13 Instagrammable locations in Cornwall

When it comes to rugged, natural beauty, you won't find many better areas than Cornwall. From sandy stretches of sand to wild and rocky coastline, via wild moorlands, charming market towns and historic ports – there are plenty of opportunities to grab a photo or two!

We've rounded up 13 of the most picturesque locations in Cornwall and when to get the best photo – and we promise you won't be able to visit these places without uploading a few pics to your Instagram account…

Kynance Cove

With its sandy white shores, turquoise seas and kaleidoscopic serpentine rock stacks, it's no surprise that Kynance Cove is probably the most photographed location in Cornwall! The seas are most beautiful and calm in the summer when the sun and blue skies shimmer in the waves. If you time your visit right and head there at low tide, you can explore some lovely caves and islands, too.

Lost Gardens of Heligan

Now one of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK, the Lost Gardens of Heligan near Mevagissey were unknown and unseen until around 25 years ago! Today, they have been renovated and restored with more than 200 beautiful acres to explore. Highlights include the Giant's Head, Mud Maid and Grey Lady, while the morning dew – particularly in spring and autumn – gives photos a delightful shimmer.

Tintagel

History, mythology and stunning scenery all await your camera in the village of Tintagel. The area has links to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, with a statue erected in his honour nearby the beautiful remains of Tintagel Castle. Merlin's Cave, where the famous wizard is said to have lived, is also found on the beach beneath the castle. Its atmospheric and mysterious cavern is discoverable at low tide – perfect for a late summer explore.

Minack Theatre

Where else in the world can you capture a photo of a beautiful cliffside theatre, perched high above the Atlantic Ocean with a backdrop of beautiful golden sands? The Minack makes for a wonderful shot in the summer, when it also runs a full programme of events, but the golden glows of the autumn also allow for a wonderful photo op.

There's also quite a beautiful beach there...

St Michael's Mount

There can't be many places in the world you can see medieval castles, walk through sub-tropical gardens and stand on a giant's “heart”, are there? St Michael's Mount near Marazion – accessible only by foot at low-tide or via boat at other times – offers all of this and more. It's a magical place to visit all year round, but luscious greens and colourful flora allow even more vivacity in the summer months.

Porthmeor Beach

This beautiful sandy beach is found in the lovely town of St Ives, near to the famous Tate Gallery, and is one of only eight beaches in Cornwall to be handed the prestigious Blue Flag award in 2017. It's a surfing hotspot throughout the year. with winter both the perfect time to get action shots of wetsuits on waves or some more serene scenery, like above.

Land's End

Come on – you can't really visit Cornwall without getting a photo at the world-famous Land's End signpost, can you?! The town – the most south-westerly point of mainland Britain – is also close to many rugged cliffs, beautiful countryside and coast paths, all of which offer plenty of chances to capture the power of nature during the winter months.

St Ives

We've mentioned St Ives already with Porthmeor Beach, but the town itself is worth a portfolio of pictures. The art scene, the beaches and the working harbour all lend themselves perfectly to be the subject of a photo, while the 20-minute train journey there from St Erth is one of the most scenic in the whole of the UK. Visit in winter when the sunlight is warm and soft.

Bodmin Moor

Bodmin is Cornwall at its remotest, wildest and roughest. The granite moorland is still grazed by beautiful ponies, who are no strangers to posing for pictures, while it's also home to the county's two highest peaks, Brown Willy and Rough Tor, as well as peaceful woodland and meandering brooks and creaks. The spring low light gives a moody feel to photos while blossoming fields add a flash of colour.

St Nectan's Glen

Three gorgeous waterfalls await you and your camera at St Nectan's Glen, including St Nectan's Kieve, a spectacular 60ft waterfall which cascades its way down through a hole in the rocks. The autumn light makes for an ethereal feel at St Nectan's Glen, perfectly mirroring the area's mysticism. It's also the perfect time to enjoy a cream tea, warming yourself back up in the café after an amble along the river.

Stippy Stappy

The beautifully uniformed line of 18th-century cottages in Stippy Stappy surrounded by lush greenery makes for a wonderful photo op in the summer! The picturesque path with cottages on just one side winds down to Trevaunance Cove, the main beach in St Agnes which has a labyrinth of coves and a lovely harbour to explore – perfect to add to your collection of photos from your day's shooting.

Menacuddle Holy Well

The delightful well-house is a hidden gem in the Cornish countryside. Along with the well-house, which dates to the 15th century, you'll find a Druid's Chair and a gorgeous, photo-friendly waterfall. With trees starting to bare their leaves and greens becoming browns and reds, the autumn low-light gives an ethereal feel to photos taken on the historic site.

Kennall Vale Ponsanooth

This little gem is hidden in the Ponsanooth valley and flanks the River Kennall, a nature reserve and site of archaeological importance (the nearby Mills were once a great producer of gunpowder for the mining industry!). Expect near-deafening birdsong and a whole host of wildlife in the springtime; perfect for a relaxing time in and around the best of nature.

Have we persuaded you to visit one (or all!) of these wonderful places? If so, check out our cottages pages to find somewhere nearby to lay your head. If you fancy taking your own shots, take a look at our guide to the most amazing views of Cornwall to find the best spot!