How has Cornwall's coastline changed?

Harbours that once bustled with pilchard and fishing boats are now busier with visitors and pleasure craft, yet many coves, quays and cottages look remarkably as they did a century ago.

Why do old Cornish harbours look so similar today?

Much of the Cornish coast is protected, and many harbour walls, net lofts and cottages are listed or cared for by the National Trust, so they have survived largely unchanged.

Where can I see more of Cornwall's history?

Explore our pages on Cornish traditions, Saint Piran, sea shanties and the Cornish language for more of the stories behind the coast.

Coastal story3 min readUpdated 13 May 2026

By the Down The Cove editorial team

Cornwall Then and Now

There is something captivating about seeing a familiar Cornish harbour or beach as it looked generations ago. Our growing then-and-now gallery sets past and present side by side, capturing how much the coast has changed, and how much, happily, has stayed just the same. Click any image to explore the details.

Read the guide

Background to this story

Then and now

Story notes

Why this memory matters. A few calm notes before you settle into the full read.

It gives the reader a reason to slow down and notice continuity, not just nostalgia: the living thread between past and present.

Memory in the pictureThe old photograph, memory or contrast at the heart of it.

Cornwall is never frozen in time. The harbours, shops, roads and beaches shift, but the pull of the coast remains.

People and placeWho this memory speaks to now.

This story is for readers who remember Cornwall as it was, and for younger readers discovering why those memories matter.

Then and nowWhat has changed and what still feels familiar.

The charm is in the contrast: what has changed, what has disappeared, and what still feels unmistakably Cornish.

Read with familyA gentle way to share it across generations.

A warm read for families who love old photographs, seaside memories and seeing how places change while still feeling like Cornwall.

The full story

Read straight through, or use the story notes above to settle into the place, memory and detail.

Some past and present images of Cornwall's coastline - we are adding to these images all the time so please call back regularly!

Click on an image to enlarge it and see all the differences in detail.

Common questions

How has Cornwall's coastline changed?: Harbours that once bustled with pilchard and fishing boats are now busier with visitors and pleasure craft, yet many coves, quays and cottages look remarkably as they did a century ago.
Why do old Cornish harbours look so similar today?: Much of the Cornish coast is protected, and many harbour walls, net lofts and cottages are listed or cared for by the National Trust, so they have survived largely unchanged.
Where can I see more of Cornwall's history?: Explore our pages on Cornish traditions, Saint Piran, sea shanties and the Cornish language for more of the stories behind the coast.

Two ways to make a day of it

Fresh air, good food and a bit of headspace. Here are two places to start.

Small Cornish harbour with fishing boats moored in clear water

Explore the coastline

Places and practical tips for days by the sea.

Grilled mackerel fillet with rocket and lemon on a plate

Find your next recipe

Ideas for preparing, cooking and enjoying seafood.

Editorial illustrations; explore the guides for place and recipe details.