Our Favourite Cornish Horizons

There’s nothing quite like an open horizon to clear the mind, soothe the soul and lift the spirits. A giant patchwork of picture-perfect scenes sown together in raw beauty and surrounded by wild seas, Cornwall is one of the best places in the world for horizon-gazing.

Having spent countless hours finding the best viewpoints, we’ll let you into some of our most coveted spots and share with you our ten favourite Cornish horizons:

Bedruthan Steps

Whether you are sat on the beach below the steppingstones of giants or perched on the cliffs above, Bedruthan has to be on our list of favourite Cornish Horizons. Only a short drive from many of our cottages in Newquay, this spot is all about abundant natural beauty, myth, legend and, of course, a horizon so wide it’ll leave you awe-struck.

Botallack

On Cornwall’s heritage Tin Coast, the hollow remains of old engine houses cling to the foot of the cliffs, encompassed by a landscape shaped by industrial activity. Part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site and often used as a backdrop for films and TV series, this stunning location makes up an incredible foreground to rolling blue seas that paint the horizon and blur with boundless skies.

Brown Willy

The highest point in Cornwall, Brown Willy (derived from “Bronn Ewhella”, Cornish for "highest hill") stands at 1,378 feet above sea level. Rolling into view on the horizon above the rugged swathes of Bodmin, the views from atop this hill are well worth the hike. Wrap up a picnic blanket and a flask and look forward to big skies and views that stretch for miles.

Kynance Cove

One of the most famous scenes in the country, the name Kynance Cove is synonymous with white sands, crystal waters and soaring island mounds. Parking in the National Trust car park or arriving along the coast path, you can take a pew on the cliffs above the beach and enjoy yet another of our favourite Cornish horizons.

Land’s End

The most westerly point in England, Land’s End is another must for enormous skies and a sea that flows uninterrupted over the horizon. If you go at the right time of year, the seascapes here will be made even more spectacular by a dazzling shard of light from the setting sun passing through Enys Dodman Arch in a unique display that only happens in June.

Mount’s Bay

If you are looking for truly fairy-tale scenes, the magical sight of St Michael’s Mount silhouetted on the horizon at Mount’s Bay will take your breath away. One of the best views in Cornwall, the regal frame of the island castle can be seen from all around the Bay, often accompanied by swooping gulls and dolphins cutting through the water below.

Porthcurno

Best enjoyed (we think) from above at the Minack Theatre, things don’t get much more dreamy than they do here. Combining one of the most gorgeous beaches in the country with one of the world’s most dramatic outdoor theatres, the panoramas here are incredible. Find yourself a comfortable spot and take in the views, breathing in the salty air and letting your mind drift on the breeze.  

St Ives Bay

Serving up another of our favourite Cornish Horizons, St Ives Bay is a 4-mile stretch of coastline between St Ives and Godrevy Head. With the area long-famed for its unique light and powder fine sands, it’s an idyllic spot for sitting back and losing yourself in the gentle contour of the sea bending over the horizon, broken only by the striking figure of Godrevy Lighthouse.

The Rumps

A distinct twin headland near Padstow, the Rumps is the site of an Iron Age fort. With origins dating between 200BC and 100AD, the land here is not only beautiful but also sown with secrets of a time where Ancient Britons forged their lives between rugged ground and crashing seas. Enjoy a refreshing walk out to the headland and settle down to drink in the scenes.

Tintagel

Rounding off our list of ten favourite Cornish horizons is Tintagel. The birthplace of King Arthur, Tintagel is shrouded in legend and also boasts some of the most striking coastline in the county. One of the best places to take in the horizon is on top of the cliffs where Rubin Eynon’s statue of the legendary king stands in silent defiance with his back turned to the sea.