South Cornwall Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the stunning beauty of South Cornwall on this incredible 132mi road trip from Polperro to St Ives. The best time of year to take this journey is from June to August when temperatures are at their warmest, allowing you to make the most of the incredible beaches and landscapes along the way.
Your journey begins in Polperro, a picturesque fishing village with a picturesque harbour and quaint cobbled streets. Drive along the coast to Charlestown, a charming port village with a well preserved Georgian harbour. Then explore St Mawes, an unspoiled village with a beautiful castle and stunning views of the Fal Estuary.
Continue your journey to Lizard, the most southerly point of the UK, where you can explore the cliffs and coves, or visit the Lizard Lighthouse. Next, stop in Mousehole, a traditional fishing village and home to the famous Christmas lights. Then visit Porthcurno, a small village and home to the world-famous Minack Theatre. Finally, make your way to Pendeen and marvel at the incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean before arriving in St Ives.
The route is mainly good roads, with some curvy and narrow roads in places. But the incredible views and memories you will make along the way make this trip well worth the effort. This road trip is suitable for all drivers, although it may be best suited to those with a higher budget. Experience the best of South Cornwall on this unforgettable journey.
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number of days
213 km
route length
high
budget
family
good for
on the left
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Polperro
Distance 213 km
Driving time 8.7 h
Pace: slow
48.9 kWh
Airports
EXT
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NQY
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Polperro is a quaint fishing village situated in the stunning Cornwall county of England. It is the perfect starting point for the South Cornwall Coast Road Trip. The village's picturesque streets, quaint harbor, and stunning coastal views provide an idyllic backdrop for travelers.
Those looking to explore the village can visit the 13th century harbour, the winding streets of the old town, the Heritage Museum and the many shops, galleries and restaurants. Alternatively, visitors can take a trip to the nearby harbour of Looe, a stunning area of golden sands, rock pools and caves.
For those travelling to Polperro by air, the closest international airport is Newquay Cornwall Airport (NQY), which is just a 40-minute drive away. There are car rental services available at the airport, making it easy to get to Polperro and begin your road trip.
Polperro is a beautiful village, full of charm and history. Whether you are looking for a relaxing break or an exciting adventure, it is an ideal starting point for your South Cornwall Coast Road Trip.
1
Polperro
- Charlestown
Distance 26 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: slow
6.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Get ready for an amazing road trip starting in Polperro, England! This 16 mile drive will take you less than 2 hours and will take you through some of the most interesting places in the area. Fowey, with its charming streets and unique shops, is an absolute must-see. Then, you'll be heading to Charlestown, with its stunning harbor and incredible views of the sea. Along the way, be sure to keep an eye out for historical sites and scenic roads. In some sections the road is quite narrow, so be sure to drive carefully. Once you reach Charlestown, you'll be rewarded with a stunning view of the harbor and plenty of things to do. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary section of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Charlestown - England - Europe - Road Trip - Needpix.com
Charlestown - England - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Charlestown
- St Mawes
Distance 55 km
Driving time 3.2 h
Pace: slow
12.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip starting in Charlestown, England, and ending in St Mawes? This journey of 34 miles will take you less than 4 hours to complete, taking you through some of the most beautiful and historical sites in England.
You will start your journey in Charlestown, a small fishing village with a strong maritime heritage. From here, you will travel through picturesque countryside and villages, until you reach the ferry crossing at St Mawes.
Along the way, you will be able to take in some of the most stunning views in the country, and you should keep an eye out for some of the historical sites, such as the ancient Tresillian Bridge. In sections, the road will be narrow, so take extra care when driving.
At the end of your journey, you will arrive in St Mawes, a small coastal town with a rich and varied history. Here you can explore the many shops and cafes, or take a boat trip around the harbour to take in the stunning scenery.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, you can find more details in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start your journey!
St Mawes - England - Europe - Road Trip - www.geograph.org.uk
St Mawes - England - Europe - Road Trip - www.geograph.org.uk
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3
St Mawes
- Lizard
Distance 34 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: slow
7.9 kWh
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Welcome to the amazing road trip stage between St Mawes and Lizard! This 21mi journey, taking less than 2 hours to complete, is one of the most beautiful and scenic routes in England. You will be crossing the sea by ferry, and on the way you will experience winding roads, narrow sections and breathtaking views. Make sure to keep your eyes open and to enjoy the scenery!
As you start in St Mawes, you will be able to visit the beautiful St Mawes Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in the area. When you arrive in Lizard, take the time to explore the beautiful Lizard Point, the most southerly point of mainland Britain.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the journey!
Lizard - England - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Lizard
- Mousehole
Distance 47 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: slow
10.9 kWh
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Are you ready for a road trip from Lizard to Penzance, and then to Mousehole? This route is only 29 miles long and will take you less than 2 hours to complete. As you drive, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for historical sites and scenic views. The road is very winding in some sections, so please drive carefully. In other sections, the road is quite narrow, so keep your speed low and be aware of other drivers. On this part of your journey, you'll find a variety of interesting places to visit. In Lizard, don't miss the Lizard Lighthouse and the Lizard Point Heritage Coast. In Penzance, be sure to take a stroll along the Promenade and visit St. Michael's Mount. And in Mousehole, explore the harbor and visit the Mousehole Bird Gardens. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great trip!
