Where to watch the sunset in Cornwall

Imagine sitting at a beach bar, sipping on a drink or snuggling up under a blanket on a clifftop with a hot chocolate as you watch the sun slowly go down. A perfect way of finishing off a day is to watch a Cornish sunset and fortunately the county is home to some amazing spots.

So, grab a blanket, bring a jumper and a hot or cold beverage, depending on the weather, and head to one of the places we’ve recommended in our list of the best places to watch the sunset in Cornwall.

The best locations to watch a Cornish sunset

It doesn’t matter if you are staying at campsites in Cornwall or are travelling around the county in your own caravan, there are locations all across the Duchy where you can watch the sun go down and we’ve picked some of our favourites that you can enjoy.

• Minack Theatre
• St Michaels Mount
• Land’s End
• Fistral Beach
• Bude
• Perranporth Beach

Minack Theatre

The Minack Theatre is an iconic attraction in Cornwall as it is located on the headland overlooking the spectacular Porthcurno beach, which is like a beach in the Caribbean except with large cliffs.

This world-famous open-air theatre is a must-visit and whilst it looks like something the ancient Greeks have carved out, it was only transformed into what you see today less than a century ago.

The theatre is well-known for the live performances which take place through the warmer months of the year, but on top of this, the Minack is well-known to be one of the best spots to visit to see the famous Cornish sunset.

If you’re lucky, you can watch a theatre production and watch the sun go down whilst the performance is in full flow!

ALSO READ: The best outdoor adventures in Cornwall

St Michael’s Mount

If you want to experience an impressive display of light behind a castle that looks like it is floating in the sea, then you need to head to St Michael’s Mount.

You can take a picnic blanket and set-up on Marazion Beach as from here you will get the perfect view of the sunset over St Michael’s Mount.

There are different ways of seeing the sunset at St Michael’s Mount and that includes hiring a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard and enjoying the stunning sunset from the water.

During the day you can take a boat across to the island or walk along the cobblestone path depending on what the tide times are.

ALSO READ: Historic houses and castles in Cornwall

Land’s End

At the most westerly part of mainland Cornwall and the UK, you can watch some of the most mesmerising sunsets over Land’s End.

You can also enjoy great views of the granite cliffs and the ocean, and the sun will light up the sea and sky as it goes down what seems like the edge of the earth.

There is plenty to offer those of you who want to spend a full day at Land’s End. You can discover the cliff-top trails, and natural splendour, enjoy the family attractions and even wander around the West Country Shopping Village.

ALSO READ: Top dolphin and sea-watching spots in Cornwall

Fistral Beach

Arguably the most famous surfing beach in the UK, Fistral Beach is a mecca for surfers and beach lovers, but it is also one of the best spots in Cornwall for watching the sunset.

Here you can watch the sun go down over the Atlantic Ocean whilst watching surfers catch their next wave or you can walk along the beach to see the sunset from different angles.

There are lots of cafes and eateries located nearby so you can enjoy a sunset dinner on the beach or the surrounding cliffs and there is the Fistral Beach Bar and Kitchen which has an open terrace where you can enjoy a drink and take in the stunning sunset.

Anna, the lifestyle blogger at The Cornish Life blog highly recommends visiting Fistral to go and watch the sunset.

“Fistral is one of the last beaches on this coast that faces enough towards the West to see the full sunset on the horizon, before the Newquay headland and it gets harder to see the sun to the West. It’s also dog friendly with a choice of bars, and is also a well-known surfing hotspot so you could head out for a dreamy sunset surf too!”

Bude

The North Cornish coastal town faces the full force of the Atlantic Ocean and is a hugely popular spot for surfers throughout the year.

The town enjoys some spectacular sunsets and with its variety of coastal walks you can enjoy an evening stroll and take in the incredible views over the sea. There is a clifftop walk from Summerleaze Beach over to Sandymouth, and if the sea is out you can even walk along the sand and then back along the top of the cliffs.

Alternatively, you can sit down and relax, tuck into some food and enjoy a drink at the likes of Life’s A Beach which has great views over Summerleaze Beach and can take in the vibrant as the sun goes down.

ALSO READ: The best places to swim in Cornwall

Perranporth Beach

With its miles of golden sand, huge surf, and enormous sand dunes, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Perranporth Beach is one of the county’s most popular beaches to visit.

It is a perfect place to visit if you are on a family holiday in Cornwall as not only will your children be entertained, there are a selection of cafes and bars close by so if they get hungry you can easily pick up some snacks and drinks.

The beach is also one of the top spots to watch the Cornish sunset, and you can either watch it from the beach or from the surrounding cliffs.

Frankie Thomas from the Meet Me By The Sea blog talks about where she goes to watch the sunset at Perranporth.

“Perranporth is always a firm winner if you want to park up and watch the sunset from the comfort of your car. Often, I drive to the top car park (Drysken) and collapse on the grass with a blanket. From here, you can admire the sunset and watch the surfers below. If you’re looking to buy food, then I suggest checking out The Summer House or The Watering Hole for a more relaxed vibe.”

ALSO READ: Cornwall Surfing: Where to learn to surf on your holiday

There are so many incredible places that you can visit to catch an iconic Cornish sunset, but these are just some of the best spots you should head to if you are planning caravan holidays in Cornwall.

For more tips, guides, and advice, make sure to visit our news page.