It’s no wonder Cornwall is such a popular place to visit. Its amazing beaches, stunning vistas and picturesque villages make the perfect recipe for a self-catering holiday in the UK. Simply kick back and relax in this beautiful spot or embrace the range of activities and attractions on offer. Whether you are looking to park yourself on a deckchair and simply curl your toes in the sand for a week, or you want to get out and about on a new adventure each day here are our top tips for visiting Cornwall on a budget.
Affordable activities that won’t break the bank
Going to the beach
Cornwall is famous for its beaches. And the good news is they are free! Here are some top tips on how to enjoy Cornwall’s best beaches on a budget.
The golden sands and excellent surf conditions makes Fistral beach at Newquay a popular spot. If you have your own board you can ride some waves for free. Alternatively keep an eye out for deals on board rentals and group surf lessons. If you would rather keep your feet dry, or you need a bit of inspiration, watching the surfers from the shore can also be fun.
If you are thinking turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs head to Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula. It’s a great spot for sunbathing, swimming and exploring the rockpools. To avoid the car park costs we recommend looking for free parking options a little further away and enjoying the stunning walk down to the cove.
Marazion Beach, on the south coast of Cornwall, is another beautiful sandy beach, perfect for swimming and relaxing by the sea. You can walk to St Michael’s Mount during low tide for free (although there is a cost to enter the castle). Wherever you decide to visit make sure you pack a bat and ball, a bucket and spade and a picnic for a cheap day out at the beach.
Hiking
Lace up those walking boots and explore some of Cornwall’s varied and beautiful landscapes on foot. Whether you’re after dramatic coastal views, woodland trails, or quiet countryside rambles, walking is a great way to explore Cornwall on a budget.
Spanning 630 miles, the South West Coast Path is one of the best ways to explore Cornwall’s stunning coastline. Visit hidden coves and coastal villages and be wowed by the dramatic sea cliff views. It is easy to tackle just a small section and with good transport links to the main hubs you can often use public transport to reach your starting point.
For a change of scenery head to Bodmin Moor. The wide open spaces, wild moorland and ancient tors offer a contrast to the coast. Hike up the two highest peaks in Cornwall – Rough Tor and Brown Willy – for fantastic views. The free parking and easy to follow trails make this a perfect low cost day out.
The iconic walk from Tintagel to Bocastle is a great way to explore the rugged north coast on a budget. On the way you can explore Tintagel Castle, linked to the legend of King Arthur (there is a fee if you wish to enter the castle), hidden coves and the quaint harbour village of Boscastle. If you are looking to do something a little different Boscastle’s Museum of Witchcraft and Magic is a fun way to end the day. There is free parking at both Tintagel and Boscastle and public transport links if you do not fancy the walk back.
Days out on a budget
If you are interested in culture than a trip to the open air Minack Theatre, near Porthcawl, is a must. Set in the cliffs, with stunning views over the Atlantic, this is no ordinary theatre experience. If you are on a budget you can visit for free when there are no performances scheduled. Or check and see if there are discounted tickets for certain shows. Not far from the Minack Theatre is the must see landmark of Land’s End – the most western point of the UK. The views are spectacular – and free!
Whilst most museums and art galleries will charge a small fee, The Museum of Cornish Life, in Helston, and Falmouth Art Gallery are free to visit. Alternatively, you can explore of the scenic trails in the 865 acres of parkland at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. Or head for Roskilly’s Organic Farm where you can see a real working organic dairy farm in action. It’s worth splashing out on one of their infamous ice creams as a treat though!
Where to stay
Self-catering accommodation in Cornwall is likely to be cheaper than staying in a hotel. With the added bonus of having your own kitchen and living space you can save money on not eating out every day. Why not do a grocery order to be delivered to your accommodation at the start of your holiday and top up on fresh produce and local treats at one of the many farmers’ markets.
Try and visit outside peak season. Not only will accommodation costs be lower, but beaches and attractions will be quieter. May and June are glorious months to visit Cornwall, and the sea will actually be at its warmest in September. If you are looking to escape the crowds and enjoy Cornwall’s charm at a slower pace you are likely to find some real bargains during the winter months. If you only have a few days consider a mid week stay. You can find some great deals on our last minute offers page here – just type Cornwall into the search box.
There are plenty of ways to explore the stunning landscape and unique culture in Cornwall without spending a fortune. Whether you’re enjoying a bucket and spade day at the beach, exploring one of the charming villages or walking along the coast, there is no shortage of free and budget friendly activities to make the most of your holiday.