Certain places on Earth were created with exceptional care and attention – and this pristine Cornwall coastal village is amongst them.

Nestled on the North Cornwall coast about 10 miles southwest of Newquay, this historically significant and largely untouched coastal village will offer you breathtaking vistas, vibrant community atmosphere, and award-winning cuisine and beverages.

In an unspoilt section of the Cornish coastline, this small village is a gem that sits within both a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a World Heritage Site.

This seaside village thrives due to its flourishing local community, which supports numerous independent retailers and enterprises, including one of Britain’s oldest bakeries still trading from its original site.

With stunning, dog-friendly beaches, exceptional pubs and restaurants, and access points to some of Cornwall’s most dramatic coastal paths and walks, it’s hardly surprising this village is recognised as a traveller’s paradise, reports Cornwall Live.

Award-winning bakery with unique baked goods

The celebrated St Agnes Bakery has been trading from its original premises in St Agnes for over 120 years – having first welcomed customers back in 1905.

Renowned for producing the most delicious traditional Cornish recipes day after day, St Agnes Bakery is one of the village’s finest attractions.

Their renowned Cornish Pasty has secured Gold Standard recognition, whilst the distinctive ‘Giant Sausage Roll’ was created and gained popularity within the bakery’s modest premises.

Buttery flaky buns, delectable Cornish cakes, and freshly baked loaves also feature amongst St Agnes Bakery’s bestselling items.

St Agnes Bakery has garnered numerous prestigious accolades – from World Pastry Awards to National Bakery Awards, each testament to its outstanding offerings.

The bakery’s owners have shared: “The joy of baking is deeply rooted in both our own childhood memories and experiences. Since taking over the bakery it has been our aim to bake all our breads, cakes, Cornish pasties and giant sausage rolls using time-honoured methods, tried and tested recipes and only the highest quality of ingredients, just like our own mothers showed us.”

St Agnes Bakery procures the majority of its ingredients locally from Cornwall, with most suppliers and producers situated in close proximity to St Agnes.

The award-winning bakery represents merely one facet of St Agnes’s appeal. This captivating coastal village, characterised by its winding lanes and charming independent shops, serves as a sanctuary for visitors.

Its narrow thoroughfares brim with Cornish character, establishing St Agnes as a cherished destination for travellers. St Agnes features numerous stunning beaches for exploration, including Trevaunance Cove, Chapel Porth, and Porthtowan – all tremendously sought-after spots for surfing enthusiasts, swimmers, and those simply soaking up the sunshine.

The surrounding coastline is rich with captivating history, especially mining heritage, exemplified by sites such as Wheal Coates, a derelict 19th-century tin mine.

The settlement possesses a substantial past and industrial legacy rooted in tin and copper extraction, which dominated Cornwall’s economy during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, remnants of this mining history, including engine houses and mine shafts, remain scattered across the landscape.

Though ranking amongst Cornwall’s larger coastal settlements, St Agnes maintains a charming and unspoilt character. Amongst its most celebrated attractions is St Agnes Beacon – an elevated vantage point offering panoramic views of the magnificent countryside and historically serving as a watchtower.

The adjacent St Agnes Head proves equally popular with residents and tourists, providing spectacular perspectives of the remarkable Cornish shoreline.

This enchanting seaside settlement has frequently been described as an ‘underrated gem’ by those who visit, delivering magnificent coastal vistas featuring dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque rural scenery.

It’s also home to The Peterville Inn, an award-winning establishment which previously claimed the coveted ‘Pub of the Year’ accolade at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2024. Chapel Porth Beach stands as another essential destination in St Agnes, with the Chapel Porth to St Agnes Circular Walk coming highly recommended.

Visits to the St Agnes Museum and Perranporth Airfield are equally praised for enjoyable pursuits, whilst the St Agnes to Trevellas Porth Circular Walk proves a treat for walkers.

Admirers of Winston Graham’s bestselling Poldark novels (and its dashing protagonist Ross Poldark) will be thrilled to learn that the writer lived mere moments from St Agnes and has notably revealed he found inspiration in this small village, calling it ‘Poldark Country’.

Despite its modest proportions, St Agnes brims with delightful attractions, establishing it as an unmissable spot if you’re seeking a brilliant experience amidst breathtaking scenery.