Start your day at Tintagel Castle, crossing the dramatic footbridge for sweeping views of the jagged north Cornish coast and exploring the atmospheric Arthurian ruins and medieval remains; linger at the Merlin’s Cave entrance at low tide if conditions allow. Afterward, pop into the Tintagel Old Post Office and the nearby Heritage Centre to see local exhibits, pick up maps for the South West Coast Path and warm up with a coffee and a Cornish pasty from a village café before heading out on the cliff walks.
Follow the coastal path south toward Bossiney and the Tintagel Haven cove, enjoying birdwatching and dramatic sea views; pause at Merlin’s Bridge and the rugged stacks for photos and rockpooling if the tide is low. Return via the inland path through pastoral lanes to Castle Road, stopping at the Camelot Castle Hotel or a pub in Tintagel for a hearty Sunday roast-style lunch (or seafood if preferred), and browse local artisan shops for pottery and artworks inspired by Arthurian legend.
As daylight fades, dine at one of Tintagel’s cosy pubs—The Cornishman Inn or The Old Post Office—savoring fresh local seafood and a pint of Cornish ale while recounting rugged cliff-top vistas. Finish with a short sunset stroll to the headland or the village viewpoint to watch the sky over the Atlantic, then return to your accommodation to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s drive west toward Boscastle and Port Isaac.
Leave Tintagel after breakfast and take the short coastal drive west to Boscastle, arriving mid-morning to explore the picturesque harbour and the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic for a quirky, local slice of history. Wander the cobbled streets to the south cliffs for dramatic views over the harbour mouth and, time permitting, follow a section of the South West Coast Path toward the Valency valley to spot seabirds and dramatic rock formations.
Drive along the scenic coastal road to Port Isaac for lunch — choose a waterside table at one of the village eateries (such as The Mote or 4 North Street) and sample fresh crab or fish and chips before joining a guided fishing-village walk to learn about the town’s history and its role as the filming location for TV’s Doc Martin. Afterward, take a short coastal stroll to Port Gaverne or head to nearby St Endellion for a quiet churchyard view and a chance to explore tidal coves and photographic viewpoints.
As daylight softens, return toward Boscastle or stop at a country pub en route (the Wainhouse Inn near St Endellion is a good option) for a cosy dinner of Cornish lamb or seafood and a local ale, reminiscing about the day’s rugged scenery. Finish with a short sunset walk on the cliffs if the weather allows, then retire to your accommodation to rest ahead of the westward drive to St Ives and St Michael’s Mount tomorrow.
Drive west from Boscastle/Port Isaac after breakfast and arrive in St Ives mid-morning to wander its compact harbour, golden sands and winding galleries; visit the Tate St Ives or the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden to soak up modern art with sea views, then grab a coffee and pasty from one of the harbourside cafés. Stroll along Porthmeor Beach and the coastal path toward Zennor if time allows, enjoying seabird spotting and washed-ashore driftwood sculptures that carry on the rugged coastal mood from Tintagel and Boscastle.
Head south along the A30/A394 to Marazion and park before taking the short walk to the causeway (or a boat if the tide is high) to visit St Michael's Mount; explore the medieval chapel, narrow streets and sub-tropical gardens, and learn about the island’s tidal crossings and fishing heritage. After returning to the mainland, sample cream tea in Marazion or a seafood lunch at a quay-side restaurant, then wander the seafront for views across Mount’s silhouette at different angles.
As evening falls, choose a cosy dinner in St Ives or Marazion—seafood chowder or Cornish crab are local highlights—then take a final dusk stroll along the beach to watch the island light up against the Atlantic sky. Finish your trip with a quiet pint or coffee in a seaside pub, reflecting on the dramatic cliffs, fishing villages and island memories gathered over the three coastal days.