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7-Day Cornwall Atlantic Highway Road Trip

Cornwall Atlantic Highway Road Trip

Regarded as one of the world's most beautiful drives by National Geographic, the Atlantic highway is a stunning and picturesque stretch of road located on the west coast of Cornwall. Discover the beautiful places located near this stretch of highway and the must-see areas from Stonehenge to St Ives and all the way down to Land's End. You can pick up your car hire in Truro, located only around 4 minutes away from Bath. To help you get going on this epic journey, make sure to start comparing rental cars at VroomVroomVroom to find the perfect vehicle for your next road trip adventure.

Cornwall Atlantic Highway Road Trip Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Stonehenge & Bath
  • Day 2: Bath to Woolacombe Beach
  • Day 3: Woolacombe Beach to Summerleaze Beach & Bude
  • Day 4:  Summerleaze Beach & Bude to Port Isaac & Port Quin
  • Day 5: Port Isaac & Port Quin to St Ives
  • Day 6: St Ives to Land's End
  • Day 7: Land's End to the Lizard Peninsula & Kynance Cove



Day 1: Spend the day exploring Stonehenge & Bath

Stonehenge prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, UK

Stonehenge & Bath highlights

  • Start your road trip adventure off by visiting Stonehenge,  a 5,000-year-old prehistoric monument. Did you know that archaeologists believe it was created around 3000 BC! There are many myths surrounding this World Heritage Site questioning how they built Stonehenge and why.
  • Take a step back in time and explore the World Heritage city of Bath. A must-see are the Roman Baths that date all the way back to AD43. Have you really visited this amazing location if you haven't enjoyed yourself at a Roman Spa?
  • Visit the Victoria Art Gallery and Museum of Bath Architecture to see the culture of Bath and its fascinating history. In the 19th century, Jane Austen lived in Bath, how cool! If you are a fan of her classic novels, you can see some of the amazing place that she mentions in her work.

Day 2: Be amazed by Woolacombe Beach

woolacombe beach north devon england

Woolacombe Beach highlights

  • Woolacombe is the ideal location for a British summer holiday at the beach. Think golden sandy beaches, perfect waves and great company!
  • Voted the 5th best beach in Europe, this epic location is famous due to its idyllic conditions.There are awesome pubs, cafes and heaps of parking as well, how perfect!
  • The world-class surfing conditions at Woolacombe are reason enough to visit where many people travel here just for the surf.

Day 3: Check out Summerleaze Beach & Bude

colourful beach huts southwold beach suffolk

Summerleaze Beach & Bude highlights

  • Summerleaze is where the well-known Bude Sea Pool is. This pool is a half natural, half man-made 'pool' that is filled by the ocean twice a day by the tides.
  • You know the famous beach huts that the UK is known for? Well Summerleaze Beach has them in all different colours stretched along the beach. Relax by the water and bask in the beauty of this serene location in a beach hut, how dreamy.
  • A short drive away from Summerleaze beach is Bude. The best way to see the sights is by cycling. A standout is the Bude Canal towpath. 

Day 4: Experience Port Isaac and Port Quin

cove and harbour port isaac cornwall uk

Port Isaac and Port Quin highlights

  • Port Isaac is a gorgeous fishing village known for its breathtaking scenery and gorgeous and historical architecture.
  • There are epic boat tours that you can go on in the summer months for a relaxing and tropical experience.
  • Port Quin is only a few miles west of Port Isaac. Check out the stunning Pentire Point and Doyden Point and go on some of the breathtaking walks in and around the area.

Day 5: Relax in St Ives

st ives harbour and beach cornwall uk

St Ives highlights

  • Wine and dine at the countless bars, restaurants and beach-side cafes. St Ives has some of the best food in Cornwall so make sure you stop by and enjoy yourself.
  • Visit the Tate Gallery that is filled with amazing contemporary art. The circular shape of the building is so interesting and is the perfect road trip activity.
  • Is it really a trip to St Ives if you don't relax at the beach? Bring a picnic and enjoy the sun, sand and waves at the harbour.

Day 6: Visit Land's End

sunset at lands end in cornwall uk

Land's End highlights

  • Visit the most south-westerly point in the UK and bask in its beauty. You'll notice the tall granite cliffs that Land's End is famous for. Look out into the Atlantic Ocean and take a look at the Longships Lighthouse.
  • Just a few miles away in Porthcurno is the Minack Theatre. This is an open air theatre that is right next to the ocean. Seasons run from May to September where many different plays and productions are hosted right here.
  • The Tanglewood Wild Garden is located 10 miles away and is the ideal spot to go for a picnic. After you have been sightseeing, enjoy a beautiful lunch in this garden filled with woodland, ponds, and flowers.

Day 7: Explore the Lizard Peninsula and Kynance Cove

sunset over Lizard Peninsula, UK

Lizard Peninsula & Kynance Cove highlights

  • With white sandy beaches and sparkling blue water - it's clear why the Lizard Peninsula is world-renowned. Make sure to arrive early in your hire car as parks fill up extremely quickly here.
  • Stay in a stunning holiday cottage or camp under the stars.
  • Hike from Lizard to Kynance or north to Mullion and check out the Lizard lighthouse.



Map of Cornwall Atlantic Highway Road Trip

Do you know that you can download this map directly to your phone? Press the box symbol located on the top-right corner of this map to open in your Google Maps app. Now you can easily access this map on your next road trip adventure on the Cornwall Atlantic Highway.

Travel time and distance: 8 hrs 44 mins / 316 miles




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