Cornwall Coast & Bodmin Moor
United Kingdom drives

Cornwall Coast & Bodmin Moor

United Kingdom · North Cornwall

Tin Coast cliffs, fishing villages and the granite heart of Cornwall.

Guide statusPublished and available
Editorial updateAugust 11, 2026
Road conditionsVerify locally

The route

This verified 139-mile route begins in St Ives and follows the B3306 through Zennor, Gurnard's Head, Geevor and Cape Cornwall. The second day crosses to the north coast near Mawgan Porth and reaches Padstow, then continues to Port Isaac.

The final day follows the B3263 through Tintagel and Boscastle before turning inland through Camelford to the public-road access at Minions on Bodmin Moor. No part of the route sends a vehicle onto open moorland or a walking trail.

Cornish distances are deceptive. Narrow lanes, farm traffic, buses, cyclists and pedestrians can double an optimistic journey time. Check Cornwall Council roadworks and the current forecast, use signed parking outside village centres and keep the car completely clear of gateways and passing places.

“Cornwall asks the driver to slow down enough to notice what lies beyond each hedge.”

The whole Drive Pack, not just a line on a map.

This complete edition includes the practical tools, considered places and editorial context listed below.

Buy this Drive Pack · $39
Route

Exact route map

The complete route, every rally point and sequential navigation links ready to open in Google Maps.

Itinerary

Full rally-point itinerary

A day-by-day sequence with distances, driving time and the stops that shape the journey.

Field notes

Road character & timing

Surface notes, corner character, suggested departure windows and the stretches that demand attention.

PDF

Downloadable roadbook

A premium PDF edition of the complete Drive Pack, designed for print and reliable offline use.

Web + PDF

Pre-drive checklist

Interactive and printable checks for the car, fuel, bookings, weather and offline navigation.

Live tools

Live departure desk

Official road-condition links and practical departure checks gathered in one place.

Curated

Stops, stays & tables

Curated accommodation, restaurants, wineries and worthwhile pauses matched to the route.

Route map

See the territory. Keep the discovery.

The shaded area shows the landscape of the drive. Members receive the verified road, sequence and navigation.

Explore the route region
  1. 01

    Day 1, Morning

    St Ives

    5 miles · 20 minutes driving
  2. 02

    Day 1, Mid-Morning

    Zennor and the Tin Coast

    5 miles · 20 minutes driving
  3. Days 2–3 · Member Drive Pack

    The rest of the journey

    5 further rally points with verified routing, timings and road notes

Day by day

The drive, unfolded.

St Ives01

Day 1, Morning

St Ives

The Western Start

Begin outside the most congested central streets and join the B3306 toward Zennor.

Distance
5 miles
Drive time
20 minutes driving
Zennor and the Tin Coast02

Day 1, Mid-Morning

Zennor and the Tin Coast

The B3306

Follow the B3306 through Zennor and continue past Gurnard's Head toward the mining coast.

Distance
5 miles
Drive time
20 minutes driving

Complete Drive Pack

5 more rally points await.

The complete itinerary includes exact timings, road character, every stop and the downloadable roadbook.

Public preview · 2 of 7 rally points

Beyond the road

Worth stopping for.

Places selected because they belong to the journey, not because they happened to be nearby.

Food & wine

5 more curated picks
Fine Dining$$$$

The Seafood Restaurant

Padstow

Rick Stein's flagship restaurant, fresh Cornish seafood cooked with French and Asian influences. The fruits de mer platter is legendary. Book well ahead.

Fine Dining$$$$

Restaurant Nathan Outlaw

Port Isaac

Two Michelin stars and the finest seafood in Cornwall. A set menu of six courses showcasing the day's catch. Intimate, relaxed, and exceptional.

Gastropub$$$

The Gurnard's Head

Zennor

A beautifully positioned pub on the coast road between St Ives and Zennor. Local seafood, Cornish ales, and a garden overlooking the Atlantic. The fish pie is outstanding.

View all 8 food & wine recommendations
Beach Café$$

Porthminster Beach Café

St Ives

Mediterranean-influenced seafood on Porthminster Beach. The setting, golden sand, turquoise water, is as good as the food. Book a terrace table for lunch.

Beach Cafe / Pop-up$$

The Hidden Hut

Porthcurnick Beach, Portscatho

A legendary beachside cafe known for its fresh, simple, and delicious food, often featuring local seafood and produce. Famous for its outdoor feast nights (book well in advance!), but equally delightful for a casual lunch with stunning sea views. Expect queues, but the food is worth the wait.

