An Introvert's Cornwall: 5 Top Spots

On the south-western tip of the UK lies the stunning county of Cornwall. With its own language, food, and rich collection of folklore, Cornwall is the hidden gem of the UK, set in a rugged landscape of wild moors, dramatic coastlines, beaches and castles. About a five-hour train journey from London Paddington, it makes for the perfect summer getaway or multi-day excursion as part of a longer UK trip. Whether you're a history buff keen to explore the ancient monuments scattered across the moors, or an avid reader who grew up on the stories of Enid Blyton, Cornwall has it all.

I grew up visiting my family in Cornwall each year- going on long walks with my uncle, a Cornish bard who studies and translates old Cornish stories into English, and watching every existing episode of Mr Bean on tape with my grandparents. I'd listen to tales of my great-great-grandad, a miner in the Cornish cliffs, and my grandad's journeys as an engineer in the Royal Navy. Even my name is a traditional Cornish one, meaning “little sister joy.”

Over the years spent in Cornwall, I've explored almost every corner of the county, discovering some of the most gorgeous sights- many of which are perfect for a solo traveller and introvert like myself. This list is for fellow like-minded travellers looking to discover the magic of Cornwall themselves, without getting caught in crowds of people all angling for the same photo. These five spots are a mix of quieter, lesser-known gems, and a few bigger attractions that are simply too good to leave out.

So, with that in mind, here are my top five spots to visit in Cornwall:

                     - Tamsyn

Great Western Beach is located in the coastal town of Newquay- a beautiful stretch of sand nestled at the bottom of a steep cliff and surrounded by caves. It’s less populated, and less well-known than the famous Fistral beach (also in Newquay), but in my opinion, it's far superior. The town, perched along the cliff edge, makes for a stunning backdrop, and the more peaceful atmosphere makes it a far more comfortable option for an introvert.

To get there, you walk down a steep path that winds its way from the town down to the edge of the beach.

It's along this path that you'll find my favourite place to sit, relax and watch the sunset. I've spent many hours on this spot, sketching dragons, sunbathing and avoiding the world. About halfway down the path, you'll spot a small pile of large rocks. If you climb over them, there's a slightly scuffed patch of grass that leads to a bare ledge overlooking the beach. Just be careful- there’s nothing stopping you from going straight over the edge, so stay aware of your surroundings and use common sense.

Newquay is a popular holiday destination, with scores of beach-goers surfing at Fistral beach, visiting the zoo, or playing old-school arcade games in cafés. Great Western Beach, is relatively quiet compared to the rest of Newquay, especially in June, when it’s warm but not yet packed with summer holiday crowds.

You can get to Newquay fairly easily by bus or train. The best option from Truro is to catch the 91 from Truro Bus Station, which takes about an hour. If you’re heading straight from London, you’re better off taking the train- the journey takes around five hours.

This is the first spot on this list that requires an entrance ticket, and I'd highly recommend booking it online, as it's significantly cheaper than buying on site. The ticket gives you unlimited entry for a full year and, while it's definitely not the cheapest day out, the Eden project is one of a kind and absolutely worth every penny.

The money all goes towards supporting the Eden Project's mission: raising awareness of the current environmental crisis through education, community initiatives, and encouraging a broader understanding of the connections between all living things.

Ticket prices vary depending on the season, but as a guide: a standard adult ticket is £32.50, children (under 16) are £10.00, under 5s go free, seniors pay £30.50, and student tickets are £20.50.

Prepare for a bit of sensory overload here- Eden is made up of two main biomes: the Rainforest Biome and the Mediterranean Biome. Each one tells a story through its walkways, packed with native plants, flowers, spices, wildlife and smells, representing over 1,000 varieties of plants, from all over the world. The many highlights include a spice market, waterfall, treetop walkway and the famous wobbly bridge, where my Dad and I have accidentally (or not-so-accidentally) caused our fair share of terror. You’ll need at least an hour to fully explore it, and be warned: it’s hot. Dress accordingly!

