14 Most Romantic Spots in Cornwall

From the sunsets on Lusty Glaze beach to the gentle lapping shores of Porthgwarra Cove, romantic settings in Cornwall are dreamy and plentifully. Prepare to have your heartstrings pulled with a trip down the lovers’ lanes of Cornwall…

St Nectan’s Glen

Step into the enchanting world of St Nectan’s Glen down in the mossy dells of north Cornwall, not far from the legendary outcrop of Tintagel. Cleaved into one of the county’s many Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the cascading waterfalls and tranquil eddies are sure to serenade you, along with all the tales of piskies, fairies, nymphs and dryads.

St Michael’s Mount

Walk the iconic tidal causeway to the island parish of St Michael’s Mount and lose yourselves in the secret gardens and hidden cloisters of this historic setting. Steeped in heritage, it remains one of the county’s most celebrated attractions, bound by stories of smugglers and giants, along with spectacular panoramas of the Lizard Peninsula.

The Minack Theatre

Carved into the granite cliffs above the turquoise waters of Porthcurno (four miles shy of Land’s End), the Minack Theatre is one of the world’s most celebrated open-air venues. Lilting Shakespearean classics have all been performed on this spectacular stage, the legacy of Rowena Cade. Walk the stone-carved steps, explore the rocky galleries, sit together under blankets and lose yourselves in stories of star-crossed lovers as the sun melts into the horizon.

Porthgwarra Cove

Porthgwarra Cove set the nation’s hearts alight as the backdrop to one of Ross Poldark’s most arousing scenes. This secret cove was used as a location for the BBC’s hugely successful costume drama, Poldark, its most sizzling scene being when Demelza spies Ross swimming naked from the grassy clifftops. Starry-eyed lovers might want to have a go a recreating this brooding scenario, however, be aware that the sea could be a tad chilly this time of year and the cliff path attracts its fair share of wayfarers…

Porthmeor Beach

We travel to St Ives Bay for our next romantic setting and the crystal-clear waters of Porthmeor Beach, known for its starry skies and dazzling day breaks. Couples love to stroll arm-in-arm along the strandline before picking up the coastal path to St Nicholas Chapel to share the views back across the bay, and maybe pop the question.

Frenchman’s Creek

Setting for Daphne du Maurier’s classic romantic novel, the dappled shade and low-slung oaks of Frenchman’s Creek continue to charm all those who explore this sleepy corner of the Helford River. Close by are the idyllic creekside villages of Helford and Gweek, discovered by way of a wooded valley path that hugs the hidden shoreline. Sit among the snowdrops and be whisked away by these delightful backwaters.

Tintagel Castle

Steeped in Arthurian legend, the clifftop ruins of Tintagel Castle remain one of north Cornwall’s most sacred landmarks. Surrounded by the dramatic headland and interwoven by steep steps and rugged paths, this mythical foreland will leave you spellbound, having captured the imaginations of writers and artists through the centuries. Pick a quiet moment to cross the magnificent Tintagel Bridge, elegantly cantilevered above a rocky gorge, and admire the sweeping blue Celtic Sea.

Bedruthan Steps

Another of the north coast’s most breathtaking vistas can be found further down the peninsula along the majestic Trevose Head Heritage Coast. The Bedruthan Steps are a scattering of towering sea stacks etched into popular folklore by the wandering giant, Bedruthan, who used them as stepping stones as he traversed the coast. Watch the crashing waves and fizzing white water below the wildflower headlands.

Kynance Cove

Described as “one of the world’s most spectacular beaches”, Kynance Cove is an enchanting sandy shore sheltered by serpentine rocks with their exquisite layers of reds and greens. Best explored at low tide and out of season, many an artist have footed their easel in the tuffets and attempted to capture the romance of this smugglers’ haunt. Definitely a place for lovebirds to make some sizzling Cornish memories.

Golitha Falls

Follow the mossy banks of the River Fowey below the boughs of ancient oaks to Golitha Falls, a place where time gets lost in the bluebell valleys and the sleepy hollows. Wrap up warm and whisk your valentine off for a woodland stroll and a champagne picnic in the dappled shade, serenaded by the soothing percussion of the babbling river.

Lost Gardens of Heligan

Kept secret beneath the brambles and undergrowth for decades, the story of The Lost Gardens of Heligan is as heart-warming today as it ever was. From the serendipitous discovery of a dilapidated door to the restoration of a magnificent estate, and now one of the most celebrated gardens in England, where better to declare your desires than these mystical acres.

Lusty Glaze

Lusty Glaze, backed by towering cliffs and tucked away from the bright lights of Newquay, was once again back in the headlines when it was voted Beach of the Year by The Times newspaper. This clam-shaped cove with its white sands and dreamy sunsets is the perfect place to while away an hour listening to the hush of the ebbing tide. A gorgeous shoreline walk after a romantic evening in one of Cornwall’s most flamboyant seaside towns.

Truro Cathedral

If both you and your lover’s hearts are sent aflutter by stunning heritage and architecture, look no further than the breathtaking vaults and exquisite stain glass of Truro Cathedral. Tour these sacred aisles and lose yourselves in quiet contemplation, and who knows, it could be wedding bells this time next year?

Charlestown

It’s one of Cornwall’s most picturesque ports, an 18th century Georgian harbour that has retained much of its character earning it the lofty status of a UNESCO world heritage site, lofty as the Tallships that once anchored here. Used as a location for films and period dramas, visiting Charlestown in south Cornwall is like stepping back in time.

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