Cornwalls Active Outdoors

Cornwall is a country in the south-west of England known for its wild moorlands and varied coastline. It’s often mentioned as a dream location to live for many people within England and it’s easy to see why, with picturesque villages, easy access to the sea and for the UK anyway, quite good weather.

Much of Cornwall’s coastline is protected as areas outstanding natural beauty making it a very popular tourist destination in the summer. Extensive long stunning beaches and a wide range of outdoor adventures and activities on offer mean whether you are travelling from home or abroad, Cornwall is somewhere not to be missed.

Enjoying the Great Outdoors in Cornwall

Surfing

With great beaches usually comes great surfing and Cornwall is no different. Surfing is the number one water sport in this part of the country and during the summer months, you’ll see plenty of people heading for the beach with a board under their arm. This is the home of surfing in the UK and you’ll have no problem finding up to date surf and weather reports for your upcoming holiday.

CC Flickr Credit: Tom Wood

So where should you surf in Cornwall?

If you really want to get into surfer mode then the town of Bude is a great place to base yourself. The surrounding beaches of a variety of wave types where both beginners and more experienced surfers will be able to get in on the action. You’ll also find a great selection of surf schools and shops in the town meaning you’ll never be far away from the perfect equipment or knowledge to improve your surfing.

Hayle is another small town in Cornwall that is very popular with tourists. It’s close proximity to a number of great beaches make it another perfect place to base your holiday. Gwithian and GodrevyBeach in particular, are very close by and offer some fantastic surfing (it’s rare for them to ever go flat). With lifeguards on the beach during the summer months, this is another place great for both beginners and experienced surfers alike. For the non-surfers in the family, these beaches are also a great place to see the famous seals that call this part of the country home and both have a view of the Godrevy Lighthouse.

Perranporth Beach is another fantastic option, the gorgeous 3-mile beach is enough alone to attract thousands of visitors each year but the surfing can be brilliant too. It’s almost too nice here so to avoid disappointment arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially on those perfect summer days. 

Sea Safaris

Taking to boat off the coast of Cornwall allows you to see some of the best wildlife the seas around the UK has to offer. With the right conditions, you’ll have the chance to encounter dolphins, basking sharks, porpoises and seals. While the chance to encounter such creatures may already have you convinced that a sea safari is worthwhile, let’s not forget about the chance to see the cliffs of the peninsula from a different perspective. In the summer months, you can expect to see Guillemots, Cormorants, Razorbills & Oystercatchers and if you are very lucky puffins. 

One of the most popular places to begin a sea safari is from the historic fishing port of Padstow but other tours are available from Falmouth, Newquay, Port Isaac as well as many other locations around the county.

CC Flickr Credit: Chris Combe

Off Road Driving

Perhaps your partner and you have different ideas of what it means to enjoy the great outdoors? If that’s the case why not arrange a special treat for them during your stay in Cornwall. Although your day to day car might not be suitable for speeding through woodland, tackling steep ascents and descents and deep water, a specially adapted 4×4 with a qualified instructor in the passenger seat will although the driver a truly memorable day.

There are a number of locations within Cornwall where off-road driving taster sessions or full day courses are available, it can also be combined with a number of other outdoor activities including clay pigeon shooting, archery, climbing and you can even challenge yourself to learn some basic survival skills.

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These are just a few of the exciting activities that Cornwall has to offer, so whether you visit for the beaches, rivers and lakes or diverse landscape you certainly won’t find yourself with nothing to do. For great accommodation options in the county, browse stayincornwall.co.uk/cottages.

Have you visited Cornwall before? Do you have a favourite destination or activity that shouldn’t be missed?