7 and 10 Day Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary

If you’ve ever dreamed of winding coastal roads, golden beaches, and charming seaside towns, then our Cornwall campervan road trip itinerary is just the thing. With its dramatic cliffs, Atlantic surf, and centuries-old fishing villages, Cornwall is one of the UK’s most scenic campervan destinations. From surfboards strapped to the roof to cream teas by the sea, the region offers everything you could wish for in a road trip.

What makes Cornwall such a gem for vanlifers? Think cliffside car parks with panoramic ocean views, tucked-away coves you can only reach on foot, and the sort of laid-back local charm that makes you feel at home the moment you arrive. With a campervan, the freedom to discover these hidden corners is yours. You can follow the tides, chase sunsets, and find those perfect, lesser-known picnic spots.

At Quirky Campers, we’re passionate about showing you the best coastal routes in Cornwall and helping you discover Cornish campervan destinations you might not find in a traditional guidebook. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need for a brilliant 7–10 day itinerary: routes, campsites, tips, and inspiration for families, couples, or solo travellers. Ready to roll?

Cornwall Campervan Essentials

When to Visit

Cornwall is lovely all year round, but your experience will vary by season. Summer (June to August) brings beach weather and longer days, though it can be busy. Spring and early autumn are sweet spots – fewer crowds, mild weather, and stunning coastal walks. Winter has a wild, windswept charm, but be aware that many campsites and tourist spots close or reduce hours.

What to Know Before You Go

Cornwall’s narrow lanes are part of its charm, but they do require confident driving, especially in larger vehicles. Avoid peak check-in/check-out times in smaller villages and use passing places considerately. Always check tide timetables if you’re visiting coves or parking near the shore, some spots vanish completely at high tide.

Campervan Etiquette

Stick to overnight parking areas where it’s clearly allowed and never park on private land without permission. Leave no trace, dispose of waste properly, and respect local residents. Cornwall’s communities are very welcoming to travellers who treat the area kindly.

Booking Campsites

During summer and school holidays, book campsites in advance, especially near the most popular beaches like Porthcurno or Newquay. Many small, family-run sites offer basic but beautiful pitches, often with sea views or farm settings. Some have just a handful of spots, so it’s worth planning ahead.

What to Pack

Aside from the usual campervan gear, we recommend:

• A good pair of walking boots for coastal paths
• Beach shoes for pebbly coves
• Tide timetable app or booklet
• Windbreak and layers- it gets breezy!
• Local produce bags for markets and farm shops
• Torch or lantern for dark moorland nights

Cornwall Campervan Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1–2: Northern Gateway (Bude to Tintagel)

Begin your Cornish adventure near the Devon border. Bude offers a welcoming introduction with sandy beaches and great surfing. Crooklets Beach has parking suitable for campervans and is ideal for a first dip. Tintagel, steeped in Arthurian legend, is just down the coast. Don’t miss Tintagel Castle and Merlin’s Cave.

Stay

Wooda Farm Holiday Park

Penhalt Farm Campsite

Highlights

• Surf at Crooklets or Summerleaze Beach
• Explore the ruins of Tintagel Castle, linked to King Arthur
• Visit St Nectan’s Glen, a magical woodland waterfall walk

Places to Eat

• The Beach at Bude – Stylish spot for modern Cornish cuisine with ocean views
• Pasties from Pengenna Bakery – Proper Cornish pasties made fresh daily
• Charlie’s Cafe, Tintagel – Cosy for breakfast or cream teas

Hidden Gems

• Rocky Valley – A short but stunning gorge walk with ancient labyrinth carvings
• Crackington Haven – A peaceful cove with fewer tourists and brilliant rockpooling
• Compass Point – A quick walk from Bude for panoramic coastal views at sunset

Day 3–5: North Coast Adventures (Newquay to Polzeath)

Drive south along the coast, stopping at hidden gems like Crackington Haven or the iconic Bedruthan Steps. Newquay is Cornwall’s surf capital. Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay are must-sees. Further down, Polzeath is perfect for families and beginner surfers.

Foodies will love the fish stalls at Padstow (don’t skip Rick Stein’s fish and chips) and Cornish pasties from local bakeries.

