From hidden coves to clifftop views, Cornwall offers some of the most breathtaking picnic spots in the UK. Whether you're after a family day out, a romantic escape, or a solo break with a view, these locations pair perfectly with your favourite snacks - and your favourite sun-safe hat.
Don’t forget to pack your Sunday Afternoons UPF 50+ sun hat to stay cool, protected, and stylish wherever your adventure takes you.
20 Must-Visit Picnic Spots in Cornwall
- Trelissick Garden, near Truro – Sweeping lawns, shaded woodlands, and estuary views. National Trust site with plenty of open space and benches.
- St Agnes Head – A dramatic clifftop with panoramic views of the Atlantic. Wild, windy, and perfect for an adventurous coastal picnic.
- Porthcurno Beach – Golden sands beneath the Minack Theatre. Crystal-clear water and soft dunes make this a beach picnic classic.
- Cardinham Woods, Bodmin – A peaceful forest with picnic tables by a babbling stream. Ideal for families and dog walkers.
- Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth – Central, accessible beach with grassy areas and a café nearby. Great for paddle + picnic days.
- St. Nectan’s Glen, near Tintagel – Enchanted woodland, waterfall, and spiritual calm. Ideal for quiet, reflective picnics under the trees.
- Lanhydrock Estate, Bodmin – Expansive National Trust grounds with woodland trails, formal gardens, and shaded benches.
- Pendennis Point, Falmouth – Bring your binoculars—spot dolphins or boats from this scenic headland. Sea breeze guaranteed.
- Trebarwith Strand – A hidden beach at low tide with sea caves and dramatic cliffs. Best for adventurous snackers.
- Gwithian Towans, Hayle – Miles of dunes and sandy paths overlooking St Ives Bay. One of Cornwall’s best kite-flying picnic locations.
- Towan Head, Newquay – A quieter clifftop spot near Fistral Beach, perfect for escaping the crowds with a sea-view spread.
- Golitha Falls, Draynes Wood – A magical stretch of woodland and waterfalls. Plenty of shaded logs to sit and eat beside the river.
- Chapel Porth Beach – Nestled in a steep valley. At low tide, explore rock pools after your picnic.
- Tregothnan Estate, near Truro – The only English tea plantation. If visiting for events, combine tea-tasting with scenic snacking.
- Trengwainton Garden, near Penzance – Peaceful and tropical-feeling National Trust garden with secluded picnic spots and benches.
- Kynance Cove, Lizard Peninsula – Iconic turquoise water and dramatic serpentine rocks. Arrive early—this place gets popular!
- Polperro Heritage Coast – Rugged, untouched coastal beauty. A hike from Talland Bay offers countless grassy ledges for picnics with a view.
- Camel Trail, Wadebridge to Padstow – Cycle or walk to your perfect riverside picnic location on this flat, scenic trail.
- The Roseland Peninsula – Quiet coves like Porthbeor or Pendower Beach offer serenity and uninterrupted sea air.
- Mount’s Bay, Marazion – Lay out your picnic with a postcard-perfect view of St Michael’s Mount. Best at golden hour!
Your Perfect Picnic Checklist
- Sunday Afternoons sun hat
- SPF 50+ sun cream
- Insulated cool bag for Cornish pasties and cream tea
- Foldable picnic blanket (preferably water-resistant for beach outings)
- Portable shade (umbrella or tent for exposed cliffs)
- Reusable cutlery & eco-friendly containers
Don't forget to take your rubbish home with you, and keep our countryside clean.
Share Your Picnic
Tag @sundayafternoonsuk in your Cornish picnic photos for a chance to be featured! Whether it’s clifftop cheese boards or sandy sandwiches, we’d love to see where your hat takes you.
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