5 Days in Cornwall: Hidden Coves, Surf & Seafood
Mother Ivy’s Bay
Planning 5 days in Cornwall? This is how I found hidden coves and world class beaches to seafood straight from the shore: a coastal escape I’ll never forget.
Cornwall in summer feels like stepping into the Mediterranean without ever leaving the UK, golden sands, turquoise water, and seafood straight from the shore.
There’s no shortage of stunning locations in Cornwall with over 250 miles of coast, Cornwall has one of the most varied and beautiful coastlines in the UK with over 300 beaches, but there is also more than just beaches in the UK’s only subtropical climate.
This was my second year heading down to Cornwall, with plenty planned to see, stopping off at locations in the South and North to discover golden beaches that could pass for the Mediterranean to seafood that was fresh from the sea to the table.
This is why Cornwall feels like the perfect UK escape, here’s a look at everything I explored, photographed, and tasted along the way.
The Short Read
Where I stayed:Airbnb Saint Newlyn East (15mins outside of Newquay).
Places Visited: Newquay, Lands End, Mousehole, St Ives and Padstow.
Beaches Visited: St Agnes, Pen Vounder, Kynance Cove, Fistral Beach, Harlyn Bay Beach, Holywell Bay, Porthmeor Beach, Bamaluz Beach and Porthgwarra cove.
Eating Recommendations:@mouseholekitchen@thelobstershed@pizzajockeys@littleprawnpadstow and The Village Chip Shop.
Final Thoughts: Golden coves, turquoise seas, and fresh seafood straight from the shore, Cornwall in summer feels like a slice of the Mediterranean without ever leaving the UK. I can’t wait to go back to explore more, photo more, eat more and relax more!
Would I go back: Without a doubt!
Overall Experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Keep Scrolling for the Long Read and Pictures
Where To Stay
This is the second time I’ve stayed with Andrew & Bianca at @stayattheannex, and honestly, it’s the perfect spot for exploring Cornwall. Tucked away in a peaceful village just 10 minutes from Newquay, the annex gives you the best of everything.
Easy access to beaches, coastal walks, and day trips across Cornwall, while also being a quiet retreat to recharge and feel right at home. With its own entrance, parking, sunny decked area, and a cosy open-plan layout, it’s a space that feels light, airy, and welcoming.
Andrew and Bianca are without doubt the best hosts of any Airbnb I’ve used on any of my trips, making every stay relaxed and effortless.
There is a great pub within walking distance called The Pheasant which is great if you want a low key evening and some good food.
If you are a lover of milkshake (like me) then just down the road there is Sweets Dairy which is a Cornish Family Farm that provides self serving fresh whole milk, milkshakes and ice cream in reusable glass bottles. Heaven!
Day Trips & Towns
Newquay: I really enjoyed walking down to Towan Beach to look at the house on the island and then on to the Harbour as there is always something interesting happening there as it is full of life, with people on boats or jumping into the sea, it’s just nice to wander around taking in the sights. Although I’ve still not been lucky enough to see a seal there but I did catch the men’s summer race for Newquay Rowing Clubs.
It’s also worth a walk up to The Fly Cellars which is a popular fishing spot and has a rock arch formed in the cliff, which makes a good image, sadly I didn’t get the shot as my battery on my M11 died, spare battery being purchased. Something I’ve not yet done is walk past the Headland Hotel to Towan Headland to watch the waves or surfers at The Cribbar Surfing Point.
Mousehole: I came across Mousehole after watching CJ Explores visit and showcase the harbour on a YouTube video. It’s a quiet little harbour that is very pretty and full of character with stone built cottages. Make sure you visit the Mousehole Deli & Kitchen for some great food. In the evening sun, I watched local children jump off the harbour wall with some even doing backflips.
There is a great view when you stand on the harbour wall of St Michael’s Mount in the distance. You can even park next to the harbour for a cheap price!
St Ives: Is another of my favourite towns in Cornwall to visit as I enjoy walking round the beaches and the town, watching all those who visit wander about the harbour and the small streets. It’s a great place to watch surfers too. There a number of good art galleries with the Tate St Ives being one, so if you enjoy Modern British art then this is a must stop.
The best way to get into St Ives is to park and ride from St Erth train station. This takes 15mins and is one of the most scenic railway journey I’ve ever been on, as you past Carbis Bay Beach and Porthminster Beach. Top tip make sure you get there 20 mins before the train leaves as this option is busy and you may have to wait for the next train that runs 30mins later. You also want to sit on the right hand side of the carriage for the best views. This trip will set you back £8.40 for an anytime day return for two people, whilst the day rate for parking at St Erth is £5.50 in the summer.
Padstow: I would never not visit Padstow during a trip to Cornwall. Great views, great food, boat trips from the harbour to learn about the historic North Cornish coastline and the chance to see all types of birds such as puffins swoop through the skies and dive in to the waters. There is even chance to see dolphins, rays, sharks and grey seals sunbathing on the rocky shores. If you are a Little more adventurous and like the need for speed then Padstow also offers high speed trips around the bay, 6miles in fifteen minutes!
If you want a great Cornish pasty then go to Chough Bakery and sit on the benches overlooking the harbour, just watch out for seagulls they are very brave and will try to steal your pasty!
Lands End: I went to Lands End to tick it off the bucket list and see the iconic signpost! I’m going to be honest with this section it is a tourist trap. £9 for parking, the food is expensive and not great. If you want the signpost picture it is £10.99 which is not bad for a special memory but be prepared to queue. On hindsight, I’d have avoided this attraction and instead parked and walked 35mins along the coast to go to Nanjizal Bay to spend time there and see the sea cave known as the "Song of the Sea".
The tide was in at Towan Beach, Newquay where The Island’s suspension bridge can be seen
Newquay Harbour in the Early Evening
Newquay Annual Rowing Club Competition
Children jumping from Mousehole Harbour into the Sea
Padstow Harbour
Panoramic image of St Ives Harbour when the Tide is out
Surfing at St Ives
Relaxing in St Ives
Looking down Smeaton's Pier at St Ives
The iconic Signpost at Land’s End
Lands End
Cornwall’s Most Beautiful Beaches & Hidden Coves
Fistral Beach, Newquay
There’s no shortage of stunning beaches in Cornwall, and these are the ones that I have been too. Some can be overcrowded at peak times with children running around with buckets and spades or even paddle boards. For those wanting to simply soak up some vitamin D there are some slightly lesser-known gems that you can visit to avoid the crowds and switch off from the world.
Pen Vounder: Is now closed to the public due to dangerous cliffs (people are still going but I didn’t venture down as I don’t like heights and you are required to climb down). This is one of Cornwall's loveliest beaches, set among the cliffs with crystal clear turquoise water and a beautiful white sand beach. The sea can create sandbars with shallow blue tidal lagoons that warm up in the afternoon sun. The water is crystal clear and this is definitely a clothing-optional beach so don’t be shocked to see the occasional nudist (images 1-3).
Kynance Cove: Features beautiful turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations, used for clifftop scenes in House of the Dragon (image 4) was voted the 47th most beautiful beach in the world. This cove is located on the Lizard Peninsula. It’s important to be aware of the tides as during high tide the beach is covered in water, at low tide, you can walk around to the north bay opposite Asparagus Island where there are sea caves, rock pools and jumps you can make into the water.
There is a cafe that sells food and drink along with toilets. There are no lifeguards at this cove, so make sure you stay safe if swimming and don’t get cut off with the tide. I parked in the National Trust carpark and walked down which took 15 minutes. Just a word of warning: wear proper footwear or trainers as it can be uneven when walking here.
Fistral beach: The home of British surfing is found in Newquay (see the image above and image 5), along with the iconic Headland Hotel, where 1990 movie The Witches was filmed.People can be seen surfing all year round and it host’s the Boardmasters Surf Festival! There also restaurants that overlook Fistral Beach, including Rick Stein's restaurant and takeaway, and it's great for swimming or just letting the kids run wild on the beach.