Campsites:

Trenance Holiday Park (Newquay)

Dinham Farm near Padstow – Quiet & secluded campsite with views of the estuary.

Highlights

• Catch waves at Fistral or Watergate Bay
• Stroll the Camel Trail, ideal for bikes or prams
• Visit Padstow for its foodie culture and working harbour

Places to Eat

• Rick Stein’s Fish & Chips, Padstow – Iconic and worth the hype
• Box & Barber, Newquay – Great for brunch and good coffee
• The Cracking Crab, Polzeath – Relaxed seafood with sea views

Hidden Gems

• Porth Joke (aka Polly Joke) – A quiet beach, even in summer, nestled between popular ones
• Trevose Head – Wild clifftop walks with almost nobody around
• Lusty Glaze Beach – Tucked under high cliffs with a lovely beachside café

Day 6–7: Far West Peninsula (St Ives to Land’s End)

This stretch is home to Cornwall’s wildest beauty. Explore the dramatic coastline around Land’s End, the turquoise waters of Porthcurno, and the romantic Minack Theatre carved into the cliffside. St Ives, meanwhile, offers cobbled streets, art galleries, and beach cafes.

Sunsets at Cape Cornwall are a treat, especially with a steaming cup of tea from the van.

Campsites:

Treen Farm Campsite near Porthcurno

Ayr Holiday Park in St Ives.

Highlights

• The turquoise waters and white sands of Porthcurno
• Explore the open-air Minack Theatre carved into the cliffside
• St Ives’ Tate gallery and Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden

Places to Eat

• Porthmeor Beach Café, St Ives – Tapas with a view of the waves
• Moomaid of Zennor Ice Cream Parlour – Local ice cream worth the detour
• The Gurnard’s Head, Zennor – A top-notch gastropub in a wild setting

Hidden Gems

• Carn Euny Ancient Village – Hidden Iron Age ruins with fogou tunnels
• Nanjizal Beach – Off the beaten path, known for the “Song of the Sea” rock arch
• Cape Cornwall – Quieter than Land’s End with equally dramatic views

Day 8–9: South Coast Treasures (Mousehole to Fowey)

Things slow down a little on the south coast. Think subtropical gardens, peaceful fishing harbours, and gentle estuaries. Mevagissey, Polperro, and Fowey are delightful to wander through. If you’re lucky, you might spot seals or dolphins from the harbour wall.

Campsites:

Seaview International Holiday Park

Penmarlam Caravan Site near Fowey

Highlights

• Wander the picture-perfect harbours of Polperro and Mevagissey
• Visit the subtropical Lost Gardens of Heligan
• Kayak or paddleboard the Fowey Estuary

Places to Eat

• The Lugger Inn, Polruan – Tiny pub with incredible seafood and views
• Sam’s in Fowey – Retro vibe with local produce and fresh fish
• The Ship Inn, Mevagissey – Cosy pub in a historic harbour setting

Hidden Gems

• Readymoney Cove – A sheltered, family-friendly beach near Fowey
• Talland Bay – A peaceful, rocky cove with wild swimming potential
• Tregrehan Gardens – Often overlooked, but beautifully kept and serene

Day 10: Bodmin Moor Finale

Finish your trip inland with a visit to Bodmin Moor. It’s a complete change of scene—windswept tors, ancient stone circles, and wide skies perfect for stargazing. Don’t miss a walk to the top of Rough Tor or a visit to the mysterious Cheesewring.

Campsite:

South Penquite Farm -an eco-friendly site right on the moor.

Highlights

• Hike up Rough Tor or Brown Willy, Cornwall’s highest point
• Visit the Cheesewring – striking granite rock formations with mythic roots
• Stargaze from your campervan under some of Cornwall’s darkest skies

Places to Eat

• Jamaica Inn – Daphne Du Maurier’s famous old coaching inn with hearty meals and a smuggler’s museum
• Snail’s Pace Café at Wenfordbridge – Solar-powered café with excellent local bakes
• St Kew Inn (en route back east) – Beautiful historic inn with a proper Sunday roast

