Why This 4-Day Cornwall Itinerary is Your Perfect Escape
Four days is the perfect amount of time to discover the magic of Cornwall. This Cornwall 4-day itinerary is designed as a scenic road trip that showcases the region's breathtaking coastline, charming fishing villages, Celtic heritage, and world-class attractions.
This plan creates a logical loop through Cornwall's highlights, from the artistic haven of St Ives to the wild Penwith Peninsula and the mythical north coast. Our AI planner ensures a seamless journey with realistic driving times and unforgettable experiences.
Your Complete Cornwall 4-Day Itinerary
This travel guide provides a perfectly balanced road trip plan for your 4 days in Cornwall.
Day 1: Arrival in St Ives: Art & Beaches
Begin your Cornwall 4-day itinerary in the beautiful harbour town of St Ives. Famed for its artists' light, golden beaches, and cobbled streets, it's the perfect introduction to Cornwall's charm.
St Ives Harbour & Beaches
Golden Sands & Azure Waters
St Ives is blessed with several stunning beaches, including the sheltered Harbour Beach and the surfing hotspot of Porthmeor.
Why You Should Visit:
Wander the picturesque harbour, watch the fishing boats, and relax on the beautiful sands. The light and colours have inspired artists for generations.
All day
Walk
2-3 hours
How to Reach:
Park at the large St Ives Leisure Centre car park at the top of the town and take the shuttle bus down, as parking in the town is very difficult.
Insider Travel Tip:
Walk from Porthmeor Beach up to 'The Island' for a fantastic panoramic view of the town and its beaches.
Tate St Ives
Modern Art on the Coast
Overlooking Porthmeor Beach, this iconic gallery showcases the work of modern British artists with links to the St Ives area.
Why You Should Visit:
The gallery's architecture is as impressive as the art inside. It offers a fascinating insight into the St Ives School and its connection to the landscape.
10:00 AM - 5:20 PM
Walk
1.5 hours
How to Reach:
Located directly behind Porthmeor Beach.
Insider Travel Tip:
The top-floor café offers one of the best views of Porthmeor Beach – a great spot for a coffee.
Day 1 Dining: A Classic Cornish Pasty
You can't come to Cornwall without trying its most famous culinary export.
St Ives Bakery
Grab a traditional steak pasty and eat it on the harbour wall for an authentic experience.
Porthminster Beach Café
For a more upscale dinner, this award-winning restaurant offers incredible seafood right on the beach.
Day 2: The Wild Penwith Peninsula
Today is a dramatic road trip around the UK's most south-westerly peninsula, featuring epic cliffs, an open-air theatre, and a tidal island castle.
Land's End
The Westernmost Point of England
The legendary destination at the very tip of Cornwall. It's a place of dramatic cliffs and endless sea views.
Why You Should Visit:
It’s an iconic landmark, and the coastal walks around the area are spectacular. The feeling of standing at the 'end' of the country is quite special.
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Car (40-min drive)
1-2 hours
How to Reach:
Follow the A30 west from Penzance. Large car park on site (fee applies).
Insider Travel Tip:
Ignore the theme-park style attractions and take the coastal path south towards Pordenack Point for much more dramatic and natural scenery.
Minack Theatre
A Theatre Carved from the Cliffside
A unique open-air theatre perched on the cliffs high above the Atlantic ocean. It's a truly spectacular sight.
Why You Should Visit:
Even if you're not seeing a show, you can visit during the day to explore the theatre and its subtropical gardens. The view is unforgettable.
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Car (10-min drive)
1.5 hours
How to Reach:
A short drive from Land's End, near Porthcurno beach.
Insider Travel Tip:
You must book a timed entry ticket online in advance, even just for a daytime visit. Booking a show here is a truly magical experience.
St Michael's Mount
A Mythical Tidal Island
A historic castle and sub-tropical gardens perched on a rocky island, accessible by a cobbled causeway at low tide.
Why You Should Visit:
It's a fairy-tale location. Walking the causeway to the island and climbing to the castle feels like an adventure from another time.
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (check tide times)
Car (20-min drive)
3-4 hours
How to Reach:
Located in Marazion. Park in the town's car parks. At high tide, you can take a small ferry boat.
Insider Travel Tip:
Check the tide times online before you visit. Walking the causeway is a key part of the experience. The gardens are steep but beautiful.
Day 2 Dining: A Pub with a Sea View
After exploring the coast, enjoy a meal in a pub with stunning views.
The Gurnard's Head, near Zennor
A famous, bright yellow dining pub on a remote stretch of coast, known for its fantastic food.
The Godolphin, Marazion
Offers spectacular, direct views of St Michael's Mount from its restaurant and terrace.
Day 3: Myths, Legends & Foodie Havens
Drive to Cornwall's dramatic north coast to explore the birthplace of King Arthur and one of the UK's top foodie destinations.
Tintagel Castle
The Legendary Birthplace of King Arthur
A spectacular castle ruin set on a rugged, windswept headland, linked to the mainland by a dramatic footbridge.
Why You Should Visit:
The setting is breathtaking. It's a place of myth and history that fires the imagination, with incredible sea views from every angle.
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Car (1.5-hour drive)
3 hours
How to Reach:
Located on the North Cornwall coast. There is a large pay-and-display car park in the village.
Insider Travel Tip:
Book your timed ticket online in advance. The walk down to the castle and back up is very steep, so be prepared.
Padstow
Cornwall's Culinary Capital
A charming working fishing port made famous by celebrity chef Rick Stein. It's known for its fantastic seafood restaurants and pretty harbour.
Why You Should Visit:
It's a food lover's dream. Wander the harbour, browse the boutique shops, and enjoy some of the best fish and chips you'll ever taste.
All day
Car (30-min drive)
2-3 hours
How to Reach:
A short drive from Tintagel. Park in the large car parks on the edge of town and walk in.
Insider Travel Tip:
For world-class fish and chips without the restaurant price tag, go to Rick Stein's Fish & Chips on the South Quay.
Day 3 Dining: Padstow's Seafood Scene
You are in the foodie capital of Cornwall, so seafood is a must.
Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant
The famous restaurant that started it all. A special occasion meal, booking is essential months in advance.
Prawn on the Lawn
A smaller, highly-rated restaurant offering creative and delicious seafood dishes.
Day 4: The Eden Project & Departure
On the final day of your Cornwall 4-day itinerary, visit a world-famous eco-attraction before heading towards the main A30 road for your journey home.
Eden Project
A Global Garden in a Quarry
A spectacular global garden housed in huge biomes that nestle in a crater the size of 30 football pitches.
Why You Should Visit:
Walk through the world's largest indoor rainforest, explore the Mediterranean biome, and be inspired by the project's message of sustainability. It's a unique and educational experience.
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Car (30-min drive)
4-5 hours
How to Reach:
Located near St Austell and well-signposted from all major roads.
Insider Travel Tip:
Book tickets online to save money. Wear comfortable shoes as the site is very large and involves a lot of walking.
Day 4 Dining: A Final Cornish Cream Tea
Before leaving Cornwall, you must have a cream tea – the Cornish way (jam first, then cream!).
Eden Project Cafes
The cafes on site serve excellent lunches and cream teas using locally sourced ingredients.
Any traditional tearoom
Stop at any charming village tearoom you see on your drive back to enjoy this classic Cornish treat.