Cornwall’s Atlantic coast
St Ives, a theatre in the cliffs, Land’s End and King Arthur’s Tintagel.
- Distance
- 177 km (110 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 27 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 6
- Countries
- United Kingdom
- Updated
- May 28, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 177 km (110 mi) with 6 stops, from St Ives to Padstow. About 2 h 27 min of driving in total.
More road trips in United Kingdom
Route description
St Ives has sandy beaches, a busy harbour and a long tradition as an artists’ town, with the Tate St Ives and Barbara Hepworth’s garden studio. The streets are narrow and steep, so park at the top of the town or use the park-and-ride.
Penzance lies on Mount’s Bay, with St Michael’s Mount offshore at Marazion, reached on foot across a causeway at low tide. Continue on narrow lanes to Porthcurno, where the Minack Theatre is cut into the cliffs above a turquoise bay.
A short drive west, Land’s End is the westernmost point of mainland England, with granite cliffs, a lighthouse offshore and seabirds. Then take the A30 back north-east and the A39 towards the north coast for Tintagel, where the castle ruins are reached by a footbridge across a sea gorge.
Finish in Padstow, a fishing harbour on the Camel estuary known for its seafood and the Camel Trail cycle path. Cornish lanes are often single-track between high hedges, so motorhome drivers should stick to A roads where possible; summer is very busy, and it is wise to book Tintagel in advance.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
St Ives
United Kingdom - 213 km
Penzance
United Kingdom - 315 km
Minack Theatre
OdditiesPorthcurno, United KingdomAn open-air theatre cut into the cliff above a turquoise bay, built by hand by one determined woman.
- 47 km
Land’s End
ViewsSennen, United KingdomGranite cliffs at the western tip of England, with lighthouses and seabirds offshore.
- 5119 km
Tintagel Castle
HistoryTintagel, United KingdomCastle ruins linked to the legend of King Arthur, reached by a footbridge across a sea gorge.
- 624 km
Padstow
United Kingdom
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: St Ives → Minack Theatre · 28 km · 0 h 23 minOn the way: Penzance.Overnight nearby, for example: Trevedra Farm (6 km); Trevaylor Caravan and Camping Park (11 km).
- Day 2: Minack Theatre → Land’s End · 7 km · 0 h 05 minOvernight nearby, for example: Trevedra Farm (4 km); Trevaylor Caravan and Camping Park (8 km).
- Day 3: Land’s End → Tintagel Castle · 119 km · 1 h 39 minOvernight nearby, for example: South Penquite Farm (15 km); Tristram Caravan Park (15 km).
- Day 4: Tintagel Castle → Padstow · 24 km · 0 h 20 minOvernight nearby, for example: Tristram Caravan Park (4 km); Treyarnon Bay Holidays (6 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–October. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Cornwall’s Atlantic coast?
4-day road trip of about 177 km (110 mi) with 6 stops, from St Ives to Padstow. About 2 h 27 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Cornwall’s Atlantic coast?
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 27 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Cornwall’s Atlantic coast start and end?
It starts in St Ives and ends in Padstow.
Which countries does Cornwall’s Atlantic coast pass through?
United Kingdom.
Where can you camp along Cornwall’s Atlantic coast?
OpenStreetMap lists 178 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Beachside Holiday Park, St Ives Bay Holiday Park and Trevedra Farm.
When is the best time for Cornwall’s Atlantic coast?
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