Hidden Gems

• Golitha Falls – A peaceful woodland walk with tumbling waterfalls
• Dozmary Pool – Said to be the resting place of Excalibur
• King Arthur’s Hall – A rarely visited stone circle with a mysterious atmosphere

7-Day Cornwall Campervan Itinerary at a Glance

North Cornwall Campervan Sites Worth Exploring

North Cornwall is a haven for campervan travellers, offering a mix of wild Atlantic coastline, legendary surf beaches, and dramatic clifftop walks. Here are some top-rated campervan sites to consider:

• Trevedra Farm (Sennen) – A stunning coastal site with panoramic sea views, perfect for sunsets and surfing.
• Pentire Haven (Bude) – Family-friendly with excellent facilities and access to the coast path.
• South Penquite Farm (Bodmin Moor) – Off-grid charm on a working farm, with direct access to walking trails.
• Higher Harlyn Park (near Padstow) – Well-equipped and close to several beaches, ideal for foodies and families alike.
• Treen Farm Campsite (near Porthcurno) – Incredible cliffside views and walking access to the Minack Theatre and beaches.

These North Cornwall campervan sites combine scenery, surf, and great access to local towns and attractions.

Hidden Campervan Spots in Cornwall You’ll Love

Looking to escape the crowds? Cornwall is full of lesser-known places perfect for quiet campervan stays. Here are a few secret gems:

• Gwithian Towans – A vast beach backed by dunes, with quiet overnight parking options nearby.
• St. Nectan’s Glen (near Tintagel) – A mystical woodland setting with a hidden waterfall and peaceful nearby camping.
• Lantic Bay (South Cornwall) – Remote and beautiful, with limited access but rewarding views and walking trails.
• Restronguet Creek – Tucked-away estuary near Mylor with scenic walks and peaceful lay-bys.
• Roughtor (Bodmin Moor) – Ideal for stargazing and mythic vibes, with parking options for self-contained vans.

These hidden campervan spots in Cornwall are ideal for travellers seeking something a little different.

Best Coastal Routes in Cornwall by Campervan

Cornwall’s coastline is made for scenic campervan journeys. Here are the best coastal routes to drive:

• Bude to St Ives (North Coast) – Surf towns, rugged cliffs, and legends. Highlights: Boscastle, Tintagel, Port Isaac.
• St Ives to Land’s End Loop – Wild and remote, with dramatic headlands and tiny harbours.
• Penzance to Lizard Peninsula – Tropical-feel beaches and fishing villages. Stop at Porthcurno and Kynance Cove.
• Fowey to Polperro (South Coast) – Winding roads, smuggler coves, and wooded creeks.
• Mevagissey to St Mawes – Hidden bays, sub-tropical gardens, and river ferries make this route a delight.

Each route offers a unique slice of Cornwall and is best explored slowly, with plenty of stops.

Best Time to Visit Cornwall by Campervan

The best time to visit Cornwall in a campervan is late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September).

• These months offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and open campsites.
• Summer (July–August) has the best weather but is busy and often requires booking campsites far in advance.
• Winter trips are quieter and atmospheric, but some campsites close and wild camping requires careful planning.

Top Family-Friendly Cornwall Itinerary Stops

Travelling Cornwall by campervan with kids? These stops are ideal for families:

• Newquay – With sandy beaches, surf schools, and Newquay Zoo.
• Camel Creek Adventure Park – Near Wadebridge, full of rides and activities.
• St Michael’s Mount – A magical tidal island with a castle and gardens.
• Gweek Seal Sanctuary – Educational and fun for animal lovers.
• Porthcurno & The Minack Theatre – Outdoor shows and dramatic views that wow all ages.

These destinations combine fun, learning, and nature for a memorable family campervan holiday in Cornwall.

Practical Tips For Taking A Campervan To Cornwall

• Water: Refill at campsites, public toilets, and petrol stations.
• Apps: Tides Near Me and Magicseaweed are helpful for beach timings.
• Shopping: Farm shops like Trevaskis Farm or Boscastle Farm Shop are great for local produce.
• Waste: Use dedicated disposal points at campsites or service areas.
• Beach Access: Some beaches have height restrictions in their car parks—always check signage.

