Discover Cornwall’s Hidden Gems with the Tregoad Holiday Park Team

A quarry with a body of water in the centre
Cornwall is world-famous for its golden beaches, turquoise seas, and lively seaside towns, but there’s another side to the county that only locals really know.

Step beyond the tourist hotspots and you’ll find enchanting woodlands, hidden coves, and charming villages where time seems to stand still. At Tregoad Holiday Park in Looe, our team knows Cornwall inside out – and they’re sharing their favourite hidden gems so you can explore the county like a local.

Molly - Holiday Experience Manager

For Molly, Cornwall is best discovered in those places where history, scenery, and food come together. She loves heading down to Porthkerris Beach, a peaceful, tucked-away spot that feels a world away from the busier stretches of sand. From there, she recommends taking in the dramatic cliffs of Crown Mines at Botallack, where old engine houses stand proudly against the Atlantic. When she’s in the mood for coastal charm, she heads to St Mawes or the fishing village of Mousehole, both picture-perfect destinations with plenty of character.

Molly is also a fan of Cornwall’s growing foodie scene, with favourite stops including Waves Restaurant on The Lizard and Kota Kai in Porthleven, perfect for fresh flavours after a day exploring. If she’s wandering further north, you might find her relaxing with coffee at No.6 Café in Padstow before taking in the views at Nankizal Bay, one of her favourite hidden coves. For Molly, Cornwall is all about discovery - and her recommendations capture both its wild beauty and its warm, welcoming hospitality.

Old mine remains set into the rocky cliff face by the sea

Sarah - Holiday Experience Supervisor

Sarah’s Cornwall is one of waterfalls, woodlands, and secret spots with a story to tell. She finds peace walking the paths of Golitha Falls, where tumbling cascades cut through ancient woodland, or visiting the spiritual haven of St Nectan’s Glen, with its magical 60-foot waterfall. For a quieter beach day, she chooses Polly Joke Beach near Newquay, a hidden gem that bursts with wildflowers in spring and remains blissfully calm compared to the busier sands nearby.

She also has a love of history, recommending a trip to St Piran’s Lost Church at Perranporth, a centuries-old relic partially buried in the sand. Closer to Tregoad, Talland Bay is one of her favourite peaceful spots, while further west, Kynance Cove offers world-class scenery with its turquoise waters and dramatic rock stacks. After a day exploring, Sarah insists nothing beats a hearty meal at Inkie’s Smokehouse, tucked away by Golitha Falls, where delicious barbecue is served up in one of Cornwall’s most unique settings.

Golitha Falls Forest and riverside

Sharron - Admin Team

Sharron’s favourite places take you back in time. She loves wandering the narrow streets of Cawsand and Kingsand, two villages tucked away on the Rame Peninsula that feel almost untouched by the modern world. With their pastel-coloured cottages, small independent shops, and old pubs full of character, these villages are like stepping into a storybook. The beaches here are small but charming, perfect for a quiet stroll, and Sharron says the best way to enjoy them is simply to slow down and soak up the atmosphere.

A small coastal town by the sea with blue waters and rolling hills in the background on a sunny, blue sky day

Alistair - Holiday Home Sales Advisor

Alistair’s recommendations capture both the drama and the heritage of Cornwall. He always suggests visitors experience a performance at the Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre carved into the cliffs at Porthcurno where the ocean provides a breathtaking backdrop. He also praises the timeless charm of Kingsand, Cawsand, and the wider Rame Peninsula, which offer both unspoiled scenery and a taste of old Cornwall.

Away from the coast, Alistair enjoys exploring the wilds of Bodmin Moor, particularly the village of Minions and the striking granite formations of the Cheesewring. In agreement with Sarah, no trip there is complete without calling into Inkie’s Smokehouse at Golitha Falls - a perfect pairing of rugged landscapes and rustic food.

An old theatre remains carved into the coastline with views of the sea

Drew - Sales Coordinator

For Drew, adventure is the heart of Cornwall. His top hidden gem is a little wilder than most: Gold Diggings quarry at Minions on Bodmin Moor. With its clear waters and high cliffs, it’s a favourite with locals looking for a thrill. On warm days, you’ll often find people leaping from the rocks into the depths below - though Drew is quick to point out it’s not for the faint-hearted! It’s this mix of raw beauty and adrenaline that makes the spot stand out as one of his must-visit places.

A quarry with a body of water in the centre and a person climbing a ladder up the rocks

Make Tregoad Your Base for Exploring Cornwall’s Hidden Gems

From magical waterfalls and historic ruins to tucked-away beaches and cliffside theatres, Cornwall is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. By staying at Tregoad Holiday Park, you’re perfectly placed to explore them all. Just minutes from Looe and within easy reach of both coast and countryside, our park offers a relaxing base to return to after a day of adventure.

Book your Cornwall holiday at Tregoad Holiday Park today and uncover the county’s best-kept secrets with us.

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