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Cornish Secrets / The Great Cornwall Holiday Guide / Things to do / Cornwall Attractions & Activities

Cornwall Attractions & Activities

Looking for the best attractions in Cornwall? You’ve come to the right place. And there’s really something for everyone here.

Whether you’re on the hunt for must-see stately home or Cornish garden, National Trust and others grace this extraordinary county, or perhaps you’re here with with kids and seek family attractions, such as theme parks, zoos and aquariums, or even waterparks? Fear not, there’s something to appeal to all.

Thrill-seekers will most certainly want to surf, and maybe even go coasteering or kayaking, but which surf school is best? Where can you go for recommended coaching and friendly, but well-organised activities, safe and suitable for your ability level?

Finally, for relaxation and wellbeing, let us help you unwind. There is a good choice of spas in Cornwall, so see our guide to relax in style.

Your time away in Cornwall is limited, so why spend it looking for activities to do and places to go, when we have done the work for you? Our guide has you covered.

Cornwall Attractions & Activities

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Arts & Heritage

There’s more to Cornwall than beautiful beaches. Culturally rich, have you thought about visiting Cornwall’s literary, artistic and historic hotspots while here? If you love to immerse yourself in...

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Adventure, Sport & Lifestyle Activities

If adrenaline is your nectar, Cornwall is the ultimate UK playground destination, with miles of glorious coastline, space and quite often, the weather to match. From zip wires over lakes, wake boardin...

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Spas & Wellness

Make the most of your quota of ‘me time’ on holiday in Cornwall. Letting your mind and body wander lends itself to feeling good. Try wave-watching in wide open spaces, deeply breathing in the wond...

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Cornwall's Nature Hotspots

There is nowhere quite like Cornwall.  With varied land and seascapes from immense sandy beaches nestled below rugged cliffs, to winding rivers, moors and tors, there is a mass of wildlife on natures...

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View of the cherry laurel hedge maze at Glendurgan Garden, Cornwall. Planted on one side of the valley, in the heart of the garden. Cherry laurel is vigorous and tough enough to withstand regular trimming and footsteps around its roots. Palm trees mark the four corners of the puzzle and a thatched summerhouse sits in the middle.

National Trust Spots

In 1895 Octavia Hill, Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley and Sir Robert Hunter came together to establish the National Trust. Now the National Trust care for 780 miles of coastline, over 248,000 hectares of lan...

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Nature Activities & Clubs

The best way to see nature is up close and personal, so surfers often report seeing seals, and walkers often see birds of prey and clifftop wildlife. If you are sparked by adrenaline, then you might w...

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Cyclamen in front of the house at Trerice, Cornwall ©National Trust Images Hilary Daniel

Stately Homes & Gardens

Cornwall is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain but also has a select number of historic houses well worth visiting, often with generous, beautifully designed gardens. If you are s...

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Trips & Tours in Cornwall

With so much to see and do in Cornwall, it’s worth considering booking onto a tour or a special trip to make the most out of your time here. From boat trips to Cornish cycle tours, from walking tour...

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Wildlife in Cornwall

If you seek the ‘call of the wild’, then this section of our comprehensive Guide to the Cornish countryside is for you. Cornwall has a collection of locations within its area of Outstanding Natura...

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Cornwall's Plants & Flowers

If you are a botanist at heart, then Cornwall has plenty of flora and fauna for you to enjoy. Species vary from hardy plants on the wild north coast, while the south coast’s milder climate is perfec...

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Cornwall's wildlife to see

Cornwall’s unique diversity of landscape makes it home to many species of animals, fish and plants. Both on land and at sea, there is a plethora of wildlife to be found in the varied eco-systems pro...

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Cornwall Beach Guide

With so many gorgeous beaches in beautiful Cornwall, how do you know which ones to choose for your visit? Our Cornwall Beach Guide is here to help you plan your days and select which beaches to visit....

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BOOK YOUR DREAM CORNWALL HOLIDAY TODAY

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Seascape

Lusty Glaze and Porth Beach

With Lusty Glaze to the west and Porth Beach to the north, Seascape is the fitting name for this stunning coastal retreat which sleeps six. Seascape sits above expansive golden sands of Porth Beach &#...

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Kismet

Near Padstow

Sitting pretty on the edge of peaceful hamlet Little Petherick is Kismet, an elegantly styled family home which sleeps eight. Just over two miles from popular harbour town Padstow, at Kismet you have ...

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Vitamyn Sea

St Ives

Tradition meets contemporary comforts at Vitamyn Sea. Just moments from St Ives’s stunning harbour, you’re situated a five to ten-minute walk from the gorgeous Porthmeor beach with Porthmi...

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The Bowery

Newlyn

Welcome to The Bowery, a terraced Victorian house, situated near the pretty fishing village of Newlyn. Part of the original working farmhouse, over the years the house has been sensitively extended in...

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Treleigh

St Ives

A stunning example of contemporary Cornish design, Treleigh overlooks Porthmeor beach and the town of St Ives, its cliff-top location affording breathtaking sea views across the island and out to the ...

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Cancleave

Nr Widemouth Bay, Bude

Recently undergoing complete renovation, Cancleave is a modern, energy efficient and comfortable property sleeping 8. Situated in beautiful North Cornwall, on the coast road between Crackington Haven ...

