Cornwall Coast Road

Cornwall has no single coast road, but the A39 Atlantic Highway along the north coast and loops around Penwith and the Lizard make a classic route. Narrow lanes decide how big a vehicle works.

Region: Cornwall, England
Road: A39 Atlantic Highway, A30
Start / end: Bude – Land's End
Suggested time: 4–7 days
Best season: Late spring and early autumn

What should you know before visiting Cornwall Coast Road?

No motorway tolls or vignettes expected for a car.

The A39 Atlantic Highway follows the north coast from Bude towards the A30, with side roads to Boscastle, Tintagel and Port Isaac. Lay-bys and viewpoint car parks exist, but fill early in summer.
Around Zennor and St Just on the Penwith loop the road is narrow and winding. On the Lizard some minor roads have few passing places. Prefer main B-roads and avoid dusk driving.
Wild camping needs the landowner's permission in England. Cornwall Council trialled overnight parking for self-contained motorhomes in one Bude car park and changed motorhome rules in several car parks in 2026. Check its current rules.
Refuel often. Petrol stations can be far apart in rural areas such as the Lizard and Bodmin Moor. Some coastal car parks may have height barriers or weight limits, so check ahead. Keep offline maps, as signal can be patchy.

The drive

A common line follows the A39 Atlantic Highway from Bude via Wadebridge to the A30 at Fraddon, with side roads to Boscastle, Tintagel and Port Isaac, then continues west towards St Ives. A loop of about 40 miles connects St Ives and Land's End, with narrow, winding stretches near Zennor and St Just. The Lizard offers Helford, Coverack, Lizard Point and Kynance Cove. The King Harry Ferry, a chain ferry across the River Fal between Feock and Philleigh, saves a detour of roughly 26 miles via Truro. Check its vehicle limits and times with the operator.

Camping

In England wild camping has no general right: permission from the landowner is needed. Cornwall Council ran an overnight trial for self-contained motorhomes in The Crescent car park in Bude. Its Off-Street Parking Order 2026, in force from April 2026, adds motorhome charges at ten car parks and bans motorhomes in Commercial Road car park, Hayle. Which sites allow overnight stays, and when, must be confirmed with the council. Book a campsite early for high season and check each site's vehicle length limits.

FAQs

Which road is the Cornwall coast road?

There is no single signed road. The A39 Atlantic Highway follows the north coast from Bude towards the A30, and local loops reach Penwith and the Lizard.

Can a large motorhome do the Penwith loop?

It is risky. The road is narrow and winding near Zennor and St Just, especially in high season. Smaller vans manage better. Drive slowly, use passing places and consider an early start.

Is overnight parking in car parks allowed?

Only where signs or the owner say so. Cornwall Council tested overnight parking for self-contained motorhomes in Bude, and its 2026 parking order changed motorhome rules in several other car parks. Check the council's current list first.