The seaside gem has buckets of history as well as epic views for miles
Nestled along Cornwall’s wild north coast, there’s a hamlet surrounded by towering cliffs, blossom-laden walkways and the relentless surge of the Atlantic – a tight-knit settlement that sits within both a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
St Agnes may be petite but it’s flourishing, with an artistic soul that flows through its galleries, independent boutiques and family enterprises.
Fresh-baked loaves, artisan crafts and locally-grown fare form part of the everyday pulse, whilst four neighbouring beaches – all pristine and welcoming to dogs – provide golden sands and crystal-clear waters.
The local pubs and eateries remain deeply connected to their surroundings, dishing up maritime feasts and Cornish brews alongside vistas that capture exactly why visitors become enchanted with this coastline.
The past lingers everywhere in St Agnes, reports the Express.
Perched on the clifftops, the remnants of Wheal Coates tin mine continue to stand as a testament to the county’s mining heritage, creating a striking silhouette against ocean and horizon.
From the summit of St Agnes Beacon the panoramas stretch endlessly, reaching as far as St Ives when the weather is kind.
It was scenery such as this captured the imagination of Winston Graham, who resided close by and drew upon the parish as the backdrop for his Poldark series – a link that has forever earned the region the moniker “Poldark Country”. The village’s history is deeply rooted in mining.
The cliffs here were once a source of some of the world’s finest tin, and the Blue Hills mine remains the UK’s last operational tin production site. At Wheal Coates, the shafts are so deep that visitors claim to hear the Atlantic’s roar through the iron grates at high tide.
For those keen to delve into the past, St Agnes Museum boasts a small but captivating collection of artefacts from both the mining and seafaring industries. Its exhibits not only narrate the tale of industry but also depict the lives of the people who formed a community here, linking Cornwall to the rest of the world in unexpected ways.
Nowadays, the parish is equally renowned for its outdoor activities. Surfers catch waves at Trevaunance Cove and Porthtowan, backed by lifeguard clubs and surf schools, while the locally-established environmental group, Surfers Against Sewage, continues to advocate for cleaner seas from the village.
Kayaking excursions uncover hidden coves, coasteering offers cliff-top excitement, and over 70 footpaths traverse the parish, connecting to the South West Coast Path. By late summer, the cliffs are ablaze with purple heather and golden gorse, transforming even a brief stroll into an unforgettable experience.
Families are spoilt for choice in St Agnes. Kids can enjoy bodyboarding, crab hunting in rock pools, or let loose at Mount Hawke’s skate park.
Woodland walks and village playgrounds keep the little ones entertained. Annual events like Bolster Day, where a giant effigy parades through the streets, unite the entire parish.
Plus, larger indoor attractions are just a short trip away for those rainy days.
But what truly makes St Agnes unique is its vibrant year-round life. Unlike some Cornish villages that seem to go into hibernation post-summer, St Agnes remains lively.
The pubs continue to host live music, cafés buzz with locals, and the creative community consistently produces new work, regardless of the season. So whether you visit during the sunny August or a stormy November weekend, St Agnes always feels lived-in and welcoming.