Things to Do in Cornwall

Cornwall is one of the most popular beach destinations in the UK, with millions of people flocking to the county each year to enjoy the fabulous sandy beaches, surf and seaside towns. With the region’s captivating coastline, active watersports and luscious green gardens, it is hard not to fall in love with the seaside county, with plenty of things to do in Cornwall.

Adventure Sports in Cornwall 

From various watersports, cycling, horse riding, walking to surf schools, there is a whole host of outdoor activities in Cornwall. Visitors will want to make the most of Cornwall’s amazing beaches, lakes and estuaries with all the fantastic watersports on offer.

Ramblers can enjoy the diversity of the landscape, such as the windswept moorlands, cliff top walks, areas of natural beauty and trails through mining heritage landscapes.

Horse Riding in Cornwall

Ride along the sand with the sea breeze, across the moors or steadily along the bridleways. One of the best ways to explore and discover Cornwall’s natural beauty is on horseback. There is a variety of trails suitable for all levels of ability.

The various horse-riding trails include, Clay Trails in St Austell, Bosvathick Riding Stables in Falmouth, Mineral Tramways Trail from Portreath to Devoran, Adventure Clydesdale in Bodmin.

Cycling in Cornwall 

Cyclists in Cornwall can choose from an abundance of trails from quiet country lanes to more challenging off-road routes that explore the heart of the Cornish countryside.

The Camel Trail and Coast-to-Coast Trail are both suitable for families but if you’re a more experienced cyclist, try the North Cornwall coastal road, which provides some of the steepest gradients in the county.

The Camel Trail is a top cycle route for its stunning natural surroundings and easy terrain for younger cyclists. Cornwall’s Mineral Tramways Mining Trails offer 30 miles (60km) of adventure and discovery for walkers, cyclists and horse riders following routes of contrasting scenery (woodland and moorland) with spectacular views across the county. Check out the GPS Cornwall Cycling Routes Map on Google Maps.

Check out our detailed guide of Cycling in Cornwall for more information. Alternatively, if you would prefer to explore Cornwall on foot, we recommend visiting The Outdoor Guide for a list of fantastic walks around the county.

Play Golf in Cornwall 

Cornwall has a selection of superb golf courses with incredible sea views, which makes golfing just that extra special. Cornwall’s five golf courses are: Launceston Golf Club, Holywell Bay Golf, China Fleet Golf Course, St Mellion International Resort, and Lanhydrock Golf Club.

Heritage and Landscape of Cornwall

Cornwall has achieved international recognition from UNESCO that has credited World Heritage Site status to ten industrial landscape which best represent the county’s mining past. Tourists to Cornwall can visit historic houses and grandeur stately homes nestled in luscious green countryside and well kept gardens.

We recommend visiting Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park in Cremyll. The landscaped park offers picturesque woodland and coastal views that can be admired all year round.

Cotehele House and Gardens is a beautifully restored Tudor house situated in Tamar Valley. The house is nestled amongst landscaped gardens and orchards.

Family Activities in Cornwall 

Aside from the gorgeous beaches and outdoor activities, there are lots of fun places to visit for the whole family. The Eden Project is a popular visitor attraction in Cornwall. The complex is dominated by two huge enclosures consisting of adjoining domes that house thousands of species of plants. The larger of the two biomes mimics a rainforest environment and the second, a Mediterranean environment. Outside, there is a beautiful botanical garden, which is home to many plants and wildlife native to Cornwall and the UK.

For those who love rollercoasters, Flambards Theme Park in Helston is a fun family day out. There is a selection of sky-high thrill rides, together with gentler rides for the little ones, as well as an undercover soft play area. Visitors can admire dinosaurs in the Jurassic Journey and uncover fossils in the Dino Dig. There is also a life-size Victorian Village in amongst the indoor attractions.

Photo by Benjamin Elliott on Unsplash