Cornwall: Online Road Trip Travel Guide

If you’re dreaming of Cornwall’s rugged coastlines, charming towns, and hidden gems but want the flexibility to tailor your trip, this online road trip guide might catch your eye. While I haven’t personally used this particular service, I’ve reviewed what it offers and how it could fit into your travel plans. Think of it as a curated roadmap that you can access anytime—perfect for those who like to plan ahead but also want the freedom to change their mind along the way.

What I really like about this guide is its flexibility—you pick what to see and when, based on suggested routes and customisable ideas. Plus, it covers an impressive 212 miles across Cornwall, highlighting everything from iconic castles to secretive caves. On the flip side, it’s a self-guided experience—so if you’re craving a tour guide’s commentary or live navigation assistance, this isn’t it. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy plotting their own adventures but want a solid structure to start from.

This guide seems like a good fit for independent travelers, road trip enthusiasts, or even small groups who love exploring at their own pace. It offers enough inspiration and practical tips to make your Cornwall trip more manageable, without the rigidity of fixed itineraries.

Key Points

• Flexibility is key: Create your own itinerary with suggested routes and destinations.
• Comprehensive coverage: The guide spans 25 key sites across Cornwall, from beaches to castles.
• Self-guided format: No live guide, but includes pre-populated Google Maps for easy navigation.
• Ideal for planners: Perfect for those wanting to plan ahead and adjust on the fly.
• Long-term access: One account grants 12 months of access, giving plenty of time to plan.
• Not included: Accommodation, transport, or entry fees—you’ll need to organize those separately.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Heart of the Experience: A Self-Drive Cornwall Adventure

This online guidebook is like a map to Cornwall’s highlights, but it’s really your personal navigator. It’s tailored for those who want the independence to craft their own journey, choosing what appeals most—whether that’s walking along dramatic cliffs or exploring historic castles. The fact that it’s accessible for up to 12 months means you can plan well in advance or keep it handy for last-minute inspiration.

What makes this guide stand out is its organized thematic sections. You can explore Bude to St Ives, then venture into South & Central Cornwall, including places like Bodmin Moor and Truro. Each destination is presented with ideas, tips, and links for further info, which helps cut down on research time. Instead of a rigid schedule, you get a curated set of options to cherry-pick your perfect route.

How It Works in Practice

You’ll start by logging into your account via the provided link. Since this is a web-based guide—no app to download—you can access it on your phone or laptop anytime. It includes suggested routes with destination highlights, and each route has Google Maps pins and directions. This setup makes navigating straightforward, whether you want to follow the suggested paths or modify them for your interests.

The guide is especially useful for trip planning at home, giving a broad overview of what Cornwall offers—think beaches, coastal legends, historic sites, and even filming locations from Poldark. When you’re on the road, you can refer back to the online guide to help decide your next stop or get a quick peek at what’s nearby.

What You Will & Won’t Get

You won’t find live navigation, a tour guide, or booked activities here. It’s purely a self-guided tool to help you plan your adventure, not a dedicated tour service. As one reviewer said, “This is an online travel guide much like a digital book ready for you to read, browse, and get inspired while planning at home or using your phone on the go.” It’s flexible enough to fit into any travel style, from a quick 3-day getaway to a relaxed 2-week tour.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

The guide covers 25 destinations, divided into themed sections. Here’s what you can expect from some of the key spots:

More Great Tours Nearby

Bude to St Ives

This stretch offers a mix of sandy beaches and lively harbours. Bude itself is known for its surf-friendly waves and rugged coastal views, making it great for outdoor lovers. St Ives, on the other hand, is famous for its art galleries, colorful seaside scenery, and sandy beaches—perfect for relaxing and soaking in the artistic vibe.

South & Central Cornwall

This area is packed with historic sites and iconic landscapes. You can visit Tintagel Castle, linked to King Arthur legends, or Pendennis Castle, which offers a glimpse into England’s military history. St Michael’s Mount provides a unique island castle experience, accessible by foot at low tide or by boat.

