Boasting over 300 miles of coastline, Cornwall is one of the best counties in the UK to explore by car. It’s not a place you should rush through, instead, it’s somewhere to take your time. Pull over when something looks interesting and let your curiosity take you to spots you didn’t even plan to visit.
Exploring Cornwall by car gives you access to so much more than the typical tourist stops of Padstow, Penzance, and Tintagel Castle (all of which you should, of course, visit!). For instance, you can head to any one of over 300 beaches, meander along winding coastal roads, and breeze into small fishing villages that feel like they haven’t changed in years.
If you’ve got a few days up your sleeve and you want to see as much of the area as possible, here are some of the best scenic drives and hidden places most tourists miss.
Why Exploring Cornwall by Car Is the Best Way to See the Region
Cornwall is one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations, receiving upwards of 5 million visitors every year. However, many of them come on coach tours or Great Western Railway trains from Paddington, which don’t give them much flexibility to explore the wider area once they’ve arrived.
If you really want to get to know the county properly, it pays to have access to a car. As you’re not tied to bus routes or train schedules, you can explore the region on your own terms.
Some of the best places in Cornwall sit just off the main roads. But without transport, you’d probably never even know they were there, which is why travellers often decide to hire a vehicle from one of the car rental companies in the area.
If this is something you are interested in doing, just make sure you understand how collision damage waiver works. Doing so will clue you in on what to do in the unfortunate event of an accident.
The Most Scenic Coastal Drives in Cornwall
If you do have access to a car, the world is your oyster! Well, at least Cornwall is anyway. Here are some of the best scenic drives you can take around the county.
Atlantic Highway (North Coast Route)
The Atlantic Highway is one of the most iconic scenic coastal drives in Cornwall. Stretching along the north coast, this route delivers constant ocean views, showcases dramatic, rugged cliffs, and provides you with access to some of Cornwall’s best surf beaches.
The road itself is fairly easy to drive in comparison to other parts of Cornwall. Along the way, you can stop at spots like Widemouth Bay or Polzeath. Both of which are known for their wide sandy stretches and laid-back atmosphere. There are lots of beautiful coastal villages along the route where you can stop for lunch or simply soak up the scenery.
St Ives to St Just Drive
The drive from St Ives to St Just feels a bit more adventurous and rawer than the Atlantic Highway. It hugs the coastline and takes you through a landscape that has been heavily influenced by Cornwall’s mining history. Here, you’ll pass old engine houses perched dramatically on cliffs, and get to enjoy wide open views of the Atlantic.
The road can be narrow in sections, which some people might find disconcerting. So, it’s definitely one of those drives where you take things slowly and enjoy the journey. Thankfully, there are a few pull-offs where you can stop and take photos. Or just watch the waves crash against the rocks below.
The Lizard Peninsula Coastal Road
The Lizard Peninsula offers a completely different kind of coastal drive experience in Cornwall. It’s quieter, much less crowded, and, it has a more relaxed feel.
The road winds through thriving farmlands before opening up to some of the most beautiful coves in Cornwall. One of the main highlights here is Kynance Cove, which is known for its bright turquoise water and striking rock formations. It’s worth arriving here early to experience it at sunrise.
As you continue driving, you’ll come across small villages like Cadgwith, where quaint fishing boats line the shore. If you fancy it, this is a good place to hike part of the South West Coast Path. You can also tuck into some delicious crab soup and sandwiches at the atmospheric Old Cellars Café, which is one of the more unusual things to do in Cornwall.
Newquay to Padstow Coastal Drive
The drive between Newquay and Padstow is one of the most accessible and enjoyable routes in Cornwall. Many people do it because the scenery includes rolling cliffs, sandy beaches, and plenty of spectacular ocean views.
Padstow is a popular destination here, known for its connections with Rick Stein. However, you should also make a point of visiting places like Watergate Bay or Mawgan Porth. Both of which have delightful beaches you could easily spend a few days at.
Falmouth to St Mawes via the Roseland Peninsula
Driving along the Roseland Peninsula showcases the quieter side of Cornwall. Here, you’ll cruise past gentle coastal scenery, dense wooded areas, and sleepy villages full of character.
As you head from Falmouth towards St Mawes, you’ll notice an immediate change of pace. The roads wind gently through the countryside before opening up to views across the water.
St Mawes itself is a lovely place to stop. It sits at the entrance of the Fal Estuary and is a popular spot for boating and yachting. The sight of these vessels bobbing on the ocean is quite mesmerising. If you spend some time watching them whilst eating a pasty from the St Mawes Bakery, you’ll get to enjoy the quintessential Cornwall experience.