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Sea View House

St Ives

Sea View House is a stunning three-storey townhouse situated in prestigious St Ives, with breathtaking views across the harbour and beyond. Opulence is met with the ultimate comfort in this seaside re...

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Halekulani

Bude

Prepare to be wowed as you step into Halekulani, which, rather aptly, translates to house befitting heaven in Hawaiian. A luxury haven flooded by Cornish sunshine, contemporary design and lavish touch...

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Trekoa

Perranuthnoe, nr Marazion

Moments from Perranuthnoe Beach – often known as Perran Sands – Trekoa’s location is simply superb. The picturesque village of Perranuthnoe sits on the south coast around a mile to the east ...

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Ravenscourt

Launcells, nr Bude

Nestled in the quiet hamlet of Launcells, just three miles inland from the coastal town of Bude, Ravenscourt is a rather exceptional property. Tucked away off a quiet country road, Ravenscourt’s bea...

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Tamarisk

Portreath

Offering a truly luxurious stay, Tamarisk is a heavenly retreat sleeping eight. A spacious property which has been thoughtfully renovated to create the perfect holiday home, it benefits from an elevat...

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6 The Shore

Mawgan Porth

This stunning property is part of an exclusive collection of seven brand new, luxury homes perfectly positioned close to Mawgan Porth‘s spectacular sandy beach and coast. With superb attention t...

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Gwern Barn

Marazion

Situated a mere 200 metres from Marazion Beach, Gwern Barn is set back in a quiet, rural location. Boasting thick curved stone walls, this property is thought to date back over 400 years. Now a charmi...

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No 5, Gwel Marten

Carbis Bay, St Ives

Situated in cool Carbis Bay, where dramatic views sweep across the bay to St Ives and Godrevy lighthouse, this wonderful apartment luxuriously sleeps 4.  Only a few minutes’ walk to the Blue Flag b...

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Libertine

Breage, Nr Praa Sands, Porthleven & St Ives

This uniquely opulent property, built in 1603 in the village of Breage (pronounced Breeg) books quickly, and you can see why. It is a very rare find, oozing character and style. Libertine, previously ...

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Creek End

Feock

Peace and tranquillity await at Creek End; a unique property nestled in the trees in the sought-after village of Feock, on the south coast of Cornwall. The aptly named home is set in an idyllic creek-...

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The Old Smokehouse

Charlestown

The Georgian village of Charlestown is one of south Cornwall’s precious gems. Sitting pretty on the edge of the dramatic and picturesque St Austell Bay, this much-loved harbour village and UNESCO Wo...

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Waves

Swanpool, Falmouth

This glorious accommodation in fabulous Falmouth is located in Swanpool just moments from the sea. Spacious, set over three floors, it is perfectly sized for an extended family or friend group and its...

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Meadowside

Bude

With Bude to the north and Widemouth Bay to the south, Meadowside is a sea lover’s dream as there’s a beach at every turn. This large, five bed detached luxury home, is enviably positioned on a pe...

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Tretawny

Perranporth

If chocolate-box charm is what you’re after, then look no further than Tretawny an idyllic thatched cottage in the beautiful village of Bolingey, near Perranporth. Sleeping six, this dog-friendly se...

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The Anchorage

Duporth Bay, nr Charlestown

With direct access to private beach, Duporth Bay, a stay at The Anchorage could be straight out of a fairy tale. In fact, nearby Charlestown, is a stunning example of a late Georgian port, which you m...

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Lamorna

Wadebridge

Once a foundry town, Wadebridge in the north of Cornwall is now a thriving Cornish hotspot just five miles upstream from the more well-known fishing village of Padstow. Straddling the River Camel, it�...

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The Lodge, Carbis Bay

Carbis Bay

Sea views are order of the day at The Lodge, which is part of the exclusive Carrack Gladden Apartments, which enviably sit just above the white sands and azure sea at Carbis Bay. The elevated position...

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Porthminster Mews 2

St Ives

The Porthminster Mews townhouses are fabulously located on The Terrace in St Ives, offering picturesque sea and coastal views. Just moments away from St Ives bustling town centre with its collection o...

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Peacehay Barn

Nr Padstow

If you’re looking for a spacious getaway with a touch of luxury, a stay at Peacehay Barn is just the ticket. Sleeping 12, you’ll get space and tranquillity in abundance here. Situated less than fo...

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Firethorn

Bude

Newly renovated and thoughtfully decorated by local interior designer Chloe Morris, Firethorn is a striking home in an enviable location, just a short stroll away Bude’s award-winning beaches. Inspi...

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The Grain Store

Padstow

Watch the boats float into Padstow Harbour at this hugely desirable property in the heart of Cornwall’s fishing town. This vibrant glass-fronted property offers unrivalled views of Padstow, offe...

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Cornish Secrets property Orchard Cottage, Charlestown

Orchard Cottage

Charlestown

The picturesque historic harbour village and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Charlestown, dotted with cobbled streets and tall ships, is a quaint Cornish location. Spending just a few moments here, you ...

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Coastman’s Nest

Mawgan Porth

You’ll be spoilt with countryside and sea views at the Coastman’s Nest in the sought after coastal village of Mawgan Porth, just four miles from Newquay and seven miles from Padstow. A light and s...

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Lower Hendra

Nr Port Isaac

Situated off a private single-track lane, Lower Hendra Cottage is charmingly rural. This gleaming white building houses a beautifully spacious family home, fully engulfed by rolling hills and 180º se...

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