Trusted source of coastal cottages for over 10 years
Professionally managed and regularly inspected
Book securely with the property manager
Cornwall was made for walking. Not the kind that feels like exercise, but the kind that pulls you forward naturally along cliffs, around coves, overlooking horizons where the sea constantly shifts in colour and mood. It’s one of the reasons Cornwall remains one of Britain’s most beloved coastal escapes, combining spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, fishing villages and unforgettable sea views in every direction.
The South West Coast Path threads this coastline together with some of the most spectacular walking anywhere in the UK. But whilst every stretch has its charm, some walks stand out for their sheer visual impact delivering a coastal experience that stays with you long after the walk has ended. This is why Cornwall is perfect for a seaside escape as it has a rare ability to slow life down and reconnect you with nature in its purest form.
North Cornwall: Wild Cliffs and Atlantic Drama
North Cornwall is where the coast feels most exposed. The Atlantic thrashes it with force, carving deep inlets and towering cliffs that create some of the most dramatic sea views in the UK.
Bedruthan Steps (3 miles): This walk can be found between Newquay and Padstow and is one of the most striking places to begin, with the path following the clifftop above the famous, imposing rock stacks. These awesome outcrops rise from the sand below with the deep blue and silver sea stretching endlessly beyond them.
It’s a sea view walk that feels raw and elemental, where the wind and waves constantly remind you of the ocean’s power. Let the panoramic sea views soak in along with a well earned drink at the perfectly perched Bedruthan Hotel pub.
Tintagel and Boscastle (5 miles): This part of the South West Coast Path offers a different kind of drama. This path is not so gentle, rising and falling steeply, revealing pretty coves, waterfalls and patches of swirling ocean far below.
Tintagel’s legendary castle and cantilever bridge offer a bonus highlight to the start of this walk, which is both physical and atmospheric, with views that unfold in every direction as you move along the cliffs. At the end Boscastle welcomes you into its harbour, where you can enjoy a drink thanks to the well positioned Wellington pub.
Stay in: Stay close by at Mawgan Porth where you can combine a quieter golden beach with easy access to Bedruthan Steps and a relaxed surfy village vibe. If you want something livelier then Padstow’s bustling harbour, foodie scene, great nearby beaches and coastal paths offer a fun alternative.
West Cornwall: Iconic, Elemental and Unforgettable
West Cornwall is where the coastline becomes quintessentially wild. The land narrows, the sea surrounds you on multiple sides, and the views take on a sense of scale that is hard to match elsewhere.
St Ives to Zennor (6 miles): The best walk is from St Ives to Zennor, considered the finest coastal walk in Cornwall. It’s hard to believe that this walk could be more beautiful than the stunning coastal path to Carbis Bay in the other direction, but it is.
As you leave behind soft, sandy beaches, you encounter the force of the Atlantic and it feels exhilarating and dramatic. The path quickly becomes rugged, winding along granite cliffs where the ocean crashes below passing coves and mining ruins.
The contrast between the turquoise waters you leave behind on St Ives Bay and the deep Atlantic blue beyond creates a delicious palette, while the sense of exposure adds to the intensity of the experience. Finish with a drink at the Tinners Arms.
Land’s End to Sennen Cove (3 miles): Further south, this stretch delivers a vast, open landscape, with the ocean stretching uninterrupted towards the horizon. The cliffs are lower but more expansive, and the views feel wider, more elemental and are filled with iconic land marks.
While you walk, the light seems to travel endlessly with the wind across the water, which is both awe-inspiring and humbling. When you reach the golden sands of Sennen Cove, its clear waters invite an immediate paddle followed by a drink at the Old Success Inn right by the beach.
Stay in: For this part of Cornwall, St Ives is an exceptional place to stay. It combines some of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches, artistic heritage and direct access to the coast path, allowing you to step straight into some of the most spectacular scenery in the county. For something quieter, Sennen Cove offers a more immersive coastal experience, where the rhythm of the sea defines the day and the views begin the moment you step outside.
South Cornwall: Gentle Beauty and Hidden Coves
South Cornwall in South West England offers a softer, more intricate coastline. The sea is calmer, the landscape greener, and the views are layered rather than dramatic, but no less beautiful for it.
Lizard Point to Kynance Cove (4 miles): This walk is one of the most visually rewarding in the region. The path follows low cliffs, passing the Lizard Lighthouse and fascinating coastal geological formations before opening out to reveal Kynance Cove below, with its white sand, spearmint water and contrasting black outcrops.
This view is surreal on a bright day, one that rewards spectacularly as it gradually reveals itself on approach. It’s hard to resist a dip followed by a beer at the Beach Café overlooking the amazing turquoise water.
Fowey and Polkerris (5 miles): Further east lies a different kind of coastal charm. This path winds through woody seascapes, Readymoney Cove near Fowey and Gribbin Head Daymark before emerging onto open sections with views across St Austell Bay.
It’s calmer and more contained with a green that contrasts with the exposed north coast. End with a drink at The Rashleigh Inn above the beach. Seasoned hikers should walk back to Fowey as entering the town on foot is an unforgettable experience.
Stay in: To stay nearby, Fowey is a natural choice, combining harbour views, access to multiple walks and a strong sense of heritage. Alternatively, Helford is a quieter, more secluded base, where the river meets the sea rendering it a special and restorative retreat.
The Roseland Peninsula: Quiet, Undiscovered Perfection
The Roseland Peninsula feels like a different Cornwall. Less visited and more understated, it offers some of the most peaceful coastal walking in the county.
St Mawes to Portscatho (5 miles): A expansive and tranquil coastal walk following gentle cliffs and open headlands passing St Mawes Castle, quiet beaches and open sea before reaching charming Portscatho.
The light is soft, the colours more muted and you really notice the movement of the sea, the sky and the curving coastline, which is therapeutic. Portscatho’s Standard Inn is perfect for a drink as it extends the hypnotic effect of the coastal views. This sense of calm is what makes the Roseland so special.
Stay in: St Mawes provides an ideal base, with its harbour setting, elegant atmosphere and easy access to the path. Portscatho too, but with a more low-key feel.
More than a walk
Cornwall’s coastal walks are not just about distance or destination. They are about absorbing the natural beauty, the Cornish light, the sea from a birds eye view. And after a long day on the South West Coast Path, there’s arguably no better reward than settling into one of the many sea view restaurants and watching the sun sink into the Atlantic.
Each region offers something different, from the raw drama of the north to the gentle beauty of the south, but all share one defining feature: a constant connection to the sea. To find accommodation to suit your group size and preferred location, browse all of the Cornwall seaside cottages listed with us, many that enjoy sea views.