If you’re looking to get the most out of the final weeks of the summer, look no further than this road trip which stops at a number of coastal towns in one of the country’s most beautiful counties
A travel influencer has shared her ultimate guide to exploring Cornwall’s stunning coastline, featuring seven gorgeous towns along the coastal county. Char, who runs the TikTok account CJ Explores alongside her husband Cory, has mapped out the perfect week-long road trip across North Cornwall in a video that’s prompted discussion among locals and tourists alike.
The couple have dubbed their itinerary the “Cornwall road trip you have to do ONCE in your life”, featuring a different town or village for each day of the week. Starting at Boscastle, the journey winds through breathtaking locations including Tintagel and Mother Ivey’s Bay before concluding in Newquay. Day two sees the duo recommend a visit to Tintagel, followed by stops at Port Isaac and then Padstow.
The adventure continues to Mother Ivey’s Bay, then Constantine Bay and Bedruthan Steps, before wrapping up at their final destination. Viewers have been quick to save the travel tips, with many gushing about Cornwall’s undeniable charm.
One follower reminisced: “I was very lucky to go to Cornwall every weekend as a child with my parents, and it is one of the most beautiful places.”
Another appeared to have already tested the route, sharing: “Just done it on my motorbike with my son. Beautiful part of the world.”
Some suggested additional gems worth visiting, including St Michael’s Mount and Kynance Cove. However, numerous commenters have been unanimous in their response to one specific location that Char and Cory highlighted.
One forthright comment from a viewer simply stated: “Don’t come to Padstow”, a feeling that was shared by others. Another user responded: “We drove through it was the busiest place we went to last week.
“Must be such a nightmare being local, feel for you. It was a ridiculous amount of tourists.” Despite some comments on Padstow’s charm, the exasperation felt by residents is palpable.
The town’s growing appeal has sparked a housing crisis. Locals struggle to afford homes as overtourism drives up property prices or turns them into holiday lets. As of March, Rightmove reported the average house price in Padstow was nearly £700,000.
While not an isolated issue in Cornwall, Padstow faces becoming a “ghost village” during off-peak seasons according to Cornwall Live. Properties remain vacant in the colder months, owned by tourists who only use them as second homes in the warmer periods.