All the essential information you need to enjoy Cornwall safely and responsibly.
![GWR-Night-Riviera-Sleeper-Penzance-14042021-0443-4[99] (1)-min.jpg](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvisit-cornwall.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com%2FGWR_Night_Riviera_Sleeper_Penzance_14042021_0443_4_99_1_min_bfe3838bf5.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
First thing's first, let's decide how you're going to get to us.
Whether it's flying, driving, catching the train, or hopping on the coach, it couldn't be easier to get to paradise.
A helping hand
The teams at our Visitor Information Centres are on hand to help you with your queries, both before and during your stay. Call or email to find out more about Cornwall whilst planning your holiday, or pop in and see the friendly teams throughout your visit.
Whatever your query, big or small, they will do their best to help you.
See below for details.
Boscastle
You will find the Visitor Information Centre located in the National Trust Shop (The Harbour, Boscastle, PL35 0HD).
Email: boscastle@nationaltrust.org.uk
Telephone: 01840 250010
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/boscastle
Bude
Address: The Crescent Car Park, Bude, EX23 8LE
Email: budetic@visitbude.info
Telephone: 01288 354240
Website: www.visitbude.info
Falmouth
Address: Fal River Visitor Information Centre, Prince of Wales Pier, Falmouth, TR11 3DF
Email: info@falriver.co.uk
Telephone: 01326 741194
Website: www.falmouth.co.uk
Fowey
Online only.
Email: info@fowey.co.uk
Website: www.fowey.co.uk
Isles of Scilly
Address: Schiller Shelter, Porthcressa Bank, St Mary's, Isles of Scilly, TR21 0LW
Email: info@visitislesofscilly.com
Telephone: 01720 620600
Website: www.visitislesofscilly.com
Penzance
You will find the Penzance Visitor Centre in the National Trust Welcome Centre (Station Road, Penzance, TR18 2NF)
Email: enquiries@bookpenzance.com
Telephone: 01736 335530
Website: www.bookpenzance.com
Perranporth
Address: Westcott House, St Piran's Road, Perranporth, TR6 0BH
Email: info@perranporthinfo.co.uk
Telephone: 01872 575254
Website: www.perranporthinfo.co.uk
Redruth
Address: Redruth Town Council, Civic Centre, Alma Place, Redruth, TR15 2DA
Email: hello@discoverredruth.co.uk
Telephone: 01290 210038
Website: www.discoverredruth.co.uk
St Agnes
Online only.
Email: hello@st-agnes.com
Website: www.visitstagnes.com
St Austell
Address: St Austell Train Station, Station Approach, St Austell, PL25 4LA
Email: staustelltic@gmail.com
Telephone: 01726 63513
Launceston
Address: White Hart Arcade, Broad Street, Launceston, PL15 8AA
Email: info@launcestontic.co.uk
Telephone: 01566 772321
Website: www.visitlaunceston.co.uk
Liskeard
Address: Foresters Hall, Pike Street, Liskeard, PL14 3JE
Email: tourism@liskeard.gov.uk
Telephone: 01579 349148
Website: www.visitliskeard.co.uk
Looe
Address: Looe Community Hub, Millpool Car Park, West Looe, PL13 1AF
Email: welcome@looetowncouncil.gov.uk
Telephone: 01503 262255
Website: www.visitlooe.co.uk
Newquay
Address: Municipal Buildings, Marcus Hill, Newquay, TR7 1BD
Email: newquay.tic@newquay.town
Telephone: 01637 838516
Website: www.visitnewquay.org
Padstow
Address: The Mariner's Clock Building, South Quay, Padstow, PL28 8BL
Email: info@padstowtic.co.uk
Telephone: 01841 533449
Website: www.padstowlive.com
St Ives
Address: St Ives Library, Gabriel Street, St Ives, TR26 2LS
Email: info@visitstives.org.uk
Telephone: 01736 796297
Website: www.stives-cornwall.co.uk
St Mawes and The Roseland
Address: Millennium Rooms, The Square, St Mawes, TR2 5AG
Email: enquiries@roselandinfo.com
Telephone: 01326 270440
Website: www.stmawesandtheroseland.co.uk
Sennen Cove
Address: The Old Boathouse, Sennen Cove, Penzance, TR19 7DF
Email: info@old-boathouse.com
Telephone: 01736 871215
Website: www.old-boathouse.com
Truro
Address: 30 Boscawen Street, Truro, TR1 2QQ
Email: tic@truro.gov.uk
Telephone: 01872 274555
Website: www.visittruro.org.uk
Wadebridge
Online only.
Email: website@visitwadebridge.co.uk
Website: www.visitwadebridge.co.uk
When on the beach be aware of the tide times, especially high tide, as you might get caught off-guard, unable to return the way you came and face the dangers of rocks, cliffs and strong underwater 'rip' currents.
Beach Safety
We all enjoy spending time on Cornwall’s beautiful beaches, but there are some dangers that you need to be aware of, including rip currents, tides, and overexposure to the sun.
There are many ways that you can limit the dangers at the coast, including:
- Knowing your flags
- Telling someone where you are going
- Swimming at a lifeguarded beach
- Reading notices at beach entrances
- Knowing the risks
- Spending time in the shade
- Wearing sun protection cream
See our beach safety guide for more information.
