Cornwall is a place where the landscape seems to tell stories—cliffs, fishing ports, ancient stones, and film locations all combine for a rich experience. For travelers craving a full day of discovery, Cornwall offers a variety of tours that showcase its varied geography, history, and culture. We’ve rounded up four of the best options, each with its own flavor, from private guided adventures to themed journeys into film history. Whether you want to explore the rugged coastlines, dive into local fishing traditions, or see where the Poldark series was filmed, there’s something for all.
One of our favorites is the Private Tour of West Cornwall, which offers a deep dive into Cornwall’s past and present with a passionate local guide. For those who prefer a more personalized experience, the Full Day Private Tour of West Cornwall is perfect, combining iconic coastal sights with delicious local food. Fans of the TV series will love the Full Day Private Guided Tour of Poldark Filming Locations, bringing Cornwall’s cinematic landscape to life. And for those who want to see Cornwall’s north coast, the Full day private tour of the North Coast of Cornwall offers a scenic journey along cliffs, harbors, and filming spots.
Below, we’ll explore each of these tours in detail, helping you decide which one matches your interests, budget, and travel style.
1. Private Tour of West Cornwall – Highly Varied Full Day Experience
This private tour, rated 5.0/5 from 73 reviews, is a full 8-hour immersion into Cornwall’s history, culture, and landscape. Run by a passionate ex-teacher based in Penzance, this journey provides a deep and lively insight into Cornwall’s past and present. What makes this tour stand out is its variety—you’ll visit both the north and south coasts, exploring fishing ports, historic towns, and wild Atlantic views. The tour includes iconic stops like Newlyn, which is a small port but a major player in the UK’s fishing industry, and Penzance, where Victorian history and pirate stories come alive.
The itinerary also features stops at Newlyn’s working fishing port, where you’ll learn about the industry that keeps Cornwall fed, and Penzance’s historic streets. Your guide shares anecdotes and local stories, making the history feel personal. The tour is designed to give a meaningful perspective on what it’s like to live in Cornwall, emphasizing cultural and historical context.
What’s especially compelling is the flexibility and depth of this tour—your guide is eager to answer questions and tailor the experience. The price is $789.90 for up to six people, making it a good value if you’re traveling with a small group seeking an in-depth, personalized experience. Reviewers praise Conrad’s enthusiasm and storytelling, often calling the tour “action-packed” and “informative.”
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want a comprehensive, engaging look at Cornwall’s coastal towns, history, and industry with a local expert. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate storytelling and authentic experiences.
2. Full Day Private Tour of West Cornwall
For around $821, the Full Day Private Tour of West Cornwall offers a tailored, intimate exploration led by your own guide, Becky. The tour covers some of Cornwall’s most famous sights, including a stop at St. Michael’s Mount, where you can take memorable photos (entry to the Mount is optional). The route rolls through the charming fishing village of Mousehole, where you might enjoy a coffee while soaking in the harbor views—an ideal spot for a quick stroll.
A highlight is the visit to Lamorna Cove, perfect for a relaxed lunch and crab sandwiches with a view. Afterward, you’ll see the Minack Theatre, an internationally renowned open-air theatre carved into the cliffs (advance booking required). The tour concludes with a visit to Land’s End, the most westerly point of mainland UK, offering spectacular coastal vistas and classic photo opportunities.
This tour emphasizes local food and scenery, with stops for crab sandwiches and cream teas, making it especially appealing for those wanting a taste of Cornwall’s culinary culture. The reviews rave about Becky’s knowledge, friendliness, and how the tour felt like exploring with a local friend. It’s suited for travelers who want a personalized experience without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: If you prefer a flexible, private itinerary tailored to your interests, this tour offers a good mix of natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and delicious local eats at a slightly higher price point.
3. Full Day Private Guided Tour of Poldark Filming Locations
Fans of the series will love the Full Day Private Guided Tour of Poldark Filming Locations, which costs about $825 for up to seven people. This 8-hour tour combines the cinematic magic with the real landscape of Cornwall, taking you to filming sites like Botallack Mine, which doubled as Wheal Leisure in the series. You’ll also visit Porthgwarra, where Demelza spies Ross in the water—a scene many viewers remember vividly.
The tour continues with a visit to the Minack Theatre, built into the cliffs by Rowena Cade in the 1930s, offering spectacular views and film-connection history. Other stops include Penberth Cove and Church Cove, both showcasing picturesque cottages and dramatic coastlines used in filming. The guide shares insights into both the series’ filming locations and the local history, making it a rich experience for fans and curious travelers alike.
Reviewers appreciate how the tour brings the series to life and offers a chance to see Cornwall’s dramatic scenery up close. This tour is especially suited for series fans or those interested in Cornwall’s film heritage. It combines scenery, storytelling, and a touch of nostalgia in one compact package.
Bottom line: Perfect for Poldark fans or anyone wanting to explore Cornwall’s landscape through the lens of its film history, with a knowledgeable guide bringing scenes and stories together.
4. Full day private tour of the North Coast of Cornwall
This private North Coast tour, rated 5.0/5 from 2 reviews, is an 8-hour journey along Cornwall’s rugged northern shoreline. Starting in St. Agnes, the tour takes you to striking spots like Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps, where giant stepping stones plunge into the sea—an unforgettable image. The tour then heads to Trevose Head Lighthouse, offering panoramic views that are perfect for photos or just soaking in the ocean’s power.
A highlight is a stop in Padstow, a charming harbor town with plenty of options for a famous Cornish pasty and a relaxed meal. The tour also visits Port Isaac, widely known as the filming location for Doc Martin, giving you a chance to explore the cobbled streets and fishmongers. The final stop is at Newquay, famous for its surfing beaches and lively atmosphere.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on coastal scenery and film locations, with an emphasis on natural beauty and local culture. The guide’s knowledge helps you appreciate the history and stories behind each site. It’s ideal for travelers who love coastal walks, photography, and TV series sites.
Bottom line: If you want a scenic, film-focused exploration of Cornwall’s northern coast, this tour offers a relaxed pace with plenty of stunning vistas and local flavor.
How to Choose the Best Cornwall Full-Day Tour for You
When selecting a tour, consider your interests: do you want a deep dive into Cornwall’s history? Or perhaps a film location tour? Budget also plays a role—private tours tend to be more personalized but cost more. Think about your fitness level and comfort with walking if you’re visiting sites like Bedruthan Steps or Trevose Head.
For those who want a comprehensive experience with a knowledgeable guide, the Private Tour of West Cornwall or the West Cornwall private tour are excellent choices. If you’re a film fan, the Poldark location tour is hard to beat. Looking for a scenic coast drive with fewer crowds? The North Coast tour offers dramatic scenery and film sites.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak season (spring to late summer), to secure your preferred date and guide.
Final Thoughts
Cornwall’s full-day tours open up a world of coastal scenery, history, and storytelling that can’t be experienced from a car window. Whether you choose a private, customizable trip or a themed adventure into film locations, each option gives a different taste of Cornwall’s character. For travelers seeking an in-depth exploration, the Private Tour of West Cornwall offers a lively, insightful day. Meanwhile, fans of Poldark will find the film-location tour unforgettable.
If you’re short on time but want a well-rounded experience, the West Cornwall or North Coast tours are excellent options. Whatever your choice, booking early will ensure you get the experience that best suits your interests. Cornwall’s scenery and stories are waiting—now just pick your tour and enjoy a full day of discovery.
