6 most OVERRATED places in Cornwall

It’s no secret that Cornwall gets busy. Possibly the most popular tourist destination in the UK, Cornwall is heaving in the summer months.

And the busiest destinations of all? Possibly those below! These spots are quite overrated when it comes to crowds and expense, and generally, I wouldn’t recommend visiting in July or August.

Here are some of the places in Cornwall to avoid if you want a quiet trip!

Land’s End

Land’s End is often touted as a must-visit spot, but in my experience, it’s far too over-commercialised.

The coastline is breathtaking, that’s for sure, but for me, it doesn’t live up to the hype in many ways.

It’s somewhat of an amusement park now, with King Arthur-themed entertainments, West Country shopping and “first and last” everything. Taking your photo with the Land’s End sign will set you back over £10.

If you do visit Land’s End, I’d recommend parking in Sennen, walking to the attraction and then walking on, towards Nanjizal Beach, to find some solitude.

Read more: Is Land’s End worth visiting? Locals say NO

Tintagel Castle

I’m not going to say that Tintagel Castle isn’t a breathtaking, must-visit place. The history is palpable here.

However, if you were looking for a castle, do be aware that it’s largely ruins here. Plus, if you’re there for the King Arthur connections, I regret to say that it’s highly unlikely that he was actually from here. More information about that here.

Plus, Tintagel Castle is pricey to visit – it’s currently £18.10 for adults. I’ve been a couple of times (I do have an English Heritage membership which means I don’t pay for entrance), but the coastline around Tintagel Castle is just as stunning.

Port Isaac

I love Port Isaac, and I was debating putting it on this list. However, while it certainly does meet expectations when it comes to beauty, it is also very small and gets very crowded, especially in the summer months.

If you’ve ever watched Doc Martin, you’ll feel like you’re walking around a movie set, and its an adorable village that is really quintessentially Cornish.

My advice? Visit out of season, or on a cloudy day. And do a Doc Martin tour, so you know exactly what you’re looking at!

Kynance Cove

There’s no denying that Kynance Cove is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall. However, it can become overwhelmingly crowded, especially during the peak summer months.

The narrow paths leading down to the cove can get congested, and once on the beach, finding a spot to relax can be a challenge. Parking can be a hassle, with the car park often full during busy times.

It’s also a very tidal beach, meaning that the sands are covered at high tide, and swimming isn’t usually recommended. In my opinion, there are plenty of nicer Lizard beaches!

St. Ives

St. Ives is another spot that’s certainly beautiful, but I’d think twice about visiting in peak summer season.

The small streets and beaches are often packed, making it difficult to enjoy what the town has to offer.

Additionally, the high prices in local shops and restaurants can make it feel like you’re paying for the name rather than the experience!

Consider visiting St Ives in winter for a completely different experience!

Padstow

Known as a culinary hotspot, particularly for Rick Stein’s restaurants, Padstow has become a bit of a victim of its own success.

The influx of tourists has led to crowded streets, long waits for tables, and inflated prices.

While the food is good and the harbour is beautiful, many feel that the town’s charm has been lost under the weight of its own popularity.

How overrated are these destinations?

I’m not recommending you don’t go to these destinations, but maybe consider avoiding them on August bank holiday weekend!

Are there any more you’d add?