Walk on, steam through, catch waves
Ramble the 2k farm trail from your front door and spot buzzards and deer. Walk the wild woods of Boconnoc. Discover what lies beneath from a glass bottom boat in Looe or go crabbing from the quay. Steam along the Bodmin Railway or ferry across the Tamar at Cawsand. Surf the north coast in Newquay or build sandcastles on the south coast in Seaton. Play golf at Whitsand Bay and celebrate a hole in one with local Lantic gin.
Country kids
Head coastwards, north or south, where golden sands meet rolling waves. Keep it simple with sandcastles and rock-pooling at Talland Bay. Grab buckets, lines and bacon for crabbing in Looe. Dudes can don wet suits and wipeout as they master the waves at surf school in Polzeath. Keep tails wagging at Seaton Beach – pooches can chase waves and feel the sand beneath their paws.
Immerse yourself in the natural world of the Eden Project. Let the kids explore Nature’s Playground – one of the biggest outdoor play areas in the south west. Trek through the humid tropics of the rainforest or experience the scents of the Mediterranean in the famous biomes.
Marvel at marine life as you glide over underwater forests and fascinating rock formations from a glass bottom boat in Looe. Feed the meercats at Porfell Wildlife Park and explore warrior ways in the Maasai village or support the primates at Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary.
Buzz with excitement at Adrenaline Quarry. Zip over a flooded quarry, go wet and wild at the acquapark or defy gravity on the giant swing. For those preferring a slower pace, hop aboard the Bodmin and Wenford steam railway, sit back and enjoy a nostalgic journey through beautiful Cornish countryside.
For the grown ups
Fitness enthusiasts can head gymwards to Bodmin Leisure Centre to pump iron or play squash. For the great outdoors, bring or hire bikes and take the Camel Trail between Wendfordbridge and Padstow – stop off for a tour and tasting at the award winning Camel Valley Vineyard.
Explore idyllic countryside on horseback as you trek through the wood and parkland trails of Lower Tokenbury Equestrian Centre. For those seeking a round of golf, Cornwall boasts a plethora of top-notch golf courses with four clubs within 30 minutes of the property including Looe and Whitsand Bay.
Take to the water and hire boats or kayaks from Looe Self Drive Boat Hire and glide along the tranquil waters of the scenic Looe River. Or stand up and hire a board for a peaceful paddle. Be blown away by the breathtaking scenery of the South West Coast path and enjoy the simple pleasures of a pasty and a great view.
Delve into history and wander the ancient ruins of Restormel Castle, a medieval fortress from the 13th century that stands proudly atop a hill. For a taste of grandeur, visit Lanhydrock House, a magnificent Victorian country mansion. Stroll the herbaceous borders and admire the fabulous formal parterre. Clotted cream on top of jam at the essential tea room finale.
Happy hens (and stags)
Switch off and unwind with a spa day in a luxury converted barn at The Cornwall Hotel & Spa. Gleam from top to toe with facials, pedicures and everything in between. Drink smoothies in the walled garden, there’s time for fizz later.
Test your limits in deep water and go coasteering at Adrenaline Quarry. Whilst you’re here, unleash your inner savage and try your hand at axe throwing. For more straightforward thrills, race the go karting track.
Bond with alpacas at Alpaca Trekking Cornwall and take them for a trek on Bodmin Moor. Shoot clays at The Big Shoot under the watchful eye of an English skeet champion. Charter a skipper in Looe for deep sea, mackerel and inshore fishing. Bring back the bass for the barbie!
Keep it Cornish and hire a chef to cook for your party with the county’s finest ingredients. Take tours and tastings at Looe Valley Vineyard and St Austell Brewery. Brunch seaside style at The Beach House in Seaton and head back later for spritzes at sunset.
