The Ultimate Cornwall Summer Bucket List
There is absolutely nowhere on earth like Cornwall when the sun decides to show up. The water turns that ridiculous shade of turquoise, the clifftops melt into a blur of pink wildflowers, and suddenly everyone is ditching work early to catch the evening tide. Whether you’re a born-and-bred local looking to shake up your weekends or you're planning an epic road trip, summer is the time to squeeze every single drop out of the coast. Grab your flip-flops, pack a windbreak, and let's dive into the ultimate Cornwall summer bucket list...
Salty Days & Ocean Thrills
First things first, you've got to get yourself into or onto the Atlantic. Live out your pirate dreams by joining a rare day sail on Talluluah, a jaw-dropping, 44ft traditional pilot cutter based in St Mawes. This is a proper, hands-on day out where you’ll help hoist the massive gaff sails, man the ancient manual windlass, and even take a turn steering the ship.
If you fancy yourself a bit of a surfer, or just want to try not to wipe out, head to our local beach and the excellent Portreath Surf School, who provide all the gear - including warm wetsuits and soft beginner foamies - so you can safely hit the whitewater. Their instructors will have you catching waves and popping up on your board in no time.
Ditch the usual plastic kayak and head to Carbis Bay to paddle a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe. Each canoe is expertly guided by Ocean Sports Centre, helping you to explore the local coves, beaches and cliffs at your own pace.
Secret Dips & Hidden Plunge Pools
If you want to dodge the main tourist crowds, you need to seek out Cornwall's secret wild swimming spots. Forget the busy beaches and hike down to Prussia Cove, a secluded, rocky paradise with crystal-clear water that feels like the tropics on a calm day. Or make the trek down to Nanjizal Cove near Land’s End, home to the famous 'Song of the Sea' natural rock arch and crystal-clear rock pools that you'll often have entirely to yourself.
We're lucky at Schoose as we have some secret plunge pools just down the road. Head behind the harbour wall at low tide for the hidden sea pool or discover Lady Basset's Baths which are a series of baths handcut into the rocks in 1782. You'll find 8 of these baths tucked away on the west side of the beach at low tide, but you might need to do a little exploring and scrambling if you want to find them all!
Castles, Myths & Tidal Magic
When you're ready to dry off, Cornwall has some seriously magical history that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set. You can't miss St Michael’s Mount - you have to time it perfectly so you can walk across the cobblestone causeway before the tide rolls in and traps you on the island. Further up the coast, head over to Tintagel Castle. Walking across the footbridge suspended between the cliffs will give you goosebumps, especially with all the old stories about King Arthur floating around.
Epic Clifftop Drama & Live Beats
For the ultimate evening vibe, you have to book a show at the Minack Theatre. An open-air amphitheatre carved into the granite cliffs right above Porthcurno beach. Watching a play while the sun sets and wild dolphins pop up in the ocean behind the actors is a total core memory moment. This summer they have plenty of choice from Shakespeare to live music and kids shows.
If seeing global superstars is on your bucket list then Cornwall has plenty of live music and big acts this summer. Head to the Eden Sessions for Pixies, Snow Patrol or Bastille, Boardmasters for Fatboy Slim, Lily Allen and Kasabian or Tunes In The Park for Razorlight, Kelis, Faithless and Basement Jaxx.
Unique Camping in Cornwall: Hidden Off-Grid Sites
You can't do a proper Cornish summer without sleeping under the stars, but skip the massive holiday parks for something much more intimate. Book a spot at Cornish Tipi Holidays near Port Isaac, where you can camp in a hidden, wooded valley and swim or canoe in their deep, turquoise quarry pool. If you want true back-to-basics eco-camping right by the beach, check out Higher Pendeen Camping near Mawgan Porth for massive, private pitches and gorgeous sunset views. For the ultimate in sea views from your tent then head to Bay View Camping which is nestled between Maenporth and Swanpool high on the cliffs. Rock up, pick your favourite view of the sea, and watch the ships roll by. A private farm gate gives you direct access to the South West Coast Path, putting the beach just a 10-minute walk away.
Jungle Vibes & Stargazing Outpost
If you need a break from the coastal crowds, Cornwall’s green spaces are honestly like a tropical jungle. Spend a lazy afternoon getting lost in the Lost Gardens of Heligan, hunting down the famous mossy mud sculptures hidden in the woods. Or, if you want something totally wild, head back up to Bodmin Moor. It’s an official Dark Sky area, so if you pack a blanket and a flask of hot chocolate on a clear summer night, the stargazing is absolutely unreal. You can see the entire Milky Way out there.
Proper Pasty Fuel & Cream Tea Rules
Finally, let's talk about the food, because a Cornish summer is basically fueled by carbs and dairy. You haven't lived until you've smashed a proper, piping-hot Cornish pasty. Our favourites are from Philip Warren, Ann's and Liddicoat Butchers. Cool down with an ice cream, and trust us the absolute best in Cornwall is from Jelbert's in Newlyn. When afternoon rolls around, it's cream tea time. Remember the golden rule: it is always jam first, then clotted cream, unless you want to start a local riot. We love the cream tea just down the road from us at Pod Cafe in Portreath.
When you're heading out on your adventures this summer don't forget to stop by our shop near Portreath or take a peek at our summer collection online. From sandals to handbags, skincare to jewellery and some beautiful summer clothes, we've got your summer wardrobe sorted whatever you are up to!