Cliff walks
Popular coastal paths and headland walks present great opportunities for walking and enjoying the scenery. However, there is always danger from coastal erosion, falling rocks and from the risks of falling over the cliff edges. The South West Coast Path is maintained to reduce these risks but every care should be taken, especially in poor visibility. The Coastguard service should be alerted in the event of danger to life - call 999 and ask for Coastguard or Ambulance as required.
During the warmer months of the year, from spring through until autumn, there are dangers of over-exposure to the sun, which can result in sunstroke, sunburn, and long-term risks of skin disease. To prevent such dangers, it's important to use suitable sun protection creams and be aware of the added risks of dehydration when sunbathing. Extra care is required for babies and small children.
An accessible Cornwall
Check out our accessibility information guide for people with disabilities and additional needs.
Dog Friendly
Your pooch is a welcome companion in Cornwall, though it is essential that you confirm your holiday accommodation provider's policy on accepting pets before you leave home.
Whilst there are many dog-friendly things to do in Cornwall, please consider what to do with your dog whilst visiting attractions or eating in restaurants that don't welcome pets, and how you are going to travel around Cornwall.
Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle, even for a short while, when its warm or hot outside. The temperature inside your car will double that outside in 6-10 minutes. Dogs will quickly suffer from heat exhaustion and possibly die. If you do see a dog left in a car on a warm day and it appears to be distressed, call the RSPCA on 0870 5555999 or the Police on 08452 777 444. They will take the appropriate action and, if necessary, break into the car to release the animal. If you have to leave a dog in a car for a short time, leave a note stating your time of return, and return on time. Otherwise, an embarrassing rescue operation may be launched by a concerned passer-by.
Help and advice
Dogs, particularly elderly ones, should be exercised in the early morning and late evening to avoid over-exertion in hot weather. All dogs are required by law to wear a collar and tag bearing the name and address of the owner. If you are on holiday, it is a good idea to have a temporary tag with your holiday address on it. If you lose your dog, please contact an appropriate local council as soon as possible. Dog bans operate on some Cornish beaches during the season, check our beaches pages for more detailed information.
If you have lost your dog please contact the Cornwall Council Dog Warden Service on 0300 1234 212 or you can now find details of dogs which have been handed into the Council or picked up by the Council’s Dog Welfare team online at the link below.
Caravan Towing Guide
Check out the latest guidance on towing a caravan with your car to ensure a safe journey to and from your destination.
Cornwall has one of the lowest crime rates in the UK. However, there are a number of ways to help reduce the risk of crime whilst visiting us. Where possible, leave valuables (such as large quantities of spending money) locked in your accommodation. Do not leave valuables on display within your car, keep them under seats or in the boot, well out of view. Use beach lockers where possible, or try and avoid taking valuable items to the beach. To report a crime, or for information and advice, you can call Devon and Cornwall Constabulary anytime on 08452 777444.
A message from Chris Reid, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly ICB
If you’re visiting us here in Cornwall, I’d like to extend a very warm welcome to you from all of us in the local NHS.
This really is a beautiful place to visit, and we hope you have a great stay, free from illness or injury.
We are here if you do need us, but you can save a lot of time and anxiety by remembering your prescriptions, having a well-stocked first aid kit and picking the best service for your needs.
There’s also advice on our website to help you care for minor issues yourself or find a pharmacy or minor injury unit.
Our local pharmacists can provide a few days emergency supply of most repeat prescriptions and help with many of the things we can suffer from in the summer, such as bites, stings, and sunburn – as well as those winter lurgies you might pick up if you stay with us during the colder months.
Your GP back home is also able to help for routine health issues. If it’s more urgent NHS111 is available 24 hours a day online or on the phone.
If you have a muscle sprain, strain or possible broken bone, check out the locations, opening hours and waiting times of our minor injury units and urgent treatment centre.
If you have a life threatening emergency, please call 999.
We hope not to see you during your stay, other than when we are out enjoying Cornwall’s stunning scenery.
However, if you have a heavy heart as you head home we’d love you to consider joining us.
There are hundreds of different careers within health and social care and we may have just the right job for you.
Hospitals in Cornwall
Anyone with serious or life-threatening illnesses or injuries should dial 999.
Cornwall is served by two main hospitals:
- Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske, Truro, TR1 3LJ Tel: 01872 250000
- Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth PL6 8DH Tel: 01752 202082
There are also 12 community hospitals across Cornwall.
If you take regular medication, don’t forgot to pack and bring them with you on holiday. Remember to ask for any prescription refills you may need before bank holiday weekends. But if you are unable to access your GP, you can get an emergency supply of most prescription medicines from your local pharmacy to tide you over. There are some medication exceptions, and you may have to pay for this service, but a pharmacy will be the quickest way if you do need an emergency supply.
Please recycle
In Cornwall we take our recycling very seriously as we hope you do at home. In order to help us keep Cornwall free from litter and environmental damage, we would ask you to recycle the following items during your stay:
- Glass bottles and jars
- Newspapers and magazines
- Cardboard
- Brochures
- Metal drinks and food cans
- Plastic bottles
- Textiles
Stay connected
Find us on socials and stay connected with the Cornwall you love.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads and to analyse our traffic. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. (Privacy Policy)