Harlyn Bay Beach: Is located near Padstow, is very family friendly and dog friendly beach. It is popular with surfers and families due to the vast space on offer, lifeguards patrol here during summer.
A great feature on offer is if you want to do a Sauna and sea dip then this is a great spot as you can book in for a sauna by the sea for 50mins for £18.50 with beach views through large windows, you can cool off with a cold shower or take a dip in the sea! If you book don’t forget to bring a towel to sit on and some water to stay hydrated (images 7-8).
Porthgwarra cove: Is a very picturesque cove where you’ll find quiet coastal views, this is how I’d imagined Cornwall used to be which is why it was used for filming in the Poldark series (image 9). The drive here can be quite tricky, if you come across another car due to the single track road, that you have to take a few miles from Polgigga. There are some passing bays so it’s not too bad but just be aware.
There is a cafe onsite before the walk down to the cove beach and toilets behind. There is no phone signal here (I am on three and had none) but that is perfect really to disconnect and switch off to.
Holywell Bay: Is a popular beach with tourists and film makers as Poldark and House of the Dragon have filmed scenes here. It is also a place that holds special memories for me as a child when I used to visit Cornwall in the summer with my family. We would run wild in the sand dunes, jump into the stream to hand catch the trout and body board the sand dunes and in the sea. I still love that Holywell Bay is like this as an adult. Watch out for Gull Rocks (images 10-12) which are the pair of cliffy islets which rise out of the sea and are probably the most recognisable feature of this beach.
Mother Ivy’s Bay/Long Cove Beach: Is my favourite beach in all of Cornwall, like Pen Vounder Beach it is like a tropical paradise (see the leading picture on of the blog and images 13-15). You need to park at the National Trust Booby Bay carpark and then walk right and cross a road, staying on the path and then walk along the cliff top to a gap where you can walk down to the beach which is a bit uneven but not too difficult.
The view from the cliff tops are stunning with the iconic RNLI Padstow Lifeboat Station seen in the distance. On a sunny day the water is literally transparent as it is so clear. Once you have settled on the beach you can swim, kayak, or paddle board your way over to the next cove. There are no toilets or cafes here so make sure you take some food and drink for your stay. If you want a change of scenery, then you can return back to your car and walk left to visit Booby’s Bay if the tide is low.
Porthmeor Beach: Is possibly the most visited beach in St Ives, it has lifeguards from 5th April to 2nd November 2025 between 10am and 6pm. It is very close to restaurants, cafes, toilets which are easy to accessed for those with mobility issues. The tide can go out quite a bit and you can even see the wreck of the SS Alba with its boilers sticking out of the sand. When the tide is in, it is calm and can be quite shallow, so is popular with tourists in the summer months. Again, the water is very clear and you could mistake this for somewhere in the Mediterranean (images 16-19).
Bamaluz Beach: Is a dog friendly beach in St Ives and is very small (see picture 20). The water can be very clear and a lovely colour of turquoise and blue. You need to walk along the harbour. Turn left just before you get to Smeatons Pier, stay left to then go down some steps to access the beach, there is no wheelchair accessible. If you look out into the sea you will see this is a popular spot for surfers.
StAgnes Beach/Trevaunance Cove: Is a wonderful small cove that I love going to. There is parking near to the beach, you walk down a pretty path, where there are some arts and crafts shops and a pub. Once you get to the Beach you will see some houses on the cliffs to the left and and on the right is a cafe and restaurant overlooking the beach (see last three pictures below).
Like Porthgwarra Cove, it’s very small so great for those that prefer to avoid the overcrowding of some of the above beaches. Just be aware it is popular with the surfer and there is even a surf school here for beginners! St Agnes also lies at the heart of Cornwall's mining heritage, with Wheal Coates a short walk away and a great spot for astrophotography under a clear sky. For more on Cornwall's mining coast, don't miss Botallack Mines and the Crowns Engine Houses which is my favourite view in the whole county.
