Cornwall: Surfing, Chough Birds & Standing Stones

red kites Gill Wild

Gill Wild

Cornwall is a small county in southwest England. Dotted with old cob houses, built using clay, sand, straw, and water. These earth-walled cottages keep cool in summer and cosy in winter. It has its own language, and just one city (Truro).

If walking in nature, always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe. For coastal areas, check tide times and warning flags, and read our post on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.

Cornwall’s warm climate is home to many tropical gardens. The Lost Gardens of Heligan near St Austell were rediscovered in 1990, after being lost to overgrowth since World War 1. It was even found that the names of gardeners had been etched into the walls, before they went off to serve.

Although dogs are allowed in some areas, they cannot use the Burma rope bridge nor other areas. And due to lack of shady areas for parking, they recommend avoiding these areas or not visiting with dogs.

Again, dogs are not allowed in some areas of the Eden Project (the biomes are too hot). Read updated information to know when to visit and what to visit, to avoid leaving dogs in cars. 

If planting your own tropical green spaces, read up on pet-friendly gardens and wildlife-friendly gardensIf planting trees, know of trees to avoid near horses (including yew, oak and sycamore). 

Tor to Shore is Cornwall’s project to protect the county’s amazing nature and wildlife, with volunteers helping to rewild local areas and promote sustainable farming around Helman Tor, Par River and St Austell Bay.

Local heathland habitats have declined by around 85% in just 150 years, so restoring them can help a range of local birds including cuckoos, yellowhammers, grasshopper warblers & stonechats. Along with helping local willow tits (one of England’s rarest birds) and the rare marsh fritillary butterfly.

Cornwall’s Ancient Standing Stones

Lanyon Quoit Gill Wild

Gill Wild

Lanyon Quoit is the most photographed of all the standing stones in Cornwall. However, it’s the least authentic, as the original collapsed in storm back in 1815, so it’s kind of a new version! It’s thought that too many people kept digging underneath to find treasure, that possibly never existed!

Cornish standing stones Gill Wild

Gill Wild

Cornish standing stones (menhirs) are megalithic marvels, each with their own stories to tell. Dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age, they vary in size from humble markers to towering monoliths.

Typically fashioned from granite or slate, you’ll often find them in groups, forming circles or avenues. Perhaps the local red kites flying above these ancient stones (mostly found in the southwest) are the only ones who know exactly why they were built?

Choughs: Cornwall’s ‘National’ Bird

Cornish bird Matt Johnson

Matt Johnson

Choughs are unique crows with red beaks and legs. Previously endangered, these birds are now thriving thanks to conservation efforts, and can also be found in Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Choughs use their long bills to eat beetle larvae and leatherjackets. They have a loud ‘chee-ow’ song, and are mostly found on cliff faces and rock ledges, but also nest in empty buildings.

Keep at least 50 metres away from coastal birds (if they fly away, this wastes energy that could be spent feeding).

Marine Creatures in Cornish Waters

seal and birds Ailsa Black

Ailsa Black

Cornwall faces the Atlantic Ocean, and saltwater shapes every strand of life here. Its protected bays and coves shelter seals and many other marine creatures, even dolphins and sometimes whales and harmless basking sharks.

Always keep at least 150 feet away from marine creatures (and at least 50 feet away from coastal birds). Also keep dogs away (mother seals give vicious bites, and often hide pups in sand dunes, where nesting birds also shelter).

St Ives, Cornwall (named after an Irish Princess)

St Ives by train Matt Johnson

Matt Johnson

St Ives has captured the hearts of locals, artists, and explorers for generations. Cobbled streets sit next to a coast that crashes into the Atlantic, offering ever-changing skies and a tidal mood that shapes the town’s rhythm. Views from the harbour invite you to slow down and let the salty air sink in.

Artists have long described St Ives’ special “painter’s light.” Soft, diffused, and clean, it bounces off the sea and off whitewashed walls, making colours shimmer. From the 1800s, painters settled here for the light and fresh inspiration, turning simple cottages into lively studios.

The Refill Shop of Ikigai is St Ives’ very own zero waste shop. The name translates as ‘a reason for being, a purpose, a meaningful life’. Just take along your clean containers, and fill up on daily essentials. The shop was founded after the pandemic by vegans, who wished to do something even more to help the planet.

