Want to know what it is like driving in Cornwall? You are in the right place!
Visiting Cornwall is a must for anyone wanting to see one of the most stunning locations in The UK. With stunning dog-friendly cottages and romantic Seaview apartments, it is the ultimate getaway.
But what is it actually like driving in Cornwall?
It doesn’t matter if you are the most confident driver or someone who has just passed their driving test, it is important to know what exactly to expect when driving around or through Cornwall.
I have driven in and around Cornwall many times and understand how hard it can first be to navigate this coastal area!
No matter if you are planning on renting a car or taking your own, this complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about navigating the roads and how to have the ultimate Cornish road trip.
So let’s jump in and look into what you need to know about driving in Cornwall and its surrounding areas for your next trip!
Is it safe to drive in Cornwall?
When it comes to driving in Cornwall, the answer is yes – generally speaking, it’s quite safe. The roads are usually well-maintained and the scenery can be stunning. That said, there are some things to watch out for while you’re on the road.
Cornwall can get quite busy during the summer months, so it’s important to be prepared for traffic jams and congested areas.
In addition, a lot of visitors don’t know their way around the area very well – so if you get lost or confused, take your time and look at a map before continuing on your journey.
Cornwall also has a lot of narrow country roads. Make sure you’re driving at the speed limit and always keep an eye out for other cars, cyclists and pedestrians.
In rural areas, deer can be a hazard – so if you spot one on your travels, take extra care to slow down or even come to a stop until it’s safe to continue.
Just like in many parts of the UK and Europe, driving during the winter brings a new challenge. If you are planning a trip during the winter months, you will need to watch out for driving hazards like black ice and limited daylight.
If you are not a confident driver, it’s best to avoid driving in Cornwall when winter conditions are bad. You can check these before you set off on the Met Office website.
Overall, driving in Cornwall is relatively safe and incredibly scenic– just use your common sense and take the necessary precautions to make sure that you have a pleasant journey!
How long would it take to drive around Cornwall?
Driving around Cornwall can take a while, depending on which route you decide to take and how many stops you make along the way.
Although it’s not one of the biggest counties in England, the winding roads and picturesque scenery make it well worth exploring at a leisurely pace.
Many visitors pick to explore Cornwall by car over 2-3 days. This amount of time is fantastic to see the majority of landmarks and make the most of the amazing places you can eat.
However, if you are pressed for time, you can drive around Cornwall in just over 2 hours. But be warned, if you are visiting during the summer months or school holidays, it will take longer.
How long does it take to drive from one side of Cornwall to the other?
Depending on the time of year, weather conditions and a few other factors, this can differ a fair bit!
But generally speaking, it takes around 2 hours to drive from one side of Cornwall to the other. The most popular route is using the A30. This is a great road which is mainly dual carriageways but if there is an accident here, expect major delays!
What are the most important things to know before driving in Cornwall?
To help you feel confident about driving on any of the country or main roads around Cornwall on your road trip, here is a list of the most important things to know:
✅ Be aware of your surroundings. Look out for pedestrians, cyclists, and hikers when you’re driving.
✅ Practice reversing. This is probably the most important skill to have in Cornwall! The country roads in Cornwall are usually narrow with tight bends so sharp turns may be necessary.
✅ Always give a little honk before turning into a road or corner down the country lanes if you cannot see.
✅ Don’t rely too much on your sat nav – many roads in Cornwall are not accurately marked, or simply don’t appear on GPS systems.
✅ Watch out for potholes! Cornwall’s hilly terrain and winding lanes can make it easy to miss a pothole when you’re driving.
✅ There are lots of traffic cameras, so make sure to always keep to the speed limit.
✅ Avoid driving into Cornwall during peak rush hour times as it can get very congested.
✅ Pay attention to signs – many of Cornwall’s roads are unmarked or have confusing signs. Make sure to take note of any warnings or directions.
✅ Take your time – driving in Cornwall can be tricky, so don’t rush it! Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
How scary is it to drive around the Cornish Coast?
Honestly, not scary at all!
It’s true, driving around the Cornish Coast may sound a bit daunting. But don’t let that stop you from exploring some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK.
If you want to do one of the most beautiful road trips in the UK, heading to the Cornish coast is a must!
The coast road runs a little inland, making it much less scary than you might think. Plus, there are plenty of turnings off to explore charming villages and take in stunning views.
So if you’re looking for a great road trip experience, the Cornish Coast is definitely worth considering. The coastal roads in the UK are generally very easy to navigate so don’t miss out on capturing all the amazing sights on offer.
What is the nicest part of Cornwall?
There’s no denying that Cornwall is an absolutely stunning part of the UK. With its miles of rugged coastline, rolling hills and quaint villages, it’s a great destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
But if you were to ask which is the nicest part of Cornwall, well…that’s a tough one to answer!
One of the most popular spots in Cornwall is St Ives. This seaside town boasts a stunning harbour, beautiful golden beaches and quaint cobbled streets. It’s also home to many excellent restaurants, galleries and boutique shops.
You will find so many amazing places to stay in St Ives for all budgets and needs so is a fantastic place to base yourself when exploring the wonders of Cornwall.
If you’re looking for somewhere picturesque and charming then this is definitely the place for you.
Driving in Cornwall final thoughts:
Driving around Cornwall is a great way to see everything the county has to offer. With so many narrow roads and winding lanes, it can be daunting for first-time visitors.
But don’t worry!
This guide will give you all the help you need to stay safe on the roads and make the most of your trip.
I hope you found this article useful! To make the most of your trip, here are some more posts you may find useful:
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Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
