Cornwall private tours

Cornwall greets you with the roar of the ocean and the scent of salty air, its rugged cliffs and golden sands inviting exploration. This land of legends and dramatic coastlines feels alive with mystery and charm. Your local guide takes you on Cornwall tours that transcend the postcard views, revealing the soul of this enchanting region. Whether it’s a food and wine tour through quaint fishing villages or discovering ancient stone circles, your guide's stories bring the land to life. Walk sandy paths under the watchful gaze of seagulls and let the winds of Cornwall fill your sails with adventure. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Cornwall. Explore Cornwall your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Cornwall tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Cornwall for every interest, including: Layover tours: Your guide can meet you at Cornwall Airport Newquay or the Falmouth harbour and fit in a 3 to 5 hour loop to places like St Ives for a harbour stroll and a warm Cornish pasty. If your time allows, you might cross to St Michael's Mount at low tide or photograph the cliff-top engine houses at Botallack before a prompt return. History tours: Step into the tin-mining story at Geevor and Levant, walking past 19th-century engine houses and into a reconstructed tunnel with a former miner. You can also trace legends at Tintagel Castle or see tall ships in Charlestown, a filming favourite. Nature and Wildlife tours: Watch grey seals at Godrevy and seabirds at the Hayle Estuary with binoculars provided by your guide. In summer, a small-boat tour from Penzance or Falmouth can look for dolphins and porpoises, or you can hike the Lizard's coastal path to Kynance Cove. Local trains and buses connect a few hubs, but sights are spread out and not very walkable between them. Ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation so you can reach coves and headlands efficiently. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Cornwall inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Discover Cornwall on a private walking tour and immerse yourself in its charming neighbourhoods with a local guide. There's no better way to uncover the region's secrets than exploring with someone who knows it well. - St. Ives: Perfect for art enthusiasts and beach lovers, this coastal town is known for its stunning beaches and the renowned Tate St. Ives gallery. The vibrant art scene is complemented by charming cafés and boutiques. - Padstow: A haven for foodies, Padstow offers a delightful mix of seafood restaurants and quaint shops. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to indulge in Cornwall’s culinary delights. - Falmouth: Known for its maritime heritage, this town is great for families and cultural tourists. Explore the National Maritime Museum, and enjoy the lively harbor with its array of boats and sea views. - Penzance: Offers a blend of history and natural beauty, perfect for multi-generational groups. Discover the historic streets and nearby beaches, or take a short trip to the iconic St. Michael’s Mount. - Truro: As Cornwall’s only city, it’s a cultural hub with its stunning cathedral and vibrant shopping district, catering to those interested in history and local culture. Day trip ideas from Cornwall Set up in Cornwall, then branch out for day trips along the coast or into wild moorland, where small harbours, cliff paths, and quiet coves line up in easy clusters. St Ives: Wander the harbour and lanes, pop into independent galleries, and watch surfers from Porthmeor Beach, which suits art fans and beach lovers alike, and your tour can balance gallery time with a coastal path stroll to headlands for big views. The Lizard Peninsula: Walk to Kynance Cove’s turquoise shallows, stand at Lizard Point for lighthouse and sea cliff scenery, then drop into a fishing village like Cadgwith for crab sandwiches, a simple mix of short hikes, geology, and sea air. Tintagel and Boscastle: Follow clifftop paths for Atlantic panoramas around Tintagel and explore Boscastle’s natural harbour and blowhole, a good pick if you want rugged scenery without long drives, with your tour pacing the walks to fit your energy. Fowey and Polperro: Cruise the riverfront in Fowey, ride the small ferry across the estuary, then wind through Polperro’s narrow lanes to the harbour, which works for photography, local history, and seafood stops, all within a compact route. Bodmin Moor: Trace granite tors, ancient stone circles, and waterfalls at places like Golitha Falls, a low-key day that caters to walkers and history fans who prefer open space and quiet tracks. These day trips from Cornwall fit neatly into custom tours, keeping drive times tight while giving you varied coast, villages, and moor in one easy day. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Cornwall most travellers miss.