Saint Ia rides a leaf

St Ives’ history brims with dramatic stories. Legend says the Irish princess Ia was planning to visit Cornwall from Ireland with other saints, but finding herself alone, she began to pray. Then noticed a small leaf on the water. She watched it grow bigger, so embarked upon it, and it carried her across the Irish sea to St Ives!

The Seaside Resorts of Cornwall

Mousehole harbour Cornwall Gill Wild

Gill Wild

There are many dog restrictions on local beaches (and they are not allowed in Mousehole harbour), though other areas are dog-friendly. 

  • Mousehole (“Mowzel”) is a charming village a few miles from Penzance, the narrow streets twist between centuries-old cottages. Nearby was home to Dolly Pentreath, Cornwall’s last native Cornish speaker. St Clement’s Isle is a tiny outcrop, where a hermit once lived.
  • Fowey sits on the banks of a deep river, with pastel cottages. Known for sailing, literary links, and peaceful charm.
  • Newquay is the top spot for sustainable surfing. Nearby Towan Island is a small rocky place connected to the mainland by a private narrow suspension bridge, with a single house perched on top!
  • Falmouth blends maritime history with modern style. The deep harbour once hosted tall ships, and now yachts bob beside boats. The area’s mild climate brings lush gardens and palm trees.
  • Padstow has cobbled streets leading to the harbour. The Camel Trail offers a scenic riverside cycle to Wadebridge. Nearby, sheltered beaches and wild headlands make for scenic walks.
  • Looe is an ancient port town with a sandy beach, split it two by an old stone bridge (West Looe is more peaceful). Nearby Looe Island has rare plants and nesting seabirds, run by Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
  • Perranporth offers three miles of sandy beach, with rock arches and caves to explore. Nearby dunes are home to rare plants and butterflies. Keep to designated paths, to avoid disturbing nesting birds and wildlife. 
  • Polzeath is also known for its surf, the wide beach backed by grassy dunes. Footpaths along the cliffs lead to Daymer Bay and the scenic Camel Estuary. In summer, dolphins often play in the bay.
  • Mevagissey is a picture-perfect village with tight lanes and a double harbour. Watch the boats come and go. Colourful houses hug the cliffs and shops sell local art.
  • Bude lies close to the Cornish-Devon border with two large beaches. The town centre has a friendly, down-to-earth feel, with independent shops and cosy tearooms.
  • St Mawes looks across the Fal Estuary. The castle anchors the water’s edge, and quiet waterside walks invite an afternoon spent tracing Cornwall’s slower side.

Unique (mostly unknown) Islands of Cornwall

St Michael's Mount Gill Wild

Gill Wild

St Michael’s Mount is one of Cornwall’s best-loved landmarks. Rising from the sea off the coast of Marazion, this tidal island blends centuries of history, sweeping views, and timeworn legend. Locals claim a giant called Cormoran once stalked the island. Others speak of the Archangel Michael appearing to fishermen in the 5th century, giving the island its name.

No dogs are allowed on the island during warmer weather (due to lack of shady areas) and some dog beach restrictions apply. 

  • A tiny rocky outcrop off Mousehole, St Clement’s Isle is a peaceful spot best viewed from the village’s harbour. It’s uninhabited today, but old stories say a hermit once lived here.
  • Looe Island lies just off the coast from the town of Looe. Wildlife thrives here, from rare plants to nesting seabirds. The island is a marine nature reserve, packed with history.
  • Godrevy Island sits at the end of St Ives Bay. Its lighthouse is a standout sight, warning ships away from dangerous rocks since the 19th century.
  • Rising from the sea off Rame Head, the Eddystone Rocks are known for their lighthouse. Four different towers have stood here since the 1600s, guarding one of England’s busiest shipping lanes.
  • Mullion Island sits just off the Lizard Peninsula. It’s a key spot for seabirds like cormorants and gulls, which nest here in large numbers. The National Trust cares for the island, keeping it wild and undisturbed.
  • In Kynance Cove, Asparagus Island takes its name from the wild asparagus that grows on its slopes. The island’s caves and rock pools attract explorers at low tide. Only reachable by foot at right tides. Read our post on tidal causeways and quicksand.

Bodmin Moor: Wild and Untamed

Bodmin Moor Abbie Imagine

Abbie Imagine

Bodmin Moor has granite tors that rise above sweeping grasslands, and wide open spaces with ancient stone circles. Walking trails cross the moor to landmarks like Brown Willy, Cornwall’s highest point. Local legends cling to the landscape, from the Beast of Bodmin to stories of smugglers. The historic Jamaica Inn, perched at the heart of the moor, graces many a ghost tale.

Always keep a distance from wild ponies, and never touch or feed them . Bodmin Moor Pony Rehabilitation lists numbers to contact, for any concerns.

Plastic-Free Penzance!

dolphins Holly Astle

Holly Astle

Penzance is one of Surfers Against Sewage’s plastic-free communities. Get involved in community initiatives and clean-ups, to keep the town pristine and free from litter. There is even a business directory of local independents who are part of the campaign.

Including a real greengrocer (remember them?) that turns leftover veggies into soup, and sells it in compostable takeaway containers. And zero waste shops where you can refill your clean empty containers for dry foods like rice, pasta and lentils. You’ll also find many shops and restaurants that are part of the tap refill water station network.

The Art Deco lido is partly powered by geothermal energy) and the warm climate lets sub-tropical blooms and palm trees thrive. Some flowers (including all bulbs) are unsafe near dogs. Read our post on pet-friendly gardens.

Penzance is the town where ferries go to the Isles of Scilly (the journey takes almost 3 hours). The ferry only operates part of the year (dogs are allowed if under control and on leads), and you have to check-in 1 hour before departure.

Extraordinary Encounters with Cornwall’s Wildlife

wild treasures

Wild Treasures is a beautiful and charming introduction to creatures and plants that can be enjoyed for anyone living or visiting Cornwall.

Hannah regularly gets up in the early hours, to catch sight Cornwall’s hidden wildlife. She will spend hours on end, waiting for a creature to appear among a hedgerow, scurrying across Cornwall’s open fields, or taking flight across its towering cliffs and sandy beaches.

In these brief moments, she is able to see and capture animal behaviour, that the general public rarely get to witness. In this book, Hannah shares her incredible stories, beautiful photographs and often funny meetings with Cornwall’s wildlife, through the course of a year.

From brown hare in the spring grass, watching an otter cub hunt in winter wetlands to witnessing the unique bioluminscence of a glow-worm in summer, this is a remarkable diary, informative guide and joyous celebration, or England’s wonderful creatures.

Hannah Stitfall is a TV presenter and wildlife expert, who leads her own seasonal wildlife-watching safaris in Cornwall. She’s a regular digital presenter on BBC Springwatch and Winterwatch.

I love the changing seasons. An old oak sheds its acorns on the forest floor, while wildflowers begin to bloom in early spring. We follow the clock of the natural world. The wildlife know this too.

The chiffchaff and the cuckoo are the first to announce the spring season as they welcome it in with their song. And the grey seal pupping season (coupled with the arrival of redwings) signify the return of the autumn and winter months.

Truro: Cornwall’s (only) Cathedral City

 

Truro Matt Johnson

Matt Johnson

Truro is Cornwall’s only small city, just 9 miles from the sea with a cathedral (which has three towers peeking over rooftops) and plenty of local shops in cobbled lanes.

The city has a Georgian influence, which began as a humble market town. It then became a thriving port due to being where tin was weighed and taxed.

The wealth shaped the city, and many places are named after the Lemon family, of political prominence. Sir William Lemon and his family were wealthy landowners, who had great power of this city (was is Cornish for ‘three rivers’). They are the River Truro, River Kenwyn and River Allen.

The striking Gothic cathedral was designed by architect John Loughborough Pearson, whose son Frank carried on the work, after his father’s death. It is unique in having three spires, along with stained glass windows and carved choir stalls.

If you prefer more natural pursuits, the Five Acre Nature Reserve (no dogs permitted due to wildlife) is a small but rich patch of green that feels a world away from city buzz. Managed with help from local volunteers, it supports a lively mix of habitats.

  • Mature woodland: Tall ash, oak, and sycamore create a soft green roof, home to owls, woodpeckers, and the odd fox.
  • Meadow: Open grass attracts butterflies in summer. Listen for crickets and spot wild orchids among the grasses.
  • Stream and wetland: A narrow waterway runs through, drawing frogs, dragonflies, and wading birds. It’s perfect for spotting kingfishers if you arrive early.

Nearby Langarth Garden Village is a new idea on how housing, nature and neighbourhoods can work together. Each cluster of homes sits by parks, shared gardens and play areas, linked by walking paths and wildlife-friendly design.

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