An itinerary for the Best Cornish Road Trip in a Campervan

Sunny Harbour at Port Isaac by Greg Willson

Cornish Road Trip

We wind our way around captivating Cornwall, exploring the following locations on our journey.

• An Itinerary for the Best Cornish Road Trip in a Campervan
• Part 1: A Campsite and Campervan Guide to The Lizard Cornwall
• Part 2: Exploring Penzance in a Campervan
• Part 3: Discover Top Attractions and Campsites on Your St Ives Campervan Journey
• Part 4: A Campervan Trip in Portreath Cornwall
• Part 5: Sights to See and Campsites to Explore Around St Agnes in Your Camper
• Part 6: Exploring Cornwall's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in your Campervan
• Part 7: Perfect Campervan Road Trip Through Roseland Heritage Coast
• Part 8: Polperro Heritage Coast A Campervan Road Trip Itinerary
• Part 9: The Best Campervan Road Trip Guide to Rame Head, Cornwall

Kick it in Cornwall, a county famed for 400 miles of spectacular coastline, historic Celtic monuments, romantic fishing villages, plus top-notch food and drink. It’s no surprise Cornwall is the top spot for sunbathers, watersport fanatics, and holidaymakers from the UK and beyond. We’ve compiled a handy itinerary across England’s southerly tip, winding past Cornwall’s big hitters, spectacular beaches and remote locations for venturing off the beaten path. As the weeks pass, we’ll share an in-depth look at each stop along the way, comprising the absolute must-see locations and attractions.

East Thorne

East Thorne

Bude, Cornwall

Bude, Cornwall

For stress-free family yurt and roundhouse glamping, pack your bags and make your way to the friendly East Thorne campsite, perfectly positioned a ten-minute drive from the wild and equally gorgeous coastline of Bude.

Each part of our itinerary brings a brand new Cornish destination and we’ve covered everything you’ll need for a stress-free trip, including campsites, campervan hire locations and driving routes. We’ve answered pressing questions about each location and encourage you to restructure the road trip to best suit your time frame and tastes. To follow along, take a read of this itinerary for the best Cornish roadtrip in a campervan.

We've summarize all the stops during this road trip. Read on for more information.

• Start: The Lizard
• Part 2: Penzance
• Part 3: St Ives
• Part 4: Portreath
• Part 5: St Agnes
• Part 6: Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Part 7: The Roseland Heritage Coast
• Part 8: Polperro Heritage Coast
• Part 9: Rame Head
• End: Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beaut

Start: The Lizard

The Lizard Secret Cove By Anna

We begin our road trip on the rare geological coastline of The Lizard and rumble past quiet farmsteads. The Ancient Woods of the Helford River and small coastal communities such as Coverack, Porthallow, and Cadgwith pepper the south of The Lizard. To the west, rugged cliffs and expansive stretches of coastline provide excellent stops for birdwatching, watersports and dining by the beach. Savour the feel of pausing time as you explore villages with seafaring heritage, gorgeous beaches, and space to wander from coastline to countryside. The Lizard is a beautiful spot for camping, and we’re fairly confident our camping suggestions are perfect for all tastes.

Check out the full guide here: A Campsite and Campervan Guide to The Lizard Cornwall

Part 2: Penzance

Winter Morning on The Coast Path At Sennen Penzance by Marina Lobato

From here, we head over to the quintessentially Cornish town of Penzance, where one can munch on fish and chips whilst walking along the promenade or use it as a gateway to explore big hitters like the Isle of Scilly. Hop on the A3083 and the A394 and take a 45-minute drive to picturesque Penzance, home to award-winning restaurants, cosy cafes, welcoming pubs, and a stunning promenade ideal for sunset strolls. Explore Penzance’s varied gardens, flourishing under the subtropical climate, and make the site your gateway for exploring some of Cornwall’s most famous attractions with our campervan hire recommendations. Wander through Chapel Street, which dates back to the 28th century, or stretch out a towel and lounge on an array of magnificent beaches.