Need more info? Check out our full knowledge Hub on all things Campervan Travel, including:

• Quirky Campers Guide To The Best Cornish Campsites
• Quirky Campers Guide To Overnight Parking
• Hiring A Campervan – How Much Does It Cost?
• Guide To Hiring A Campervan from Quirky Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wild camp in Cornwall with a campervan?

Wild camping in Cornwall is technically not legal without landowner permission, but it’s often tolerated if you follow proper etiquette. Always park considerately, avoid private land or blocking access, and leave no trace. For a peaceful and respectful experience, consider using Brit Stops or choosing remote, non-coastal moorland spots such as Bodmin Moor.

What are the best campervan-friendly beaches in Cornwall?

Many of Cornwall’s beaches are accessible to campervans with nearby parking or campsites. Top campervan-friendly beaches include:

• Fistral Beach, Newquay – Large car parks and nearby campsites.
• Polzeath Beach – Level access and great surf.
• Porthcurno Beach – Breathtaking setting with nearby overnight options.
• Praa Sands – Long beach with designated campervan parking nearby.

Are there dog-friendly campervan sites in Cornwall?

Yes, Cornwall is very dog-friendly, with many campsites welcoming furry friends. Popular options include:

• South Penquite Farm (Bodmin Moor) – Great walks on the doorstep.
• Trevedra Farm (near Sennen Cove) – Close to dog-friendly beaches.
• Seaview International (near Mevagissey) – Facilities for families and pets alike.
  Always check individual site policies and local beach dog restrictions, especially in high season.

How long do you need for a campervan road trip in Cornwall?

A 7 to 10-day campervan trip is ideal to experience Cornwall’s diverse coastlines, hidden coves, and historic inland sites without rushing. Shorter weekend getaways can work well too, focusing on one region like North Cornwall or the Roseland Peninsula.

Where can you park a campervan overnight in Cornwall?

You can stay overnight at official campsites, certified locations like Brit Stops, or designated car parks that allow overnight parking. Some rural pubs and farm shops welcome campervans with permission. Avoid parking in residential areas or beauty spots without consent, especially during peak season.

Is it easy to drive a campervan around Cornwall?

Cornwall’s narrow lanes and single-track roads can be challenging, especially in summer. A smaller campervan is ideal. Plan routes in advance, avoid high-traffic tourist hotspots during peak hours, and use a sat nav with campervan settings to avoid tight spots and low bridges.

Are there electric hook-up points at Cornish campsites?

Yes, most established campervan campsites in Cornwall offer electric hook-ups. It’s wise to book early during school holidays or bank holiday weekends, especially near popular beaches and coastal paths.

Can you take a campervan to St Ives or Padstow?

It’s possible, but not recommended to drive into the town centres due to narrow streets and limited parking. Instead, park at designated campervan-friendly car parks or stay at nearby campsites with shuttle or walking access. Park & Ride options are also available in high season.

What’s the best time of year to visit Cornwall in a campervan?

May to June and September offer great weather with fewer crowds. July and August are busiest, especially around beaches. Winter campervan travel is possible but requires planning—some campsites close and roads can be quieter but narrower and more exposed.

Do you need to book Cornwall campsites in advance?

Yes, especially from April to September. Coastal sites often book out months in advance. If you’re travelling spontaneously, use apps like Park4Night to find last-minute options or smaller hidden gems inland.

Are there campervan sites with sea views in Cornwall?

Absolutely! Popular sea-view campsites include:

• Trevedra Farm near Sennen
• Beacon Cottage Farm near St Agnes
• Pentire Haven near Bude
  These sites often offer direct access to the South West Coast Path and stunning sunsets.

Whether it’s the crashing waves of the north coast, the peaceful estuaries of the south, or the mystical charm of Bodmin Moor, Cornwall offers something special for every campervan adventurer. With so many routes, hidden campervan spots, and family-friendly destinations, your only challenge will be deciding where to stop next.

Hit the road, chase the waves, and make Cornish magic in one of our handpicked campervans – your coastal adventure starts here!

Laura Hammond

Laura is a professional copywriter and is the in-house writer at Quirky Campers, where she combines her love of campervans, travel and writing! When not writing she loves to find new adventures surfing, hiking and cycling.