What to do in Cornwall while house and pet sitting

With over 400 miles of coastline dotted with sandy beaches and picturesque harbours, it’s not surprising that Cornwall has become one of the country’s favourite holiday destinations. Add to this world-class attractions such as the Eden Project and a growing reputation as a foodie hub, and you have the perfect place for a house or pet sitting stay!

If you can tear yourself away from the beaches, you can walk the coast path or explore the woods and moors inland. Discover Cornwall’s tin mining heritage by visiting the dramatic old engine houses, and visit the county’s many small towns that are full of independent shops and galleries.

With so many things to see in Cornwall, it can be hard to know where to start! Here’s our guide to the best places to visit in Cornwall.

Cornwall attractions

There are lots of places to visit in Cornwall. If you’re short of time and need to make a shortlist, we suggest you start with these must-see Cornwall attractions. 

1. The Eden Project: Cornwall’s most-visited attraction is a wonderful place for a day out. Discover tropical and Mediterranean plants in the famous biomes, or wander around the many outdoor gardens in the spectacular converted clay pit setting. The annual events programme includes ice skating, live music and food and arts festivals.

2. Tate St Ives: situated above Porthmeor Beach in beautiful St Ives, it’s hard to think of a more inspirational setting. The gallery tells the story of the St Ives School of Painting and has an exciting programme of visiting exhibitions. As well as the fine collection of modern art, don’t miss the cafe…

3. St Michael’s Mount: you can’t miss this iconic attraction. Cross the causeway or catch a small boat across to the tidal island. Explore the village and gardens (stopping for a cream tea or pasty), then walk up to the medieval castle and chapel at the top of the Mount.

4. The Minack Theatre: this incredible open-air theatre was hewn into the cliffs over several decades by one woman, Rowena Cade, with help from her gardener. Today, it’s the most awe-inspiring venue for a performance: try to catch a show here if you can. If you can’t, you can still visit the theatre during the day.

Free things to do in Cornwall

Exploring the Duchy on a budget? There are plenty of free things to do in Cornwall. Try these…

1. The beaches: apart from parking fees, most of Cornwall’s beaches are free. From the tiny harbour beach in Mousehole to the sweep of sand in Constantine, there’s every sort of beach you can think of. You’re never more than 20 miles from the sea in Cornwall, so you’ll soon find your favourite beach.

2. The South West Coast Path: there’s a 630-mile coast path running between Minehead and Poole, and a lot of this well-managed trail runs through Cornwall. Choose a section of the path that appeals to you, and have a lovely day’s hike in that matchless sea air.

3. The Camel Trail: if you’ve brought your bike, spend an enjoyable afternoon cycling the Camel Trail between Padstow and Wenford Bridge. The 17-mile long trail runs along the site of a former branch line, so it’s a flat and easy route to cycle or walk.

4. Heartlands Cornwall: this is a free museum and garden in Pool that celebrates Cornwall’s mining heritage. It’s housed in a former mine, and you can explore some of the old buildings, and take a tour of the engine house. The gardens are a perfect spot for a picnic, or head for the cafe in the evocative old carpenter’s workshop.

Fun things to do in Cornwall

Looking for a truly original day out? Try these unique Cornwall activities…

1. The Jubilee Pool: this Art Deco lido in Penzance has been beautifully restored. There’s a large sea-fed main pool and a wonderfully warm thermal pool (booking only). Buy a day ticket, and lounge with a book on the elegant terraces, or call into the cafe for lunch.

2. Hangloose Adventures: see The Eden Project from a very different angle. Hangloose runs adventure-based experiences from Eden, which includes a zip wire across the biomes. 

3. Take to the water: there are several excellent watersports centres across Cornwall, offering surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). You can also join a coasteering adventure for a whole new way of exploring the county.

What to do in Cornwall with pets

There are lots of places to take your dog in Cornwall, so if you’re pet sitting here, you (and your new furry friend) will be in for a real treat! Check if any dog restrictions apply before heading to the beach, as some have reduced hours during the summer season. Find out more about choosing the right beach for your dog in our helpful article.