Casual Seafood$$

Stein's Fish & Chips

Padstow

For a more casual Rick Stein experience, his Fish & Chips offers perfectly cooked, sustainable fish and crispy chips. Enjoy your meal overlooking Padstow harbour, a classic Cornish seaside treat. The batter is light and golden, and the fish is incredibly fresh.

Local Produce / Deli$$

The Cornish Food Box Company

Truro (delivery service)

While not a restaurant, this company champions Cornish produce, offering a wide range of local meats, cheeses, vegetables, and artisanal goods. It's an excellent way to experience the breadth of Cornwall's culinary offerings, whether for a picnic or to stock up on gourmet souvenirs. Their commitment to supporting local farmers and producers is commendable.

Restaurant with Rooms$$$

Lewinnick Lodge

Newquay

Perched on a clifftop with breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic, Lewinnick Lodge offers modern British cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, especially seafood. The atmosphere is relaxed yet stylish, making it perfect for a special meal or a casual drink while watching the sunset. Their Sunday roasts are particularly popular.

Where to stay

3 more curated picks
Country House$$$$

The Pig at Harlyn Bay

Padstow

Part of the popular Pig hotel group, The Pig at Harlyn Bay is a charming country house hotel offering a unique blend of rustic chic and relaxed luxury. Set within a historic manor, it boasts a renowned 25-mile menu restaurant, sourcing ingredients from its own kitchen garden and local suppliers. Rooms are individually designed, some featuring roll-top baths and sea views, while others offer cozy garden retreats. The hotel provides a perfect base for exploring the nearby beaches and Padstow's culinary scene.

Coastal Hotel$$$

The Old Coastguard

Mousehole

Perched above the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole, The Old Coastguard is a relaxed hotel with stunning panoramic views over Mount's Bay. Its subtropical gardens lead down to the sea, and the restaurant is celebrated for its fresh, locally sourced seafood. Rooms are bright and airy, many offering spectacular sea views and a comfortable, understated elegance. It's a perfect spot for unwinding and enjoying the tranquil beauty of the Cornish coast.

Historic Inn$$

Jamaica Inn

Bodmin Moor

Immortalized by Daphne du Maurier, the Jamaica Inn is a historic coaching inn nestled in the heart of Bodmin Moor. It offers atmospheric rooms, a traditional pub serving hearty Cornish fare, and even a smuggling museum. While not a luxury hotel, it provides a unique and authentic experience, with the wild beauty of the moor right on its doorstep. Ideal for walkers, history enthusiasts, and those looking for a cozy, characterful stay.

View all 6 where to stay recommendations
Luxury Eco-Hotel$$$$

The Scarlet Hotel

Mawgan Porth

An award-winning, adults-only eco-hotel perched on the cliffs above Mawgan Porth beach. Known for its stunning design, Ayurvedic spa, and clifftop hot tubs with panoramic sea views. Rooms are contemporary and luxurious, many with private balconies overlooking the ocean. Focuses on sustainability and holistic well-being, offering a truly indulgent and serene escape.

Family-Friendly Luxury Hotel$$$$

Fowey Hall Hotel

Fowey

A grand Victorian mansion overlooking the Fowey Estuary, offering luxurious accommodation with a family-friendly focus. Features include an indoor pool, spa, and extensive grounds. Rooms are elegantly furnished, some with stunning estuary views. Known for its excellent service and facilities catering to both adults and children, making it an ideal choice for a family holiday in a beautiful setting.

Boutique Hotel$$$

Artist Residence Cornwall

Penzance

A quirky and stylish boutique hotel housed in a Georgian mansion, offering individually designed rooms with a bohemian-chic aesthetic. Each room is unique, featuring original artworks, vintage furniture, and modern comforts. The hotel boasts a popular restaurant and bar, serving creative dishes and cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere. It's a perfect base for exploring West Cornwall's art scene and coastal attractions.

Before departure

Know before you go.

Drive on the Left

Keep left, use low speed in villages and expect visitors to drift toward the centre on unfamiliar narrow lanes.

Passing Places

Yield early, reverse patiently when required and never park in a passing place, field entrance or emergency access.

Village Parking

Use signed edge-of-town car parks in St Ives, Padstow, Port Isaac, Tintagel and Boscastle, then continue on foot.

Offline Route

Download all six member stages and a backup map. Mobile coverage can be inconsistent along the cliffs and on the moor.

Live Access Checks

Check Cornwall Council roadworks, attraction access and the current forecast before each day's drive.

The complete journey

Take the full route with you.