Cornwall and Devon's coastline is as rich historically as it is visually dramatic. Every major harbour has something worth a day ashore — medieval castles, National Trust estates, world-class gardens, and one or two genuinely strange wonders that are hard to find anywhere else in Britain.
St Michael's Mount, Marazion
A tidal island topped by a medieval castle and priory, a mile offshore from Marazion near Penzance. At low tide you can walk across the causeway from the shore; at high tide a ferry runs from the beach. The Mount has been occupied since at least the 12th century — the castle and subtropical gardens are managed by the National Trust and are open most days from April to October (entry around £16). The views from the castle battlements across Mounts Bay are exceptional.
Sailing access: anchor in Penzance Bay in settled easterly or northerly conditions. The anchorage is exposed to the south-west — check the forecast carefully before committing. Land by dinghy at Penzance harbour or Marazion beach.
Dartmouth Castle and Bayard's Cove Fort
Dartmouth Castle sits at the entrance to the Dart estuary, built in the 1480s as one of England's first purpose-built coastal artillery forts. The English Heritage site is small but excellent — the gun positions look directly down the estuary and the views across to Kingswear Castle opposite are the best in the harbour. A five-minute walk south from the castle leads to Bayard's Cove Fort, a smaller Tudor blockhouse on the riverbank.
The town of Dartmouth itself is worth the afternoon: the Butterwalk — four merchant houses on carved granite pillars from the 1630s — and the Dartmouth Museum (in the Butterwalk) give a solid sense of the town's history as one of England's major medieval ports. Visitors' berths are available at the town pontoons (VHF 11).
The Eden Project, near St Austell
Two enormous geodesic biomes built inside a reclaimed china clay pit, containing the world's largest indoor rainforest alongside Mediterranean gardens, outdoor planting, and rotating exhibitions. The Eden Project is inland from Mevagissey (8 miles by taxi) or from Fowey (12 miles). It takes at least half a day. Entry is around £35 for adults.
Most crews anchor in Mevagissey or Fowey and take a taxi up. Fowey is the better base — well-sheltered, better facilities, and a more interesting town in its own right. Albert Quay pontoons at Fowey take visitors (VHF 16).
Tintagel Castle and the North Cornish Coast
Tintagel is the legendary birthplace of King Arthur — the archaeological reality is a 13th-century Norman castle on a dramatic headland split by a ravine above the Atlantic. English Heritage manage the site; entry is around £16. A new bridge spans the ravine and gives access to the island section of the castle. The views north and south along the coast are exceptional.
Sailing access is difficult — Tintagel is on an exposed north Cornish coast with no harbour nearby. Padstow is the closest viable base (12 miles west), accessible at most states of tide though the Doom Bar requires care at low water. From Padstow, take the bus or a taxi to Tintagel (20 miles).
Falmouth and Pendennis Castle
Pendennis Castle stands on the headland at the mouth of Falmouth Harbour, directly opposite St Mawes Castle across the Carrick Roads — one of the world's largest natural harbours. Henry VIII built both castles to guard the harbour entrance; both are managed by English Heritage. Pendennis is the larger and more impressive, with Tudor and World War I gun emplacements, an artillery fort, and a 360-degree view of the entire estuary. Entry around £13.
Falmouth is an excellent charter base with multiple marinas and anchorages — National Maritime Museum Cornwall on the waterfront is also worth a visit if you have a rainy afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I visit St Michael's Mount by dinghy directly from my boat?
A: You can land by dinghy at the Mount's harbour at high tide. At low tide, the causeway from Marazion is the easier approach. Check the National Trust website for landing times — access is sometimes restricted during events.
Q: Is Dartmouth suitable as a sailing base for exploring Devon inland?
A: It's one of the best bases on the south coast for day trips ashore. Dartmouth town itself, Dartmouth Castle, Greenway (Agatha Christie's house, NT), and Totnes are all within easy reach by ferry, bus, or taxi.