One of the Best Road Trips in Europe (And It Starts in St Ives!)
With dramatic clifftop landscapes, sweeping views across the coast and rugged outcrops, this British road trip is often regarded as one of the best in Europe.
In just under an hour, you'll encounter Cornish tin mines, spectacular beaches, famous lighthouses and spectacular seascapes.
St Ives
One of Cornwall's most iconic destinations, St Ives is famous throughout the country but is just the starting point for this unique trip.
Filled with whitewashed houses, a bustling harbour and creative inspiration around every corner, it's a great place to begin your journey.
Zennor
As you leave St Ives on the B3306, the first village you will travel through is Zennor, a tiny granite village featuring mermaids, mine houses, ancient stone quoits and stunning scenery.
The Carn Galver Mine is well worth a visit - the mine was worked from the 1830s to 1878 and the two ruined engine houses have been partly restored by the National Trust.
Morvah
The drive from Zennor is pretty sensational, leading you through rural farmland, tiny hamlets and past the Rosemergy Mine.
You’ll then arrive at Morvah, where you will find a 14th-century church, a sizeable Wesleyan chapel and an art gallery.
Morvah is ideal walking country, you have open fields stretching down to mighty granite cliffs, the Atlantic Ocean and you also have access to the South West Coastal Path - a haven for bird watchers and ramblers alike.
Pendeen and Geevor
After Morvah head to Pendeen Lighthouse, the last shore station on the north coast of west Cornwall before reaching Land’s End.
From here you can follow the signs and walk to the underground Geevor Tin Mine - one of the largest preserved mine sites in the country and a Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. Housed in two acres of listed buildings, Geevor’s collections and guides bring the story of Cornwall’s rich industrial past to life.
Trewellard & Levant Mine
Turn right at Trewellard and you will reach Levant Mine & Beam Engine.
In its dramatic clifftop setting, Levant Mine and Beam Engine's surviving buildings and ruins as a Cornish Mining World Heritage Site offer a window into another world where men and women worked to extract the riches of the earth from beneath crashing waves. The mine is looked after by the National Trust so that you can interact with living mining history.
Cape Cornwall
At St Just turn right and head out to Cape Cornwall, a quieter alternative to Land's End.
Cape Cornwall is one of only two capes in Britain. Often referred to as the connoisseur's Land's End, the iconic chimney stack and Brisons Rocks make this site a must-see.
In summer, this part of the coast can often offer up glimpses of basking sharks and dolphins.
Sennon Cove
Finish the journey at Sennen by driving down to the cove and strolling along the golden sands and taking in the stunning views of the famous Longships Lighthouse.
Here, you can also park and make use of the popular coastal path by walking to Land’s End (about 30 minutes).
Land's End
Stroll along family-friendly paths above cliffs carved out by the waves of the mighty Atlantic Ocean.
Find yourself in the company of soaring seabirds and, if you’re lucky, the coast’s resident basking sharks, seals and dolphins may put in an appearance. And don’t forget, the entire natural clifftop adventure of Land’s End is free of charge to enter - you pay only for car parking.
Summer Breaks From £250
As the seasons shift, why not take advantage of our £250 Summer Dine & Stay Break offer for some much-needed R&R on the Cornish coast?
Dinner and breakfast are included so you can just enjoy your time with us relaxing or exploring the local area. Use of the spa facilities at nearby Carbis Bay Estate is also included.
