Cornwall Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the best of the English countryside and coastline with the Cornwall Coast Road Trip! This 5 day journey takes you from Barnstaple to Penzance, a 179 mile stretch that provides stunning views of the ocean and countryside. Along the way, you will visit the towns of Bude, Padstow, Newquay, St Ives, Land's End, and Porthcurno.
You will be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches, lush countryside, and quaint villages that make up this part of the country. The best time to go on this road trip is in the summer months, when the weather is at its best. The roads are generally in good condition, however some of the roads along the route can be narrow, so take care when driving.
The Cornwall Coast Road Trip is the perfect way to experience the best of the English countryside and coastline. With its stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, and quaint villages, this road trip is sure to provide a high level of experience and memories. It is suitable for any driver and can be managed with any budget. So, get ready to explore the best of Cornwall with the Cornwall Coast Road Trip!
5
number of days
288 km
route length
high
budget
family
good for
on the left
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Barnstaple
Distance 288 km
Driving time 6.8 h
Pace: slow
66.3 kWh
Airports
CWL
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EXT
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Barnstaple is a delightful market town situated on the River Taw in North Devon, England, and is the ideal starting point to the Cornwall Coast Road Trip. Located on the edge of Exmoor National Park and close to the coast, there is plenty to explore in the area.
Start your trip with a visit to the Pannier Market, where you can find a variety of traditional and artisan products, or explore the medieval streets for a taste of local history. Visit Butchers Row, which is home to a variety of independent shops and cafes, as well as the iconic Barnstaple Town Hall.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, take a stroll along the riverbank or along the Tarka Trail. For those who prefer to stay in town, the Queen’s Theatre provides a variety of entertainment.
The closest international airport to Barnstaple is Exeter International Airport (EXT). There are a variety of car rental companies at the airport, so visitors can easily pick up a car and begin their Cornwall Coast Road Trip.
Barnstaple is the perfect starting point for a road trip along the Cornwall Coast. With plenty of history, culture, and outdoor activities, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience.
1
Barnstaple
- Bude
Distance 69 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: modest
18.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Barnstaple to Bude? This 43-mile journey will take you less than two hours to complete, but you will be in for a treat! With narrow sections of the road and stunning scenery, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of this route. Be sure to pay attention as you drive and take in all the sights.
You will start your journey in Barnstaple, a historic market town with a lot to offer. Here, you can explore the Pannier Market, the Queen's Theatre, and the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon. As you continue your journey, you will come across some of the most breathtaking views of the North Devon coast.
Your final destination is Bude, a seaside resort town with a beautiful beach, great surfing, and plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Here, you can go on a boat tour, explore the Bude Sea Pool and Castle, or visit the Bude Canal.
You will be sure to enjoy this amazing road trip from Barnstaple to Bude and all the sights in between. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the itinerary for this stage.
Bude - England - Europe - Road Trip - Wikipedia
Bude - England - Europe - Road Trip - Flickr
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2
Bude
- Padstow
Distance 78 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: modest
20.2 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Bude to Padstow? This route is only 48 miles and should take you no longer than two hours, so you can make the most of your journey along the coast of Cornwall. You will pass through some of the most beautiful and historical sites in the area, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery. Sections of the road may be narrow, so please drive with caution. On your journey, you can stop in Bude to explore the beach, or in Boscastle to explore the harbor. You can also make a stop in Tintagel to explore the ruins of the castle, or in Port Isaac to explore the fishing village. Finally, you can end your journey in Padstow to explore the harbor and the local shops. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please see the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Padstow - England - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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3
Padstow
- Newquay
Distance 25 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: slow
5.7 kWh
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Welcome to the Padstow-Newquay stage of your road trip! This 15mi drive will take you less than an hour, and you'll get to enjoy the scenic road that connects these two charming towns. As you drive, pay attention to the sections of the road that are a bit narrower and take extra care. You will get to explore the amazing attractions in Padstow, such as the historic harbor, the Padstow Museum, and the picturesque Camel Trail. And in Newquay, you'll be able to visit the spectacular beaches, the Newquay Zoo, and the Blue Reef Aquarium. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Newquay - England - Europe - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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4
Newquay
- St Ives
Distance 59 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: modest
15.2 kWh
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Welcome to the Newquay to St Ives road trip! This scenic drive will take you less than two hours along the 36 miles of winding roads, taking in some of the most beautiful views and historical sites in England. As you drive, be sure to keep an eye out for the narrow sections of road, as well as the stunning coastal views.
Your first stop is Newquay, home to the world-famous Fistral Beach and the iconic Towan Beach. Here you can enjoy the stunning views, take a refreshing dip in the ocean, or even try your hand at surfing.
Next, take the road to St Ives, a charming fishing town with a rich history. Here you can explore the narrow cobbled streets, visit the Tate St Ives art gallery, and take a stroll along the picturesque harbour.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the 'Itinerary' of this stage.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your car ready and hit the road!
St Ives - England - Europe - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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5
St Ives
- Land's End
Distance 35 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: slow
8.0 kWh
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from St Ives to Land's End? This route is only 22 miles long and takes less than an hour to drive. Get ready to be mesmerized by the stunning scenery of the Cornish countryside, with narrow sections of the road that will make you feel like you're in an adventure movie. Keep an eye out for some of the picturesque places that you'll pass along the way, like the beautiful St Ives Bay and the breathtaking views of the ocean from Land's End. Don't forget to take a break and explore the local attractions, such as the iconic St Ives Harbour and the historic Land's End Lighthouse. As you travel, you'll find plenty of restaurants, accommodation and camping spots to make your journey even more enjoyable. For more information on attractions, accommodation and recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Let's hit the road!
