Cornwall’s beauty is the reason that people come to Cornwall, and best of all: it is completely free to visit these stunning locations. So if you are coming to visit, there are plenty of free things to do in Cornwall this summer.
At Hendra there’s the free land train to Newquay at 9.15am each morning, and it returns around 4 each day. From Newquay you can visit one of the town’s golden sand beaches, and when the tide is low, you can walk across from Towan, to Tolcarne, to Great Western, Lusty Glaze and all the way to Porth, exploring rockpools along the way.
The best things in life are free! Read on to find the best free things to do in Cornwall this summer.
Coastal Walks near to Newquay
Porth to Watergate
Walk this beautiful stretch of coastline from Whipsiderry cliffs, along to Watergate Bay. The views along the coast path seem endless and at the end you reach the expansive Watergate, where you can walk across the beach, or, if you fancy it you can walk all the way to Mawgan Porth.
Harbour to Towan Head
Newquay’s picturesque harbour is a great place for watching the boats and bustle. Walk across the beach and follow the coastal path along to Newquay’s historic Huers Hut, which dates back to the 14th century. Follow the path around and walk to Towan Head where you can see Newquay’s old coastguard hut and see panoramic views towards Porth and beyond and overlooking Little Fistral and Fistral Beach. You can also see the old life boat slip here too.
Fistral to Pentire Head
Head to South Fistral and walk around to Pentire Head. Here you will see views across to Crantock Beach and the Gannel Estury.
Iconic Beaches near to Hendra Holiday Park
Crantock
This large, sand dune backed beach, has plenty of places to explore. The River Gannel flows into the sea. This is a popular spot for kayakers, and the car park is a National Trust one.
Holywell Bay
Famed for it’s two rocks, and sunsets, Holywell is nearby to Crantock, and is large with sand dunes. It has some interesting parts to explore, including St Cuthbert’s Cave which can be explored at low tide (check times). The minerals in the cave give it a unique appearance, with blue, red, white, green, and purple walls.
Fistral
Fistral Beach is one of the UK’s most famous beaches. It is known for its surfing and is home to the surf and skate side of Boardmasters Festival, held in August. Explore this strip of sand or sit and watch the surf.
Watergate
Just outside of Newquay, and further up the North Coast, is Watergate Bay. A popular spot for many, with its expansive beach and a location for a range of water sports.
Free Historic Landmarks to visit in Cornwall
Merlin’s Cave, near Tintagel
Explore Tintagel, which is known for its association with the legendary King Arthur. Visit this natural sea tunnel, which is beneath Tintagel castle. At low-tide you can walk from one end to the other, but at high-tide it is full of water and cannot be passed. This cave is easily located, with a carving of a sleeping Merlin at the cave front.
Trevelgue Head
Also known as Porth Island, is not only a popular place for a walk and, yet again, great views, but is the site of an Iron Age fort, and two burrows (mounds of earth) dating back to the early Bronze Age.
The Cheesering Bodmin Moor
On Cornwall’s wild Bodmin Moor is this interesting formation of rocks. Once though to be made by druids, this is actually a natural rock formation caused by millions of years of erosion. The name comes from the method used to make cider by pressing bags of apples, also known as cheeses, together.
Truro Cathedral
Cornwall’s capital city, Truro, is known for its Georgian architecture on Lemon Street and Gothic architecture. The cathedral welcomes all faiths and is free to visit. Built between 1880 and 1910, in Gothic Revival style.
Wildlife Spotting in Newquay
The Gannel
The Gannel is a good place for spotting birds, including wading birds, like redshanks, curlews, oystercatchers and ringed plovers, as well as herons, little egrets and various breeds of gulls.
Newquay Harbour
Newquay Harbour is a good place to spot various marine life, such as grey seals, porpoises, dolphins and perhaps even a whale.
You can also spot various sea life, from crabs, to starfish and jellyfish.
Free Cornwall Attractions
Roskilly’s Organic Farm
Free if you can resist the ice cream! Roskilly’s Organic Farm supplies our on site ice cream shop, Always Sundae. Located near the Lizard, a dramatic stretch of coastline, and Cornwall’s most southerly point.
At Roskilly’s you can see a variety of farm animals, such as cows, calves, poultry and pigs. There’s also the ponds to explore, with ducks, wildlife and woodland walks: a tranquil place to embrace the slower pace.
Camel Trail
Jump on your bike and ride the Camel Trail. This popular cycling route offers views of the Camel Estuary as you travel from Wadebridge to Padstow, a pretty fishing town. This is a good route for the whole family, as it is about 5 miles each way. Stop off and picnic at Padstow.
You can also go on a longer bike ride from Wadebridge to Wenford, Bodmin. This was the old railway, with old platforms still in place. There are also wild flowers and birds. Spot the steam train which travels close by to the trail. This route is 6.2 miles each way.
Eats and Beats Festival in Newquay
From the 22nd of August until the 25th, Bank Holiday weekend, there’s the Eats and Beats Festival, which is held at the Barrowfields, near Newquay. Showcasing the very best of Cornwall’s food and drink, overlooking the beautiful blue seas, with live music and a great atmosphere.
Killacourt Live Music and Events this August
The Killacourt is in the heart of Newquay, overlooking Towan Beach, a large green space, with shops, and a stage. This August, on the 23rd, there’s a free Robin Hood Pantomime, from 2pm, for all of the family. On the 30th, there is Cornwall Pride, celebrating the LGBTQ+ people in Newquay, Cornwall and around the world. Also family friendly, on the Killacourt there’s stalls, help desks, food and drink vendors and live entertainment.
Book your last minute break in Cornwall and do this list of free things to do in Cornwall!