Bodmin & Bodmin Moor

Here, you’ll find wild moorland and remnants of Cornwall’s mining past. It’s a less tourist-heavy area, ideal for those looking to explore Cornwall’s rugged interior and discover some lesser-known stories.

Coastal Highlights & Hidden Coves

The guide points out Godrevy Lighthouse, famous for its lighthouse and surrounding beaches, along with the Minack Theatre, an open-air venue perched on cliffs. These spots are perfect for those who love dramatic scenery and a touch of mystique.

Poldark & Film Locations

Fans of the BBC series will appreciate the chance to visit Poldark filming locations, making your trip feel like a walk through your favorite TV series.

Practical Considerations

One of the main benefits of this guide is its cost-effectiveness. Paying for a year’s access means you can plan multiple trips, or just keep refining your Cornwall itinerary. It’s important to recognize that you’ll still need to arrange your own transportation—your vehicle of choice, whether rental or personal. Also, entrance fees to attractions and meals are not included, so budgets should account for those extras.

Some reviews highlight that the guide provides curated context and pre-populated Google Maps, which are helpful for visualizing your route. However, since it doesn’t support live navigation or customization beyond the suggested routes, you’ll want to be comfortable with basic map use and planning.

How the Reviews Shape Our View

With a 3.7-star rating based on 15 reviews, it’s clear that this isn’t a perfect solution for everyone. Some users praised its useful ideas and detailed routes, while others noted that it’s not a fully customizable or guided tour—which could be a drawback if you’re seeking a guided experience.

One reviewer said, “This guide offers curated context and ready-made itineraries along a recommended journey so you don’t have to second-guess or piece everything together yourself.” Another shared that it’s great for planning ahead, but hinted that it might lack the spontaneous element some travelers seek.

Who Would Benefit Most?

This online guide is best suited for independent travelers who enjoy planning their own trips but want some structure and inspiration. It’s also great for road trip lovers who prefer to explore without strict schedules and appreciate having a broad overview of Cornwall’s many sights. If you’re comfortable with basic navigation and want the flexibility to change your plans, you’ll likely find this a handy resource.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for a flexible, reasonably priced way to explore Cornwall at your own pace, this guide offers a solid foundation. It’s particularly appealing if you love doing your own research and want to avoid the constraints of fixed tour schedules. The fact that it covers so many destinations—from beaches and castles to cultural spots—makes it a versatile tool for planning your trip.

However, if you crave guided commentary, live directions, or all-inclusive booking services, you might find this less satisfying. It’s not a packaged tour—more of a digital companion to help you navigate Cornwall on your terms.

This is a practical choice for well-organized travelers who want to get the most out of Cornwall’s diverse landscape without the added expense of guided tours. It’s a way to bring the region’s highlights to life on your terms, making your trip both memorable and adaptable.

FAQ

Can I customize the routes with this guide?
No, the guide is not customizable. It offers suggested routes and ideas, which you can browse and choose from, but it doesn’t allow for live route editing.

How long do I have access to the guide?
You get 12 months of access from the first activation, giving you plenty of time to plan or revisit your trip.

Is there a mobile app I can use?
No, this is a web-based guide only. You access it through a link on your browser—no app download required.

Do I need my own vehicle?
Yes, transportation is not included. You’ll need your own or a rental vehicle to visit the destinations.

Are entrance fees included?
No, costs for attractions, activities, and meals are separate. This guide provides suggestions and planning tips, not bookings.

Will I get live navigation?
No, it includes pre-populated Google Maps with pins and directions, but no real-time navigation or live guidance.

Is this suitable for families with children?
The guide doesn’t specify family-friendliness, but since it’s a self-guided road trip, it can be tailored for family trips depending on your destinations and pacing.

What kind of traveler is this best for?
It’s ideal for independent travelers, road trip enthusiasts, and those comfortable with self-guided exploration who want a flexible plan to explore Cornwall’s highlights.

Hope this helps you decide if an online Cornwall adventure with this guide could fit your travel style. Whether you plan ahead or keep it flexible on the day, there’s plenty of beauty and history waiting just around the corner.

You can check availability for your dates here: