Top things to do on a spa break in Cornwall

For anyone seeking total escapism, Cornwall is hard to beat. Off course, unless you live in Cornwall, one of the reasons for its blissful sense of tranquility is because it’s quite a long distance for most people in the UK to travel, but it’s certainly worth the trip.

From beautiful beaches to magnificent coast paths, pretty seaside towns to remote countryside retreats, Cornwall is home to surf, sea, sand and, on occasion, sunshine as well. Whether you’re visiting in the dramatic winter months or the blissful summer, it’s little wonder Cornwall is a holiday favourite. Here are some of the top things to do on a spa break in Cornwall.

Things to do on a holiday in Cornwall

Head to Cornwall’s beaches

Think of Cornwall and the chances are images of the beach and azure blue waters will not be far behind. From St Ives to Bude, Polzeath to Watergate Bay, and a peppering of little beaches along The Lizard, the beach is one of the major draw cards of this far corner of the South West. Cornwall is especially well known for its surfing with Fistral Beach in Newquay and Gwithian Beach near Hayle ranking amongst the most popular. Then again, you might prefer a bucket and spade at Perranporth or rock pooling at Mawgan Porth.

Hike along the South West Coast Path

As we have mentioned before in our article about top things to do on a spa break in Devon, the South West Coast Path is England's longest waymarked long-distance footpath and a National Trail, stretching for 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset. Of course, no one expects you to do the whole thing… at least not in one day… but strolling or hiking along stretches of the coast path, maybe with four-legged friends in tow and stopping for sustenance at beach huts and pubs along the way, is a wonderful way to enjoy your holiday. Discover hidden coves, watch the wildlife as you go by, and generally make the most of the incredible landscape.

Visit the Eden Project

Perhaps one of the most famous attractions in Cornwall is the Eden Project with its world famous biomes and 30-acre outdoor gardens. Close to the town of St Blazey as well as St Austell, for the mini Attenborough’s amongst us, it’s a world of inspiration and discovery. Of course, it’s not Cornwall’s only eco inspiration. The Lost Gardens Heligan are another of the region’s unique destinations. Located near Mevagissey, they are considered among the finest gardens in Cornwall.

Discover Cornwall’s artistic heritage

Given all that natural inspiration, it’s perhaps no surprise that Cornwall has inspired many an artist over the years. Art lovers will delight in The Tate at St Ives as well as the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens are a treat, and the Falmouth Art Gallery gives an insight into why so many budding artists choose to study at the local university. For those who are more about the performing arts, a visit to The Minack on a clear day is a particular treat. The open air theatre is perched on the Cornish cliffs, constructed above a gully with a rocky granite outcrop jutting into the sea. 

Tuck into the best of Cornish cuisine

Cornwall’s culinary fare is world famous. Whether fancy a Cornish pasty, Cornish cream tea (jam first, cream second in this part of the world), freshly caught seafood or a saffron bun. Wash it down with plenty of cream tea, cider and regional wines.

Go to the Tate St. Ives

St. Ives is just one of the many beautiful places to explore in Cornwall, but for art lovers it's particularly special. The Tate St. Ives is a world-famous and world-class art gallery in a building that's impressive in its own right. It's one of the few places you can see a couple of Picasso paintings and then step straight out onto the beach. Not only that, but you can also see the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden - both are within walking distance of one another and the town centre.

Spa hotels in Cornwall

There are lots of beautiful places to spa and stay in Cornwall, but here are a few favourites!

St Michaels Resort, Falmouth

Effortlessly stylish, St Michaels Resort is an ultra contemporary hotel with a fantastic spa that brings the beauty of the outdoors in. You’ll need all day in the spa to make the most of its facilities, from its Cornish sea salt steam room to a large hydrotherapy pool. There’s a large treatment menu to choose from including signature spa treatments, as well as a deep relaxation room for afterwards, unless that is, you want to end your day in the barrel sauna overlooking the sea.

Polurrian on the Lizard, Mullion

This quietly tranquil hotel is family friendly and feels like stepping into another world. The location is spectacular, on top of a cliff overlooking the crashing waves and it's incredibly rich in natural beauty - you might even spot seals swimming. The hotel has a warm atmosphere and excellent local food and drink as well as an outdoor pool and yoga classes on the verandah. It's perfect for total escapism.

St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa, St Ives

Steps from the seashore and all its beauty, you’ll be enchanted by the coastal views and salty fresh air afforded from so many vantage points in the hotel. The sea theme is carried into the spa, with a lovely pool and hot tub as well as luxury body and facial treatments, which include a signature sea salt body exfoliation, all designed to leave you feeling revitalised and gorgeous.

St Mellion Estate, Saltash

Surrounded by the beauty of Cornwall, the St. Mellion Estate is a feast of rest and relaxation experiences, combining luxury facilities and natural beauty. It includes a hotel, self-catering cottages, two golf courses, and a vast health club and spa, welcoming you whether it's a family escape, group getaway or time with your nearest and dearest.

Bedruthan Hotel and Spa, Newquay

With views across the Atlantic, Bedruthan Hotel and Spa is a multi award-winning four star destination on the Cornish coast. Right by the beach and offering luxurious escapes for adults and children alike, one of the most spectacular elements is the spa with its ever-present view of the sea. In addition to a wealth of indoor facilities, there are outdoor pools and for those in the mood, there's always the chance of a little surfing during your stay as well.