Mousehole - England - Europe - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
Mousehole - England - Europe - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
Mousehole - England - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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5
Mousehole
- Porthcurno
Distance 14 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: slow
3.1 kWh
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Embark on an 8mi road trip from Mousehole, England to Porthcurno, and discover some of the most beautiful places in the area. Driving time is estimated to be less than an hour, and the route takes you through some winding roads, so take your time and enjoy the scenery. On your way, be sure to check out the picturesque Mousehole Harbour, a peaceful spot to take in the views of the ocean. Then, make your way to Porthcurno Beach, a stunning beach surrounded by lush greenery. Here you can take a stroll along the shore and admire the unique rock formations. Finally, take a break in the tranquil village of Porthcurno, where you can find a few quaint cafes and shops. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Porthcurno - England - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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6
Porthcurno
- Pendeen
Distance 19 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: slow
4.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Starting in Porthcurno, you will drive through Land's End and end up in Pendeen. The total distance is 12mi and the drive will take less than one hour. Along the route, you will find some of the most stunning views and landscapes in the area. You will be able to enjoy the beauty of the coast and the narrow roads in sections. Make sure to pay attention to the scenic roads and take in the breathtaking views. With the right company and a good playlist, this road trip will be truly unforgettable. Once you arrive in Pendeen, you will have plenty of time to explore the area. For more information on attractions, accommodation, restaurants and campsites, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for the best road trip you will ever take!
Pendeen - England - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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7
Pendeen
- St Ives
Distance 17 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: slow
3.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an amazing road trip from Pendeen to St Ives, a 10-mile journey that will take you less than an hour to complete. Along the way, you'll get to explore some of the most interesting places in this region of England. Start your adventure in Pendeen and visit the old village church, built in the 13th century. Then, you'll drive through some narrow sections of the road as you make your way to the nearby Geevor Tin Mine, a former tin mining site that is now open to visitors. As you continue your journey, take in the stunning views of the Cornish coast and the nearby Penwith Heritage Coast. Finally, you'll arrive in St Ives, where you can explore the old harbour and the Tate St Ives, an art gallery that showcases works from local and international artists. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
St Ives - England - Europe - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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St Ives
[detailsContainer]
For a truly remarkable road trip experience, the "South Cornwall Coast Road Trip" is the perfect choice. Starting from the iconic city of Plymouth, the journey will take you along the stunning coastline of South Cornwall, visiting some of the most beautiful beaches and villages in the region. The final destination of this journey is the iconic seaside town of St Ives.
The town of St Ives has a lot to offer to its visitors, from its beautiful beaches and cobbled streets to its vibrant art scene. The harbour is the perfect spot to explore the town, with many traditional fishing boats and galleries dotting the waterfront. Take a stroll along the harbour to the Tate St Ives, a modern art gallery located on the edge of the harbour. The gallery is home to a variety of works by local and international artists, and is a must-see for all art enthusiasts.
For a more tranquil activity, take a walk along Porthmeor Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall. This stunning golden beach is great for swimming, surfing, and watching the stunning sunsets.
The nearest international airport to St Ives is Exeter International Airport (EXT) which is located approximately 93 miles from the town centre.
The "South Cornwall Coast Road Trip" is the perfect way to explore this stunning part of the UK, and St Ives is the perfect ending point.
South Cornwall Coast Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Polperro
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End:
St Ives
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Distance:
213 km
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Stay:
4 days
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Getting there:
Exeter International Airport (EXT),
Newquay Cornwall Airport (NQY)
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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 a scenic 132-mile journey from Polperro to St Ives and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of South Cornwall. This coastal Road Trip is a feast for the senses, offering picturesque views of the rugged coastline, access to idyllic fishing villages, historic landmarks, and some of the UK's most breathtaking beaches.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Start at Polperro, a charming fishing village where you can wander through narrow cobbled streets and admire the historic fishermen's cottages.
- Visit Charlestown, an unspoiled example of a late Georgian working port, often used as a filming location for period dramas.
- Explore St Mawes, renowned for its well-preserved Henry VIII's coastal fortress, St Mawes Castle, and stunning views across the Fal Estuary.
- Discover Lizard Point, not only the most southerly point of the UK but also a haven for unique flora and fauna due to its geology and climate.
- Experience Mousehole, a village with a rich maritime history and famous for its delightful Christmas lights display over the winter season.
- Be sure to visit Porthcurno, where you can find the unique Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre perched on the cliffs with the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop.
- In Pendeen, appreciate the sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and learn about Cornwall's tin mining heritage at the nearby Geevor Tin Mine.
- Conclude your journey in St Ives, a hub for artists and beach-lovers alike, home to the Tate St Ives museum and several golden sandy beaches.
Best Time to Go:
June to August is the prime time for this Road Trip, with warm weather that's perfect for beach activities, coastal walks, and visiting the various outdoor attractions.
Potential Risks:
While the route is mostly on good Roads, some stretches can be narrow and winding, requiring careful driving. Coastal weather can be changeable, so it's wise to check the forecast and be prepared.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The narrow Roads of Cornwall, such as those around Polperro, can be hundreds of years old and were originally built for horses and carts, hence their size.
- The economy of Cornwall is bolstered by its status as a popular tourist destination, with tourism generating over a quarter of the GDP.
- The region has a rich Celtic heritage, with its language, Cornish, recently undergoing a revival after being classified as extinct in the 19th century.
A good choice for:
A Road Trip from Polperro to St Ives is not just a journey through landscapes but a passage through time, culture, and natural splendor. With thoughtful planning, this coastal adventure can provide lifelong memories and a deep appreciation for South Cornwall's unique combination of history, culture, and wild beauty.
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