No matter what your reason for visiting Cornwall, we know that some people will need a little more than chilling on the beach and want to see some action while they are on their break. You may have some adventurous kids or you want to try something a bit more challenging or you could be in a group of friends on a weekend break, either way we have some fantastic activities that you can do in Cornwall to really push yourselves and have that unique experience whilst on your Cornish break.
Adrenalin Quarry
This is a flooded quarry that is a real hidden gem in Cornwall. This action packed quarry is just off the A38 on the way to Plymouth, so you can easily get there and when you do there is something for everyone here to enjoy a favourite with families and groups of friends. The quarry itself has various activities for the whole family to enjoy. The main attraction is the zip wire which is one of the biggest in Cornwall but they have had kids as young as 3 go in the zip so really anyone can do this and it is amazing. There is also the aquapark where you can have endless fun on the inflatable structures on the water. There is also a giant swing, axe throwing and even go karting. This really is an awesome place for those thrill seekers. I recommend for families and groups of friends, I know a lot of stag do parties like the quarry. There are different sessions though so particular kid sessions and then adult sessions. It’s really best to book in advance and make sure you get the right fit for your party.
SkyDiving Perranporth
If you really want to challenge yourself to something epic, then why not try a skydive while you are here. I could not think of any better scenery to view when you are descending down with your chute. Perranporth offers tandem skydiving experiences so you need absolutely no skydiving experience at all. You will need to pre book, obviously and there are certain restrictions which they can discuss with you. Perranporth sits on the beautiful Cornish coast and when your free falling time finishes and the chute opens for your cruise back down to the ground the views are phenomenal. You can also have someone jump with you and film you, providing you with a video of your day and your jump, giving you a reminder to keep and revisit forever. A great idea if someone has a big birthday or is on a hen or stag do in Cornwall. Give someone the experience of a lifetime at Perranporth Skydive.
Escape Rooms – Eureka Escapes Cornwall
Situated right in the centre of Truro this escape room facility is a fantastic activity to do with a group of friends or family. When I did it I went with my girlfriends and we had some food and a few drinks after, it’s something a bit different you can do if it is someone’s birthday or special occasion. Many families do it as well, and it is ideal if you are in Truro anyway having a look at the shops etc as it is only around an hour in the escape room. You will need to work together to solve clues and puzzles to make your way through the network of rooms and release yourselves from the room. This is something very unique and I would highly recommend.
Extreme Academy Watergate Bay
Watergate bay is a fantastic, picturesque and massive beach just up the coast from Newquay. It is one of the most popular in the region and features some amazing facilities right on the beach. The Beach Hut sits overlooking the beach as well as watchful Mary, 2 great bars with lovely food and phenomenal views, check out their websites to see themed evenings and live music. On the beach itself if you want to really enjoy some Cornish sports then this is the place for you. From surfing to windsurfing or kite buggy lessons, this beach has it all. For these activities you will need to book in advance though. Check this out for a great unique activity you can do for a special occasion or just to challenge yourselves and learn something new. This is a dog friendly beach too so the whole family can enjoy the beach while some are in the water learning a new skill. If you are coming for Boardmasters then this beach is the closest to the festival so make sure you check it out if you get chance.
Retallack Aqua Park
Retallack really is a fantastic day out. This popular venue near Wadebridge caters for everyone. Kids parties, Hen do parties and adults only. They can tailor their park for what you would like it for. The park is available to hire out privately or they do 1 hour sessions in their total wipe out style water park. This huge inflatable Aqua Park has a giant trampoline, catapult, water wheel stepping stones’ climbing wall, slides, blast bags, challenging balance beams and so much more. Retallack also offers their Flo-rider which simulates waves and is a great and safe way to learn how to surf. Why not try surfing here first before you tackle the ocean. They also do kids bodyboard sessions on the Flo-rider wave simulator. If you are into a bit more of a thrill then they also have wakeboarding on site. Please book in advance to avoid disappointment on any of the activities. There is also a cafe on site so you can watch your friend or family partake whilst enjoying a quiet drink or some food. The water park really is a fantastic way to experience water sports in a safe and guided environment, highly recommended if you want to explore water sport options.
