Cornwall offers endless opportunities for a weekend of adventure and relaxation. From fabulous food and exciting excursions, to stunning scenery and beautiful beaches – if you’ve made the decision to book a weekend break in Cornwall, you’re in for a treat. We’ve listed the top things you can’t miss when weekending in Cornwall.

Proper Fast Food.

What springs to mind when you think of Cornwall? Pasties! There’s nothing quite like a freshly baked Cornish pasty straight from the oven – especially if you find a nice spot to eat it in the sunshine. For an authentic pasty, look out for the key indicators: beef skirt, potato, swede and onion – all cooked up in that unmistakable golden shortcrust pastry. You can find the best of the best at St Ives Bakery, on the corner of Fore Street. Their pasties are always wonderfully succulent and packed with flavour – and it’s worth checking out their meringues and rocky road while you’re there!

The Freshest Fish and Chips.

For an undeniably British seaside eating experience, nothing beats fish and chips. That familiar salty scent of thick-cooked-chips and battered cod is truly one of life’s simplest pleasures. Becks in Carbis Bay has an excellent reputation – get there early on a weekend or be prepared to queue! With takeaway or sit in options, their fish and chips boast legendary status, with people venturing far and wide to try them. Portion sizes are also massive! Perfect food for a Cornwall weekend break!

Enjoy some art at Tate St Ives.

If art is your thing then you’ll definitely want to make a trip to the beautiful establishment of Tate St Ives. For a healthy dose of British and international modern and contemporary art, check out the range of weekend events, exhibitions and activities that Tate St Ives offers. Artworks from leading artists and sculptors in the field are drawn from the wider namesake collection, and are displayed alongside an evolving exhibition programme. There are also lovely views of the old town at the Café, with menus based on premium Cornish produce.

Don’t forget to grab an ice cream.

Don’t let the seagulls scare you off! You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to mouth-watering ice cream parlours in Cornwall. Be sure to try Willy Wallers (at The Wharf) for ice cream, sorbets and frozen yoghurts made fresh daily at the shop. They use the finest ‘gold top’ Cornish milk, cream and fresh fruits and boast 32+ incredibly delicious flavours! Gluten free and dairy free options are available too – just try and finish it before it melts!

Sun, sand and surf.

You’re spoilt for choice for beaches in Cornwall. Whether you want to spend your weekend swimming at Porthminister, sandcastle building at Harbour Beach or sealife spotting at Porthgwidden, there are some amazing beaches around St Ives offering something for everyone. For more amazing beaches in Cornwall, check out our Beach Holidays page.

Inspired and ready to book your Cornish getaway? Browse our selection of charming cottages and stylish apartments perfect for a weekend break!