Cornwall Coast & Bodmin Moor

St Ives is Cornwall's most famous town — a cluster of whitewashed cottages, art galleries, and golden beaches around a working harbour. The Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum anchor the art scene. Porthmeor Beach faces the Atlantic and is one of the best surf beaches in Cornwall. Start with a pasty from the harbour and coffee at the Rum & Crab Shack. Beyond the bustling harbour and golden sands, St Ives offers a rich tapestry of artistic heritage. The iconic Tate St Ives, perched overlooking Porthmeor Beach, showcases modern and contemporary art with a focus on artists connected to Cornwall. Nearby, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden provides a serene escape, celebrating the life and work of one of Britain's most important 20th-century artists. Wander through the labyrinthine cobbled streets, discover independent boutiques, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many acclaimed restaurants. The light in St Ives has long attracted artists, and it continues to inspire with its unique blend of rugged coastline and vibrant culture.

The B3306 from St Ives to Zennor is one of England's finest coastal roads — narrow, twisting, and dramatic, with views of granite cliffs and Atlantic breakers. Zennor is a tiny village with a 12th-century church containing the famous Mermaid Chair. Beyond Zennor, the road continues to St Just through the Tin Coast — abandoned engine houses perched on cliff edges, relics of Cornwall's mining heritage. The Tin Coast, stretching from St Just to Pendeen, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a starkly beautiful landscape dotted with the iconic engine houses of Cornwall's mining past. These dramatic ruins, clinging to cliff edges, are a testament to the region's industrial heritage and the ingenuity of its people. Walking the South West Coast Path here offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic and a tangible connection to history. Zennor itself, with its legendary mermaid chair in the church, adds a touch of folklore to the rugged beauty. The narrow, winding B3306 road that hugs the coastline provides an exhilarating drive, demanding attention but rewarding with unparalleled vistas.