Things to do

Cornwall is famous for its great surfing and Holywell Bay has some of the best waves in the county, making it one of the most reliable locations for great surf.

Lee at Holywell Bay School of Surf is on hand to perfect your technique whatever your level of experience. They are situated on the front of the beach. RNLI lifeguards are on duty patrolling the beach from May until the end of September.

If you prefer your sport at a slower pace, then coarse fishing is on offer at Gwinear Fishing Lakes nearby. While there’s great sea fishing to be had, if you set up your rods right at the water’s edge on the beach.

There are plenty of different and interesting beach in cliff walks around the local area with easy access to the South West Coast Path. iWalk Cornwall is a great app where you can download your chosen walk and follow it on your phone.

For keen golfers, Holywell Bay Golf offer a challenging 18 hole Par 3 links course, alongside an 18-hole Pitch and Putt, and a 16-hole Mini Golf. Slightly further afield are the 18-hole links courses of Newquay and Perranporth.

The Eden Project is the best known tourist attraction in Cornwall. A 45 minute drive from Pennsville, the spectacular biomes formed the largest greenhouse in the world. Special events are held throughout the year, such as ice-skating in the winter and the Eden Sessions in the summer previously featuring acts such as Oasis, Tom Jones, Blondie, Fatboy Slim and The Who.

Newquay Zoo is home to a variety of animals from African lions to dwarf Vietnamese potbelly pigs and the dangerous yellow banded poison dart frogs!

Lappa Valley Steam Railway transport families on an exciting nostalgic steam train ride into a secret world of traditional fun and family adventures. Open all year round, it’s wonderful fun for all the family.

If you want something a little different, why not visit the Screech Owl Sanctuary? Family-owned, the Sanctuary has a mission to demonstrate its passion for the natural environment and to encourage others to value the natural world we all share through its efforts in rehabilitation, conservation, and education.

The Lighthouse Cinema in Newquay offers rainy-day entertainment, with all the latest blockbusters.

Finally, for those who want pampering, look no further than the Headland Spa at the famous Headland Hotel, overlooking Fistral Beach in Newquay.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, there’s lots of ideas on the Visit Newquay website.

Cornwall has long been famous as a place of inspiration for artists, sculptors, and designers.

St Ives has been at the centre of Cornish arts and is home to the Tate St Ives, Barbara Hepworth Museum and the Leach Pottery, as well as dozens of independent artists, studios and galleries. Penzance and Falmouth also have thriving arts scenes.

Cornwall365 is a useful website providing information on all upcoming events in Cornwall.

The Minack Theatre is a breathtaking open air theatre carved into the hillside near Porthcurno, in the west of the county. The long drive is rewarded by the possibility of an unforgettable experience with productions running throughout the summer and day visits available most of the year.

We are so lucky to have a thriving food & drink scene in Cornwall.

Padstow is where it all began with Rick Stein, and now Nathan Outlaw and Paul Ainsworth both have restaurants near by. All get booked up well in advance, so booking is a must.

The Tartan Fox by Adam Handling is a relative newcomer to the area, offering an exceptional dining experience, just off the A30 near Summercourt.

Just up the coast in Perranporth, you’ll find the Watering Hole – the “UK’s only bar on a beach”. Renowned for “Tunes in the Dunes” and “Bands in the Sands”, you can catch some big name artists in this memorable location.

Closer to home and we have the Smuggler’s Den Inn just outside Cubert village, famous for its Pie & Ale Festival at the beginning of May. Within walking distance, you’ll find Holywell Beach Bar and Treguth Inn serving up tasty meals, should you not want to cook – you are on holiday, after all…

Of course, it wouldn’t be ‘proper’ if you didn’t go home without having a Cream Tea or a pasty!