11 DAY DEVON TO CORNWALL ROAD TRIP ITINERARY: THE ULTIMATE SELF-DRIVE TOUR WITH HIDDEN GEMS!
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Check out our blog post below to plan an unforgettable Devon to Cornwall road trip!
This self-driven itinerary has been tried, tested and perfected by us, when we decided to explore this delightful UK county in just under two weeks when International travel wasn’t available – we won’t mention the ‘C’ word!!
This route, which is the exact route we took, avoided most “tourist traps” where we possibly could, instead seeking out hidden gems, soul-soothing nature and the wonderful wildlife experiences that the South-West of England offers.
We highlight where to stay along the way each day, best ways to get around, top tips to considers and much more!
DEVON TO CORNWALL ROAD TRIP: THE ULTIMATE 11 DAY SELF DRIVE ITINERARY!
This 11 day Devon to Cornwall road trip begins by first making a quick pit stop in Dorset, before discovering the delights of Devon and Dartmoor National Park.
From here, we go full steam ahead along the South coast from Devon all the way to Land’s End in Cornwall, before coming back on yourself along the less ventured North coast!
Visual map showing our 11 day Devon to Cornwall road trip itinerary route!
DAY 1: LULWORTH COVE & DURDLE DOOR
AFTERNOON: ARRIVE AT LULWORTH COVE Just before reaching Devon, you must first make a stop at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Drive through the charming village of West Lulworth to Lulworth Cove car park. It is £5.20 for 4 hours parking, paid only by the JustPay parking app.
Grab an ice cream and head 5 minutes East along the coastal path to Lulworth Cove, a quaint cove peppered with colourful fishing boats. Head back to the car park, as the path towards Durdle Door is on the opposite side.
Pictured: Lulworth Cove, a must see quick scenic pit stop on your Devon to Cornwall Road trip! Photograph taken by Jordie.
WALK THE COASTAL PATH TO DURDLE DOOR Begin on the South West coastal path West for a scenic 30 minute walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door. Slowly tackle the steep Lulworth Steps for the first 5 minutes before it levels out on a scenic clifftop coastal path.
As you walk along the top, look out for the idyllic St Oswald’s Bay Beach and Man O’War Beach during your journey. When you reach the end wooden gate, turn left and follow the signposts downhill to Durdle Door.
Top Tip: The Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door area is quite a popular destination for tourists, even in the off-peak season. However, aim to get here either early in the morning or late afternoon (3 to 4pm). This is when the majority of people and coaches will have departed.
Top Tip: At Lulworth Cove car park, there are free public toilets, an information centre, cafes, gift shops and an ice cream shop.
Top Tip: The coastal path to Durdle Door is very chalky and dusty. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting a bit dirty.
Pictured: The incredible cliff views you can expect walking from Lulworth car park towards Durdle Door! Photograph taken by Liam.
Pictured: Jordie overlooking Durdle Door and the beach below. Photograph taken by Liam.
MORNING: VISIT BEER VILLAGE It doesn’t get more British than a village called ‘Beer’, right? This little postcard village gives you just a glimpse of Devon’s beauty.
Enjoy a few hours on the shingle beach set against sheer red cliffs, grab a beer at the Barrel of Beer pub (in Beer!) or stroll the quaint high street browsing the independent shops.
Top Tip: There is a 2-mile coastal walk to the nearby village of Seaton, signposted near Beer Beach. To be honest, Seaton town itself is not worth the walk or visit. It’s a pretty basic and run down town.
Fun Fact: Beer is nestled on the infamous Jurassic Coast, which was England’s first UNESCO World Heritage site!
Pictured: The quaint high street of Beer village. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: The ‘Barrel of Beer’ pub (left) and the shingle beach at Beer village (right). Photographs taken by Jordie.
MORNING: PASS THROUGH BRANSCOMBE VILLAGE As we make our way towards Dartmoor National Park, make sure you drive through the gorgeous village of Branscombe.
Make a quick stop off along Church Row to see some of the most gorgeous thatched cottages you’ll ever see!
Pictured: We absolutely loved these Disney-eqsue thatched cottages you can find here along Church Road in Branscombe village! Photograph taken by Jordie.
Top Tip: One for our fellow animal lovers. The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is just a 10 minute drive outside of Branscombe, open 9am-5pm daily and is free to visit with no pre-booking required!
AFTERNOON: ARRIVE INTO DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK & WALK INTO LUSTLEIGH VILLAGE After settling into your Dartmoor accommodation, take a stroll into Lustleigh village – one of the most picturesque villages you’ll see on your Devon to Cornwall road trip!
More specifically, make sure you enter Lustleigh village via the heavenly Wreyland Path, a thatched-cottaged lined country road which would make most movie sets green with envy!
When in the village itself, indulge in a scrumptious cream tea or lunch at the Primrose Tea Rooms, pop into the small art shop or grab a drink at The Cleave Inn pub!
Pictured: Walking down the Wreyland Path towards Lustleigh Village. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: The delightful details of Lustleigh, one of the most picturesque villages we came across on our 11 day Devon to Cornwall road trip! Photographs taken by Jordie.
