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Hidden gem seaside town in Cornwall full of independent businesses and coast paths
Reach Daily Express | January 4, 2026 3:39 PM CST

Tucked away on the Cornishcoast, St Agnes is a hidden gem within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a World Heritage Site. The town thrives on its lively local community, which supports a wealth of independent shops and businesses.

It is home to stunning, dog-friendly beaches, top-tier pubs and restaurants, and access to some of Cornwall'smost breathtaking coastal paths and walks, making it a traveller's paradise. St Agnes, a delightful seaside town located on the north coast of Cornwall, boasts several picturesque beaches for travellers to explore, including Trevaunance Cove, Chapel Porth, and Porthtowan, all incredibly popular spots for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.

It has a rich history of tin and copper mining, a major industry in the area during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, remnants of this mining heritage, including engine houses and mine shafts, still mark the landscape, encapsulated in sites like the disused 19th-century tin mine Wheal Coates. The beauty and rich history of St Agnes have caught the attention of the United Nations, earning it UNESCO World Heritage Site status and impressing thousands of visitors.

Despite being one of the largest coastal towns in Cornwall, St Agnes maintains a compact charm. One of its most notable landmarks is St Agnes Beacon, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and historically serving as a lookout point.

This charming seaside town, with its winding lanes and quaint shops, is a magnet for holidaymakers. Its narrow streets, brimming with Cornish charm, make St Agnes a favourite among tourists. St Agnes is celebrated for its vibrant community of local artisans, shops, and eateries that offer a taste of Cornwall's unique culture and culinary delights.

Chapel Porth Beach is an attraction not to be missed, and the Chapel Porth Beach Café, renowned for its hedgehog ice creams made from cones, clotted cream and hazelnuts, comes highly recommended by visitors.

Other attractions include the St Agnes Museum, Perranporth Airfield, the Chapel Porth to St Agnes Circular Walk, and the St Agnes to Trevellas Porth Circular Walk.

St Agnes Head, a picturesque spot on the Cornwall coastline, features a beach nestled within a cove which is accessible via a coastal path.

Winston Graham, the author of the Poldark series, lived nearby and used the entire Parish as inspiration for his books, dubbing it 'Poldark Country'. The site is easily recognisable, with its chapel rising from swathes of heather and gorse, serving as the backdrop for the BBC's hit TV series Poldark.

This Cornish National Trust site has gained international recognition due to its association with the popular British television series and has been hailed as one of the world's most breathtaking locations.


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