The best outdoor activities to enjoy in Cornwall this summer
After a year of lockdowns and attractions closing as well as disruptions for travelling abroad expected to continue for the foreseeable, many people are looking to go on a staycation in the UK this summer.
Cornwall should be at the top of your bucket list for destinations to visit in the UK in the summer as there are so many things you can do in the county. When it comes to adventure and outdoor activities, the Duchy is unrivalled.
With its stunning coasts, cliffs and caves, the region has seen a whole host of great experiences emerge and below are just some of the best outdoor activities you can enjoy when you are staying at holiday parks in Cornwall this summer.
Best outdoor activities in Cornwall
- Hot air balloon rides in Cornwall
- Coasteering in Cornwall
- Visit the Kernow Adventure Park
- Surfing in Cornwall
- Kayaking in Cornwall
Hot air balloon rides in Cornwall
If you want to see Cornwall in all its glory, then a hot air balloon ride is something you should certainly consider doing. You can enjoy breathtaking views from high up above and you will experience a unique combination of thrill and serenity.
Bailey Balloons are one such company that can offer you hot air balloon rides over Cornwall that will give you some spectacular views of the Duchy.
They told us about why you should go on a hot air balloon ride in Cornwall: “A hot air balloon flight is a wonderful experience for absolutely everyone. You don’t have to be an adrenaline-lover, balloon flights are in fact very calming experiences known for allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the spectacular views (especially in Cornwall). We have flown passengers from seven to one hundred years of age over the past 25 years, so ballooning really is an activity for all.”
Bailey Balloons launch from the historic market town of Launceston and they told us a bit about the views you can expect to see.
“North Cornwall has a spectacular landscape and coastline where nearly one-third of the region is a recognised area of outstanding natural beauty. From the sky, you could fly over Beacon Hill, Bodmin Moor, medieval castles and numerous places of interest. Views stretch for miles, in the north to Lundy Island and the cliffs of Forrabury, to the east Exmoor and Dartmoor and to the west King Arthur’s Tintagel, Port Isaac and the surfing centres of Newquay and Rock. Where the hot air balloon flies is entirely dependent on the wind direction, so no two flights are the same.”
Bailey Balloons are set to resume flying their exclusive balloons from 12th April and their shared passenger balloons from 17th May. The flying season runs from April-October.
Coasteering in Cornwall
Image source: Cornish Coasteering
If you want to explore Cornwall’s wild coast and spectacular craggy cliffs, then coasteering is the activity for you. You can climb, swim and jump your way along the cliffs, play in the waves and explore old smugglers’ caves, all whilst under the watchful eye of qualified and experienced instructors.
Coasteering is the ideal outdoor activity for a variety of groups as it can be perfect for families, individuals, birthday celebrations and stag do weekends or hen parties.
Cornish Coasteering told us a bit more about what you can expect: “The Cornish coastline is perfect as it offers a variety of natural features that lend themselves to coasteering. Sheltered bays and lagoons are perfect for swimming, sheer slate ledges allow for low-level traversing, deep water lies beneath many accessible jumps, and a labyrinth of sea caves are perfect for smugglers… I mean coasteerers!
“Cornish coasteering is everything you always wanted to do at the seaside when you were a kid but were not allowed! Let us guide your adventure safely as you swim, climb and jump your way along the cliffs, play in the waves and explore sea caves. Gain a unique perspective of the stunning Cornish coastline under the watchful eye of our qualified and experienced instructors.”
Visit the Kernow Adventure Park
The Kernow Adventure Park is a hidden gem, set just outside of Penryn. Founded in 2014 as a granite quarry, which soon after was upcycled into a Wake park by the owner, Alex Sly. It is now a safe playground for adventure seekers, and those who love an action-packed day spent outside.
The team at Kernow Adventure Park told us a bit more about the activities on offer at the park: “Our activities can be enjoyed from the age of 6. This includes paddle boarding around the tranquil lake, jumping around on the Aquapark, riding a wakeboard around the quarry, or feeling the adrenaline on the Ringo. These activities can be for total beginners, to experts, and we offer coaching and a brief before each session.
“This season our park has gotten bigger and better, we’ve expanded our outdoor facilities for picnics, and spectators to take in the beautiful scenery. Also, our aquapark has increased in size, for more people to enjoy their time here! All our customers who visit, arrive and leave with a smile on their face, due to the fun-filled day they have planned.”
Surfing in Cornwall
Up there with pasties, you will soon learn that surfing is also engrained in the Cornish culture and with over 250 miles of coastline and more than 300 beaches it should come as little surprise.
The beaches across the north coast of Cornwall are great for surfing and from the golden sand beaches of St. Ives to the premier surfing spot of Newquay, there are plenty of spots where you can take on some serious waves.
If you stay at our Looe caravan park there are lots of surfing beaches that are within easy reach including Newquay, which is the mecca for surfing in Cornwall and is less than an hour’s drive away.
If you are a beginner and are looking for surf lessons in Cornwall, then Cornish Surfing provides lessons at one of Cornwall’s best surfing spots… Polzeath Beach. Just an hour away from Looe, the beach is regarded as one of the best for surfing in the whole of the UK.
Talking about their lessons, Cornish Surfing says: “We tailor our sessions to match your group’s ability. Cornish Surfing is perfect for a wide variety of groups from, families and friends, individuals, Schools and Scouts, Clubs, stag and hens and corporate groups.”
Kayaking in Cornwall
Another great outdoor activity that you can try in Cornwall this summer is kayaking. But why is kayaking such a great activity to try?
Put simply, it is one of the best ways of getting really close to nature and away from the crowds and you can explore the coast, rivers and creeks that are located all over the county.
There are quiet rivers and estuaries that offer great wild corridors through stunning landscapes, whilst you can go sea kayaking if you would prefer to discover sea caves and secret coves that would otherwise be unreachable.
There are firms that offer kayaking tours around the county and one such firm is Cornish Kayaking, which offers tours around the Cornish coastline and the Camel Estuary.
They told us a bit about their kayaking tours in Cornwall: “We will guide you safely along sheltered beaches and coves, play in the waves, and rest on hidden bays along the way.”
This article includes just some of the best outdoor activities you can enjoy in Cornwall this summer, but there are many more which you can try. If you want to read more interesting blogs like this, then take a look at the blog section on our website.