LATE AFTERNOON: VENTURE TO HAYTOR ROCKS A term you will see around Dartmoor are the Tor’s. A “Tor” is a large, free-standing rock formation which rises abruptly from the ground. There are many Tor’s to see across Dartmoor National Park, and Haytor Rocks is one of the most spectacular!
Drive through the stunning “Moor” landscape to get to Haytor Rocks. Park here at the closest car park and head straight up the hill to marvel at this fascinating geological landmark and see epic views from the top.
Pictured: Liam walking up to Haytor Rocks and the wild Dartmoor ponies we saw grazing around Haytor car park! Photograph taken by Jordie.
Top Tip: It is very common to see a herd or two of Dartmoor ponies grazing around the Dartmoor car parks, and this one is no exception!
Pictured: Jordie climbing up the colossally sized Haytor Rocks in Dartmoor National Park! Photograph taken by Liam.
SPOTTED WILDLIFE
TheDartmoor Pony Spot herds of these hardy, gentle little ponies across the moors of Dartmoor National Park. Though they do live and roam freely, they all belong to specific owners. The pedigree Dartmoor pony is now an endangered breed, though conservation efforts are being made to increase numbers. Their distributional grazing plays a vital role in maintaining natural habitats.
LATE AFTERNOON: DINNER AT WIDECOMBE-IN-THE-MOOR & SECRET SUNSET SPOT Leaving Haytor Rocks, head into the valley towards the picturesque village of Widecombe-In-The-Moor. Have a stroll round its quiet streets before having dinner at its rural pub, The Old Inn. If travelling in peak season, definitely pre-book a table!
After dinner, drive five minutes out of Widecombe-In-The-Moor and stop at this parking spot to witness the most incredible sunset, blanketing the Moors in a mesmerising golden hue.
Fun Fact: Wild Dartmoor ponies can often be spotted grazing just outside the church of Widecombe-In-The-Moor! These cheeky ponies also love to munch the roses in resident’s front gardens!
Pop into and have a wonderful dinner at The Old Inn, Widecombe-In-The-Moor. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: Jordie at the most incredible sunset spot we stumbled across, located just 5 minutes away from Widecombe In The Moor, location here.
DAY 3: DARTMOOR BRIDGES, BELLEVER FOREST & BURRATOR RESERVOIR & PORK HILL
MORNING: STOP OFF AT 3 DARTMOOR BRIDGES As you meander to the West side of Dartmoor this morning, drive through three close-knit villages to see 3 magnificent bridges:
DARTMEET CLAPPER BRIDGE: Dartmeet Clapper Bridge is a small and unassuming stone clapper bridge, dating back to 1792! To quickly stop off and see it before driving straight off again, simply pull into Dartmeet car park. You will see the Clapper Bridge just in front of the more modern arched bridge.
Psst! There is a free public toilet at Dartmeet Car Park. This is ‘Pay and Display’ car park for long stay, but there’s no need to pay if you’re just quickly stopping to see the Clapper Bridge.
Pictured: The small Dartmeet stone clapper bridge. Photograph taken by Jordie.
HUCCABY BRIDGE, HEXWORTHY: From Dartmeet, drive 4 minutes to Hexworthy, pulling into this right-hand side lay-by just before you drive across the bridge. Go down the gently sloped bank and hop across stepping stones to central the sandbank for a full view of Huccaby Bridges arch.
Pictured: Jordie admiring the quaint Huccaby Bridge in Hexworthy (left) and the stepping stones leading you to the central sandbank (right). Photograph taken by Liam.
POSTBRIDGE CLAPPER BRIDGE: From Huccaby bridge, drive 13 minutes to the quaint village of Postbridge to witness and walk across their larger Postbridge Clapper Bridge, stretching over the gentle East Dart River.
Pictured: Jordie on the more impressive Postbridge stone clapper bridge! Photograph taken by Liam.
Fun Fact: A “Clapper Bridge” is an ancient stone bridge found on the moors of the English West Country, originating back to at least the 12th century!
AFTERNOON: WANDER & PICNIC AT BELLEVER FOREST Whilst your in Postbridge village, stay a while to explore the enchanting Bellever forest.
Whether you fancy a long trek deep into the woods in search of the Bellever Tor, a light stroll beneath the towering trees or simply want a perfect picnic spot – Bellever Forest caters for everybody.
You can also spot Dartmoor ponies just outside of the forest or along the East Dart River.
Before your walk, grab some treats, drinks or even a cream tea from the Postbridge village shop (open 9am-1pm). Then after your walk is completed, drive round to the other side of the forest to Bellever Car Park, parking at the very end to be near the river.
Have a scenic picnic along the East Dart River bank. There are free public toilets at this car park.
Top Tip: To park for your Bellever Forest walk, you have two options. In Postbridge village, the main car park at the Visitors Centre is ‘Pay and Display’.
We recommend parking across the road here instead, which is currently a free parking space right next to Bellever Forest entrance (2024). The Visitors centre however does have free public toilets, so just walk across the road from your free parking spot to use them.
Pictured: The idyllic tree line along the river at the end of Bellever Car Park. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: Jordie with a Dartmoor pony herd that we spied just outside of the Bellever Forest, along this stretch of road.
