10 hidden gems to discover in Cornwall in 2023
Cornwall is full of world-renowned sights, thanks to its glorious coastline, ancient moorlands and rich history. But there are plenty of places to visit that lie off the beaten track. These less well-known treasures are just as rewarding as the rest, but come with the satisfaction of discovering something that bit more special – and with fewer crowds. Here’s our guide to 10 hidden gems to explore in Cornwall in 2023.
1. A stunning natural beach sculpture: Nanjizal, near Penzance
Don’t forget your camera or your swimming kit for this natural wonder. This beautiful, secluded and dog-friendly spot is near Penzance. It’s a bit tricky to get to – it’s not signposted – but you’ll be glad you made the effort.
Keep your eyes peeled
for the Song of the Sea – a magical sea cave that you can swim through,
complete with ethereal light and glowing turquoise waters.
2. A spiritual sanctuary and waterfall: St Nectan’s Glen, Tintagel
People often bypass this sacred spot, drawn by the legend of King Arthur and Merlin to the towering cliffs and crashing waves at nearby Tintagel Castle. In contrast, St Nectan’s Glen is peaceful, unassuming and soulful.
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Wander along a woodland trail to reach the enchanting 60 ft waterfall, light a candle in a hermitage with a 1,500-year-old history and have a cuppa in the Tree of Life cafe. It’s a place to slow down, reflect and relax.
3. Crowd-free golden beaches: Whitsand Bay, South Cornwall
The wonderful thing about Whitsand Bay on the Rame Peninsula is that it never feels crowded, even in the height of summer. There have been more visitors in recent years, but this stretch of Cornwall’s coastline remains largely undiscovered.
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The golden sands stretch for miles so there’s always space to stretch out – just be mindful of the tides. Sea swimming here is a delight and the surfing can be pretty decent on occasion, too.
4. A hidden place for a wild swim: Newtrain Bay Sea Pool, Trevone, near Padstow
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Known by locals as Rocky Beach, Newtrain Bay is just down from the better-known Trevone Bay. Trevone has its own sea pool, recently made even more famous by featuring in the BBC adaptation of Malory Towers. Far better, then, to leave the crowds to it and head to Newtrain Bay Sea Pool. Part man-made, part natural, it’s like having a little part of the sea to yourself. Take a snorkel and check out the pool’s marine life after high tide.
5. A peaceful subtropical garden: Trebah, near Falmouth
Queues for the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project will always be long, so it’s worth seeking out Cornwall’s smaller gardens for a more peaceful escape. The subtropical paradise of Trebah Garden is one of the delights on offer.
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It has four miles of footpaths winding through dazzling exotic planting, a private beach and countless secret corners waiting to be discovered in the garden. Summer months bring unique events at the outdoor theatre.
6. An unspoiled, ancient walking trail: the Tinner’s Way
The Cornish section of the South West Coast Path is one of the county’s most heavily trodden walking trails, but there are plenty of stunning alternatives away from the coast. The Tinner’s Way, between St Just and St Ives, is crammed with ancient sites. This track has been walked since the bronze age and it shows in the sunken lanes and well-trodden paths. In between navigating the rugged north coast and crossing the high moors, you’ll encounter ancient stone circles, quoits and menhirs, including the 5,000-year-old Chûn Quoit and the distinctive holed Mên-an-Tol.
7. A treasure of a beach: Gwenver, near Penzance
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White sands, no crowds and glorious swell: Gwenver is the surfers’ beach of choice. Whether you surf or not, you won’t fail to be impressed with Gwenver’s Caribbean feel, wild waves and acres of space. It’s hidden down a long flight of steps, so pack everything you need for a day at one of Cornwall’s most beautiful hidden gems.
8. A fab place to grab a veggie bite: Porthleven Shipyard Market
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The pretty fishing village of Porthleven is well known for its surf and stellar foodie reputation. Every April it holds the Porthleven food festival and has lots of fab places to eat, from Japanese-Cornish fusion at Kota to trendy harbour eaterie the Mussel Shoals. But dig a little deeper and you’ll discover the Shipyard Market, a veritable treasure trove of cheap places to eat, drink and shop. Try delicious meat-free curries at The Radish, the best vegan smoothies and kombucha you’ll ever taste at Good Vibes smoothie bar and sample Cornish gin and rum at Curio.
9. A truly remarkable amphitheatre: Gwennap Pit, near Redruth
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One of Cornwall’s most eccentric offerings, Gwennap Pit is a conical amphitheatre, created from the collapse of an old copper mine. It became a favourite spot of John Wesley, the father of Methodism, to preach to his thousands of followers and was also popular with the Cornish rave scene in the 1980s.
10. Your own personal rock bath with a view: Lady Basset’s baths, Portreath
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If you don’t fancy braving the waves, take a more genteel approach. Settle back in one of seven man-made pools, all at different heights to catch the tide as it drops. Hewn out of the rocks in 1782 by William Harry for the Basset family to safely ‘take the waters’, they aren’t big enough to swim in, but you could relax in one with a cocktail!
Excited to discover more Cornish hidden gems? Book your Cornish holiday cottage now.
