Cornwall, located in the southwest point of England, is a county with it all. It is famous for its wild countryside, stunning beaches, picturesque coastal towns, and fantastic cuisine. But Cornwall also offers vibrant culture, a rich history, modern amenities, and plenty of outstanding places to live.
Whether you’re looking for city living, a countryside retreat, or something in between, Cornwall offers a superb quality of life. But what’s it like to live in Cornwall? Read on and we’ll tell you the key points of what you need to know about living in Cornwall, including where to live, what to do, and how to get around.
WHERE TO LIVE IN CORNWALL?
Cornwall boasts an abundance of charming towns and villages, each with its own distinct character, plus its capital city of Truro. Whilst there are plenty of great places to live in Cornwall, these are some of our top picks that demonstrate the variety on offer:
TRURO
Cornwall's capital and only city offers the best of city living, historic charm, brilliant shopping and dining as well as plenty of cultural events. It’s also ideally placed to visit both the north and south Cornish coasts.
FALMOUTH
A vibrant town with stunning beaches, a bustling harbor, and a thriving arts scene. Falmouth offers excellent bars and restaurants and plenty to do, but all within easy walking distance.
ST. IVES
A stunning town famous for its artistic community. With its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, St. Ives offers a beautiful coastal lifestyle with plenty of quaint cafes, restaurants, and local shops.
NEWQUAY
A haven for surfers, Newquay has a more energetic atmosphere. With broad sand beaches, busy nightlife, and adventure sports, Newquay is ideal for those seeking an active lifestyle with plenty to experience.
ST AUSTELL
St Austell is a historic market town with a great selection of restaurants, shops, schools, plus some stunning local beaches and coastal scenery.
PADSTOW
A quaint fishing village, Padstow is renowned for its culinary scene, including top-notch seafood restaurants. It's perfect for those who appreciate a quieter pace and fine dining.
However, this is just a small taste of what Cornwall has to offer. You’ll find many wonderful places to live in Cornwall, all within easy travelling distance of each other. Our Wain Homes developments in Cornwall include Trevemper and Nansledan in Newquay, Higher Trewhiddle in St Austell, and Charter Walk in thriving Liskeard.
WHAT TO DO IN CORNWALL?
Cornwall is a county with a lot to offer. As well as great schools, shopping, and all the amenities you need to live a comfortable life, Cornwall is the perfect location to enjoy:
BEACHES
With a coastline that stretches over 422 miles, the county is a paradise for beach lovers. There’s surfing in Newquay and Porthcurno Beach's white sand shores. And with over 400 beaches to choose from, there’s a beach for everyone in Cornwall.
HISTORICAL SITES
Immerse yourself in Cornwall’s history with visits to Tintagel Castle (legendary birthplace of King Arthur), Truro Cathedral, or explore the magnificent castle and gardens of St. Michael's Mount.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Cornwall is the ideal county for enjoying the best of the outdoors. Enjoy scenic hikes and biking through wild countryside or along coastal paths, explore Bodmin Moor and The Lizard, and try your hand at kayaking, diving, or surfing.
CULTURAL EVENTS
Cornwall hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, celebrating art, music, and local culture. The St. Ives September Festival, Falmouth Week, and the Boardmasters Festival in Newquay are notable highlights. Attending a performance at the spectacular Minack Theatre (an open-air amphitheater by the sea) is an absolute must too.
GARDENS AND PARKS
Visit Cornwall’s striking Eden Project, a collection of giant biodomes housing diverse plant species from around the world. Or wander through the Lost Gardens of Heligan, a beautifully restored set of gardens unlike any other you’ll have ever visited.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN CORNWALL?
Cornwall's culinary scene offers an eclectic mix of fresh seafood, traditional dishes, tastes from abroad, and gourmet cuisine. You’ll discover restaurants, cafes, pubs, and bars in every Cornish port of call, but the highlights of Cornish cuisine include:
Seafood: You can indulge in freshly caught seafood throughout Cornwall, but especially at a host of world famous restaurants, like Rick Stein's in Padstow or the Porthminster Beach Café in St. Ives.
Cornish delicacies: Enjoy famous local Cornish dishes like Cornish pasties, scones with jam and cream as part of a Cornish cream tea, and delicious Cornish ice cream. You’ll find these on sale at every Cornish resort.
Local produce: Cornwall has an abundance of farmers' markets, town markets, and artisanal shops selling locally produced fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meats, and more.
Cider and ale: You’ll be able to sample Cornwall's wide range of ciders and ales at pubs throughout the county. Cornwall has a thriving craft beer and cider scene, with local breweries offering unique and flavorful tipples.
GETTING AROUND CORNWALL
One of the top benefits of living in Cornwall is the ease of getting around the county. You’ve got a variety of transportation options to pick from with lots of public transport available. There are excellent bus and train networks throughout Cornwall, including some famously scenic train journeys like the St. Ives Bay Line. Cornwall is also a cyclist-friendly county, with miles and miles of designated cycle paths, routes, and trails.
Having a car is advantageous for exploring Cornwall's more remote areas and for getting around quickly. The A30 and A38 are major routes connecting the county, with main roads linking to Cornwall’s towns and destinations. You can easily go to St. Ives for lunch, pop in to Truro for some shopping, then head to the beach for the afternoon at Falmouth.
For more leisurely excursions, there are various ferry and boat lines operating between coastal locations, giving you wonderful coastline and sea views as you travel. It’s not uncommon to see seals, dolphins, and whales when you head through Cornish waters too.
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