Pictured: The idyllic stream and tree line along the river at the very end of Bellever Car Park, the perfect spot for the most picturesque picnic! Photograph taken by Liam.
AFTERNOON: PORK HILL WINDY POST CROSS Our final destination to see today before heading back to your accommodation is Windy Post Cross, an ancient 16th century granite cross set in the open, tranquil moor landscape.
Park at the Pork Hill car park. Just a 17 minute drive from Postbridge, this car park is large, well-maintained and free.
Venture here in the quieter late afternoon, you may just be joined by a Dartmoor pony herd, descending here for a quick drink from the leat! If not, you will always have the sheep for company.
Fancy a further walk? Continue on past the cross for another 10 to 15 minutes to reach the Pew Tor rock formations.
Top Tip: From Pork Hill car park, there are no designated paths to stick to. Staying on the same side as the car park, simply walk freely straight over the grassy plains for about 10 minutes before arriving at the Windy Post cross.
Video filmed by Jordie. One of the most incredible experiences on our whole Devon to Cornwall itinerary was sitting with this large Dartmoor Pony herd at Windy Post Cross!Pictured: A magical encounter on our Devon to Cornwall road trip with a Dartmoor pony herd at Windy Post Cross at Pork Hill! Photograph taken by Liam.
LATE AFTERNOON: DINNER WITH A VIEW AT WARREN HOUSE On the way back from Pork Hill, drive through Postbridge village again before stopping off at the Warren House Inn, a hidden gem roadside pub located just outside.
While it is just standard pub grub that you get here, it is the views that make this place special! If you can, sit outside on the park benches to discover the true meaning of a ‘meal with a view’! A great end to your two days in Dartmoor National Park before we head further south tomorrow.
Pictured: Finish the day perfectly with classic British pub grub with epic views at the Warren House Inn! Photograph taken by Jordie.
DAY 4: DITTISHAM, BLACKPOOL SANDS BEACH & BURGH ISLAND
MORNING: DITTISHAM VILLAGE A must-see, unspoilt village on your Devon to Cornwall road trip is Dittisham. Stop off here for an hour or so, parking for free along the residential Riverside Road. Make your way down to the beach towards the iconic bright pink Ferry Boat Inn and picturesque harbour.
Pictured: The vibrantly pink Ferry Boat Inn pub in Dittisham, Devon. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Meander down The Lane and spot quirky cottages and affluent hillside homes of Dittisham, catching glimpses of the sea below.
Top Tip: Want to get out on the water? There is canoe and kayaking hire available the main harbour just outside the Ferry Boat Inn. Book in advance with Dittisham Boat Hire.
Pictured: The kayaks and boats for hire down by Dittisham Bay (left), a sea view of Dittisham when wandering down The Lane. Photographs taken by Jordie.
AFTERNOON: BEACH DAY AT BLACKPOOL SANDS BEACH Providing the British weather has held up its end of the bargain delivering the sunshine – You’ve earned a beach day at the glorious golden stretch of Blackpool Sands beach!
After an updated £9 entrance fee, park up and the day is yours to enjoy. Lay down your towel, pop your costume on, take a dip in the Caribbean blue sea and relax!
On-site is a renowned café selling food, drinks, snacks and ice-creams. There is also a gift shop and free public toilets.
Top Tip: The road leading up to Blackpool Sands Beach are very tight country lanes with just enough room for one car. Take extra caution and go slow.
Top Tip: The beach is made up of tiny shingle stones. We recommend bringing some beach shoes to protect your feet!
Fun Fact: Blackpool Sands beach is 1 out of just 124 UK’s beaches to be awarded a “Blue Flag” status. To become a “Blue Flag” standard beach, very high quality and environmental standards must be met.
Pictured: You’ve earned yourself a relaxing beach day at Blackpool Sands on your Devon to Cornwall road trip! Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: Blackpool Sands beach shown from above as we were driving away from it! Photograph taken by Jordie.
AFTERNOON: TORCROSS COASTAL ROAD TO BURGH ISLAND Head to Bigbury Beach (to Burgh Island) via Torcross village. Just a 10 minute drive from Blackpool Sands, drive across the long scenic A379 coastal road leading into Torcross.
This short section of road is special as it is perfectly sandwiched between Slapton Sands beach and the Slapton Ley Nature Reserve reservoir!
Pictured: The A379 coastal road, perfectly sandwiched between Slapton Sands beach and the Slapton Ley Nature Reserve reservoir! Photograph taken by Jordie.
Drive a further 40-minutes to Bigbury Beach to stop off and see the iconic spectacle of Burgh Island! At low tide, you can simply walk across the sandy beach straight to the island, or at high tide, venture across in a special sea tractor!
On Burgh Island, you will find an art-deco hotel, the Pilchard Inn pub and historical chapel remains.
Top Tip: The roads leading to Bigbury Beach (Burgh Island) are in part tight country lanes again.
Top Tip: Bigbury Beach is ‘Pay and Display’, £1.50 for 1 hour. Make sure you have coins to pay, there is no internet service to use the suggested parking app as an alternative.
Fun Fact: You may recognise Burgh Island from the iconic British movie “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. This is where the beach scene was filmed, with Burgh Island clearly in view!
