Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps
Dramatic clifftop views of iconic sea stacks on the Cornish coast, with scenic walks and a charming tea room.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds.
Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic clifftop views of iconic sea stacks on the Cornish coast, with scenic walks and a charming tea room.
"Spectacular views of the north Cornwall coast are a sight to behold at anytime of the year.
"🚶♀️ Clifftop Walks Galore
Explore miles of coastal paths in either direction. Great for dog walking!
☕ Best Cream Tea Spot
Carnewas Tea Rooms offers amazing cream teas with stunning views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dramatic Sea Stacks
Bedruthan Steps
Iconic rock formations rising from the sea, offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
Panoramic Coastal Views
Clifftop Paths
Expansive vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged coastline, perfect for walkers and nature lovers.
Charming Tea Rooms
Carnewas Tea Rooms
Enjoy a well-deserved cream tea with spectacular sea views after your walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beach Access is Currently Closed
Weather Can Change Rapidly
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Clifftop Walks Galore
Explore miles of coastal paths in either direction. Great for dog walking!
☕ Best Cream Tea Spot
Carnewas Tea Rooms offers amazing cream teas with stunning views.
📸 Drone Photography Gem
This location is a dream for drone pilots, capturing epic coastal scenery.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Coastal paths can be uneven and exposed; wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Clifftop Walks Galore
Explore miles of coastal paths in either direction. Great for dog walking!
☕ Best Cream Tea Spot
Carnewas Tea Rooms offers amazing cream teas with stunning views.
📸 Drone Photography Gem
This location is a dream for drone pilots, capturing epic coastal scenery.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Coastal paths can be uneven and exposed; wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
🐳 Whale Watching Potential
Keep an eye out for humpback whales breaching offshore!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular clifftop views and dramatic sea stacks at Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps, calling it a prime example of Cornish natural beauty. While the inability to access the beach is a disappointment, the extensive walking trails and the charming tea room with its famous cream teas are significant draws. The area offers solitude and bracing fresh air, making it a worthwhile visit year-round.
"Prime attraction of Cornish nature. Stunning grand beach with impressive cliffs and rocky outcrops. Wild cliffs contrast with fine golden sand. There are limited amenities on the coastal path. There is one food stall with limited opening hours."
Vladimir Balaz
"There is a National Trust car park, a shop, a cafe and toilet facilities here.
You can walk here for hours on the cliff tops, in any direction.
Unfortunately the beach is closed as the steps that lead down to it are damaged but you can enjoy a great walk around here anyway. Great for dog walking."
Andrea Urbán
"The spectacular views of the north Cornwall coast are a sight to behold at anytime of the year. Here at Carnewas it is no different. The rugged shore line is something straight out of John Vivian's 'Tales of the Cornish Smugglers'. You expect to walk along the coastal path and as you casually look down to admire the waves crashing onto the sea stacks, only to see a group of 18th century smugglers plying their trade in one of the beach coves below. This peninsula is well worth a visit for its solitude and bracing fresh air.
The car park is medium in size, there is a cafe that is very popular. As for he walking there are areas for the less mobile and people who need the usevof wheelchairs. Toilets are available."
Cleric Preston
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps are located on the north Cornish coast between Padstow and Newquay. The easiest way to access it is by car, using the National Trust car park at Carnewas. Public transport options are limited, so driving is highly recommended for most visitors.
Yes, there is a National Trust car park at Carnewas, which is the main access point for Bedruthan Steps. It's a medium-sized car park and can get busy during peak times.
You can walk from Treyarnon Bay to the Carnewas National Trust Cafe, which is a scenic coastal route.
It's also part of the longer South West Coast Path, so if you're hiking along the coast, you can incorporate it into your journey.Public transport is not the most convenient way to reach Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps. While buses may run to nearby villages, you'll likely need to walk a significant distance or arrange a taxi from the nearest stops.
While the clifftop paths offer some areas suitable for less mobile visitors and wheelchairs, the terrain can be uneven. The main car park and cafe area are generally accessible, but direct beach access is impossible due to the closed steps.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps is a National Trust site. If you are a National Trust member, entry and parking are usually free. Non-members will need to pay for parking.
The coastal paths and viewpoints are generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. The National Trust car park and cafe have specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check the National Trust website for the most up-to-date information.
Unfortunately, the steps leading down to Bedruthan beach are currently closed due to a rockfall and are inaccessible for the foreseeable future.
Yes, there is a shop located at the Carnewas site, which occupies a building from the area's mining past and sells local gifts.
Yes, Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps are very dog-friendly, especially for walking along the cliff tops.
📸 📸 Photography
The clifftop paths offer the most dramatic and accessible viewpoints for photographing the sea stacks and coastline. Sunset can create stunning light.
Drone photography is popular here, with many creators capturing aerial views of the dramatic coastline and sea stacks.
Always ensure you are aware of and comply with any local drone regulations.Early morning or late afternoon/sunset often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views and sea stacks. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
The iconic sea stacks are the main draw, but also look for wildflowers in spring, dramatic wave action, and potential wildlife sightings like whales.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a popular tea room at Carnewas that serves cream teas and light refreshments. It's not operated by the National Trust but offers fantastic views.
The tea rooms are famous for their cream teas, which are highly recommended. They also offer other light refreshments.
While there aren't dedicated picnic tables, the clifftop paths offer many scenic spots where you can enjoy a picnic with a view.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the coastal paths or in designated areas.
The tea room has limited opening hours and can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their specific opening times before your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
📸 Photographers and Drone Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dramatic Coastline and Sea Stacks
The sheer scale of the sea stacks and the power of the ocean crashing against them are awe-inspiring. Many visitors, including drone enthusiasts, capture breathtaking footage and photographs from the clifftop vantage points. The area is part of the South West Coast Path, offering miles of walking opportunities with constantly changing, stunning scenery. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, the coastal paths here provide an unforgettable experience.
Walking Trails and Wildlife
Beyond the dramatic geology, the area is rich in wildlife and flora. During spring, the clifftops are adorned with wildflowers like squill, adding splashes of color to the landscape. Birdwatchers can spot species such as stonechats and linnets, adding another layer of natural interest to your visit. Keep an eye on the water too, as humpback whales have been spotted breaching offshore, making for an extraordinary wildlife encounter.
Visitor Facilities and Amenities
While the beach itself is inaccessible, the clifftop amenities provide a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding coastal paths. The National Trust car park is of medium size and can become busy, especially during peak seasons. Visitors are encouraged to check the National Trust's official page for the most current information on opening times and any seasonal variations for facilities.
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