Last October half term we booked a last minute trip to St Agnes, Cornwall.
Whenever I’ve visited Cornwall, it has always been to the same North Cornwall area – Padstow, Polzeath, etc. I knew next to nothing about St Agnes, but the price for our AirBnB was very reasonable, so we were sold on that basis alone.
After our trip, I can say that the St Agnes coastline firmly has my heart. I’m still reminiscing about the beautiful beaches we visited and wondering when we can return. Cornwall is such a special place, I’d be hard pushed to pick a favourite area. But here is why St Agnes should be on your travel radar.
Best Beaches in St Agnes Cornwall
This area of Cornwall really does have some STUNNERS. Here are some of our favourites:
Chapel Porth
An unspoilt sandy beach with good caves to explore at low tide. With a view of the picturesque Weal Coates on the cliffs above. The hedgehog ice cream from the beach kiosk is rather famous – (vanilla ice cream, clotted cream, and honey-roasted hazelnuts!). Chapel Porth was my favourite of all the beaches we visited.
Trevaunance Cove
Trevaunance is dog-friendly all year round. It has a pub, and a cafe, which offers the perfect view to watch the surfers whilst grabbing a pizza. The left hand side of the beach (if looking out to sea) has some great caves, including a u-shaped cave with two entrances so you can walk all the way through it.
Porthowan Beach
Porthowan has good rockpools. To the right of the beach, there is a hidden tidal pool, reachable at low tide – be prepared for a clamber over the rocks to reach it!
Holywell Bay
A little further afield at a 25 min drive from St Agnes, Holylwell is a wide sandy beach with the most magnificent sand dunes. Holywell is also known for being a filming location for Game of Thrones prequel, House of Dragon. If you are aiming to visit St Cuthbert’s Cave and the Holy Well, it is only accessible at very low tide.
Family-Friendly Things to do in St Agnes, Cornwall
Geevor Tin Mine
Cornwall’s mining heritage is such a big part of its history, and visiting Geevor Tin Mine was a great way to get a sense of what life was like for the miners. We got to go underground, see the old machinery, and hear stories from when the mine was still in use. Definitely one for families with curious kids!
Seals at Godrevy Point
We made the short drive over to Godrevy and were rewarded with an incredible sight – dozens of grey seals lounging on the sand below the cliffs.
Wheal Coates and the Iconic Mine Shaft
Wheal Coates is one of the most photographed spots in Cornwall, and when you see it in real life, you’ll understand why. The crumbling mine buildings set against the dramatic cliffs and bright blue sea look like something from a postcard. We did a short walk along the coastal path from St Agnes Head down to Chapel Porth beach, which is where I snapped this photo of Wheal Cotes.
Walk the St Agnes to Trevaunance Cove Coastal Path
We love a good coastal walk, and this one did not disappoint. The views over the cliffs are unreal, and it’s a great way to see more of the area while stretching your legs. It’s not too long, so it’s very doable with kids, plus there’s the reward of Trevaunance Cove at the end.
Surfing Lessons at Perranporth Beach
If you’re keen to try surfing, Perranporth Beach—just a short drive from St Agnes—is one of the best spots to learn. The long, sandy beach and consistent waves make it ideal for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Several surf schools in the area offer lessons, so whether you’re standing up for the first time or looking to refine your skills, it’s a great way to make the most of Cornwall’s famous surf scene.
Beach Rockpooling and Exploring Caves
It wouldn’t be a trip to the Cornish coast without the above two activities. Trevaunance Cove is great for both rockpools and caves. Check out this ginormous cave we explored to the left of Trevaunance Cove:
Day Trips from St Agnes
One of the great things about staying in St Agnes is its central location on the North Cornwall coast. It’s the perfect base for exploring more of Cornwall, with plenty of incredible places within an hour’s drive. Here are a few of the day trips we took (or have on our list for next time!):
The Lizard Peninsula (~1 hour drive)
The Lizard Peninsula is home to some of Cornwall’s most breathtaking coastal scenery.
We visited Kynance Cove, which is one of those places that looks like a postcard in real life—turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and white sand. You will need to visit at low tide to explore the beach, but it’s also great to see Kynance from the cliffs at high tide when the turquoise water is in full effect.
We also stopped by Lizard Point, the most southerly point in mainland Britain.