Pictured: Looking across to Burgh Island, Bigbury Beach, Bigbury-On-Sea. Photograph taken by Jordie.
To get us further along and in the perfect position to explore the Rame Head heritage coast tomorrow morning, we suggest driving an additional 1 hour this evening down the coast to stay in accommodation near Antony village.
We stayed the small village of Antony in Torpoint. We recommend staying in the King Studio room at Carew Loft & Lodge, which is budget friendly and ideal for what you need it for – a quick place to sleep after a long day!
It is part of the fantastic gastro pub below, The Carew Arms. We had dinner at The Carew Arms when we stayed here, and the food was delicious!
Driving tip: The drive from Bigbury Beach to this accommodation will take you across Plymouth’s busy Tamar Bridge. Before setting off, use Google Maps navigation and make sure you select the no toll route.
The no toll road on Plymouth Tamar Bridge is the far left lane, which is visually separate to the others.
⭐ Carew Loft & Lodge in Antony village (Select ‘King Studio with sofa bed’ option – 1 hour drive from Bigbury Beach)
DAY 5: RAME HEAD, POLPERRO VILLAGE & THE EDEN PROJECT
EARLY MORNING: RAME HEAD Start your day at the gloriously raw and rugged Rame Head heritage coastline. Park up at Rame Head car park, and venture out to Rame Head towards St Michael’s Chapel, a tiny derelict chapel proudly sat on the cliff edge.
As you reach the top, take time to explore inside the derelict landmark and indulge in the insane panoramic coastal views!
Top Tip: The Rame Head car parking meter only accepts coins. It is £1 for all-day parking, which is very reasonable.
Top Tip: The last section up to the chapel has steep stone steps. Take your time and be careful.
Fun Fact: It is not uncommon to see horses grazing on Rame Head!
Pictured: Our peaceful early morning walk towards Rame Head. Photograph taken by Jordie.Pictured: The tiny derelict St Michaels Chapel upon Rame Head. Photographs taken by Jordie.
MORNING: POLPERRO VILLAGE It’s time to pop to the popular village of Polperro! As you venture down, take time to meander in all the unique boutique gift stores before reaching the Harbour.
Marvel at the colourful bobbing boats, listen for the distinct seagull squawks and smell the heavenly sea air. Get lost within the hidden pathways amongst the layers of ancient fisherman’s houses, or just grab a drink and lunch at the Blue Peter Inn!
Top Tip: We were hesitant to put Polperro on the list due to its popularity, but we do think this time, it is popular for a good reason and the tourists are just worth bearing. We would advise to visit as early as possible (definitely before midday!) to have a quieter experience.
Top Tip: You can only park at one designated Polperro car park, which is very expensive (£5 for 3 hours is the minimum). Annoyingly, they only accept coins, but they do have converting machines on-site to turn bank notes to coins. Either way, make sure you have money on you. You are not allowed or able to drive into the village.
Pictured: Polperro, one of the most attractive villages you will see on your Devon to Cornwall road trip. It is certainly popular for a reason! Photographs taken by Jordie.
Pictured: Quaint moments captured in Polperro. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: Liam browsing the one of many eclectic independent stores in Polperro. Photograph taken by Jordie.
AFTERNOON: VISIT THE INFAMOUS EDEN PROJECT End the day enveloped in the wonderful curated natural worlds of the Eden Project.
With two large biomes to explore (Rainforest and Mediterranean), take time marvelling at the multitude of plant species, walk across a rainforest bridge and even spot the birds, lizards and geckos that call the domes home!
Top Tip: To visit the Eden Project., you must book your tickets in advance to secure an entry time slot. Once you’re in, you can stay for as long as you would like. Adult tickets cost £33-£38 each (in 2024).
Fun Fact: The Eden Project was originally built on a clay pit wasteland in Cornwall. 20 years later, it is a thriving ‘living theatre of plants’ and a globally iconic visitor destination.
Fun Fact: The Eden Project’s Rainforest biome is the world’s largest indoor rainforest!
Pictured: Liam wandering in the Rainforest biome at the Eden Project (left) and some of the beautiful flora you can expect in here (right). Photographs taken by Jordie.
SPOTTED WILDLIFE!
Roul-Roul Partridge Spotted scurrying across the Eden Projects Rainforest Biome! Otherwise known as the crested partridge, it is a plump and colourful game bird, originating from the rainforests of Asia including Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra and Myanmar! Their favourite food including insects, seeds and some fruits. Their current status is ‘Near Threatened’.
Did You Know? You can actually adopt a roul-roul partridge from the Eden Project, for yourself or as a gift, with all proceeds supporting rainforest conservation.
SPOTTED WILDLIFE!
TheGecko Spotted hiding in the wood shed of the Eden Projects Rainforest Biome. There are a staggering 1,500 types of this small little lizard, found on every continent except for Antartica, and can adapt to a wide range of habitats.
Did You Know? You can actually adopt a gecko from the Eden Project, for yourself or as a gift, with all proceeds supporting rainforest conservation.
DAY 6: DURGAN TO HELFORD PASSAGE WALK, CADGWITH VILLAGE & LIZARD POINT
MORNING: DURGAN TO HELFORD PASSAGE WALK Start your day with a leisurely 1-hour return coastal walk from the quaint village of Durgan to Helford Passage village.
