A short break at in Cornwall doesn’t have to mean that you miss out on any top beauty spots and attractions. There’s plenty of time to tick off those places on your Cornish bucket list, with Hendra perfectly located on the north coast, making it an hour or less in the car from Cornwall’s top sights!
From AM to PM, we have an itinerary to fill your short break in Cornwall, whether you want to cram it into a Friday – Monday short break or take it easier over a Monday – Friday break.
Day 1 in Cornwall
Padstow, Newquay and St Agnes
AM
Start the day by heading over to Padstow, driving down the coastal road, from Porth to Padstow, means that you will get some stunning coastal views along the way, including Watergate, and Mawgan Porth. Alternatively, get the open top bus from Newquay town centre and sit back and enjoy the scenery on the top deck.
Padstow is an attractive fishing town, renowned for its pretty harbour, and the gorgeous Camel Estuary, which separates Padstow from Rock. You will love the beautiful blue sea and white soft sand combination.
There are boat trips available, and you can hire bikes and cycle the Camel Trail too.
Tips
Couples: Go and grab yourselves some delicious fresh pastries from The Hendra Marketplace – our favourites are the pain au chocolats.
Families: Kids will love the crabbing at the Padstow harbour, something you must try whilst in Cornwall! Be sure to put them back straight away and not catch too many at once as they don’t like being overcrowded.
PM
Come back to Newquay for lunch time, enjoy a walk over from the Killacourt to Fistral, taking in some awesome coast views, with many places to grab a bite to eat and shops to browse, at your leisure. Take in the relics of Newquay’s past included the Huer’s Hut which dates back to the 14th Century and the old coastguard hut.
If you feel up to it, why not head to St Agnes in the evening? The views of the coast are amazing alone, but there are also the remains of Cornwall’s tin mining past on the headland, which makes St Agnes a truly unique place. Head back to Hendra and treat yourself to a pizza at Mario’s.
Tips
Everyone – Whilst at the Killacourt why not treat yourself to a pasty, sandwich or ice cream from one of the nearby eateries and ice cream shops. Mr Whippy, anyone?
Families – Families will love Newquay Zoo, just outside of town, near Trenance Gardens, also a perfect place for families to visit. Newquay Zoo has a range of animals, along with outdoor parks.
Or try surfing at SSS Surf School at Towan Beach.
Day 2 in Cornwall
St Ives, St Michaels Mount and Porthcurno
Am
Head over to St Ives, one of Cornwall’s most well-known spots. It has a charming harbour and that special ‘St Ives light’ that attracts artists. The green, blue sea and white sand make some truly dreaming viewing. Meander around the town and enjoy foodie hot spots, boutiques, and art.
Tips
Couples: Couples will love sitting on Porthmeor beach, soaking up the sun and relaxing.
Families: Kids and grown-ups will love the Park and Ride at St Erth (St Ives is very limited on parking), which is a one of the UK’s most scenic train journeys. The St Ives line takes you on the scenic coastal journey, where you can see Hayle Towans, and Carbis Bay before arriving at St Ives. In St Ives, kids will enjoy the harbour and the arcades in this ultimate seaside town.
PM
Drive over to the south coast and visit the iconic St Michael’s Mount (20 minutes from St Ives). This special Cornish place is home to an island community, majestic castle, and glorious gardens. Check tide times and plan your visit; you can walk across the causeway or take the boat.
Late afternoon head over to another Cornish icon: Porthcurno and the Minack Theatre. Scenery doesn’t get more magnificent than this. Blue seas and white sand; it could be a tropical beach if it wasn’t for the added drama of the high cliffs. A breath-taking sight.
In these cliffs resides the amazing Minack Theatre, which is one of the best places to watch a play or show in the country. Watch a play, or the sun go down, a perfect ending to a day in Cornwall.
Tips
Couples: The perfect place for a romantic picnic, Porthcurno has been described as ‘paradise’ on numerous occasions.
Families: Check-out one of the child friendly shows at the Minack Theatre.
Day 3 – in Cornwall
The Lizard and Falmouth
AM
Photo by Matt Jessop – Provided by Visit Cornwall
Head to the Lizard: the most south-westerly point in the UK. This is an outstanding area of natural beauty. The Lizard is a haven for wildlife, with rare plants, birds, including the Cornish Chough, well-known for its red bill. You can also spot seals, dolphins and even the occasional whale.
Kynance Cove is one of the most photographed spots in The Lizard, and perhaps all of Cornwall. This dramatic section of the coastline is a 15-minute walk from the car park. You will soon see why Kynance Cove is popular with its turquoise sea, dramatic serpentine rocks and white sand; it is truly breath taking.
Please be aware that Kynance is accessible by a rocky terrain coast path. It is a tidal beach, and has no lifeguards, so be very careful when exploring. Its beauty means that it is very popular and busy in the summer.
Tips
Couples: Cadgwith Cove, is a postcard perfect shingle cove, situated in the tiny village of Cadgwith. This working fishing village is a nice place for a meander.
Families: Take the kids to Jacobs Ladder, in Falmouth, which has 111 steps! An exciting sight, and also a good chance to tire them out!
PM
Head over to Falmouth, this cool south coast, university town, has a rich maritime history with lots to see and do. Falmouth is a fun place to visit for children young and old, and for couples too. There is a huge range of bars and restaurants, along with Gyllyngvase Beach, where you can spot Pendennis Castle an artillery fort built for Henry the VIII.
Tips
Couples: Finish the day off by heading back to Hendra and having a delicious meal in our newly refurbished Terrace Bar and Restaurant.
Families: Come back to Hendra, get a fish and chip takeaway from the Fish and Chip shop on the Park, and chill at the caravan or take it into The Venue and enjoy the evening entertainment.
So, there we have it: 72 hours in Cornwall. We hope that you aren’t too tired! Or you may want to see more of Cornwall, and next time stay for longer! However long you stay with us at Hendra Holiday Park, we hope that this blog inspires your visit in Cornwall!
