Some people go to Cornwall on holiday. Others leave a bit of their heart there. If you know someone in the second group, whether they're Cornish born and bred, they've moved away, or they've been going back to the same harbour town every summer for twenty years, a gift that brings Cornwall back to them will always land.
Here are our favourite Cornwall gift ideas, from keepsakes to treats.
What makes a good Cornwall gift?
The best Cornish gifts tend to be about a specific place rather than the county in general. Cornwall lovers usually have their town: the harbour they always walk round, the beach they always end up on, the street with the shop they always visit. A gift that knows which one it is feels far more personal than a generic tea towel.
Cornwall gift ideas
1. A colouring book of their favourite Cornish town
We've hand-drawn three of Cornwall's best-loved coastal towns, each in its own book at £16.99:
- Penzance sits right at the far end of Cornwall, looking out across Mount's Bay towards St Michael's Mount. It's a town of granite terraces, harbour views and the much-loved Jubilee Pool, the Art Deco seawater lido on the promenade.
- Falmouth is built around one of the deepest natural harbours in the world, with Pendennis Castle on the headland and a busy, characterful high street winding along the waterfront.
- Newquay is Cornwall's surf capital, with Fistral Beach, dramatic headlands and the little whitewashed Huer's Hut keeping watch over the bay.
Each book is printed on heavyweight 160gsm paper and wire-bound so it lies flat, which makes it a calm, screen-free way to spend time in a favourite place, even when you're nowhere near it.
2. The Cornwall Coastal Collection
Can't choose? The Cornwall Coastal Collection brings Penzance, Falmouth and Newquay together for £34.99. It's a lovely Christmas or birthday present for anyone who's spent time all along the coast, and it works out cheaper than buying the three books separately.
3. A seaside book for the bucket-and-spade nostalgic
For someone who loves the British seaside more broadly, our Classic British Seaside colouring book is a gentle trip back to piers, beach huts and promenades. If you're after more coastal inspiration, our guide to the best seaside towns in the UK is a good read.
4. Cornish food and drink
A hamper of Cornish favourites always goes down well. Think clotted cream fudge, saffron buns, a jar of local honey, a bottle from a Cornish gin distillery or a box of proper pasties if you can get them there fresh.
5. Something from a local maker
Cornwall has a long tradition of artists and makers, especially around St Ives, Falmouth and Penzance. A small piece of pottery, a print from a local artist or a handmade piece of jewellery makes a gift with real character.
6. A Cornish experience
For a bigger gift, consider a surf lesson in Newquay, a boat trip out of Falmouth or a swim at Jubilee Pool in Penzance. Pair it with a colouring book of the same town and you've got something to open on the day and something to look forward to.
Cornwall gifts for different people
For someone who's moved away: a book of their hometown is a little piece of Cornwall to keep on the shelf. We've written more about gifts for someone who misses home.
For the annual holidaymaker: something to tide them over until next summer.
For grandparents: colouring the harbours and streets they remember often brings out stories of holidays past.
For yourself: we won't tell.
Bring Cornwall home
Every Britain in Lines book is hand-drawn from the real places it celebrates, and 10% of every sale goes to Martin House Children's Hospice. If you're looking for Cornwall gifts that feel personal, start with their favourite town.
