If you don’t have access to a car, it might feel difficult to know how to get to places around Cornwall - especially if there are so many places that you really want to visit! During your time here as a student, it is a necessity to explore all the things that Cornwall has to offer – from sweeping beaches and hidden coves, to picturesque coastal villages and unique visitor attractions.  

Whilst researching and creating the Cornwall Student Bus Guide, as part of my final year Social Action Project at Cornwall Business School, I discovered just how interconnected and vast Cornwall’s public transport network is. It astounded me that from the tip of Land’s End to the sandy beaches of North Cornwall, many towns and attractions are easily reachable just by catching a bus or train from Falmouth or Penryn.  

Porthtowan 

Though a quaint village, Porthtowan is known for its enormous sandy beach and rich mining history. This is a great day out, whatever your pace! For the explorers, there are historic mining sites which are nestled along the cliff tops (such as the iconic Wheal Coates), whilst for those looking for a slower pace there are walking trails on Porthtowan and Chapel Porth Beaches or the South West Coast Path. If you’re feeling more adventurous, Porthtowan is arguably one of the best places for surfing in Cornwall – and is known for having a consistent surf all year round. 

You can travel to Porthtowan by catching the FirstBus U1 to Truro (which you can catch from both The Moor and Penryn Campus) to Truro Bus Station. Here, you can catch the Transport for Cornwall Bus 304, which should take you 45 minutes to get to Porthtowan.  

St Ives 

Arguably one of the most iconic places in Cornwall, the winding streets of St Ives are packed with independent shops and cafes. Whilst the town itself could be mistaken for a work of art; St Ives is famous for its thriving art scene – it hosts the renowned Tate St Ives, Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, and many independent galleries that you can visit too. There are also several beautiful beaches within walking distance of the town, with Porthmeor Beach hosting a good surf for both beginners and experts most of the year. 

You can get to St Ives by catching the train from Falmouth or Penryn to St Ives - making changes at Truro and St Erth - with the whole journey taking around an hour and 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch the U2 from The Moor or Penryn Campus to Redruth Railway Station, where you can catch the T2 which will take you to the bus station in St Ives. 

The Towans 

Located across the bay from St Ives is Towans Beach, which stretches across 3 miles of golden sandy beach and links Gwithian, Godrevy and Upton Towans beaches into one breathtaking piece of coastline. A surfer’s delight, you can take part in surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing all year round due to a strong Atlantic swell. If you’re looking for something a little slower, there are the sweeping dunes that backdrop the beach to explore, as well as countless rockpools and hidden coves too! 

You can get to the Towans by catching the FirstBus U2 from The Moor or Penryn Campus to South Park in Redruth. Here, you can transfer onto the FirstBus T2, where it should take you approximately 45 minutes to get to Gwithian. 

Cornish Seal Sanctuary 

Want to get up close to marine animals without going far from campus? Set in a stunning location along the Helford River, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is home to many species of marine wildlife – from seals to sea lions to puffins. Whilst you can get up close and visit the animals, the Sanctuary also stresses its vital role in the rescue and rehabilitation process of sick and injured seals along the Cornish coast, educating visitors about the importance to preserving the marine environment long into the future. 

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is accessible by catching OTS Bus 35A from the Moor Bus Stop B in Falmouth, which takes approximately 30 minutes to get to Gweek. After getting off the bus, it’s around a 10-minute walk to the sanctuary itself – which is open between 10am and 5pm daily. 

Hopefully this small guide has been helpful in giving you some inspiration for your next day out in Cornwall, all accessible by public transport from Falmouth or Penryn!