Foodie Highlights: Best Seafood & Local Eats
@littleprawnpadstow is my favourite spot in Padstow to eat, they are a Seafood Bar and Test Kitchen for the award winning Prawn on the Lawn which is literally a few steps across the road.
When I was there I ordered some small plates and an Oyster (as I’ve never had one before). I am not going to lie oysters are not for me but the Mojo Rojo Gurnard ceviche-totopos, Scallops-sobrasada and guindilla chilli with the Atlantic Prawns with saffron and burnt lime are a great choice!
Address: 22a Duke Street, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8AB
@mouseholekitchen was a great little find! The staff are friendly, the food is great and the view out the window into the harbour is a perfect. I can’t wait to go back.
I am a big fan of Hake and had a great Hake dish in my last trip in Dorset so jumped straight in and ordered the Local Hake fillet, pan fried with clams, spinach, fennel, garlic and kale for £27. This hake was cooked perfect (better than the one in Dorset and that was good) and was a good portion size, the clams were a nice addition and the sauce went really well with the fresh potato.
Address: N Cliff, Mousehole, Penzance TR19 6PH
@lthelobstershed at the Pig Hotel in Harlyn Bay was booked as a treat as I had read very positive reviews. Described as the Pig’s laid-back outdoor eatery by the sea, I booked a table for mid afternoon and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The staff were friendly and give recommendations for orders if you can’t make up your mind. The setting felt relaxed in the Cornish sun, and the food absolutely delicious. One thing that I loved about the visit was that the money for the filtered water is given to water aid.
The fried squid starter was crisp and seasoned well. For mains the crab and prawn cocktail was fresh and full of flavour, and the lemon sole was light and delicate, although next time I’d ask for not as much seasoning or herbs on it. This is a wonderful spot for seafood lovers, with good sized portions and a happy atmosphere that will definitely bring us back with plans to have the lobster options.
Whilst this was a not a cheap meal, it was a great experience and felt more up market but this should be the expected standard when run by The Pig Hotel.
Address: Harlyn, Padstow PL28 8SQ
@pizzajockeys are so far the best pizza’s I’ve had in Cornwall! they do delivery if you ring up but it is wise to book in, although walk in’s are accepted if there is space (I did this and got a seat outside).
There is a great range of dips to order alongside your pizza. I went for the Miss Dyna-Mi-Tee pizza and the BASIL AIOLI dip. I had a cheeky Tequila too. The service was quick and the pizza was fire! Make sure you take advantage of their drinks deals 5-6pm too.
Address: Pizza Jockeys, Wesley Yard, Newquay TR7 1LB
Miss Dyna-Mi-Tee pizza at Pizza Jockeys Newquay
Final Reflections
I just love Cornwall. Whether it’s chasing waves, exploring hidden coves, or eating seafood that rivals anywhere in Europe, it’s a reminder of how much beauty we have on our doorstep. I just find there is so so much to do and even on a windy, grey day, sitting in a deck chair with a pasty in hand still feels like a good day.
Next time, I’ll stretch my trip longer, walk more of the coast paths, and maybe even stand on a surfboard instead of just behind the lens. I will also take a trip to the Scilly Isles as I want to buy a drone to integrate different types of footage and images into my posts.
Half of me never wants to leave Cornwall. Being by the coast feels grounding, maybe because I grew up running wild on North East beaches (Tynemouth and South Shields) most weekends. Living in Coventry, it’s the one thing I miss the most and Cornwall gives me that fix every time I visit.
Basing myself near Newquay makes exploring easier, I can be in Padstow in half an hour, Land’s End in an hour, and beaches just minutes away. For someone used to estate living, having so much variety on the doorstep feels like a rare kind of freedom.
The truth is, I just don’t think you can really go wrong with Cornwall and I know peak season can feel busy, but if you plan ahead you can still find quiet coves where you can switch off, soak up the sun, and go exploring.
Cornwall is packed with coves, waves, and flavours worth travelling for. Save this 5-day guide, share it with your travel buddies, and follow along on Instagram @deanomooreo for more photo-driven journeys.
Where will you explore first in Cornwall?