Check out the full guide here: Exploring Penzance in a Campervan

Part 3: St Ives

Picturesque and Historic Town Of St Ives by Kasabubu

The distance from Penzance to St Ives is 7.6 miles or 19-minutes via the B3311, a dazzling jewel in Cornwall’s coast. The fishing harbour boasts some of the finest art galleries in the UK and five splendid beaches to lounge on. Often voted the best family-friendly destination in Europe and holds several of Europe’s award-winning beaches. Explore a divine selection of beaches, exceptional surfing spots, and well-reputed restaurants for grabbing a bite on the go for a sit-down dinner with the family. Spend a lazy saturday exploring the cobbled streets, lined with independent shops, and charming fishermen’s cottages. St. Ives is a fantastic spot to park a campervan and settle down for a few nights. Check out Prosper House Campsite below and our other safe, secure, and scenic campsites - everything you’ll need for a relaxing stay.

Check out the full guide here: Discover Top Attractions and Campsites on Your St Ives Campervan Journey

Part 4: Portreath

Lighthouse at Portreath by Stuart Sowerby

Don’t forget to pop in at Portreath, where kids can twiddle their toes on the fantastic family-friendly beach or dine at a portside café while observing the skilled surfers and bodyboarders tackle the waves. The untamed landscape and a Blue-flag awarded beach raw in families, outdoor enthusiasts, and thalassophiles of all ages. Spend lazy days basking in the sun whilst enjoying traditional seaside activities, like exploring rock pools or keeping a lazy eye over the nippers as they frolic in the lido-style sandpit. Surfing and other water-based sports are available and our campervans have plenty of space for storing equipment, including surf boards. Snorkelling and crabbing are alternate activities, such as walking to a viewing point on the small headland that forms the southern side of the beach. Portreath is just 27 minutes or 16.5 miles from St Ives.

Check out the full guide here: A Campervan Trip in Portreath Cornwall

Part 5: St Agnes

Picturesque St Agnes Cornwall by Karen Uppal

Look out for St Agnes, a stunning stop-off in a designated Outstanding Natural Beauty area, 17-minutes from St Ives via the Chapel Hill route. The village gets its name from Agnes, a young lady who freed the settlement from the tyranny of Bolster the giant. Explore the thriving, beautiful village, which is now one of Cornwall’s most sought-after coastal resorts, brimming with fantastic dog-friendly beaches, and everything required for a fantastic holiday at your doorstep. There couldn't be a better environment for camping, and our range of campsites, like Cligga Cliff Farm in Perranporth, guarantee a relaxing holiday on the Cornish coast. Follow gorgeous coastal paths, sit back and soak in the rugged scenery, or spend hours digging your toes in the golden sand while the kids lark under the sun, and the soothing hum of the ocean creates the soundtrack for your holiday.

Check out the full guide here: Sights to See and Campsites to Explore Around St Agnes in Your Camper

Part 6: Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Cape Cornwall by Judithili

It’s no secret that Cornwall brims with stunning vistas, and it’s almost impossible to escape the natural beauty at every turn. There are 12 striking designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB),, providing memorable views and that relaxed, care-free attitude that comes with being under big skies, miles from work and other mundane schedules. You can rumble from the border between Cornwall and Devon to the west and central coast, and it will be near impossible to escape eye candy courtesy of Mother Nature. We’ve added campsites and campervan rentals through the AONB locations, including Rame Head, St Agnes and Morwenstow. Cornwall’s designated AONB covers over a third of the county, and there are plenty of campsites around.

Check out the full guide here: Exploring Cornwall's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in your Campervan

Part 7: The Roseland Heritage Coast

Messack Point Near St Just in Roseland by Chris J Dixon

Don’t get too distracted by Cornwall’s diverse and eye-catching Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), as we have a few more stops along our Cornish road trip. Next, we find ourselves in the Roseland Peninsula - a real treat for camping sorts who relish having a part of the south coast mostly to themselves. This part of Cornwall is often considered a ‘hidden gem’ and enjoys a remote feel, with secluded bays, untamed landscapes, and relaxed summer days at your disposal. Beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, and picturesque villages are best explored with our campervan hires from Padstow, St Austell Bay, and more. Kick back and enjoy a tropical atmosphere whilst soaking in jaw-dropping coastal views. Sit down to the freshest seafood and explore unique towns plus villages on a laidback stroll. Soak in the sunshine, try your hand at watersports, or find something to suit your tastes in the Roseland Peninsula.

Check out the full guide here: Perfect Campervan Road Trip Through Roseland Heritage Coast

Part 8: Polperro Heritage Coast

Coastline Harbour at Polperro Hertiage Coast by TheDigitalArtist

Step back in time at Polperro, a beautifully preserved fishing village with jaw-dropping views and picturesque cottages clustered around a small harbour. The entire stretch of coastline is named after this quiet village, which is best accessed via the A30 from the Roseland Peninsula. Wander among a scattering of vibrant traditional fishing villages and savour an inimitable vibe that makes Polperro an iconic harbour unlike any other in Cornwall. Old buildings draped in greenery and a sheltered harbour set the tone for glorious morning strolls and scrumptious, well-earned post-adventure dinners. Pick up fish and chips by the harbour for a quick meal before exploring sand beaches, farmland, and rolling countryside. If you plan to stay awhile, you may like our campsite recommendations like the Great Kellow Farm Campsite. Read on for more information. .

Check out the full guide here: Polperro Heritage Coast A Campervan Road Trip Itinerary

Part 9: Rame Head

Picturesque Blues Sea at Rame Head by Lawrie_Richardson

If you think you’ve seen the best of the coastline, think again. Drive along the A387, and you’ll be at our next destination in under an hour. Rame Peninsular, often called Cornwall’s forgotten corner, is a magnificent headland that has guided generations of seafarers. There are numerous walks for all abilities and glorious vistas at every turn. Guests often wax lyrical about the circular walk around Rame Head. Leave your campervan rental at the handy St. Michale’s car park and relish sweeping views over the coastline and ocean. Often overlooked by tourists, this forgotten corner remains primarily unspoiled, with miles of sandy beaches and cosy pubs welcoming guests to sample dishes courtesy of the local larder.

Check out the full guide here: The Best Campervan Road Trip Guide to Rame Head, Cornwall

End: Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by Derek Harper

We end our adventure in the rare lush valley and the glittering waters of the Tamar Valley, just under an hour from Rame Head via the A38. An area rich in natural, untamed beauty beckons with the promise of winding cycling and walking paths and some of the finest scenery in Europe. The landscape consists of the sparkling River Tamar, plus the tributaries of Tavy and Lynher, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with a large area forming part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage. Take your pick of beautiful campsites like Wideacres Campsite, tucked away in awe-inspiring scenery. We’ve also listed several campervan hire locations near the Tamar Valley, including Calstock. Learn of the region's rich industrial heritage, and head out on quiet countryside strolls. There are quirky shops, golden beaches, ancient harbours, and varied activities for the whole family at the Tamar Valley. We've also included camping locations and spots to hire campervans in our itinerary, so scroll on.

Our Campervan Road Trip in the Cornwall Map

It's a Cornish Adventure and we're following the map shown below. Take a peek at the wonderful locations we'll be visiting along the way.

Campervan Hire in Cornwall

Cornwall is a great place to begin your campervan or motorhome adventure. The county brims with a wealth of stunning sandy beaches, secret coves, rich history, and some of the most scenic coastal campsites in the world. Surfers, families, nature lovers, thrill seekers, and laidback land lubbers can explore exciting activities, scenic lounging spots, and excellent local cuisine. We’ve highlighted our top places to start your adventure when you hire a campervan in Cornwall. Visit our Campervan Hire in Cornwall Page or browse the Cornish towns with private owners, many of whom are happy for you to leave your car in their driveway.