There are few better ways to end a day exploring wonderful coastal towns and stunning beaches than enjoying a beautiful sunset. Cornwall is perfectly placed to enjoy some of the UK’s best sunsets, just another reason to enjoy a stay at our Truro holiday cottages.
No matter where you are in Cornwall, though, you’re probably only a short drive from some stunning evening views. Choose from some of Cornwall’s most popular sunset spots below or simply create your own special moment wherever you are.
Tips for Catching Sunsets in Cornwall
There are two main reasons why Cornwall offers some of the best sunsets you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Firstly, because the sun sets in the west, you need a westerly-facing location for great sunsets. Secondly, the further into the horizon you can see without obstacles, the more dramatic the sunset tends to be.
Cornwall is not only the most westerly point in the British Isles, but it’s also got nothing blocking its views out to the west (until you hit North America, at least). This means it’s possible to find completely uninterrupted sunsets.
If you’re planning to catch a great sunset while visiting Cornwall, here are some other tips:
- Look for partly cloudy days without rain (the light will reflect off the clouds to create dramatic views)
- Set up early, especially if visiting a popular spot.
- Wait around for 20 minutes after sunset, as dramatic light effects can start to appear again around this time.
The Best Places in Cornwall to Watch the Sunset
The best places to watch the sunset in Cornwall are usually on the north coast, because this is the side with unrestricted views out west. Many of the best spots are also at the western end of the Cornish peninsula, although there are some western-facing spots further up the north coast. Here is a selection of popular spots:
- Sennen Cove
- Fistral Beach
- Cape Cornwall
- Land’s End
- Minack Theatre
Sennen Cove
Ask most people what they consider to be the best sunset spot in Cornwall, and Sennen Cove comes up more times than most.
The most westerly village in Cornwall, Sennen Cove is an obvious place to visit if you’re seeking the perfect sunset. Sit back on the beach and watch it set over the water, or perch yourself on the nearby hills for a higher, more dramatic view.
Fistral Beach
One of Cornwall’s most popular beaches is also a perfect spot for catching the sunset!
Fistral beach is one of the UK’s most iconic surfing beaches, with consistent waves that attract surfers year-round. The beach is also perfectly west-facing, making it a great spot for sitting back and seeing the sun go down.
Another plus for Fistral is that it’s just off the coast of Newquay, one of Cornwall’s main towns, making it easy for many people to reach.
Cape Cornwall
If you’re looking for a dramatic, rugged sunset that sweeps you away to another world, then Cape Cornwall could be the perfect place to visit. Just up the coast from Land’s End, it was once a key location for mining but now offers stunning, elevated views across Cornish lands and the Atlantic Ocean.
Land’s End
One of Cornwall’s most popular landmarks, it makes sense that Britain’s most south-westerly point is also a great place to visit when catching a sunset.
Land’s End offers multiple scenic sunset views depending on your tastes. You can watch it set over the endless sea or find a spot to watch it fall behind the magnificent rocks that dot the coastline.
Minack Theatre
For something a little different, head down to Minack Theatre. Initially built for a performance of The Tempest, it is a popular open-air theatre built into a cliff that hosts performances year-round
While the Minack Theatre is on Cornwall’s southern coast, with stunning views over Porthcurno Bay, it is near the most westerly point and still gets stunning sunsets over the sea – the perfect backdrop to any moment of theatre.
No matter where you are in Cornwall, you’re never too far from a gorgeous sunset. Combine a visit to these places with an evening walk or visit one of Cornwall’s finest restaurants for the perfect end to your day.