Main roads and motorways in Cornwall

• The A30 connects the south-western tip of Cornwall – Land’s End – with popular destinations such as Penzance and Redruth. It runs north-east to Launceston and on to Exeter in Devon.
• The A38 is the other main road in this motorway-free county. It too leads from Exeter and takes a more southern route through Plymouth and Liskeard before ending in Bodmin.
• The A39 is known as the Atlantic Highway – a winding and highly scenic route that runs along the north coast of Cornwall.

How to get to the Eden Project

The magnificent biomes of the Eden Project (Bodelva, PL24 2SG) are on the south coast, close to St. Austell and Fowey.

• From Truro – follow the A390 north-east, before taking a left onto Luxulyan Road and continuing on to Bodelva Road. The journey takes about 35 minutes.
• From Newquay – there are several routes for the 35-minute drive from Newquay to the Eden Project, but this is perhaps the simplest. Leave Newquay on the A3058 and join the A3059 heading east, then south-east. Take the 3^rd exit at Trexenning roundabout for the B3274, then the A391 which takes you the rest of the way.

How to get to St. Michael’s Mount

St. Michael’s Mount (Marazion, TR17 0HS) is an imposing island and a stunning sight – topped with an abbey and connected to the mainland via a narrow causeway.

• From Truro – head west on the A390 before joining the A30 south-east. At the Newtown roundabout, take the 2^nd exit onto Newtown Lane, then bear left along the coast.
• From Newquay – drive along the A3075 out of Newquay before joining the A30.

When to go to Cornwall

Cornwall is a popular destination all year round, but if you want to see the county at its quietest, you might want to visit outside of the peak summer season. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are just as pretty here, but with more space on the roads and beaches. Of course, if basking in the sun is the whole reason you want to visit Cornwall, you’ll want to plan your visit in June, July or August.

Where to hire a car in Cornwall

• Truro – handsome buildings, thriving markets, a soaring cathedral and neo-Palladian estates are just some of the many delights of Cornwall’s only city.
• Newquay – while the town has a buzzing night life, the nearby coast is more sedate, with trendy indie hotels and the sweetest of views.
• Plymouth – across the county border in Devon, this regenerated town has fabulous restaurants and Britain’s biggest aquarium.

Best things to see and do in Cornwall

Eden Project

Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG

Carved out of an old clay pit, the Eden Project has rapidly become one of UK’s most innovative attractions. Its series of biomes – vast greenhouses – provide a compelling setting for learning about plants, conservation, and how precious many habitats are. There’s also much fun to be had – with ice rinks, entertainment and a very long zip wire.

Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay, Cornwall, TR8 4AA

Close to Newquay, this is perhaps the premier beach on the north coast. There are two miles of soft sand to explore here, while surfers can head out to catch the waves. Hungry? Check out the many superb restaurants dotted along the bay.

Bodmin Moor

Bodmin Moor

A sprawling Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bodmin Moor is granite moorland punctuated with heather and intriguing stone formations. It has attracted visitors and walkers for decades. Here you’ll find towering peaks and Bronze Age hut circles, rare wildlife and plants, standing stones, and the stuff of Arthurian legend.

Best places to stay in Cornwall

The Lake

Maidenwel, Cardinham, PL30 4DW.

Looking for a unique stay with plenty of solitude? The Lake is a converted container ideal for couples seeking seclusion. The Lake itself is a flooded clay quarry where you can go rowing when you’re not relaxing in the splendour of the surroundings. There’s a wood-burning stove for cooler nights and misty views of local wildlife – perfect in all seasons.

Watergate Bay Hotel

Watergate Bay, Cornwall, TR8 4AA

Positioned right next to the bay, this is a very family-friendly hotel that blends seamlessly into its surroundings. The ethos here is for guests to make the most of the beach and sea. Take it easy at one of the numerous excellent restaurants, or join the Extreme Academy for kitesurfing, paddle boarding and more. If it’s out of season and the ocean looks too cold, head to the hotel pool instead.

Nancarrow Farm

Zelah, Truro, TR4 9DQ

If you’re looking to escape urban life, there are few better places than Nancarrow Farm. Converted barns and even a one-time chicken shed are now luxury rooms full of upcycled furniture and surrounded by acres of meadows and farmland in a blissful rural escape. Feast events showcase the farm’s own organic produce and local suppliers – so you’ll really feel part of the community.