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Cornwall is home to iconic landscapes, from picture perfect beaches to rugged cliff edges. With historical engine houses and stunning estates, we've listed our favourite beautiful buildings in Cornwall for you to discover.
After a short stroll around the delightful town of Marazion, on the shore of Mount’s Bay, you’ll be left in awe of the historic building standing in front of you. Only accessible by a tidal causeway or boat, St Michael’s Mount is named after the patron saint of fisherman. It’s said the Archangel Michael appeared on the west of the island where he would ward fishermen from certain peril.
Named after a legendary Cornish saint, Saint Senara, you can find this church in the quaint village of Zennor on the north coast of Cornwall. One of the historic delights of the St Ives area, this beautiful church dates back to the twelfth century. It is thought however to stand on the site of a cell founded by the sixth century saint, Senara, whose name has been altered over the centuries to become ‘Zennor’.
📷: Trip Advisor
Carn Brea Castle was inhabited around 6000 years ago and was a major early-neolithic settlement and fortress. This stunning piece of architecture is still something of an archaeological mystery. It’s name, Carn Brea, is Cornish for ‘Rocky Hill’. Made from granite and built in a romantic gothic style, this mysterious castle had to be on a list of the most beautiful buildings in Cornwall.
Standing on opposite headlands at the entrance to Falmouth Harbour, Pendennis and St Mawes Castles are two of the best preserved of Henry VIII’s coastal fortresses. With incredible sea and estuary views, tales from the war and a fascinating insight into Tudor times and architecture.
We may be biased, but this stunning cathedral has to be one of our favourite buildings in Cornwall. Only a stone’s throw away from The Alverton, a step into this building enters you into a place of worship and serenity.
📷: Rebecca Hook
This traditional fourteenth century stone house was originally built for a yeoman farmer. It’s undulating roof of slate tiles remind us of waves on the sea, and the house itself still contains increidble charm. We’d absolutely recommend visiting this quaint cottage and it’s verdant garden, a perfect day out for all of the family.
Explore Poldark’s most iconic filming locations with some of Cornwall’s historic mining sites. Sitting on the cliff edges of west Cornwall, along the Tin Coast, the engine houses of Botallack Mine are an incredible sight. As you wander further along the coastal path you can also discover Levant Mine and Beam Engine.
Our grade II* listed building stands on its hillside setting within the Cornish capital city of Truro, where it has been since 1830. A convent many years ago, our hotel has a fascinating timeline. Delve back in time as you wander through The Great Hall and historical hallways.
This living and working private estate is steeped in beauty, boasting extensive grounds fringing the Helford River including tea plantations, farms, orchards, meadows and more. Although you cannot visit the house itself, you can book a Tea and Orchard tour to explore part of the estate’s famous tea plantation, and purchase tea and other produce in the Reading Room shop.
Situated in Bodmin and built in 1630-42, visitors to Lanhydrock Estate can admire everything from courtyards to galleries. Lanhydrock is unquestionably one of the most impressive, historic houses in Cornwall. An exquisite Victorian country Manor House with formal gardens and a wooded estate, the great house stands in extensive grounds above the River Fowey and it has been owned and managed by the National Trust since 1953.
From record shops to fine jewellery, Truro is home to so many incredibly talented makers who run their own independent shops.
With only 24 hours to spend in Truro, how will you plan your day? Explore our top things to do around our Cornish capital.