Park up at Bosveal car park, walk downhill and follow the road passing Grebe Beach, continuing into Durgan village before joining the scenic South West coastal path to Helford Passage.
Spot dozens of boats and kayaks on the glittering blue water, cutting through Trebah Gardens private beach before reaching the small village of Helford Passage. Return the way you came.
Top Tip: For this trail, park at Bosveal car park. It is £2 to park all day, and the metre only accepts coins.
Pictured: Begin the trail to Helford Passage by walking through the quiet village of Durgan. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: Looking back at Durgan beach on South West coastal path to Helford Passage. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: We spotted the Trebah Garden’s idyllic private beach as we walked the SW coastal path to Helford! Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: The tiny and picturesque Helford Passage village. Photograph taken by Jordie.
AFTERNOON: CADGWITH VILLAGE A must see on your Cornwall road trip is the fairytale village of Cadgwith. This hidden gem is home to enchanting thatched cottages, a quaint fishing harbour, a few nautical shops, the cold Cellars coffee shop and the Cadgwith Cove Inn pub!
Be sure to also head 5 minute up the SW coastal path to see the curious Devils Frying Pan coastal formation!
Top Tip: Park up at the designated Cadgwith car park. It is £3 for an all day ticket, and you can either pay by cash or contactless card.
Pictured: The fairytale thatched cottages of Cadgwith. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: The detailing of the colourful fishing harbour at Cadgwith village. Photographs taken by Jordie.
AFTERNOON: LIZARD POINT LOOKOUT You’ve made it to the most Southerly point of the UK mainland – Lizard Point! From Lizard town centre, enjoy a gentle 15 minute stroll down to Lizard Point peninsula.
Pictured: Lizard Point peninsula, the most Southerly point of the UK! Photograph taken by Jordie.
Here, you will find the UK’s most Southerly gift shop, a small art gallery, cafe plus an ice cream shop! On the way back, you have to stop for, quite frankly, the best, most fresh and delicious cream tea you will ever have at Tregulla’s Farm Shop.
Top Tip: Lizard town centre is full of unique gift shops, eateries, ice cream shops, tearooms and cafes.
Top Tip: There is a large ‘donation’ car park to use in the middle of Lizard town centre.
Pictured: You have to try the best cream tea at Tregulla’s Farm Shop, a hidden gem we spotted on route to Lizard Point!
LATE AFTERNOON: LIZARD HEAD SUNSET SPOT For sunset, cut down the left-hand side footpath next to Henry’s Camp site and follow for about 10 minutes towards what’s known as Lizard Head for an incredible sunset experience.
Pictured: Jordie following the footpath to the left of to Henry’s Camp site to get to this Lizard Head coastline. It’s an epic and super peaceful sunset spot! Photograph taken by Liam.
END OF DAY 6 WHERE TO STAY TONIGHT:
⭐ Haelarcher Farmhouse (Where we stayed in the heart of Lizard town) Note: Shared bathrooms!
DAY 7: KYNANCE COVE, ST MICHAELS MOUNT & MOUSEHOLE
MORNING: KYNANCE COVE Another must-see in Cornwall is the otherworldly beach of Kynance Cove, located West on the Lizard Peninsula.
After a 5 to 10 minute walk down to Kynance Cove beach, weave through the maze of colossal rock formations, feel the soft sand in your toes, explore the caves at low-tide and be amazed by the turquoise blue waters. Barbados, eat your heart out!
Pictured: What a view! Walking down to Kynance Cove. When we visited, there were tents erected on the land that was being used to film the HBO series House of the Dragon! Photograph by Jordie.
Top Tip: Park up at the main Kynance Cove car park. £2 for up to one hour, pay via coins or download the parking app.
Top Tip: Check tide times before visiting! At high-tide, there will be no beach to access at all.
Top Tip: Down at Kynance Cove, there is a café on the hillside.
Top Tip: Kynance Cove has been used in many TV series and films. When we visited, we saw the HBO House of the Dragon being filmed!
Pictured: One of the caves revealed at a morning low tide at Kynance Cove during our visit. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: Liam walking amongst some of the incredible rock formations at Kynance Cove. Photograph taken by Jordie.
AFTERNOON: ST MICHAELS MOUNT IN MARAZION Drive to Marazion, to witness the iconic (and just a warning – extremely popular) St Michaels Mount castle. Low-tide reveals a hidden cobbled causeway up to this grand historical landmark, and is the only time accessible by foot!
The castle is currently closed for Winter maintenance, but will reopen on 18th March 2024. Nearer the time, you will be able to have pre-book your ticket online beforehand.
We also recommend having lunch at The Godolphin – a high-end nautical beach bar located on Marazion beach. Enjoy a crisp wine in the sun with the spectacular St Michaels Mount as a backdrop!
Top Tip: Park at the short-stay Marazion car park. It is located right on the beach with immediate access to St Michaels Mount. It is £4.50 for 3 hours, £3 for 2 hours. You can pay by cash or card here.