The Mediterranean Biome is a little calmer- keep an eye out for the ancient olive trees and the perfume garden. There’s also a lovely café inside, serving delicious Italian dishes which I’d highly recommend.

And it doesn’t end there. Outside, the Eden Project offers seasonal gardens, exhibits, play areas and art instillations. If you’re feeling brave, you can even book a slot on the zip wire. That said, if it’s an adrenaline rush you’re after, I’d suggest heading to Adrenaline Quarry instead- the Eden zip wire is… let’s just say, extremely overpriced.

To get to the Eden Project from Truro, take a train to St Austell, then hop on the connecting bus to Eden. The journey takes around 1 hour and 12 minutes in total.

When I say I have dreams about the chicken I've eaten here, I'm not exaggerating. Their garlic butter chicken is honestly one of the best meals I've ever had. As soon as you cut into it, the butter oozes out, filling the plate with rich, mouth-watering flavour. Of course, the menu goes far beyond just chicken- they offer a wide variety of Italian dishes, but the chicken is my personal favourite, and it continues to haunt my dreams in the best way possible.

The waiters are warm and welcoming, and the atmosphere of the restaurant is cosy and relaxed. It’s the kind of place that makes eating alone feel completely normal- something I’d usually avoid. You’ll find the restaurant right in the centre of Truro.

As a big fan of the TV show Merlin, it's no surprise that Tintagel made it onto this list. Perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff, Tintagel is famed as the birthplace of King Arthur- the legendary ruler of Britain and central figure in medieval literature. The tales of King Arthur and his mage Merlin are iconic, with Arthurian stories about the Knights of the Round Table, Lancelot and the kingdom of Camelot, reaching well beyond British shores. Of course, the TV show focuses more on Merlin’s cheeky magical antics than strict historical accuracy and I’d hazard a guess that the fire-breathing dragons may have strayed just a tiny bit from reality.

Tintagel is a place steeped in mystery and literary significance, and the dramatic cliffside setting only adds to the magic. A visit takes you along a scenic route across Cornish cliffs, through the ruins of what was once a mighty castle, and down into Merlin’s Cave where the wizard himself is said to have lived.

You’ll need an entrance ticket (which you can purchase on site) to cross the bridge and explore the castle grounds, and it’s well worth it.

The small village of Tintagel, located at the foot of the castle is also worth a visit, offering a range of pubs and souvenir shops selling everything from small figurines and handmade bracelets to full-on medieval weaponry (yes, really).

Tintagel makes for a long but memorable day out, located on Cornwall’s north coast- so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time. To get there, take the 89 bus to the A3059, then change to the 95 bus, which will drop you at the Visitor Centre stop. The journey takes around two hours in total, depending on where you’re starting from.

Okay, I know I said only five spots, but technically this is more of an activity than a place. It’s totally optional- and I’ll admit, it’s not the easiest or most comfortable thing to book solo. That said, if there’s one activity I’d recommend, it’s this.

Growing up, this segway experience was my favourite memory of the year. I will never forget my very first time: I was just over the minimum weight limit, and the tour leader kept me at the front of the group so they could keep an eye on me. The owners always remembered me, the little girl who kept zooming past their shop, giggling at the top of her lungs. To this day, it’s still my favourite thing to do, and I always look forward to it whenever I visit Cornwall.

I dare say I now scare the owner when I turn up- my top speeds and daring antics have him genuinely fearing for my life. Though I’ve had my fair share of topples and the occasional flip over the handlebars, I promise that was entirely down to my risky high-speed stunts. Segways themselves are as safe as they come- usually more of a leisurely ride than an adrenaline-fuelled race.

If you want to include this activity in your day out to Newquay, buses run every 30 minutes from the Great Western Hotel in Newquay to Atlantic Reach Resort, where Segway Cornwall is based.