Each year around this time I get inspired to create a list of Cornish places & things I’d like to do for the year.
I hardly EVER manage to tick off things on the list though, and this year I’ve gone back through my older lists and added everything I still haven’t done into this one as well, just so I don’t forget.
Even though I’d lived here pretty much all my life (plus or minus 3/4 years) there is still so much of this beautiful county that I am yet to explore, and each year I say I’ll do it, and then Spring/Summer whizzes past so fast I don’t even realise. So here’s to another hopeful list…
Visit Tintagel & Merlin’s Cave
Tintagel Castle is one of Cornwall’s well known landmarks, owned by English Heritage and famous for its beautiful waters, cliffside castle ruins and Merlin’s Cave beneath, as well as the nearby St. Nectans Glen, and yet I still haven’t been! This is definitely on the books for this Summer.
* Please note that it is closed under construction but is planned to reopen in summertime
Go to the Isles of Scilly
I’ve been to the Isles of Scilly a few times as a child and it’s been truly magical every time. Whether its visiting the crystal Caribbean-esque waters of St Martin or cycling around St. Mary’s; this island archipelago off the coast of Land’s End are calling to me once again and I can’t wait to go back!
Buy fresh fish from Newlyn
I don’t believe I’ve ever been to Newlyn, but apparently it’s a lovely day out for exploring quaint cobbled streets, small art galleries and boutiques, as well as visiting the fish market for some fresh fish for dinner. This is on the list to do very soon!
Go camping!
Last year I didn’t manage to go camping at all, which is sad as it’s one of my favourite outdoor experiences. Camping at festivals doesn’t quite count (although I will be doing that this year!) and I’m desperate to get out in the wilderness somewhere for a peaceful weekend away.
Wild swim at Goldiggins Quarry
Goldiggins Quarry can be found on Bodmin Moor, and is known for being a fantastic place for a wild swim! I definitely haven’t explored enough of the Bodmin area and this place looks like loads of fun for a picnic day. There are some great jumps to leap into the water from too.
Visit Caerhays Castle
I’d love to pop over to visit the beautiful Caerhays Castle, maybe on a trip combined with exploring the town of Mevagissey, on the Roseland Heritage coast. This castle-come-manorhouse sits within 140 acres of gardens and is known for being super photographic!
*Update! I’ve now visited Mevagissey on a separate trip :)
Finally go to Sennen and Nanzijal
Sennen is a hugely popular beach on the Penwith coast (near Land’s End) during summer, so I hope to visit before then to avoid the crowds, but I’ve heard it’s a very beautiful spot for beach bums and surfers alike. Nearby is also Nanzijal cover, known for turquoise waters and the ‘Song of the Sea’ arch.
*Update! I’ve now finally been to Sennen! We didn’t get to see Nanzijal but hopefully soon…
Cycle the Camel Trail
This 18 mile trail around Padstow and Wadebridge also gets very popular in summer, but I’m super keen to head there and spend a nice day out (maybe with a pub lunch in between!) on this traffic-free, flat cycle path (my kind of relaxed-pace cycling!).
SUP around St. Michael’s Mount
I say it every year but I still haven’t got around to it. It’s definitely a goal of mine to head out on a paddle board around my favourite of Cornwall’s iconic landmarks – St. Michael’s Mount!
What’s on your Cornwall bucket list?
(All photos taken at Porthtowan beach at sunset… also the dogs aren’t mine, they’re my friend Emma’s!)
I’m actually moving to Mevagissey in June or July (still working out the date) so I was excited to see it mentioned on your list. I can’t wait to start exploring the area! I’ve only ticked off a couple of the items on your list and I know there is so much to do and see.
That’s fantastic! I have a post going up in a couple of days with photos from a trip to Mevagissey I did since posting this article :)
Can’t wait to see it!
You can see it here :) https://thecornishlife.co.uk/strangers-mevagissey/
I’m off to check it out – thanks!