The Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is made up of 12 separate geographical areas and covers approximately 27% of the County - an area of 958 sq km (370 sq miles).

It is one of 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK which, along with National Parks, represent the most outstanding examples of countryside landscape.

The Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was designated in 1959 under the National Parks Act (with the Camel Estuary section being added in 1983). It received enhanced status under the Countryside and rights of Way (CROW) Act in 2000.