Coast & Country

The Cornish Coast

As a county Cornwall boasts the longest stretch of coastline in the UK with almost 700 km of stunning coastal scenery including more than 300 beaches.

This coastline forms a significant part of the South West Coast Path National Trail which offers visitors to Cornwall a huge choice of walks from gentle one hour strolls to week long hikes.

Cornwall is in the privileged position of having two coastlines: the Atlantic coast famous for its surfing beaches and huge expanses of golden sand, and the English Channel coast which is more gentle with hidden coves and tranquil creeks.

The National Trust owns and protects over 220 miles of the Cornish coastline and it continues to attract millions of visitors every year.

For more detailed information on individual beaches, beach safety, accessibility, tide times and dog friendly beaches visit our detailed beach pages.

 
Cornwall's Countryside

Cornwall doesn't only offer visitors an amazing coastline - you can also immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. 

Cornwall boasts 12 separate Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These are precious landscapes whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so outstanding that it is in the nation's interest to protect them.

These areas include the Camel Estuary which is famous for its tidal river valley which at low tide provides essential habitats for its wildlife, Bodmin Moor with its wild expanses or rolling moorland and prominent tors, the Lizard Peninsula which is criss-crossed by a fascinationg network of medieval enclosures and Bronze Age settlements, and the Helford River which is technically a drowned valley or "ria" comprising of gently wooded creekside which are sheltered from the prevailing winds by the Lizard Peninsula.

You can find out more about Cornwall's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty by visiting www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk