Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, United Kingdom

Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the southwestern part of England, the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a breathtaking destination that showcases the country's natural wonders at their finest. With its picturesque landscapes, charming coastal towns, and rich cultural heritage, Cornwall offers a truly unforgettable experience for travelers.

One of the highlights of the AONB is the stunning coastline, which stretches for over 250 miles. Dramatic cliffs, golden sandy beaches, and hidden coves make this area a paradise for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike. Whether you want to soak up the sun, explore rock pools teeming with marine life, or try your hand at surfing on the Atlantic waves, Cornwall's coastline offers endless possibilities.

Inland, the landscape is equally captivating, with rolling hills, lush valleys, and charming countryside villages. Walking enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice with the numerous trails and footpaths that wind their way through this beautiful region. From the iconic South West Coast Path to the rugged Bodmin Moor, there is a route for every level of hiker, each offering stunning views and unique encounters with nature.

For history buffs, Cornwall is a treasure trove of ancient sites and landmarks. Explore the dramatic ruins of Tintagel Castle, said to be the birthplace of King Arthur, or venture to St. Michael's Mount, a tidal island steeped in legend and history. The region's mining heritage is also evident in the historic towns of St. Ives and St. Just, where you can immerse yourself in the stories of Cornwall's past.

Cornwall is not only renowned for its natural beauty, but also for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The region has long been a haven for artists, writers, and musicians, drawn to its inspiring landscapes and unique atmosphere. Visit the Tate St. Ives, an art gallery that showcases contemporary art inspired by the area, or catch a performance at the Minack Theatre, an open-air amphitheater perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea.

Elevation: 194 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 50°20'41"N, 4°56'48"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Top Attractions

Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Attractions - What to See and Explore

Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Madron Well, St Sampson's Church, Trenarth Bridge, Mullion Island. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church
Madron Well
Madron Well and Madron Well Chapel is a scheduled Ancient Monument in the civil parish of Madron, Cornwall, UK. Madron Well Chapel is the ruin of a 12th- or 14th-century chapel dedicated to St Madern and occupies the site of a much older Celtic structure.
Church
St Sampson's Church
St Sampson's Church is the Church of England parish church of the village of Golant, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom; it is dedicated to St Sampson of Dol.
Bridge
Trenarth Bridge
Trenarth Bridge is at the head of the centre head of Port Navas Creek and is between Mawnan Smith and Porth Navas.

Area
Mullion Island
Mullion Island is an uninhabited island on the eastern side of Mount's Bay, Cornwall, in the United Kingdom. It is approximately half a mile offshore from Mullion Cove, 1 mile in circumference and the highest point is 118 feet above sea level.
Church
St Ildierna's Church
St Ildierna's Church, Lansallos is a Grade I listed parish church in the Church of England in Lansallos, Cornwall, built in the early 14th Century. The church is noted for its 16th Century benches and bench ends. Serious damage was caused to the church, especially the roof, by a fire in 2005.
50°14'15"N • 5°21'44"W
Hell's Mouth
Hell's Mouth is situated northeast of Gwithian on the South West Coast Path in the county of Cornwall, England, UK. The land is owned by the National Trust. It is part of a group of cliff faces in the area, with a café not far from the edge.
50°13'4"N • 4°55'41"W
Veryan
Veryan is a coastal civil parish and village on the Roseland Peninsula in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. The village has been described as one of Cornwall's loveliest inland villages and as ′a mild tropic garden′ by John Betjeman.
Forest
Dizzard
Dizzard is an area, in the civil parish of St Gennys, Cornwall, containing five farms. On the coast is Dizzard Point, and the unique, dwarf oak, Dizzard Wood, which is of international importance for its lichen communities.
Monastery
Meneage
The Meneage is a district in west Cornwall, United Kingdom. The nearest large towns are Falmouth and Penryn. The meaning of the name Meneage is "Monkish " and the probability is that in the post-Roman period the land was in the possession of a confederacy of small Celtic monasteries.
Prehistoric site
Brane Barrow
Brane Barrow, or Chapel Euny Barrow, is a Neolithic entrance grave located near the hamlet of Brane, Cornwall, England, UK. It is considered to be one of the smallest and best preserved burial monuments in Britain.
Prehistoric site
Bartinney Castle
Bartinney Castle is an Iron Age enclosure located in the Penwith Peninsula of Southwest Cornwall, England, United Kingdom, it is surrounded by a circular earthwork standing on a hill surrounded by various archaeological prehistoric remains, including ancient settlements, field systems, tumuli and cairns.
50°14'18"N • 5°1'38"W
St Anthony Battery
St Anthony Battery is a former 19th century gun battery at St Anthony Head, Roseland Peninsula, Cornwall, England. It was built in 1895-97 and served during both World Wars.
Bridge
Tregidden
Tregidden is a hamlet south of Manaccan in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. A little further south is Tregidden Farm. Tregidden is located in the parish of St Martin-in-Meneage and also partly in the parish of Manaccan.
50°14'55"N • 5°19'7"W
Godrevy Head to St Agnes
Godrevy Head to St Agnes is a coastal Site of Special Scientific Interest in north Cornwall, UK, noted for both its biological and geological characteristics.
50°5'37"N • 5°10'45"W
Merthen Manor
Merthen Manor is a 16th-century manor house in west Cornwall, England, UK. For most of its history it has been in the ownership of the prominent Cornish family, the Vyvyan family.
Palladian architecture
Bonython Manor
Bonython Manor near Cury, Cornwall, England, in the United Kingdom is an estate garden on the Lizard peninsula. Since 1999, the owners have been Mr. & Mrs. Richard Nathan.
50°14'9"N • 4°51'9"W
Cuckoo Rock to Turbot Point
Cuckoo Rock to Turbot Point is a coastal Geological Conservation Review site and Site of Special Scientific Interest in Cornwall, England, UK, noted for its geological interest.
Prehistoric site
Carfury Standing Stone
Carfury Standing Stone is a standing stone in Penwith, Cornwall, about 4km northwest of Penzance. Also called Cuckoo Rock, the stone stands around 3m tall and is 0.7m wide by 0.4m thick.
50°19'57"N • 4°35'16"W
Polruan to Polperro
Polruan to Polperro is a coastal Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation in south-east Cornwall, England, UK, noted for its biological interest.

Day trips

Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Eden Project (Par), Tate St Ives (St Ives), Tintagel Castle (Tintagel).

9 miE
Iconic eco park with educational centre
Eden Project, Par
Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, the Eden Project is a captivating botanical garden located in the quaint town of Bodelva, near Par, United Kingdom. This unique conservation project has transformed a reclaimed china clay pit into a sprawling eco-paradise, home...
25 milesW
Museum, Art museum, Modern art museum
Tate St Ives, St Ives
Nestled in the charming seaside town of St Ives in Cornwall, England, Tate St Ives is a beacon of modern and contemporary art that attracts visitors from all over the globe. This unique gallery, an offshoot of the renowned Tate Gallery in London, opened its doors in...
24 milesN
Legendary ruins and dramatic sea views
Tintagel Castle, Tintagel
Perched on the rugged cliffs of the Cornish coast, Tintagel Castle is a monument steeped in myth and history. This medieval fortress, located in the village of Tintagel, England, is said to be the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur.
24 milesN
Natural attraction, Park, Cave
Merlin's Cave, Tintagel
Nestled on the rugged coastline of Cornwall, Merlin's Cave is a natural sea cave steeped in Arthurian legend, situated beneath the clifftop ruins of Tintagel Castle. This enchanting tourist attraction in the United Kingdom draws visitors from far and wide, eager...
22 milesSW
Theme park, Amusement park
Flambards Theme Park
Flambards Theme Park, nestled in the heart of Cornwall, United Kingdom, is a vibrant and dynamic attraction that promises an exhilarating day out for families and thrill-seekers alike. With a diverse array of rides, exhibitions, and entertainment options, Flambards has...

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Best Time To Visit Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Learn when is the best time to travel to Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?

The top attractions to visit in Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are: