Cycle from St Ives to Port Isaac through gardens, castles, and coastal fishing villages

Nestled in the far southwest of England, Cornwall is known for its rugged coastline, sandy coves, and harbors where fishing boats bob gently in sheltered bays. It’s a landscape shaped by its history, where old mining structures overlook quiet beaches, and art galleries line narrow streets.

This bicycle tour from St Ives to Port Isaac lets you experience Cornwall up close. Ride along peaceful country roads, cross estuaries by ferry, and pass surf beaches, secluded gardens, clifftop theaters, and rolling vineyards. Along the way, you’ll spot seals on the shore and visit locations made famous by shows like Poldark and Doc Martin.

With e-bikes making the hills easier, there’s time to slow down, whether it’s for a sea view, a traditional pasty, or a glass of Cornish wine. It’s a relaxed and rewarding way to explore one of England’s most distinctive regions.

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Highlights

• Eden Project - World’s largest indoor rainforest
• St Michael’s Mount - Tidal island and medieval castle
• Minack Theatre - Cliffside open-air theater
• Lost Gardens of Heligan - Historic gardens
• St Ives - Famed art scene and beaches
• Land’s End - Westernmost point in England
• Port Isaac - Fishing village known from ‘Doc Martin’
• Camel Trail - Cycling route through countryside and estuaries
• Porthcurno Beach - White sands and turquoise water

Learn More

Interested in adding to your itinerary? Take a look at our cycling day tours in England!

Daily program

Day 1: Arrive in St Ives
Arrive by car, train to St Erth Station, or fly into Newquay Airport. A short transfer brings you to your hotel in the heart of St Ives, where you'll stay for the night. Famous for its incredible light and seafront location, St Ives has long been a magnet for artists. Take time to explore the cobbled streets, visit the Tate St Ives or the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, and enjoy the mix of galleries, cafés, and coastal charm.

Day 2: St Ives – Mousehole/Newlyn (23 mi. / 37 km)
This morning, your host delivers your e-bikes, fits you to your gear, and walks you through the GPS routes. Your ride follows the dramatic Atlantic coastline toward the far west of Cornwall. Highlights include the artist-favored village of Zennor, a stop at the fascinating Geevor Tin Mine, and some legendary pub stops. End your day in the peaceful fishing villages of Mousehole or Newlyn, where you’ll stay for two nights.

Day 3: Circular Ride to Land’s End (27 mi. / 43 km or 6.6 mi. / 11 km walk)
Cycle to the iconic cliffs of Land’s End and continue through Porthcurno to visit the open-air Minack Theatre carved into the cliffside. If you prefer to walk today, follow the coast path from your hotel for a stunning hike toward Land’s End. For an optional adventure, consider a helicopter trip to the car-free Isles of Scilly—explore subtropical gardens, ferry-hop, or cycle quiet lanes (advance booking and weather permitting). Return to your hotel in Mousehole or Newlyn.

Day 4: Mousehole/Newlyn – Mullion (32 mi. / 51 km)
Ride through Newlyn’s art quarter, then along the bay into Penzance. Visit the tidal island of St Michael’s Mount, crossing by foot or ferry depending on the tide. Pedal inland past estates and farmlands before a dramatic descent into the harbor at Porthleven. Pass through Helston and finish your day near Mullion, where the nearby Bonython Estate Gardens offer a relaxing detour. The estate is known for its role in popular German film adaptations of Rosamunde Pilcher’s novels.

Day 5: Mullion – St Mawes (21 mi. / 34 km)
Cross the Lizard Peninsula, pausing at hidden coves and sandy beaches before taking a small ferry across the Helford River. Visit the lush gardens of Glendurgan or Trebah, then continue on to the port town of Falmouth. A second ferry carries you across the Carrick Roads estuary to the waterfront village of St Mawes, where your next hotel offers views over the bay.

Day 6: St Mawes – Carlyon Bay (29 mi. / 47 km)
Start your day with a short ferry ride to the Roseland Peninsula, where quiet, flatter roads wind through peaceful countryside. Follow the coastline through Portloe and Mevagissey, once a pilchard fishing hub, with its cobbled streets and active harbor. Your route includes a visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan and continues through Charlestown, a preserved Georgian harbor town used in many film and TV productions. Arrive in Carlyon Bay for your overnight stay.

Day 7: Carlyon Bay – Rock/Padstow (32 mi. / 51 km)
Optional visits this morning include the Eden Project or Lanhydrock House and Gardens. Ride through Bodmin and pick up the flat, traffic-free trail along the Camel Estuary. Stop at Camel Valley Vineyard for a tasting, then roll on through Wadebridge to reach Padstow, a bustling harbor town famous for its seafood and the influence of chef Rick Stein. You’ll stay here or across the estuary in Rock, reached by a short foot ferry.

Day 8: Circular Ride to Port Isaac (21 mi. / 34 km or 5 mi. / 8 km walk)
Enjoy a final loop along the north Cornish coast, visiting the beach at Polzeath and continuing past dramatic cliffs to tiny Port Quin and well-known Port Isaac, made famous by Doc Martin. Return inland through quiet villages dotted with galleries and artisan workshops. If you'd prefer to hike today, we’ll transfer you to Port Quin for a spectacular coastal walk to Port Isaac and back via wooded trails and open countryside.

Day 9: Depart Rock/Padstow
Depart at your leisure. Transfers are available to Newquay Airport (50 minutes) or Bodmin Parkway Station (40 minutes). We can also arrange return transfers to St Ives on request.

Photos

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Dates & Prices

Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.

Included services

• 8 nights’ accommodation
• Breakfasts
• Welcome meeting
• Electric bike rental
• Luggage transfers
• GPS navigation on an app
• Waterproof phone holder and power pack with charger
• Adventure Handbook with local tips, history, photos, and insider recommendations
• 24/7 emergency line

Tour Company

Map

Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

Surface and terrain

The terrain is varied, with a blend of rolling hills, short climbs, and flatter sections, especially along estuaries and inland valleys. Expect some hills most days, particularly when riding near the coast or between inland villages and high headlands. However, the use of e-bikes makes these more manageable.

How to get there

Tour start
Nearest major airport: London Heathrow Airport (LHR), United Kingdom
Nearest local airport: Newquay Airport (NQY) – 50 minutes by transfer to St Ives
Nearest train station: St Erth Station – direct trains from London Paddington (4–5 hours), 15-minute transfer to St Ives

Tour end
Nearest major airport: London Heathrow Airport (LHR), United Kingdom
Nearest local airport: Newquay Airport (NQY) – 50 minutes from Rock/Padstow
Nearest train station: Bodmin Parkway – 40-minute transfer, direct trains to London Paddington (approx. 4 hours)