For many, Cornwall is a familiar summer ritual. Its beautiful coastline, celebrated food scene, celebrity-chef restaurants and picture-perfect villages are well documented for good reason. But beyond the well-known landmarks and busy beaches, there’s a quieter side to Cornwall waiting to be discovered. This summer, we’re gathering a few of those lesser-known places and experiences we think deserve a place on your itinerary.
St Nectan’s Glen is a lush, sacred woodland sanctuary located just 4 miles (about a 15-minute drive) down the coast from Port Isaac between Boscastle and Tintagel. It is celebrated for its ancient temperate rainforest, riverside walks, and St Nectan’s Kieve—a spectacular 60-foot waterfall that plunges through a circular hole in the rocks.
The Story of Emily near Liskeard is an immersive museum set in the childhood home of humanitarian Emily Hobhouse. It uses restored rooms, interactive exhibits, and multimedia storytelling to tell her powerful story of exposing British concentration camps during the Anglo-Boer War.
From the picturesque cove of Port Quin, just 10 minutes from Highcliffe, join a guided tour of the coastline, exploring hidden coves and sea caves only accessible by sea. Afterwards, unwind in the wood-fired sauna and enjoy the peaceful views out across the water.
Great for swimming in all weathers, Cornwall has an abundance of sea pools that fill naturally with the tide, creating calm and sheltered places to swim throughout the year. Trevone Pool is the closest to Highcliffe; afterwards, head to The Pig and settle into the Lobster Shed for a light lunch by the coast.
The Kneebone Cadillac is a riotous, laugh-out-loud Cornish comedy-drama from the UK's leading landscape theatre company, Wildworks. Packed with larger-than-life characters, dark humour, dramatic twists and plenty of very colourful language, it's a fast-paced celebration of Cornwall's rough-and-ready spirit.
Looking to stay with us this summer? There's still time!
