Free Things to Do in Cornwall

Cornwall is among the UK’s most popular holiday regions, and with so many wonderful places to visit, it is not surprising. Cornwall boasts beautiful landscapes, sandy beaches, and an exciting cultural heritage. While the cost of a trip can add up, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a day in Cornwall without spending a penny.

To help you navigate the UK with your bank balance protected, CrossCountry are exploring some of the best free things to do in Cornwall.

Free Outdoor Activities in Cornwall

Beaches of Penzance

Cornwall is famous for its sandy beaches and mild climate, and few are better than the beaches at Penzance. With a varied selection of coastal spots to choose from, whether it’s exploring the rock pools at Battery Rocks, relaxing on the sandy shores of Marazion, or enjoying the dog-friendly stretch at Longrock, Penzance is the ideal destination for a beach day. If you’re looking for a free family day out in Cornwall, then be sure to pack a picnic, put on your swimming gear, and head for a Penzance beach.

Of course, the exact journey depends on which beach you’re heading to, but you can get to Penzance station directly on a wide range of CrossCountry services from across the UK. From there, you can reach most beaches with a short walk or bus journey.

St Michael’s Mount

During the peak summer period, there is an entry fee to St Michael’s Mount, however, in less busy months, you can pay a visit free of charge. This means visitors can experience the harbour and village during open hours without needing to purchase a ticket. Between May and September, access to St Michael's Mount is ticketed in order to relieve pressure on the local community.

Visiting St Michael’s Mount in the off-season is an unforgettable experience. The streets are quieter, you can enjoy a hot drink at the cosy island café, and the harbour is cloaked in a crisp and frosty atmosphere. Watch your breath condense into vapour in the cold sea air and the choppy waves crash against the fishing boats.

Keep in mind that St Michael’s Mount cannot be accessed by boat during the winter season. This means it’s important to check tide times to ensure you can reach the island via the causeway. To learn more about this national gem, take a look at our guidance on travelling to and exploring St Michael’s Mount.

The Camel Trail

The Camel Trail offers the perfect setting for hiking, running, or cycling - whether you're exploring solo, with friends, or as a family. This scenic rural path winds through the heart of Cornwall, surrounded by lush countryside, and follows the route of a former railway line.

If you’re on holiday in Cornwall, an active day on the Camel Trail, named after the nearby River Camel, is the best way to see the beautiful Cornish landscape. With plenty of lovely cafés and tearooms lining the trail all the way to the picture-perfect Padstow, you can enjoy a full day out on a budget.

Located near Bodmin Parkway, you can easily join the Camel Trail by taking a CrossCountry service from one of our many train stations across the UK – whether you’re local to Cornwall or travelling from further afield. If you are planning to cycle the trail, be sure to check our guidance around travelling onboard our trains with bikes.

South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path spans 630 miles of England’s coastline from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset, with almost 300 miles covering Cornwall’s rugged natural beauty. We’ll be looking specifically at the South Cornwall section from Falmouth to Plymouth.

This route is underappreciated compared to the better-known Jurassic Coast, but for lovers of serene stretches of green and golden fields, canvases of heather, and the tranquil lapping of the sea, this walk is completely perfect.

Discover secluded beaches and charming fishing villages, like Mevagissey, a harbourside destination with plenty of history and intrigue. Mevagissey forms part of our 7-day Cornish itinerary, and it’s a great place to get the freshest seafood. Along the South West Coast Path, you’ll also discover the beautiful expanse of Whitsand Bay and the secluded Rame Peninsula.

St Ives Food & Drink Festival

St Ives Food & Drink Festival takes place annually in May. The festival is completely free during the day, leaving you open to try delicious food from across the globe. Tickets are also available for purchase for live music sessions in the evening. Set on the popular Porthminster Beach, St Ives Food and Drink Festival is a patchwork of mouthwatering smells, from freshly baked bread to crab croquettes to Mexican street food.

Visitors can also learn how the experts do it with a range of chef demonstrations. Award-winning food connoisseurs from all over the world visit Porthminster Beach to share wisdom about cooking, dining, and making the most of eating experiences. You’ll get to witness the best of the best excel in their craft and learn a thing or two, like how to grow the food you cook yourself and how to get the most out of your local market.

The Lizard & Kynance Cove

As part of the previously mentioned South West Coast Path, Kynance Cove is a haven for adventure-seekers and deserves an honourable mention. Walkers can take part in the Lizard coastal walk, a seven-mile loop that incorporates dramatic cliffs and vast wildflower meadows. The route starts and ends at Kynance Cove and will take you past some intriguing aspects of Cornish history, like the Old Lizard Lifeboat Station and Lion’s Den, a collapsed sea cave.

If you fancy a more relaxing day, the beach at Kynance Cove is a jewel on the coastline, with white sand and beautifully blue waters. It's also a hot spot for archaeological activity, with walks led by volunteers throughout the year. Why not try your hand at fossil hunting among the ancient rocks?

Free Things to Do in Cornwall in the Rain

Truro Cathedral

In one form or another, the Cathedral in Truro has been an important place of worship since the thirteenth century. Formerly St Mary’s parish church, St Mary’s officially became a cathedral in the late nineteenth century. Now, Truro Cathedral is a breathtaking building that is a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture, lending a historical touch to the Truro skyline.

Entry to the cathedral is completely free, so visitors of all religious orientations are welcome to explore the religious and cultural heritage of the cathedral.

Situated less than a mile from Truro station, you can reach Truro Cathedral by taking a CrossCountry train from a variety of locations across the UK, followed by a twelve-minute walk.

Museum of Cornish Life

The Museum of Cornish Life is a collection of local curiosities and treasures in the town of Helston that celebrate the social and cultural history of the Southwest. Entry is completely free, and the collection is comprised of thousands of interesting items, from toys and games to Neolithic and Bronze Age artefacts to folk stories and customs. Even the building itself has a long history, starting life as a market house and drill hall in the 1800s.

The museum has a range of events taking place throughout the year, including temporary exhibitions, workshops, and family events. There are buses available to Helston from Camborne station, the trip takes just under forty minutes.

The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary

The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary is one of the loveliest places to visit, rain or shine. Here, you can meet rescued donkeys, horses, and ponies in the peaceful countryside with completely free entry. While a visit can be thoroughly enjoyed in the fields on a sunny day, it’s certainly not a write-off if there’s a bit of rain. You can join the donkeys in the warm barn and shelter from the downpour!

During a visit, you’ll see firsthand the amazing work the Flicka Foundation does. There's also a quaint tearoom with a range of hot drinks, plus vegan cakes and snacks. The sanctuary relies on donations to continue their rescue work, so any contributions are always greatly appreciated to help these gentle animals.

If you’re planning some free things to do in Cornwall, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.