Cornwall is Britain’s most romantic county. The combination of beautiful coastline, pretty villages and cosy places to eat makes Cornwall the perfect place for a romantic break. Here are a few of the romantic things you can do in Cornwall.
Watch the sun set over the sea
There are plenty of romantic places to watch the sun set in Cornwall. Anywhere along the St Ives coast is good, or head inland slightly to Knill’s Monument or Trencrom Hill for a sweeping sunset view.
The beaches at Holywell Bay, Bedruthan Steps and Fistrall are all beautiful sunset spots (and you enjoy a romantic walk along the shore, too. For a uniquely Cornish atmosphere, go to Chapel Porth in St Agnes, where the old engine house of Wheal Coates is silhouetted dramatically against the sky.
Make a wish at St Michael’s Mount
There’s something inherently romantic about a medieval castle atop a tidal island, and the Mount is the backdrop to many proposals. Take the boat or walk the causeway onto the island (charges apply: see the St Michael’s Mount website), and look out for the heart-shaped cobble on the castle path.
Once you reach the summit, find the highest piece of the island’s bedrock (clue: it’s by the chapel entrance). Place your hands hare, and make a wish…
Be Ross and Demelza on the cliffs
We all fell in love with Ross and Demelza Poldark as they gazed at each other across a windswept cliff path. Thanks to 290 miles of coastal path in Cornwall, it’s easy to recreate these romantic scenes.
Head out for the day for a long walk along the cliffs together. Pack a picnic, and find a beautiful spot to sit and watch the waves together. We don’t recommend the full Poldark cosplay experience, as those long skirts are a nightmare on the paths…
Enjoy a romantic meal
Cornwall has a wealth of wonderful restaurants, and you’ll have a great choice of places to share a romantic meal together. Whether you want a sunny, seaside lunch or a candlelit dinner, you’ll find the perfect romantic restaurant in Cornwall.
Padstow, St Ives and Porrthleven all have reputations as foodie towns, but check out the smaller places for hidden gems. Truro and Falmouth have a fantastic array of restaurants, bars and gastropubs. Of course, the classic romantic Cornish meal involves an ocean backdrop. Luckily, with so much coastline, this is pretty easy to achieve!
Take to the water
Whether it’s a boat tour around the bay or a kayak for two, taking to the water together is a lovely way to spend a romantic day together. Try a real bonding experience by booking a coasteering trip or SUP lesson together, or stick to something more leisurely with a cruise along the Fal.
You don’t have to be on a boat, of course. You can simply enjoy a sea swim together followed by a warming hot chocolate in a waterside cafe. For a really romantic aquatic experience, book a session in the outdoor thermal spa pool in the Jubilee Pool in Penzance. Follow with a drink on their cafe terrace, overlooking Mount’s Bay.
Find a cosy pub
Wet and windy weather can be just as romantic as a sunny beach day (and many people think the onslaught of the elements is actually more romantic than a still day!).Go for a windswept walk along the beach, then warm up in one of Cornwall’s cosy old inns.
Wherever you go in Cornwall, you’ll find a traditional village pub. Look out for open fires and hearty menus, ideally with a view out over the stormy sea. Bonus cosy points if the pub has a friendly dog or cat and a shelf full of books to borrow.
Go on a couples’ spa day
Spend the day relaxing together in a luxurious spa. Our own spa at The Cornwall offers a range of spa breaks and days that are suitable for couples, including special packages that combine treatments with afternoon tea or a meal in our restaurant. It’s a wonderful way to spend some time together.
Look for a hidden glen
Escape the crowds and find one of Cornwall’s hidden gems. St Nectan’s Glen near Tintagel is an incredibly romantic spot, with its beautiful waterfall, ivy-covered trees and faerie legends… Cornwall’s woods are often quieter than their beaches, so enjoy a romantic walk at Cardinham, Tehidy or Lanhydrock.
If you want to stay close to the coast, head west where there are lots of little coves to explore. Head down to Prussia Cove near Marazion for superb swimming and snorkelling (many are out off by the track…). For an inland dip, there’s a plunge pool at Golitha Falls. (Please follow safety guidelines for any wild swimming).
Have a night time picnic on the beach
Sometimes at night, all you can see on the shore is the glow of a dozen, evenly spaced little fires. Walk down to the beach after dark, with a rug and a picnic, and plenty of warm clothes. Curl up in the sand and listen to the sound of the waves.
Some beaches allow barbecues and others don’t, so always check first (nothing kills romance like being slung off the beach…) and check the ideal times to avoid sudden mad scrambles. Some romantic evenings need a lot of background planning!
See a show at the Minack
Snuggle up together under a blanket and enjoy a production at Cornwall’s (well, we think the world’s, actually) most romantic theatre. The Minack Theatre is hewn into the granite cliffs above Porthcurno in the west. The sea views are incredible, and dolphins are known to give their own alternative show behind the stage.
Pack cushions (there’s nothing romantic about sitting on stone or grass), a cosy blanket and a picnic. If you don’t bring food and drink, you will soon find yourself regretting it, as everyone else will have!
Enjoy the romance of steam
Take a two-hour trip through stunning scenery on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway. There’s nothing quite like a leisurely ride on a heritage locomotive, watching the world pass by as you gently chug along.
Look out for pullman dining opportunities in Devon and Cornwall for real old-school luxury. Or, travel down here on the famous Night Riviera sleeper train that runs between Paddington and Penzance. Now that is a romantic way to arrive in Cornwall.
As we said: Cornwallis definitely the most romantic place for a couples’ break in the UK. Make it extra special by booking a room or a suite here at The Cornwall.