by Anna Hann
posted on October 11, 2023
Buckle up, set the perfect playlist, and get ready to explore Cornwall on an unforgettable road trip.
There’s something magical and escapist about hitting the open road on an adventure. But you don’t need to travel overseas to embark on an epic coastal journey: when it comes to road trips, Cornwall delivers.
This south-westerly county gives you a far-flung feel without stepping foot on an aeroplane. With wild and windswept coastlines to salt-scented fishing villages, there’s no shortage of gorgeous scenery in Cornwall and all within a five-hour drive of London.
Ideal cars for exploring Cornwall
To see the best bits and hidden treasures of Cornwall, you’ll need a car. When you hire a car on Turo, you can choose from thousands of makes and models and find a car in a location that suits you.
Considering this is a holiday, splashing out on something large and comfy, like an SUV, may be tempting. But remember: some of the most rewarding sections of Cornwall are along B-roads and single-track lanes that can be hilly, narrow, and winding. You may even find yourself reversing back along tight stretches to allow for oncoming drivers.
With this in mind, you may be glad of a petite luxury car (with some great reverse sensors!) – perhaps a plush Porsche 911 or a Tesla Model 3 or even a nimble and adventure-ready Jeep.
A coastal route around Cornwall
The South West 660 is a route that clings to the coastlines of the West Country, linking scenic B-roads on an epic journey that takes you away from the A30, the main road in and out of Cornwall. Practically speaking, you’ll probably want to use the A30 to get you into Cornwall and then choose sections of the SW660 to explore the county.
Our suggested Cornwall itinerary takes you on an anti-clockwise coastal route from Bude on the north coast to Fowey on the south, looping all the way around Land’s End. Plan to spend at least a day or two exploring each section, and you’ve got an awesome road trip ahead.
Bude to Padstow
Begin on the Atlantic Highway (a fancier name for the plain old A39) that leads into the northeast corner of Cornwall from Devon. Explore the beaches around Bude, including the two-mile-long Widemouth Bay, and call in at the dramatic clifftop Tintagel Castle, occupied since Roman times and said to be the birthplace of King Arthur.
Further along the route, give a little of your time to the beautifully tiny town of Port Isaac (perhaps treating yourself to dinner at Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen) before reaching the port of Padstow, a renowned foodie hotspot of Cornwall and an idyllic place for an early evening stroll.
Where to stay
Padstow to St Ives
The north coast of Mid-Cornwall is a trendy place coveted by visitors for its luxury hotels, surf-style living, and epic beaches. From Padstow, the B3276 winds along the north shoreline, with small roads offshooting to spectacular vantage points, including the seascape at St Agnes.
Call at Bedruthan Steps between Newquay and Padstow to admire a wild stretch of coast and a series of sandy coves guarded by rock stacks and jagged outcrops, best viewed from the National Trust’s cliff-top path.
The last stop on this leg is the oh-so-pretty St Ives, with its bobbing boats and little cottages set around the harbour. Deliberate between excellent restaurants with water views for a fitting end to a perfect day on the road.
Where to stay
St Ives to Penzance
Head away from St Ives on the B3306, bound for surfer’s haven, Sennen Cove, which sits almost at the end of Cornwall. This twisting route has incredible sea views, and you can detour down lanes to discover gems like the Cape Cornwall headland and tucked-away Portheras Cove.
From Sennen Cove, continue your route south to the incredible Minack, an open-air theatre carved into cliffs with Atlantic Ocean views that’ll make you forget you’re still in the UK.
Finish this leg with a visit to the pretty town of Mousehole or St Michael’s Mount, a tidal island in Penzance, which you can access by a cobbled causeway at low tide.
Where to stay
Penzance to Falmouth
From Penzance, make your way to Falmouth, one of Cornwall’s finest and most vibrant towns with a proud maritime history. There’s plenty to do, including Pendennis Castle, the National Maritime Museum, and scenic boat cruises.
Before you reach Falmouth, take a detour to Lizard Point, the most southerly point of Cornwall and a wonderful place for a brisk walk and see white beaches lapped by a glittering turquoise sea.
Where to stay
Falmouth to Fowey
From Falmouth, take your car on the five-minute King Harry Ferry across the Fal River to St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula. Exploring here makes for the ultimate Cornish driving experience, where you’ll negotiate single lanes but are rewarded with scenic views.
Visit creekside St Just in Roseland, then detour to St. Anthony’s Head at the tip of the peninsula for views across the Fal estuary. On your way to Mevagissey, stop at Caerhays Castle, hidden behind the beach or the excellent and intriguing Lost Gardens of Heligan, before reaching Fowey, a quaint harbour town with parades of Edwardian and Victorian homes.
Where to stay
Ready to plan?
When you’re ready to escape to Cornwall, browse cars at your ideal pick-up point near your home. Many hosts also offer to deliver their car to you, so all you need to do is load your luggage and set off on a memorable Cornwall road trip.
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