Pictured: Walking the cobbled access to St Michaels Mount island at low-tide. Photograph taken by Jordie.Pictured: Our view when having lunch at The Godolphin Beach Bar. Photograph taken by Jordie.
LATE AFTERNOON: MOUSEHOLE VILLAGE From inspiring novelists, being home to a vibrant 13-century fishing port and facing a destructive and deadly Spanish invasion in 1595, the now sleepy harbour village of Mousehole (pronounced “Mowzel”) is rich in poignant history.
Get lost in Cornwall’s narrowest and most colourful streets, unveiling art galleries, cosy cafés, gift shops and a quaint pub. At low-tide, head down to relax at the harbour beach.
Afterwards, drive 5 minutes back to the larger town of Penzance to your Penzance accommodation, for an epic early boat trip tomorrow morning!
Fun Fact: Mousehole harbour becomes illuminated with dazzling lights every Winter!
Top Tip: Brace yourself, parking and driving around Mousehole centre is incredibly tight! To save yourself the stress, we would 110% recommend parking at the North Quay car park, not the South Quay. Parking is (as always) pay and display.
Top Tip: There are free public toilets here, on the left-hand side of Mousehole harbour.
Pictured: The colourful harbour of the tiny Mousehole village. Photograph taken by Jordie.Pictured: Beautiful nautical detailing on the houses in Mousehole village. Photographs taken by Jordie.
DAY 8: MARINE DISCOVERY BOAT TOUR, PORTHCURNO BEACH, MINACK THEATRE, LAND’S END & NANJIZAL BEACH
MORNING: MARINE DISCOVERY WILDLIFE BOAT TOUR Set sail on an unforgettable Penzance boat trip with Marine Discovery on their environmentally friendly Catamaran in search for West Cornwall’s incredible marine life!
Being the only tour company with qualified Marine Biologists as guides, you have the best chance of spotting creatures such as grey seals, Common dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, Minke Whales, Leatherback Turtles, Basking Sharks and even Ocean Sunfish!
Pictured: Jordie and Liam suited up in the waterproof jackets and life jackets provided by Marine Discovery Penzance before boarding the catamaran!
We personally experienced their 3-hour ‘The Ocean Discovery‘ tour option and loved it, but there are also 2 hour and 4 hour tour options available too. The difference is the time available they have and resultantly how far they will go out to sea.
Top Tip: Pick up for the tour is usually on Albert Pier in Penzance, where Marine Discovery’s main office is. This is a 15 minute walk from our recommended accommodation, so no need to pay for parking at the Pier if you don’t want to.
Pictured: The Marine Discovery Penzance catamaran (left) and spotted Common Dolphins on our Penzance wildlife boat tour! (right). Photographs taken by Jordie.Pictured: A pod of Common dolphins following and playing with the catamaran on this epic Penzance wildlife boat trip! Photograph taken by Jordie.
SPOTTED WILDLIFE!
Grey Seals Spotted lazing on St Clement Isle, just offshore from Mousehole village, during Marine Discovery Penzance boat tour. Each grey seal has distinct markings, allowing the marine biologists to recognise and track them on a shared database. All grey seals live different lives. Some stay in the area, while others travel as far as Ireland or France!
SPOTTED WILDLIFE!
The Short-Beaked Common Dolphin A whole pod spotted playing and bow-riding alongside our boat on Marine Discovery Penzance tour boat! As their name suggests, they are widely distributed around the world, found from deep oceans to shallow shores! Distinct by their striking yellow / tan body stripe, these dolphins are highly energetic, sociable and can grow up to 2.5 metres long!
AFTERNOON: PORTHCURNO BEACH & MINACK THEATRE Park up at Porthcurno car park and walk 10/15 minutes along the steeply stepped South West coastal path up to Minack Theatre. This short walking section trails the cliff edge, giving epic aerial views of Porthcurno beach – one of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches!
Pictured: The vistas of Porthcurno Beach along South West coastal trail up to Minack Theatre. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Venture into Minack theatre, a one-of-a-kind open air theatre carved into the sheer cliff edge! Explore all corners of the theatre, taking in the awe-inspiring vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and its tranquil garden areas.
You must pre-book your tickets and 30 minute time slot in advance online for the Minack Theatre. Adult tickets are £10 each (2024 prices). You cannot get even a glimpse of the theatre unless you pay to enter.
Pictured: The extraordinary Minack Theatre as seen from above when wandering around the complex. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Fun Fact: The Minack theatre was built by an extraordinary lady called Rowena Cade. Building the majority with her own hands, she dreamt off turning this cliff face into the unique open-air arena it is today! The theatre now stages over 200 live performances each year under the stars including operas, plays and musicals.
LATE AFTERNOON: REACH LAND’S END Congratulations! You’ve made it to the furthest point of the UK mainland – Land’s End! The first thing you must do is take a photo at the Land’s end signpost, which has been an icon here since the 1950’s.
2024 UPDATE: As of January 2024, the lease of the Land’s End signpost traded hands to the Land’s End team. From Spring 2024, the personalised photo experience everyone knows and loves will be back up and running. For now, there is a temporary signpost to stand next to at the front of the hotel patio, which is free to do.
Pictured: Jordie at the iconic Land’s End signpost. Photograph taken by Liam.
