The Best Cities, Towns & Villages in North Cornwall

Newquay is Cornwall’s surfing capital, known for its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs and lively atmosphere. Popular with surfers, families and nightlife seekers, it combines coastal scenery with outdoor activities and a vibrant town centre.

Padstow is a picturesque fishing port on Cornwall’s north coast, known for its harbour, seafood restaurants and charming narrow streets. Popular for coastal walks and cycling the Camel Trail, it blends maritime heritage with a lively food scene.

Tintagel is a dramatic coastal village famed for its clifftop castle ruins and strong links to the legend of King Arthur. Surrounded by rugged scenery and Atlantic views, it’s a popular destination for history, mythology and coastal walking.

Bude is a relaxed seaside town on Cornwall’s north coast, known for its sandy beaches, surf culture and scenic canal walks. Popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts, it offers dramatic coastal scenery and easy access to nearby cliffs and coves.

Perranporth is a laid-back seaside town known for its vast sandy beach, rolling dunes and strong surf culture. Set along Cornwall’s north coast, it’s popular for coastal walks, beach cafés and relaxed outdoor living.

Boscastle is a picturesque harbour village on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, known for its narrow natural inlet, dramatic cliffs and scenic coastal walks. Its historic charm and nearby Tintagel make it a popular stop for exploring Cornwall’s coastline.

St Agnes is a picturesque coastal village known for its rugged cliffs, mining heritage and excellent surfing beaches. Surrounded by scenic walking trails and protected landscapes, it blends traditional Cornish charm with a relaxed outdoor lifestyle.

Camelford is a small market town near Bodmin Moor, known for its links to Arthurian legend and easy access to rugged countryside and the north Cornwall coast. It’s a practical base for walking, history and exploring nearby Tintagel and moorland landscapes

Delabole is a village best known for the vast Delabole Slate Quarry, one of the oldest working slate quarries in England. Close to the north Cornwall coast, it offers a quiet base for exploring nearby beaches, cliffs and historic villages.

Wadebridge is a lively riverside town on the Camel Estuary, known for the popular Camel Trail cycling route and easy access to Cornwall’s north coast. It combines independent shops, cafés and outdoor activities with a relaxed Cornish atmosphere.