Land's End - England - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Land's End
- Porthcurno
Distance 6 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: slow
1.4 kWh
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Embark on a 4mi road trip from Land's End to Porthcurno, a journey that will take you less than an hour. Admire the stunning scenery as you drive through narrow sections of the road, with beautiful views of the countryside. You can even spot the iconic St Michael's Mount while on the road. Make sure to take a few pictures of the wildflowers and the rolling hills, as the view is breathtaking. Once you arrive in Porthcurno, you can visit the Minack Theatre, a unique open-air theatre built on a cliff. The theatre has been used for performances since the 1930s and is a must-see. There's also the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum, which is a great place to learn about the history of communication. Be sure to check out the beach too, where you can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Porthcurno - England - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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7
Porthcurno
- Penzance
Distance 17 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: slow
3.9 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Porthcurno to Penzance! This 11-mile journey will take you less than an hour to complete, but you'll want to take your time to appreciate the stunning scenery and historical sites along the way. The road is mostly narrow, so keep your eyes peeled for cyclists and pedestrians. You'll pass by some of the most beautiful beaches in the area, as well as some of the oldest archaeological sites in the region. Don't forget to stop at the Minack Theatre, a unique open-air theatre carved into the cliffs. Once you arrive in Penzance, you'll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and pubs to explore. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Penzance - England - Europe - Road Trip - www.needpix.com
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Penzance
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Penzance is a stunning seaside town located in the far south-west corner of England, and is the perfect ending point for a road trip along the Cornwall Coast. Its incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, along with its unique shops, restaurants, and culture make it a great destination for holidaymakers.
For those traveling by car, the town is easy to reach with the A30 road running right through it. Once here, there is plenty to do. The iconic St. Michael's Mount is a must-see, with its ancient castle and incredible views. Also, the Penlee House Gallery and Museum is a great spot to learn all about the history of the town and the surrounding area.
The town also has plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy, plus many unique shops with local arts and crafts. And for those looking for some beach time, there are several beautiful sandy beaches to choose from.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Newquay Cornwall Airport (NQY), which is about an hour drive from Penzance.
At the end of the Cornwall Coast Road Trip, Penzance is the perfect place to enjoy a few days of relaxation and exploration. With its incredible views, unique shops, and plenty of activities, it's sure to be a memorable holiday experience.
Penzance - England - Europe - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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Cornwall Coast Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Barnstaple
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End:
Penzance
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Distance:
288 km
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Stay:
5 days
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Getting there:
Cardiff International Airport (CWL),
Exeter International Airport (EXT)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the captivating Cornwall Coast Road Trip, an immersive journey spanning 179 miles from the historic market town of Barnstaple to the cultural hub of Penzance. This enchanting route takes you through a tapestry of lush English countryside and along the rugged coastline, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences over 5 memorable days.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Barnstaple: Begin your adventure in this ancient town, which boasts a rich history dating back to the 9th century and hosts a traditional pannier market.
- Bude: Discover the charm of this small seaside resort with its sandy beaches, including Summerleaze Beach, and the unique, partially man-made Bude Sea Pool, which provides a safe swimming environment.
- Padstow: A gastronomic haven, Padstow is not only the launch point for the scenic Camel Trail but also the home of renowned chef Rick Stein's seafood restaurant.
- Newquay: This town is synonymous with surf culture and offers some of the UK's best surfing spots. Don't miss the chance to catch a wave at the iconic Fistral Beach or explore the vibrant nightlife.
- St Ives: A haven for art enthusiasts, this town is dotted with galleries, including the famous Tate St Ives. Wander its cobbled lanes and bask in the creative atmosphere.
- Land's End: Experience the awe-inspiring vistas from the most westerly point of mainland England and spot the Longships Lighthouse perched on rocks offshore.
- Porthcurno: Visit the open-air Minack Theatre, dramatically carved into the granite cliffs, and enjoy the serene beach with its clear, turquoise waters perfect for a refreshing dip.
Best Time to Go:
Experience the Cornwall Coast at its finest during the summer months when the weather is most conducive to soaking up the sun on pristine beaches and exploring coastal paths.
Potential Risks:
- Be prepared for the challenge of navigating narrow and winding Roads that characterize much of the region, demanding attentive driving.
- Expect increased traffic during the peak summer season, which could lead to delays, especially in tourist hotspots.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The route is accessible to drivers of all skill levels and offers accommodations ranging from camping sites to luxury hotels to fit any traveler's budget.
- Delve into Cornwall's storied past by visiting heritage sites like Tintagel Castle, believed to be the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur, and the ancient St. Michael's Mount.
- Savour authentic Cornish cuisine, from the famous Cornish pasty to freshly caught seafood, and indulge in Cornish cream teas as a sweet treat.
A good choice for:
The Cornwall Coast Road Trip is an exceptional voyage through the heart of Cornwall's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It promises an unforgettable escapade for Roadtrippers who are drawn to the scenic splendor, artistic legacy, and intrinsic allure of Cornwall's coastal life.
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