St Ives (~45-minute drive)
St Ives is one of Cornwall’s most famous seaside towns, and for good reason. The cobbled streets, beautiful beaches, and amazing food scene make it a great day trip option. Grab pasties from St Ives Bakery, and spend time on Porthmeor Beach. If you’re an art lover, the Tate St Ives and Barbara Hepworth Museum are both worth a visit.
Porthcurno Beach (~1 hour drive)
Porthcurno Beach is simply stunning, with soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, and steep cliffs that make it feel like a hidden paradise. It’s one of Cornwall’s most famous beaches for a reason! We loved our time at Porthcurno.
The Minack Theatre (~1 hour drive)
Just above Porthcurno, perched dramatically on the cliffs, is The Minack Theatre—an open-air theatre with the most incredible ocean backdrop. Even if you’re not watching a performance, it’s worth visiting just to take in the views and learn about its fascinating history.
Padstow & the Camel Trail (~50-minute drive)
Padstow is a foodie hotspot, known for its seafood and Rick Stein’s famous restaurants. It’s a lovely harbour town to explore, and if you’re up for an adventure, you can hire bikes and cycle the Camel Trail, a scenic route that follows the estuary from Padstow to Wadebridge and beyond.
I have several articles on this area of North Cornwall and our favourite things to do there.
St Michael’s Mount (~55-minute drive)
This tidal island near Marazion is one of Cornwall’s most magical landmarks. At low tide, you can walk across the causeway to explore the medieval castle and subtropical gardens, while at high tide, the island is only accessible by boat. It’s a fantastic day out for families, history lovers, and anyone who enjoys a bit of adventure.
Land’s End (~1 hour drive)
The iconic Land’s End is another great day trip option. While it’s a bit touristy, the coastal scenery here is undeniably impressive. Nearby, you’ll find Sennen Cove, a stunning sandy beach that’s perfect for a walk or even a surf lesson.
Falmouth & the Roseland Peninsula (~45-minute drive)
Falmouth is a charming maritime town with great shops, restaurants, and the historic Pendennis Castle. From here, you can take the ferry over to the Roseland Peninsula, a quieter, less touristy part of Cornwall with beautiful beaches and hidden coves. St Mawes Castle is another lovely spot to explore if you have time.
Is St Agnes quieter?
In summer and peak season, anywhere in Cornwall will be busy. But I reckon St Agnes is always going to be quieter than St Ives, Newquay, or anywhere around Padstow. Out of the summer season, the St Agnes area is beautifully serene.
Is Cornwall a good place to visit in October?
Absolutely! Obviously, you can’t count on Cornwall weather even in summer time, but rain or shine, October is usually still mild enough for walks and outdoor activities. We lucked out with the most fantastic sunshine for our October Cornwall break, so granted the next time we go, it will rain all week!
A big advantage of an October Cornwall visit was all the beautiful sunsets we saw. Golden hour was always just at the perfect time – just before we’d head home to start dinner.
October is a quieter time of year in general. We never had an issue parking at the beaches, or finding a table for the six of us at a cafe or pub.
The tide times the week after our October visit (official half term for most schools) were a little antisocial: 6am and 6pm low tide, meaning less opportunity for cave exploration and beach walks. But tide times will differ year on year.
For dog owners, another big plus of an October visit to Cornwall is that most beaches have no restrictions for dogs at that time of year.
Is St Agnes a Good Place to Stay in Cornwall?
A resounding yes! St Agnes is a fantastic place to stay if you’re looking for breathtaking coastal scenery, quieter beaches, and a central location for exploring Cornwall. Unlike busier hotspots like St Ives and Newquay, St Agnes has a more relaxed, small-village feel while still offering plenty of great restaurants, pubs, and things to do.
If you love outdoor adventures, St Agnes is ideal—it has some of Cornwall’s best coastal walks, stunning beaches, and a rich mining history to explore. Plus, it’s well-connected for day trips to both the north and south coasts.
Whether you’re visiting as a couple, a family, or a solo traveller, St Agnes is a hidden gem worth considering for your Cornwall stay.
Our verdict on St Agnes, Cornwall
Our trip to St Agnes completely exceeded expectations, and I still find myself thinking about its incredible beaches and dramatic coastal views. It may not be as widely talked about as some of Cornwall’s more famous destinations, but that’s exactly what makes it special. If you’re looking for a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and a slightly quieter pace, St Agnes is well worth a visit. I know we’ll be back—there’s still so much more to explore!
