Cornwall by Campervan: Best Coastal Stops & Camping Tips

Philly Stokes is a celebrated surf photographer, and her husband Alan Stokes, one of Britain’s top pro surfers. They both hail from Cornwall – which makes them the perfect insiders to share their best tips for an amazing road trip through England’s southwestern tip.

Best Time to Visit
Aim for September or early spring! The weather is gorgeous, and the atmosphere is relaxed before the peak tourist season kicks in.

Your Vehicle
Cornwall’s roads can be narrow, so we recommend an agile camper van. And be prepared to show off your reversing skills…

Tip 1: Boscastle & Tintagel

Boscastle is a small, picturesque fishing village nestled on Cornwall’s north coast, surrounded by rugged cliffs. A steep path winds down to the ancient harbour, flanked by medieval stone walls. Most of the land belongs to the National Trust, offering wild, unspoiled nature alongside old stone houses with crooked roofs, cozy cottages, and plenty of pubs. Oh, and it’s steeped in legends too!

A must-visit is Tintagel Castle, about 8km south. Perched on a peninsula with only a narrow strip of land and a footbridge connecting it to the mainland. Legend has it that King Arthur was conceived here. While only ruins remain, you can truly feel the mystical, legend-laden aura of the place.

You should also hike to the St. Nectan’s Glen waterfalls on the Trevillet River. The trail leads through a dense, lush forest, ultimately arriving at an unreal, beautiful spot featuring the 18-meter-high St. Nectan’s Kieve waterfall.

Campsite: Trewethett Farm Club Campsite in Tintagel sits on a cliff (making it perfect for CLIFF drivers). It offers sensational coastal vistas, including Bossiney Cove with its sandy beach. From here, you can easily walk to Tintagel and Boscastle.

Tip 2: Fistral Beach

Newquay is one of the UK’s most famous surf towns, and to its west lies Fistral Beach, one of the country’s most renowned surf spots. If you want to watch the best surfers in the land, this is the place to be. It boasts a wide, expansive sandy beach, perfect conditions, and fantastic swell.

The best place to catch the sunset is from the Boardmasters Beach Bar. For delicious brunch all day, head to Box & Barber in Newquay.

Campsite: The View Campsite in Watergate Bay is a smaller, dog-friendly, relaxed, and quiet spot right on the sandy beach.

Tip 3: St. Ives

A good way further south lies the artistic town of St. Ives. This place has it all: golden beaches, turquoise water, colourful boats, palm trees, promenades, charming cobblestone alleys, seals, a fishing village vibe, top cuisine, numerous art galleries, and the Godrevy Lighthouse (which inspired Virginia Woolf’s “To the Lighthouse”).

Campsite: From Godrevy Park Club Campsite on St. Ives Bay, you’ll have quick access to the sand dunes. It was freshly renovated in 2024.

Tip 4: Porthcurno

At Cornwall’s southern tip, the Porthcurno Valley gently slopes down, surrounded by a rugged, rocky coastline. The bay is a dreamy oasis where you can chill for hours. A definite must-visit is The Minack, an open-air theatre carved directly into the coastal cliff. It’s the life’s work of Rowena Cade, who bought the land in the 1920s and, with a few helpers, built the theatre by hand – the stage, the seating with the carved backrests – it’s a work of art in itself!

Campsite: Treen Farm is a small, family-run campsite inland, not far from Porthcurno’s beaches, surrounded by meadows and Guernsey cows. However, your camper van shouldn’t be longer than 6.70m, and the road to the site is quite narrow.

Tip 5: Falmouth

Falmouth is located on Cornwall’s east coast, at the mouth of the River Fal. It’s one of the larger towns with around 20,000 people and there’s plenty going on. There are festivals, a vibrant art scene, beautiful gardens, and delicious food (like at Sabzi right on the water). If you fancy kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, the Helford River, a little further south, is an excellent spot.

Campsite: Menehay Farm Touring Park is located on Andrew and Janey’s farm, making it small and family-oriented, but perfectly equipped. There’s even free Wi-Fi.

Our Adventure Crew – Philly & Alan Stokes

Philly and Alan Stokes are not only true insiders when it comes to Cornwall, but also part of our SUNLIGHT Adventure Crew. For years, Philly has been capturing the surf scene through her lens, while Alan is one of Britain’s most successful professional surfers. Together, they bring tons of experience, a passion for adventure, and plenty of inspiring tips. Want to know more about their projects, travels, and surf adventures? Check out their profile:

Meet Philly & Alan Stokes