Cornwall base suggestions

Cornwall covers a large area. www.nationaltrust.org.uk has lots of info of the beaches, hikes and historic sites you can visit. It just depends on what you want to do. If you want to walk beach cliffs, etc. there are many places that are closer to London. The Isle of Wight has many things to see and do. The Jurassic Coast is a favorite hiking area. Penzance is probably more crowded because it is more famous as a beach resort. I have been there a long time ago and I think that there are many places that would work for you. If you still want to "see" Cornwall; hiring a local driver isn't a bad idea.

When we were there we had a rental car and stayed in both Tintagel and Truro. We did drive all the way to Land’s End. The coast by Tintagel down to Port Isaac (made popular by the Doc Martin tv series) is very pretty. Keep in mind that driving in Cornwall is slow. The roads twist and turn and are narrow, so it takes longer to get where you want than the mileage would suggest.

There are better places in Cornwall than Penzance IMO. The RS books and many others have to be selective about what’s included.

I have been to Looe and Polperro many times. It’s a good area to stay, with plenty of walks around. Fowey just south is a charming place.

On the north coast, Port Isaac has been ruined by the tedious Doc Martin show causing show groupies to visit in their hordes and ruining what was once a pleasant place. Newquay is also too busy these days, so I would stick to the south coast.

A car makes Cornwall much easier - I wouldn’t go there by public transport. Hire in Plymouth. If you only have 3 days, you may want to consider Devon which is much easier to get to from London or even Dorset or Somerset - the area around Wells/Frome/Sherborne is charming.

If you want to see Cornwall and do it during the summer tourist season, traffic will be very heavy and the places will be crowded.
Also, you will need a car and parking will be a concern. Plan accordingly.

Chris, I was on the RS southern England tour this past June and we stayed at Housel Bay House in Lizard. It was absolutely beautiful and I fell in love with Cornwall there. It was our home base for three days. I hope you enjoy Cornwall as much as I did. Happy travels :)

Once again, outstanding comments and suggestions. Very much appreciated and this will definitely influence our plans.
Thank you.

Chris

Thanks to recommendations from a Cornwall native, a few years ago I hiked the SW Coastal Trek for a few days while staying at a lovely B&B in Portmellon Cove (right by Mevagissey). Also walked to Lost Gardens of Helligan (fabulous!).. Then stayed in Fowey and hiked for a few days. I trained from London to St. Austell and taxi to PC. Took boat/ferry from Mevagissey to Fowey. Never needed a car.
DM me if you’d like more details.