Cornwall is home to some of the UK’s best beaches and tourist attractions. We love the West Penwith peninsula due to its captivating beauty with less of the crowds and its sense of rugged wilderness. Here are a few of our favourite ‘off the beaten track’ places near our wedding venue which we recommend exploring whilst you’re here. Ssssh, don’t tell your friends!
Click the place names for more information.
beaches
Pedn Vounder – Stunning white sand beach adjacent to popular Porthcurno, worth the steep climb down to the more remote (with occasional nudists!) end of the beach
Sennen Cove – large family friendly beach with surf schools, lifeguards (in season) and easy pay and display car park/beach access. Cafes and shops near by 
Portheras Cove– beautiful remote cove with impressive rock formations, just below Morvah and within walking distance of our venue (the cover of our invites).
Gwenver Beach – one of the quieter surfing beaches in Cornwall, adjacent to Sennen Cove, pristine white sand and good surf at low-mid tide (long steep walk down and back up)
Boat Cove – adjacent to Portheras cove, accessed via Pendeen lighthouse. Adorable cove housing some brightly coloured boat sheds and small fishing boats, also home to a gorgeous natural swimming hole at low tide.
Kenidjack Valley – home to probably the most secret swimming hole in Cornwall, at low tide only (you’re welcome!)
historical sites
Men-An-Tol – historical stone landmark with magical properties (crawling through is said to increase fertility!)
Chapel Carn Brea – awesome hilltop spot to sit and watch the sunset
St Michaels Mount – historical castle situated on an Island, you can walk/wade out at low tide and catch the passenger ferry back again
Bosigran – beautiful cliff top location with stunning views and walks nearby, famous rock climbing area
activites
Geevor Tin Mine – World heritage site, explore Cornwall’s tin mining history, including an underground mining experience, great for the whole family
Trengwainton Gardens – National Trust property with beautiful gardens
restaurants/cafes/pubs
Gurnard’s Head, – A remote cosy gastro pub with excellent food, very popular so book well in advance. They also have lovely rooms if you’re after a bit of Cornish countryside luxury.
The Old Coastguard, Mousehole- Sister pub to the Gurnard’s Head situated in Mousehole (a quaint fishing village with adorable harbour), great food and nice rooms. Again, popular so book in advance.
Tinners Arms – Zennor’s cosy local pub with a good sized beer garden. Lots of very local beers and ciders on tap, pub grub. Great place to finish a coastal walk.
Moomaid in the Square, St Just – Cafe and ice cream parlour, delicious smoothies, sandwiches etc. There are lots of nice cafes and places to eat in St Just village.
45 Queen Street, Penzance – Bar and Kitchen, local food, cocktails, cold beers and interesting wines.
coastal walks
There are endless beautiful coastal walks in this part of Cornwall and a ‘must do’ on a West Cornwall trip. Here are a few of our favourites… If you don’t fancy an out and back walk you can always hop on the open top Lands End Coaster bus and enjoy the views on the way back whilst resting your legs. Make sure you check the bus timetable and stop locations before you head out.
Zennor -St Ives
Pendeen – Gurnard’s head (stop at the pub for a drink!)
Cape Cornwall – Kenidjack Valley
Cot valley – Gwenver (no bus access)
Kids
Paradise Park – Hayle. Wildlife sanctuary with fascinating bird life and children’s activities including 700 parrots and various mammals. The jungle barn is an indoor and outdoor play centre with soft play and drop slides.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary– Gweek. Another must do activity on a trip to Cornwall. The seal sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates seals and pups from the Cornish shores, they have viewing galleries and kids can help out with feeding time. They have some permanent penguin residents, sea lions and lots of play areas, cafes and activities. Great day out for the whole family.
Lappa Valley – “Cornwall’s secret world of play and trains”. Closer to Newquay, approx 1 hour from our venue but perhaps worth a day trip or a visit on the way back north.
