Relish the great outdoors, feed your inner adrenaline junkie or take a tour of North Cornwall’s cultural landscape: the area is awash with things to see and do for some ultra memorable days out.

Comprising forty miles of world-class coastline, North Cornwall is an ocean, beach, and cliff-lover’s dream destination. With the chance to walk, cycle, eat, watersport, landmark and attraction-hop your way round, we’ve drawn together some of the many highlights on offer that are perfectly ripe for the holidaymaker’s picking…

For active days out…

Offering visitors a wide catalogue of watersport activities including surfing, coasteering, sailing, diving, wind and kite surfing, wild swimming, stand up paddle boarding (SUP) and snorkelling, Cornwall’s north coast is a hedonistic hub for uber energised types.

In Newquay, you’re veritably spoiled for choice. Watergate Bay’s Extreme Academy offers the chance for you to learn to surf, waveski, kitesurf, hand plane or SUP with fully trained instructors who will expertly guide all abilities while providing every piece of equipment necessary.

Just along the coast, Lusty Glaze presents an activity and climbing centre that offers cliffside activities such as zip wiring, abseiling and tight-rope walking, along with ocean sports including jet skiing and surfing – and even a spot of beach rugby, dodgeball and range of kids activities.

The Camel Trail is an 18-mile, multi purpose recreational route along a disused railway between Padstow and Wenford Bridge that cuts across the countryside spoils of Camel Valley, Bodmin and Wadebridge – and is another exhilarating way to explore the outdoors on foot, horseback or bike.

Other fun-filled ideas to consider include sea life safaris in Padstow, zorbing at Sphere Bude or go-karting St Eval’s Kart Circuit.

For rainy days in…

If you fancy a change of scene or the weather proves a bit of a dampener, there’s a wealth of alternatives on the entertainment front throughout North Cornwall.

Newquay Zoo is a popular place – especially for families – and can be found at Trenance Gardens and Leisure Park. Home to hundreds of various species of animals, birds and insects, discover more about the zoo’s conservation projects as you wander amongst African lion, monkey, panda, penguin, snake, wildebeest and zebra.

If the clouds clear or there’s time to extend your stay, spend a stint in the neighbouring Leisure Park. Here, you can enjoy a round of crazy golf or pitch and putt, a ride on the mini railway, or wander through the oh-so pretty gardens. Plus, there are riding stables, a skate park, and mini lake complete with pedalos.

In addition, Newquay’s Waterworld is also conveniently situated here. Work up an appetite in the fitness centre or with a scheduled class, swim some laps of the pool and take the kids into the tropical fun pool, which houses two flumes and a host of other playful features.

Another must-visit attraction is Cornwall’s Crealy Adventure Park in Wadebridge: a massive 111-acre theme park that’ll amuse all types of visitor with its giant indoor play area, park rides, 35 acres of outdoor play, regular events, animals and exciting live shows.

For something special to see…

Relish the magic and wonder of North Cornwall’s legendary, Tintagel Castle. The Roman castle’s ruins are beautifully sprawled on the dramatic Atlantic headland and showcase the historic site’s link to Arthurian mythology.

Trickier to get to, but well worth the effort is nearby Bossiney – a majestic miniature gorge complete with cascading waterfalls, wild flowers and Bronze Age rock carvings; along with the ever-enchanting, Boscastle’s Witchcraft Museum.

View all our cottages in North Cornwall >

Tags: Newquay | North Cornwall | Padstow | Wadebridge |