1. Harlyn Bay: this is a stunning sandy beach near Padstow, which is popular among pet parents (and sitters alike) because it welcomes dogs all year round. It’s lifeguarded in the summer, so is a good spot for swimming. 

2. Bamaluz Beach: if you’re in St Ives with your furry companion, head for this pretty and hidden little cove, as it's dog-friendly all year. The sandy beach has lovely rockpools to explore and it’s a great place to meet local dog parents.

3. The Hub St Ives: after your walk on Bamaluz, go for lunch at this popular bar and restaurant on Wharf Road. It’s super-welcoming to dogs, who will always be made a fuss of by the friendly staff.

4. The Lost Gardens of Heligan: this famous garden near St Austell accepts dogs on leads. There are miles of paths to explore in these wonderfully romantic gardens.

5. Trebah Gardens: these subtropical gardens are much-loved among local dog parents. As a real plus, the gardens slope down to a private beach, where dogs are also welcome. There are designated doggie tables in the lovely cafe. 

Best restaurants in Cornwall: Food and drink

Ever since Cornwall became a foodie destination, many people visit Cornwall simply for its restaurants. So, where are the best places to sample the local produce? Glad you asked. Here are some of the best restaurants in Cornwall...

Best restaurants in Cornwall for lunch 

One of the best things to do in Cornwall is find a lovely pub, restaurant or cafe and settle down for a leisurely lunch. Here’s a selection of Cornwall’s finest…

1. Porthminster Cafe: situated on the sands of one of St Ives’ beaches, this is a favourite with locals and visitors. Book well in advance for a window table, but to be honest, with service and seafood this good, it doesn’t matter where you sit…

2. Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen: run by local celebrity chef Nathan Outlaw, this is a must-visit place for seafood. It serves a fixed price seafood menu, and is housed in the most gorgeous medieval cottage in Port Isaac. Not cheap, but an amazing experience.

3. The Hidden Hut: pick up a fantastic lunch from this outdoor kitchen on Portscatho beach. There are soups and curries in the spring, and salads and grills in the summer. Check the directions before you set out, as there’s a good reason for its name…

4. Caffe Rojano: this gorgeous place is in Cornwall’s unofficial food capital, Padstow. Enjoy seasonal small plates and proper pizzas (also available to take away) in a lovely 18th-century building.

5. The Heron Inn, Malpas: just outside Truro, this pub has been a local fave for a long time, and now visitors are discovering this waterside gastropub. Come here for heart British food.

Best restaurants in Cornwall for dinner

It’s a crowded field; however, here are some of the best places in Cornwall for dinner.

1. The Seafood Kitchen: arguably the restaurant that started the Cornish foodie scene, this is Rick Stein’s flagship place in Padstow. Come here for a real treat.

2. The Star & Garter: the Falmouth pub has developed a reputation as a great place to come for hearty, local food. They cook on an open fire, and source their food from local fishers and farmers.

3. Tolcarne Inn: this is another popular pub, this time in the fishing harbour town of Newlyn, west of Penzance. Chef Ben Tunnicliffe has created a real dining destination in this friendly old inn.

4. The Shore: head Chef Bruce Rennie has made a real splash. His restaurant is in a modest street in Penzance, and the one-man kitchen and small dining area creates a lovely intimate space for dining.

5. Kota: chef Jude is half Maori, half Chinese Malay, and the menu at Kota reflects this fab culinary heritage. You’ll find Kota in Porthleven, a pretty harbour town that’s rivaling Padstow and St Ives as a food destination.

We hope this has given you a good idea of what to do in Cornwall. There are a lot of places to visit in this beautiful part of Britain, including fantastic beaches and paths for your four-footed friend!

House and pet sitting in Cornwall

Does Cornwall sound like the perfect place for a house or pet sitting assignment? Take a look at our website to see what assignments are available in Cornwall and the South West. If you haven’t sat with TrustedHouseitters before, find out more about how it works here.