12 Top Places to Visit in Devon and Cornwall

If you are trying to narrow down the top places to visit in Devon and Cornwall, the real challenge is not finding somewhere good - it is choosing what fits your kind of trip. Do you want wild coastal walks, postcard harbour towns, surf beaches, cream tea stops, or a base that lets you do a bit of everything? This stretch of the south-west does all of it brilliantly, but the best itinerary depends on pace, season and whether you are after romance, family-friendly days out or a road trip packed with scenery.

What makes Devon and Cornwall such an easy sell is the contrast. You can spend the morning on a rugged cliff path, the afternoon in a polished seaside town, and the evening watching the light fade over a harbour with fish and chips in hand. Some places are best for a long weekend, others deserve a full day, and a few work best as a stop on a wider route rather than a base in their own right.

Top places to visit in Devon and Cornwall for coastal scenery

St Ives, Cornwall

St Ives earns its place on almost every shortlist because it gets the balance right between beauty and atmosphere. The beaches are genuinely lovely, with clear water and soft sand, while the town itself feels lively rather than sleepy. That makes it a strong pick for couples and first-time visitors who want somewhere scenic but not too quiet.

The trade-off is popularity. In summer, St Ives can feel busy, parking can be frustrating, and accommodation prices often reflect its reputation. If you go outside peak school holiday periods, you get much more of the charm with less of the stress.

Lizard Point and Kynance Cove, Cornwall

If your ideal day is more about dramatic landscapes than wandering around shops and cafés, head for the Lizard peninsula. Kynance Cove has the kind of coastline people imagine when they picture Cornwall at its most cinematic - turquoise water, serpentine rock formations and steep cliffs that look almost too perfect to be real.

This is one of the best places for a weather-dependent stop. On a bright day it is unforgettable. On a wet or windy one, it can feel exposed and less forgiving, so it works best with flexible plans.

Hartland Quay, Devon

North Devon often gets less mainstream attention than Cornwall’s headline spots, which is exactly why Hartland Quay feels like such a good find. The cliffs here are raw, dramatic and slightly untamed, with a sense of scale that makes even a short walk feel memorable.

It is not the place for a classic easy beach day, and that is part of the appeal. Come here for the views, the walking and the feeling that the coastline is doing its own thing, rather than being polished for visitors.

Best harbour towns and seaside favourites

Padstow, Cornwall

Padstow is one of the easiest destinations to recommend if you want a polished, easy-to-enjoy coastal break. The harbour setting is attractive, there is plenty to eat, and it works well whether you want a gentle wander, a cycle ride nearby or a base for seeing more of north Cornwall.

It is a particularly good fit for food-focused trips and relaxed couple weekends. The only catch is that it can feel expensive compared with less famous towns nearby, so it suits travellers willing to pay a bit more for convenience and atmosphere.

Fowey, Cornwall

Fowey has a more tucked-away feel than some of Cornwall’s bigger names. Built around a deep estuary, it has steep lanes, handsome old buildings and a slightly more grown-up energy than the classic bucket-and-spade resort.

This is one of those places that rewards slow travel. You are not rushing from sight to sight here. You are taking the ferry across the water, lingering over lunch and enjoying the fact that the setting does a lot of the work.

Salcombe, Devon

Salcombe is glossy in the best sense. The estuary setting is beautiful, the sailing scene gives it an upmarket edge, and it feels ideal for a smart seaside escape. If you want Devon with style, this is a very strong contender.

That said, Salcombe is not the cheapest option, and in peak season it can get crowded. It works best if you lean into the experience - waterside views, boat trips and long lunches - rather than expecting a budget base.

Clovelly, Devon

Clovelly is not for everyone, but it is certainly memorable. This privately owned village drops steeply down towards the sea, with cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages and no cars in the centre. It feels unusual and distinct, which is why it often stays with people long after the trip.

The steep gradient means it is less practical for anyone with mobility concerns, and it can feel more like a heritage attraction than a conventional village day out. Still, if you want somewhere genuinely different, it is hard to beat.

Top places to visit in Devon and Cornwall for beaches and outdoor days

Woolacombe, Devon

For a classic beach break, Woolacombe is one of Devon’s strongest all-rounders. The beach is wide, sandy and family-friendly, but it also appeals to surfers and walkers, so it avoids feeling one-note. It is easy to imagine spending a full day here without needing much of an agenda.

This is a practical choice as much as a pretty one. If your trip revolves around sea air, simple fun and minimal planning, Woolacombe makes that easy.

Watergate Bay, Cornwall

Watergate Bay has a bigger, more open feel than Cornwall’s smaller coves. It is brilliant for surf, beach walks and energetic coastal days, and there is a modern, active vibe to the area that suits travellers who like their seaside breaks with a bit of momentum.

It is less about quaint village charm and more about space and movement. If you want hidden-harbour prettiness, look elsewhere. If you want a beach that feels expansive and useful, it is a winner.

Saunton Sands, Devon

Saunton Sands is another excellent beach option, especially if you like long walks and broad views rather than tightly packed resort energy. It has a calmer feel than some busier north coast spots and works particularly well for couples, dog owners and anyone planning shoulder-season trips.

Because of its scale, it rarely feels hemmed in. Even when it is popular, there is usually room to breathe, and that makes a big difference on warm weekends.

Historic stops and inland standouts

Dartmouth, Devon

Dartmouth shows a different side of Devon. Instead of windswept surf beaches, you get a handsome riverside town with maritime character, historic buildings and a slightly refined feel. It is ideal if you want your coastal break to include independent shops, boat trips and a stronger sense of heritage.

It is also a good base for travellers who like mixing slower town time with excursions. You can easily build a long weekend around Dartmouth without feeling tied to one type of activity.

Tintagel, Cornwall

Tintagel is one of the most famous places in Cornwall for good reason. The cliffside setting is spectacular, and the Arthurian legends give it a sense of drama that goes beyond the view alone. Even if you are not especially interested in mythology, the landscape sells the visit.

This is a place where timing matters. In poor weather, the exposed setting can limit how much you enjoy it. On a clear day, it feels like one of the strongest historic and scenic combinations in the region.

Dartmoor, Devon

If your idea of the best south-west trip includes tors, moorland roads and a break from the coast, Dartmoor deserves a place on the list. It brings a completely different mood to Devon - open, atmospheric and often a little wild.

Dartmoor suits walkers, photographers and anyone who likes their landscapes less manicured. It is not the obvious choice for travellers who want easy beach-hopping, but that contrast is exactly what makes it valuable in a wider itinerary.

How to choose between Devon and Cornwall

If you only have a few days, it helps to be realistic. Cornwall often delivers bigger-name postcard spots and stronger first-time-trip appeal, especially if St Ives, Padstow and Tintagel are already on your radar. Devon is usually a little broader in feel, with a mix of stylish estuary towns, excellent beaches and inland scenery that gives you more variety.

For a classic summer holiday, Cornwall often wins on instant wow factor. For a more balanced road trip with fewer all-or-nothing tourist hotspots, Devon can be easier to shape around your own pace. Many travellers get the best result by doing both and avoiding the temptation to cram in too much.

A smart route might mean choosing one coast-focused base and one town or countryside stop, rather than racing across the map every day. That way, the standout views still feel exciting instead of blurred together. And if you are planning with Get Discovering in mind, that is usually the sweet spot - trips that feel aspirational, but still work in real life.

The best of Devon and Cornwall is not about ticking off every famous name. It is about picking the places that match how you actually want to travel, then leaving enough room for a slow lunch, a coastal detour and the kind of view that makes you stay longer than planned.