A Tan Cornwall Itinerary | The Colours of Cornwall

Begin your tanned Cornwall adventure in St Just, where granite cottages, rugged landscapes and the remnants of Cornwall's mining heritage set the tone for the day. Start with breakfast at Phoenix Cafe, a local favourite where everything served is gluten free. Settle in with an expertly made coffee and choose from their freshly baked treats – the perfect way to start a day exploring the far west.

From St Just, head towards the ancient stone landscape surrounding Carn Gloose and Cape Cornwall. Here, the landscape feels beautifully elemental, with granite formations, weathered cliffs and wide Atlantic views stretching towards the horizon. Follow a section of the South West Coast Path towards Priest Cove, taking your time to appreciate the textures and colours of this extraordinary coastline.

When it's time for lunch, head to The Commercial, in St Just, for hearty Cornish dishes and a welcoming pub atmosphere. Refuel before continuing into Cornwall's mining landscape, where the ruins of Levant Mine and the iconic engine houses of Botallack stand dramatically against the cliffs. Once at the heart of the former tin and copper mining industry, these weathered stone structures now form one of Cornwall's most evocative landscapes.

Finish the day at Sennen Cove. As the afternoon fades, the golden sand and rugged cliffs take on warmer tones, creating the perfect setting for a Cornish sunset. Find a spot on the beach, slow down and watch the Atlantic horizon glow as the day comes to a close.

Images by Phoenix Cafe and The Commercial

Begin with breakfast at Farm + Fort, where handmade, creative food and drinks provide a delicious start to the day. Take your time over breakfast before making your way towards one of Cornwall's most spectacular beaches.

Porthcurno is famous for its extraordinary combination of white sand, turquoise waters and towering granite cliffs. Spend the morning exploring the beach, dipping your toes into the Atlantic or simply finding a quiet spot to take in the scenery. There's something wonderfully wild about this corner of West Cornwall, where the cliffs rise dramatically on either side of the bay.

From the beach, wander towards The Minack Theatre, an extraordinary open-air theatre carved directly into the granite cliffs above the sea. The setting alone is worth the visit, with rows of stone seats looking out towards the Atlantic. It's a remarkable example of how Cornwall's natural landscape has been woven into its creative and cultural identity.

Pause for lunch at the Minack Theatre Cafe, where light refreshments include freshly made sandwiches, seasonal soups, Roskilly's ice creams and homemade cakes. Take your lunch outside and enjoy one of Cornwall's most spectacular dining views.

Afterwards, follow the coastal path towards Pedn Vounder, where pale sands, granite rocks and crystal-clear waters create another of West Cornwall's unforgettable landscapes. Finish the day by the coast, watching the sunset illuminate the cliffs and sands in shades of gold.

Image by Farm + Fort

Head to the picturesque fishing villages of Mousehole and Newlyn, where granite cottages, harbour walls and colourful boats create a timeless Cornish scene.

Begin the morning at Mousehole Deli & Kitchen, a much-loved local spot where you can enjoy a hearty and healthy breakfast alongside an organic artisan coffee. Choose a window seat and watch as the village slowly comes to life around the harbour – a wonderfully unhurried way to begin the final day of your itinerary.

Spend the morning wandering Mousehole's narrow streets and granite-lined lanes before exploring the harbour. Look out across the water, browse the independent shops and galleries, and take in the beautifully preserved character of this historic fishing village.

Then make your way to nearby Newlyn for lunch at Argoe, a restaurant deeply connected to the town's fishing heritage. Expect Cornish fish and seafood, carefully prepared ingredients and a considered natural wine list, with the harbour and working fishing community providing the backdrop. It's a fitting place to experience the flavours of the coast in the very place where much of the day's catch arrives.

After lunch, spend some time exploring Newlyn Art Gallery, which has long been at the heart of Cornwall's vibrant artistic community. Then wander through the working harbour itself, watching fishing boats return with their catch and experiencing a side of Cornwall that remains closely connected to the sea.

For your final evening, return to Mousehole for dinner at The Old Coastguard. The restaurant's traditional brasserie-style menu keeps things simple, allowing excellent Cornish ingredients to take centre stage. Menus change with the seasons and seafood naturally features heavily, with the day boats and trawlers of Newlyn landing their catch just two miles away. You'll also find Cornish beef, poultry, game from local estates and exceptional British cheeses, making it the perfect place to end your adventure.

Image by The Old Coastguard