Cornwall Self-Guided Walking Tour 2024/2025

You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. 

Accommodation: Chy Morvah (D)

Check out the Discovery Point Library at the country house – stocked with maps, walks and local area information.

For stays of 3 nights, you will have 2 days at your choice.

For stays of 4 nights, you will have 3 days at your choice.

For stays of 7 nights, you will have 6 days at your choice.

Accommodation: Chy Morvah (B, L, D)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)

Our easiest routes allow plenty of time to savour the beautiful scenery. All our walk notes suggest the best places to stop, great pubs, and tea rooms.

• St Ives Town Trail – 1 mile
• Carbis Bay to St Ives – 2 miles
• Godrevy Point – 2 miles
• Sennan Cove to Lands End – 3 miles
• Around St Ives – 3 miles
• Lelant to St Ives – 4 miles

Some longer walks, including some stretches along the South West Coast path. Experience the true flavour of Cornwall as you follow these varied routes.

• Minack Theatre & Porthgwara – 4 miles
• Around Lizard Point – 5 miles
• Knills Monument & Carbis Bay – 5 miles
• Lizard Point & Church Cove – 5 miles
• Clodgy Point & Trevalgan – 6 miles

For those who love to stride out. Expect some rougher paths and some short but steep ascents as you tackle some of the longer stretches of the coastal path.

• Zennor to St Ives – 8 miles
• Cadgwith & Lizard Point – 8 miles
• Botallack to Lands End – 8 miles
• St Michael’s Way – 9 miles
• Morvah to St Ives – 10 miles

Chy Morvah is situated in the attractive seaside town of St Ives. A 10-minute downhill walk will take you to the harbour and old town; a maze of narrow streets and shops. The harbour front is always bustling with activity, and there are numerous artists’ galleries to enjoy. There are also two excellent sandy beaches. Nearby Porthminster Beach (5 to 10 minutes’ walk) is very sheltered and very popular with families. Porthmeor Beach on the far side of town (15 to 20 minutes’ walk) is more exposed and excellent for surfing. There are several surf schools if you want to give this a go – a popular option for all ages! St Ives has a full range of facilities including shops, banks, chemists, pubs and cafés.

Opened in 1993, this branch of the Tate Gallery celebrates Cornwall’s rich artistic legacy. Tate St Ives also manages the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, which gives a remarkable insight into the work and outlook of one of Britain’s most important 20th century artists. Both galleries are within easy walking distance of Chy Morvah. 

Justifiably popular with visitors, the fascinating ‘Biomes’ of the Eden Project house a flamboyant collection of plants from around the world. Explore the two gigantic geodesic conservatories – one a majestic rainforest, the other home to the fruits and flowers of the Mediterranean, South Africa and California. Outside, the extensive grounds are landscaped and produce tea, lavender, sunflowers and hemp. The Eden Project is just over an hour’s drive from St Ives. Between May and September guests staying at Chy Morvah are able to book a coach excursion each Wednesday, organised by Oates Travel.

The jewel in Cornwall’s crown, St Michael’s Mount is a fairytale island with an exotic garden, ancient harbour, a church and a medieval castle. Access from Marazion is by foot along the causeway, or by ferry at high water. Marazion is about 20 minutes’ drive from St Ives, and can also be reached by regular local buses.

Cornwall’s £21 million National Maritime Museum in Falmouth has an award-winning building on the harbour-side. The museum transports you into the world of small boats and Cornish maritime history. Falmouth is about 50 minutes’ drive from St Ives; a day here could include visits to Pendennis Castle, or a delightful boat trip up the River Fal to Truro. 

Situated at Gweek beside the Helford estuary, the seal sanctuary cares for injured or abandoned seals, before returning them to the wild. The seal sanctuary is about 40 minutes’ drive from St Ives.

Discover Cornwall’s mining heritage at the excellent Geevor Tin Mine. Guided underground trips as well as surface tours are available. The museum is about 30 minutes’ drive from St Ives, and can also be reached using the 300 open-top bus.

Created in the mid 18th century, the gardens at Heligan are one of the best examples in Britain, famed for displays of rhododendrons and camellias. Following years of neglect they have been subject to extensive restoration work over the last 20 years. The gardens, located near Mevagissey are just over an hour’s drive from St Ives.

This uniquely situated open-air theatre is cut into the cliffs at Porthcurno, near Land’s End. Performances take place most evenings with some afternoon matinees. The Rowena Cade Exhibition Centre tells the story of its creation. An evening theatre visit is offered on most weeks to guests staying at Chy Morvah (May to September).