NANJIZAL BEACH TRAIL, LAND’S END Head towards and past Grebe Farm before continuing 35 minutes along the rugged South West coastal path to Nanjizal beach: A hidden gem not accessible by car!
Ideally visit at low-tide to see the beach and arched rock formation in its full splendour, however this rugged coastal walk is worth it even at high-tide.
Top Tip: There is no other parking other than the large Lands End car park, which is a flat £7 fee for all day. Pay at the manned ticket barriers on arrival, either by cash or card.
Top Tip: Lands End is now a very built up tourist attraction. It is best to come later in the afternoon to try and beat peak visiting hours.
Pictured: The idyllic South West coastal trail starting from Land’s End peninsula (left) to Nanjizal Beach (right). Photographs taken by Jordie.Pictured: Free roaming horses spotted along the cliff edges of Nanjizal Beach. Photograph taken by Jordie.
DAY 9: ST IVES, MUTTON COVE SEALS & STAY IN SHEPHERDS HUT
MORNING – AFTERNOON: ST IVES TOWN Step into the bustling town of St Ives – arguably Cornwall’s most loved and visited town!
Thrive amongst the buzz of the main harbour, meander down the cobbles of Fore Street for quirky boutiques, eateries and gift shops. Lap the coastline, and enjoy the three beaches on offer in close proximity in St Ives. There’s something here for everyone.
Top Tip: Though we believe St Ives is definitely worth a visit, be mindful it is an extremely popular tourist destination. It was the busiest place we visited!
Top Tip: Because of this, parking can be a nightmare. We recommend getting there early (before 10am!) and parking at Porthmeor Beach car park. A small but convenient car park with free public toilets, which avoids St Ives busy shopping streets. It is £4.70 for 3 hours, paid via the JustPay app or cash.
Pictured: The quaint detailing of St Ives along the main harbour, Cornwall. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: The shopping street of Fore Street, St Ives. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: This cobbled laneway located just off the main harbour of St Ives reminded us more of a spot in Greece than Cornwall! Photograph taken by Jordie.
AFTERNOON: STOP OFF AT MUTTON COVE FOR WILD SEALS Just another 30 minute drive from St Ives, quickly stop off at Mutton Cove. At low-tide, it is very common to see many wild grey seals relaxing on the beach!
Drive to Godrevy car park (located in an open field) and quickly walk up the path to look down at Mutton Cove beach.
Pictured: Looking down at Mutton Cove in search of seals! There was only a few seals there when we visited, very camouflaged by the rocks! Photograph taken by Jordie.
If you fancied staying longer, pay for the car park and wander the coast of Godrevy Point, or relax on the colossal stretch of sand at Gwithian Beach!
Pictured: View of Gwithian Beach, on the path back down from Mutton Cove seal lookout. Godrevy car park shown bottom right. Photograph taken by Jordie.
DAY 10: CLOVELLEY VILLAGE, HARTLAND QUAY & SPEKE’S MILL WATERFALL
MORNING: CLOVELLEY VILLAGE Cross back into Devon territory as you reach the idyllic village of Clovelley (pronounced “Clove-Ellie”).
Park at the official visitors centre, where there is a £8.75 (2024 prices) entrance fee before entering the village. There is immediate access to a cafe, gift shop and toilets just before you continue down to the village.
Pictured: The harbour and stoney beach at Clovelley village. On the day we visited, it was a typical drizzly British day! Photograph taken by Jordie.
Wind down the infamously steep cobbled street said to “tumble like a waterfall” down to its main harbour. Pop into the small museum, grab a cream tea at the Tea Rooms, a drink in the Red Lion pub or wander along the stone beach.
Fun Fact: Clovelley village is famed for its resident donkeys, who historically used to cart goods up and down the steep cobbled road, unaccessible to vehicles.
Nowadays, all goods in the village are transported by sledge – from groceries to furniture to building materials! However, the donkeys can still be visited from Easter to October at either Victoria fountain, in their field or throughout the year in their stables.
Pictured: Jordie walking down Clovelley’s famous “tumbling” cobbled street, said to mimic that of a waterfall (left) and a friendly furry resident! (right). Photographs taken by Liam.
AFTERNOON: SPEKE’S MILL MOUTH WATERFALL Hartland Quay is a fantastic hidden gem to add onto your Devon to Cornwall road trip! Walk 20 minutes along the South West coastal path from Hartland Quay car park to Speke’s Mill Mouth waterfall. On the way, pass insane scenery, Catherine Tor and a few curious cows!
Marvel at the mighty 30 metre waterfall in all its splendour, fiercely tumbling into the valley below.
Pictured: Jordie standing near the top of the idyllic Speke’s Mill Mouth waterfall. This was hands down one of our favourite things to see throughout this entire Devon to Cornwall road trip itinerary!
Top Tip: There is a manned kiosk entrance to Hartland key car park. It is £3 to enter, paid by cash only! You will find two car parks, one on a lower and one on a higher level. There are free public toilets here, plus “The Wreckers Retreat” pub.
Pictured: The South West coastal path from Hartland Quay towards Speke’s Mill Mouth waterfall. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: Catherine Tor on route to Speke’s Mill Mouth waterfall (featuring a few curious cows)! Photograph taken by Jordie.
SPOTTED WILDLIFE!
The Adder A teeny-tiny Adder curled up in the grass along South West coastal path near Catherine Tor! The Adder is the UK’s only venomous snake, however a bite usually only causes painful inflammation, and is rarely fatal. The Adder can grow up to 60-80cm in length, live up to 15 years and are identifiable by their zig-zag patterning and red eyes.
MORNING: EXPLORE LYNTON & LYNMOUTH, EXMOOR Spend your final evening at Lynton and Lynmouth – a true hidden gem nestled in Exmoor National Park!
Stroll the idyllic Lynton town (set on the cliffs) full of unique cafés and gift shops before hopping onto the iconic green Cliff railway down to Lynmouth town by the shore.
An absolute must in Lynton is taking the easy South West coastal trail to experience sunset at the magical Valley of the Rocks! Look out for their wild goats, usually spotted chilling near or munching grass on the cliff edges!
Pictured: Jordie walking up to Castle Rock in Valley of the Rocks, along South West coastal path. This was truly one of our favourite places we saw on our Devon to Cornwall road trip, our “best til last”!
Fun Fact: Lynton and Lynmouths Cliff railway is the steepest water-powered cable car in the world!
Pictured: The infamous Lynton Cliff Railway, connecting you to Lynmouth town below. The white building you see on the left is North Cliff Hotelin Lynton, where we stayed and would highly recommend!
Pictured: The view from the infamous Lynton Cliff Railway as you descend down to Lynmouth town! Photograph taken by Jordie.
SPOTTED WILDLIFE!
Wild Goats of Exmoor Many spotted munching grass on the cliff edges at Valley of the Rocks! Everyone knows of the National Park ponies, though not everyone knows of the lesser known wild goats – who call Exmoor National Park home! The goats have been here for centuries – they even get a special mention in the Doomsday book, which recorded 75 goats at the time!
END OF DAY 11 WHERE TO STAY TONIGHT:
⭐ North Cliff Hotel, Lynton (Where we stayed & would highly recommend! We had a wonderful cliff and beach view)
DEVON AND CORNWALL PACKING LIST
FOR WARMER MONTHS:
Loose comfortable clothing, such as tank tops and cotton shorts.
Multiple layers of loose clothing, including a few thick jumpers (if weather is cold).
An umbrella – this is England after all!
Comfortable lightweight walking shoes with good grip.
DRIVING AROUND DEVON AND CORNWALL
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND THIS DEVON TO CORNWALL ROAD TRIP ITINERARY?
Undoubtedly, the best way to complete this Devon to Cornwall road trip itinerary is by driving your own vehicle or a small campervan. This gives you total freedom and allows you to explore whenever you want.
Need to hire a car? Take a look at the best rental car deals on DiscoverCars.com!
Top Tip: Some of the coastal roads (especially on the South coast of Devon and Cornwall) are extremely tight, countryside lanes that can fit just one car. We would recommend the smaller your car, the better! Some of the roads are not suitable for large camper vans, for example.
ROAD CONDITIONS IN DEVON AND CORNWALL
Whilst the majority of Devon and Cornwall roads are fine to drive down, there a few country roads which are incredibly tight and windy – with just enough room for one car!
The type of road where you stare at your SatNav thinking: ‘Really? This road?’. On the Google Maps app, these roads are usually visually shown as small roads set within dark green areas.
If there is no other alternative route, make sure you go slow in case another vehicle comes around the corner. There are typically inset lay-bys to let other cars pass.
PARKING IN DEVON AND CORNWALL
At most attractions in Devon and Cornwall, you will need to use a Pay and display car park. Parking prices range from £1 all day (the cheapest we found at Rame Head) or the most expensive was Lands End parking at £7. The average cost for parking in Devon and Cornwall was typically £2-£4.
Top tip: Around 50% of parking metres in Devon and Cornwall only accept coins. Make sure you always have change on you. Some (not all) give you the option to pay either by the ‘JustPark’ or ‘PayByPhone’ parking apps. Set yourself up on both before you complete this itinerary.
VISITING DEVON AND CORNWALL: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DEVON AND CORNWALL?
The best time to visit Devon and Cornwall is off-peak, either late Spring or the start of Autumn. It will be far less busy and there is a better chance for some mild and warmer weather.
The worst time to visit Devon and Cornwall is during the Summer school holidays, between July and August. Cornwall will be overrun with tourists and traffic.
CONCLUSION: DEVON TO CORNWALL ROAD TRIP
This Devon to Cornwall road trip self-drive itinerary is jam-packed with all of the key highlights and authentic hidden gems that this glorious part of the country has to offer.
From the rolling green hills of Dartmoor in Devon, the golden sands of Blackpool Sands and Porthcurno beaches and the wild and rugged South West coastal trails, there is something to do for everyone.
Of course, if you wanted to slow the pace, we recommend maybe adding a few more days and stretching it into a 14 day itinerary. However, as we have personally tried and tested this jam-packed itinerary, we can vouch it is perfect for those who just have 11 days.
Either way, you will have the best time! We wishing you a weekend of sunshine to make it all the more special!
This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!
Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com
A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.
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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.
