If you think Cornwall is just about sandy beaches, pasties, and ice cream, think again. While we all love a classic seaside trip, this rugged county hides a wonderfully weird side just waiting to be explored. Beyond the usual tourist trail lies a world of bizarre museums, hidden waterfalls, and local legends that feel straight out of a storybook.
Here are 5 quirky and unusual spots to visit in Cornwall.
Nestled in the historic harbour village of Boscastle is an intriguing look at the darker, hidden folklore of Cornwall. The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of items dedicated to the occult, folk magic, and ritual practices. Founded by practitioner Cecil Williamson in 1951, this fascinating and slightly eerie museum explores the history of British witchcraft, Wicca, and traditional cunning folk from the Middle Ages to the modern day.
Clinging to the sheer, windswept cliffs of Morwenstow, Hawker’s Hut is a tiny driftwood shelter with a remarkably eccentric history. Built in the mid-19th century by the poet and vicar Robert Stephen Hawker, this makeshift cabin is crafted entirely from timber salvaged from local shipwrecks. It was here, perched high above the crashing Atlantic, that the eccentric clergyman would retreat to compose his poetry, reportedly while smoking opium, talking to birds, and watching for distressed vessels along the notoriously dangerous coastline. Today, it stands as the smallest property cared for by the National Trust, offering intrepid walkers a quiet, atmospheric vantage point that looks out over Cornwall’s wild and rugged northern edges.
The perfect spot to escape the heat waves! Discover three massive, hand-carved caverns hewn out of the hillside by miners over hundreds of years. As you descend 150 meters into the earth, the temperature drops to a constant, crisp 10°C, leading you to the lowest chamber which holds a crystal-clear, emerald-green underground lake. Above ground you can still stay cool by taking a stroll around the four acres of ancient oak woodland.
If you love exploring places with spectacular panoramic views and a bit of a back-story, you've got to add Rogers Tower to your list! Perched high on a hill overlooking the sweeping blue crescent of Mount's Bay near Penzance, this quirky little mock-medieval castle tower looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. It was actually built back in the late 18th or early 19th century by a wealthy local landowner named John Rogers, purely as an "eyecatcher" to look impressive on the horizon and to offer unmatched views across the landscape. The coolest part? He chose to build his miniature castle right on top of the ancient earthen ramparts of a much older Iron Age hillfort. It’s the ultimate hidden gem for a breezy afternoon walk - just follow the footpath up through the gorse, and get your camera ready for some serious jaw-dropping coastal views!
Tucked away in an ancient, temperate rainforest near Tintagel, St Nectan’s Glen feels like stepping directly into the pages of a fantasy novel. As you wander down the peaceful woodland path alongside the bubbling River Trevillet, the air grows thick with moss and magic, leading you to a breathtaking 60-foot waterfall. Here, the rushing water has spectacularly punched a perfect circular hole right through the slate wall, creating a truly otherworldly sight. It has been a sacred spiritual site for centuries, and you will find crystals, stacks of smooth river stones, and colourful ribbons left in the crevices by visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the local piskies and wood spirits. It is the ultimate hidden sanctuary to escape the real world for an hour or two, listen to the roar of the falls, and soak up some of Cornwall's most enchanting, untouched nature!
