Cornwall is world-renowned for its stunning scenery; from the lush sub-tropical gardens and rich maritime history, to breath-takingly beautiful beaches, wild swimming spots and majestic moorland, Cornwall truly has it all. With more iconic landmarks and chocolate box villages than you can shake a stick at, Cornwall is crammed full of jaw-droppingly beautiful spots which delight and inspire its visitors all year around. Here we explore the most Instagrammable places to visit in Cornwall in the hope of enhancing your stay when you are next here on our magical clifftop. Enjoy!
Instagram-Worthy Places to Visit in Cornwall
St Michael’s Mount, Marazion, TR17 0HS
The National Trust’s St Michael’s Mount is a bewitching rocky island crowned by a medieval church and castle just off the coast of Marazion in West Cornwall. The mount has a rich history, and saw battle during the War of the Roses and the English civil war. It was also the first beacon to be lit alerting London of the arrival of the Spanish Armada in the 16th century. St Michael’s Mount is 500 metres from the mainland so during low tide the mount is accessible via a manmade granite causeway, otherwise a boat will ferry you across and back again. Discover legend, myth and over a thousand years of incredible history at this stunning landmark, with majestic sub-tropical gardens, panoramic views across Mount’s Bay and fascinating historical relics all vying for the attention of your camera. (Thanks to @tobydray for the image).
The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, Penzance TR19 6JU
The Minack Theatre is Cornwall’s world famous open-air theatre, carved into the granite cliff and set in glorious gardens overlooking the spectacular panorama of Porthcurno Bay. Rowena Cade, who lived in Minack House, decided that the cliffs below her garden would be the perfect setting for a theatre, and over the winter of 1931 and into 1932 she and her gardener Billy Rawlings moved endless granite boulders and earth, creating the lower terraces of the theatre, much as they are today. With its majestic backdrop, the Minack Theatre makes for a compelling show (and you may even spot a dolphin in the ‘wings’!). The summer theatre season runs from May to September presenting a full programme of drama, musicals and opera every summer, together with music, comedy and story-telling. Not to be missed when visiting Cornwall! (thanks to @carlaeliza81 for the image)
Tintagel Castle and the Land of Merlin and Magic, Tintagel PL34 0HE
Inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur, for centuries Tintagel castle and coastline has fired the imaginations of writers, artists and even the brother of a king. Now it’s your turn to be inspired and explore this most Instagrammable section of coastline. Tintagel castle is located on the peninsula of Tintagel Island, set high on Cornwall’s rugged north coast between Padstow and Bude. The remains of this 13th century castle are breath-taking; with steep stone steps, stout walls and rugged windswept cliff edges which encircle the great hall where Richard, Earl of Cornwall, once feasted, your camera won’t be disappointed.
St Ives Harbour, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1LG
St Ives is one of the most popular places to visit in Cornwall, thanks in no small part for its surf beaches, bustling harbour and modern art scene. St Ives is still very much a working port and from the beach you can watch local fishermen landing their daily catches of fresh seafood like mackerel and bass and the town’s Lifeboat Station. Along with the resident seal colony who live on Seal Island, just west of the town, the town of St Ives also plays host to the seafront art gallery Tate St Ives which rotates modern art exhibitions, focusing on British artists and the famous Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Kick off your shoes and stroll along the white sand at Portminster Beach where, out in the bay, you’ll see the dreamy view of Godrevy Lighthouse, inspiration for Virginia Woolf’s famous novel To the Lighthouse, before enjoying a meal in one of the world class restaurants. (Thanks to @cornish_house for this beautiful summer shot across St Ives harbour).
Dramatic Rock Arches in Cornwall, various locations
The rugged Cornish landscape has to be one of the most Instagrammable locations in the UK. Land’s End where Enys Dodnan Arch is located has been earmarked as a Very Important Plant Area, as well as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty due to it being a hotbed for wildlife and flora.
There are other dramatic rock arches in Cornwall to experience and capture on camera, including Arch Rock and Chapel Rock at Perranporth and of course the breath-taking rock arch in Boscastle known as ‘Ladies Window’. Located on the steep cliffs near Trevelga between Tintagel and Boscastle, Ladies Window rock arch provides a stunning frame with which to capture the drama of the rugged North Cornish coast.
More close to home is the fine natural arch at the northern end of Strangles Beach called ‘The Northern Door’ which appears to have been formed over the millennia by the huge forces that have folded the rock strata.
(Thanks to @kernow_shots and Magic of Cornwall for the images)
Wheal Coates Tin Mine Saint Agnes, Cornwall TR5 0NU
Preserved and maintained by the National Trust, Wheal Coates is a former tin mine situated on the cliff tops between Porthtowan and St Agnes, bang in the middle of Poldark country. In its heyday Wheal Coates employed some 140 miners with tin being transported on the tramways and shipped from Portreath, Hayle, Trevaunance Pier in St Agnes and Truro. Perhaps one of the most iconic images of Cornwall, Towanroath shaft engine pumping house is now a grade-II listed building which is wonderfully juxtaposed against the backdrop of the Atlantic ocean, creating a landscape shot with depth, drama and intrigue.
The Eden Project, Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG
Dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World by some, Eden is a dramatic global garden housed in tropical biomes that nestle in a crater the size of 30 football pitches in the middle of Cornwall. And if that doesn’t blow your mind, then what will! The Eden Project Biomes house the largest rainforest in captivity where steamy jungles and waterfalls sit alongside world-class sculpture and art. Breathtakingly beautiful and bursting with photo opportunities, the venue hosts on-going exhibitions, music concerts and various garden events throughout the year so do check the Eden What’s On Guide before visiting. A must visit.
For more hints of where to find the most Instagrammable places to visit in Cornwall, stunning imagery and so much more, connect with Trevigue over on Instagram and Facebook. And don’t forget to share your own shots with us too!
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