Skinners Brewery Tour
This brewery is in Truro down by the river and is a great thing to do in a group, so if you are having a stag or hen do or a special occasion and there are a lot of you looking for an inside activity with plenty of Cornish Ale then this is a great little tour. You need to be over 14 years old to go on the brewery tour and obviously you need to be over 18 to do any tasting. The brewery is a working brewery and you can see exactly what is involved brewing these Cornish ales. The group tours include an exclusive guided brewery tour, beer tasting with experts, exclusive access to the brewery tap room, and a hot Ann’s Cornish pasty which will be well needed after sampling all that Cornish Ale. The public tasting tours offer a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes and are followed by tutored beer tasting in the brewery’s tap room. The tour itself is reasonably priced at just £9.50 which is a great deal. Each tour lasts around an hour and a half so you could add this into your day visiting Truro as it wont take up the whole day. A lot of people will do the tour and then go out in Truro for food and drink afterwards which is a great way of doing it.
Fishing Trips From Newquay Harbour
Newquay is a great place for either a family vacation or a destination for groups of boys or girls looking for some adventure with the nightlife and some of the fantastic activities during the day. What better way is there to see the beautiful countryside and experience an exciting Cornish tradition than to go on a fishing trip from Newquay Harbour. There are many different types of fishing trips from the harbour and of course to avoid disappointment please book in advance particularly if there is a large group of you. Starting at just £15 for a 2 hour session you can start with mackerel fishing where everything is provided including your rod and bait. Why not try the deep sea and reef wreck fishing if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, this trip is 4 hours. If there is a large group of you then you can also charter your own boat for the day from as little as £180, this is very popular with stag and hen parties or large family groups. Newquay is one of our most popular holiday destinations and our accommodation section has a full range of fantastic places to stay in and around the area to suit every need. Check out our Newquay town guide too for some more days out within the area.
Padstow Speed Boat Ride
If you are a bit of a thrill seeker and love a bit of speed then this is a fantastic way to explore the gorgeous Cornish coast in and around the Padstow area and Camel Estuary. Taking up to 12 passengers on each boat these are ideal for large groups of friends or large families. You will be surprised just how fast the boats go and how thrilling it is to be speeding along the water. The tours last for 15 minutes so plenty of time to explore the famous town of Padstow after your trip as there some great places to eat and drink in and around Padstow, see our Padstow town guide for some more info on the area and all it has to offer. The boats themselves are classic wooden decks and have a James Bond feel to them. The speedboats are named Thunder, Fireball, Jaws and Sea Fury so as you can imagine this is definitely a fast paced tour. If you are up for it the skippers will add a few twists and turns for you too. This will be an unforgettable experience for you and your party.
Indoor Active
Just off the A30 near Bodmin and not too far out of Newquay this is a fantastic day out for the whole family and great if the weather is not too good. The climbing is suitable for everyone over the age of 4. There is however soft play for the younger ones so something for the whole family. The clip and climb facility is a fantastic and safe way for your family or group of friends to learn something different. There are 18 climbing challenges, including The Leap of Faith, Stairway to Heaven and the Vertical Drop Slide. Reach new heights on the ‘Skyscraper’, take the ‘Speed Climb’ challenge or light up the board on the ‘Checkerplate’!
Even the soft play here is top notch; it is one of the tallest in Cornwall and will offer 1,500 square feet of fun! It offers a range of fun elements over 4 levels, including toddler area, drop slides, ball pool and more. You can relax watching your toddlers in the café area and enjoy any food you can find in the Cornwall services, we usually grab a McDonalds. Suitable for kids parties or adult stag or Hen do’s or just anyone that wants to learn a new skill and challenge themselves. Please book in advance though as this is very popular with locals and visitors.
The Eden Project
Cornwall’s most popular and famous attraction, The Eden Project is truly unique and has something for everyone to enjoy. The Eden Project is nestled in a huge crater. There are 2 massive Biomes housing the largest rainforest in captivity, stunning plants, exhibitions and stories serve as a backdrop to the striking contemporary gardens, summer concerts and exciting year-round family events. During peak times there are different exhibitions such as dinosaurs, and during winter months there is an ice rink for you to enjoy as well. The Eden Project has hosted some international superstars over the years such as Oasis, Lionel Richie, Motorhead and Amy Winehouse. Check out the Eden Sessions for a ticket to one of these evening gigs in a stunning location, it is truly magical watching a gig at Eden, highly recommended. Your whole family can learn all about the rainforest and different climates. There are some great local food outlets on site but feel free to bring a packed lunch if you prefer. This is an unmissable day out for all the family including your dogs as the Eden Project is a dog friendly location. For those more adventurous among you then check out the Zip Line. Soar above the Biomes on England’s longest and fastest zip wire covering 660 metres and travelling at speeds of up to 60mph. Book in advance to avoid missing out on this.
