Great Scenic Cornish Drives

This stretch of road (the B3306) enjoys magnificent sweeping views across the craggy west Cornish coast and the Atlantic Ocean. The road quite literally hugs the remote coastline as it passes through ancient fields and scattered settlements. With every twist and turn, the view gets even more glorious with the sea on one side and rugged moorland on the other.

Stop off along the way at Zennor and search out the mermaid or visit the World Heritage listed mining remains at Geevor, Levant and Botallack. At St Just turn right and head out to Cape Cornwall, a quieter alternative to Land’s End! Finish the journey at Sennen by driving down to the cove and taking in the stunning views of the famous Longships Lighthouse.

Stop Offs:

• Zennor village and Church for the legend of the mermaid.
• Gurnards Head Pub and walk out to the headland
• Walk up onto Carn Galva for fantastic views
• Pendeen Lighthouse and the walk down to Portheras fishing cove.
• The World Heritage sites at Geevor Mine, Levant Mine and Botallack
• St Just village for its shops, pubs and galleries including Kurt Jackson’s
• Cape Cornwall, England’s only cape.
• Sennen Cove and over a mile of beach

Starting beside the Tamar River at Cremyll, at the entrance to the wonderful Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, climb around the park before dropping down into the twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand. From here the road heads out to the former military road that sweeps above Whitsand Bay in a westerly direction towards Tregantle Fort, but don’t miss out on the drive up to Rame Head for 360 degree views.

Joining the B3247 head towards Crafthole and then on along the coast to Downderry and Seaton. Here you head inland leaving the wooded Seaton Valley and following the A387 as it enters Looe alongside the river.

Stop Offs:

• Mount Edgcumbe Country Park and house
• Explore Kingsand and Cawsand and try to find where one village finishes and the other one starts?
• Climb out to the old chapel on Rame Head and take in the views.
• Whitsand Bay’s long sandy beaches and the wooden chalet communities
• Seaton Valley Country Park
• The Monkey Sanctuary
• The Old Guildhall Museum, Looe

Head to the Roseland Peninsula for the ultimate Cornish driving experience. Here single lanes are the norm and scenic views come courtesy of some exciting manoeuvring. From Tregony, the gateway to The Roseland, take the winding A3078 to the sailing haven of St Mawes, taking time to explore the tranquil church at St Just in Roseland.

From St Mawes head east, perhaps detouring out to St Anthony’s Head and Porthscatho. Along the coast, there are plenty of hidden gems, such as Carne, Pendower, Portloe and Portholland. At Porthluney Cove, the striking Caerhays Castle sits hidden behind the beach, surrounded by sub-tropical gardens. From here head towards Gorran Haven or Mevagissey, where larger settlements offer shops, pubs and restaurants.

Stop Offs:

• St Just in Roseland Church
• St Mawes Castle
• St Anthony Head with its lighthouse and military defences
• Walk along Carne and Pendower beach’s
• Discover the round houses in Veryan.
• Walk around the stunning gardens at Caerhays Castle.
• Take the coast path out to the Dodmin Point
• Spend the day at the Lost Gardens of Heligan.