If you’ve booked yourself a stay on the glorious Cornish Coast this coming May, we bet you can’t wait to enjoy the much awaited change of scenery. If there’s one thing we’re sure you’ve missed most in lockdown, it’s the wild coast and fresh sea air. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 6 of the best sea / nature inspired experiences in Cornwall perfect for those staying in Newquay.
With something for everyone to love, we hope you give a few of these a try and make your next trip to Newquay one to remember!
Bare Feet Coasteer
If you’re feeling the call of the wild after lockdown, look no further than Bare Feet Coasteer! Located next to Fistral Beach, their fully trained experts and lifeguards take you climbing around the Newquay coastline and jumping into the sea! You’ll explore the coast like never before, scaling the rugged rock surfaces while taking on daring leaps and coming face-to-face with wildlife.
A truly exhilarating experience for the whole family with child-friendly routes ranked by age. Can you imagine the excitement on your little ones’ faces? It’s the perfect treat after all that home schooling and staying indoors! Explore the sea in a brand new way, with the chance of spotting a seal or two. Confidence in the water helps, but no experience necessary. You’ll be fully briefed on safety and under expert supervision the entire time, so let go and enjoy the adventure!
All equipment including helmet, wetsuit, buoyancy aid, neoprene shorts and signature yellow rash vests will be provided. Your entire session will also be filmed on a Go-Pro camera included in the price, so if you want to show off on social media it’s all there for you! Head to their website here for more information, booking and Covid safety measures.
Newquay Sea Safaris
For those wanting to experience the freedom of the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean a little more… peacefully, a trip with Newquay Sea Safaris is the perfect activity! A spectacular sea-faring adventure that will take you around the beautiful Newquay coastline searching for the plethora of wildlife that thrives beyond sight of the shore.
You’ll launch from charming Newquay Harbour and embark on your wildlife-safe expedition to Seal Cove. On your trip you’ll have the chance to spot dolphins, basking sharks, sunfish, harbour porpoise and an array of different seabirds. Amazingly, both of their vessels ‘Atlantic Diver’ and ‘Bounty’ have a hydrophone fitted on board. This means you can listen out on deck for cetacean songs below the waves. Your trip will take approximately 2 hours, and you’ll have a Marine wildlife guide on board teaching you everything you need to know.
Their guides can also help you send off any pictures you take for marine research and conservation purposes – an exciting perk, especially for children.
They also offer fishing trips for those looking for a Zen day out or bonding session with family. You will be provided with a sustainable rod and line and be given expert tuition by guides who really know the best spots. You can also keep your whole catch ready for a BBQ later! The sub-tropical climate around Newquay means there will be a huge variety of species and sizes for you to catch!
For more information and booking, head over to their website here.
Tintagel & St Nectan’s Glen
If you fancy a day out of town and into rural Cornwall, this is an absolute must. The drive will take you just under an hour up the North Cornish Coast. You’ll witness the landscape become more ancient as you journey, enjoying the turns of the terrain.
Start your day with a visit to the breath-taking waterfalls at St. Nectan’s Glen, a truly unmissable encounter. Perfect for nature lovers, history buffs and those attuned to the ethereal, this place offers a rich experience for everyone.
Described in their own words; ‘We are thrilled to welcome you to one of nature’s most stunning and awe-inspiring creations. A world filled with the elixir that nature has shaped into one of Cornwall’s most unspoilt hidden corners. Voted an area of outstanding natural beauty…due to its rare specimens of plants, and considered to be one of the UK’s most spiritual sites…’
From the second you park the car at this lush location, you will feel transported. You’ll take a walk through the ancient woodland with the River Trevillet twinkling at your side. As you near the falls, you begin to hear and feel the power of it echoing through the trees. The awe you’ll feel when your eyes meet the falls cannot be appreciated until you are stood before it.
The waterfall is open every day between 10am and 4pm, last admissions at 3.30pm. Covid procedures and social distancing measures are in place. This means you’ll have to bring your own pair of wellies as their rent stores are closed due to guidelines. Please be aware your feet will be fully submerged in water! With low admission prices, this is a must see adventure. They also have the gorgeous Tree of Life café with stunning views and delicious treats.
For more information, head to their website here.
Tintagel
After your trip to the falls take the short drive over to Tintagel village and explore the remains of Tintagel Castle and the South West Coast Path. The castle is a ruin that was once thought to be the remains of Camelot. Head across the bridge to explore Tintagel Island and down the steps onto the secluded beach were Merlin’s cave sits unspoilt in the rock face.
Advanced booking is essential at the moment due to social distancing measures reducing visitor numbers. Head to their website for more information and to book your slot here. There is no better place to immerse yourself in fascinating legends and folklore as the tales you’ve always heard about take life before your eyes.
If you want to really escape the bustle, take a walk along this part of the South west coast path. Comprised of a beautiful stroll along the cliffs, you’ll follow in the footsteps of romantic poets such as Tennyson, who would come to use its beauty as their muse. In May, the sea will glow bright and blue, with flora such as primroses, thorn bushes and bracken under the gorse. Head to their website here for more detailed information on your route.
Escape Surf School
Have you ever tried surfing? Learn from the best! If you’re coming to Cornwall for the first time this year, it’s time to give it a try. Whether you’re an experienced rider or have never touched a surfboard in your life, Escape Surf School are your perfect teachers. As one of the longest running Surf Schools in the UK, they will provide you with everything you need to build on your skills or learn the basics. They are also the only school in the UK who boast two ex-professional surfers on their team.
With over 17 years in the business, the founding couple are passionate about sharing their love for surfing with visitors. You’ll enjoy expert tuition and get to experience first-hand the thrill of catching waves. Great for all ages, this is sure to be a fun-packed day of triumphs and laughter. Could there be a better way to refresh your senses after such a long winter?
This year they will be running their popular kids-only surf lessons over the school holidays. Limited to 5 kids per session, these are aimed at 8 – 13 year olds of all abilities. Dates from April onwards are filling up fast so get your kids involved and give them a Cornish holiday they’ll never forget. Find more information and booking here.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Just a 40 minute drive to the South Cornish Coast from Newquay, the Lost Gardens of Heligan offer an enchanting day out for everyone.
Known as one of the most mysterious and romantic estates in Britain, this beautiful garden had been lost to time since WW1. It was reawakened once again in 1990 as Europe’s largest ever restoration project. The gardens today are comprised of 200 acres and are an Avalon to any explorer or nature lover. The variety of flora is extremely vast and you will find yourself lost in the scale of its beauty again and again. The gardens also boast a plethora of wildlife to discover as you tread its spellbinding paths. With so much to see including art installations, lakes, hills, views, bridges, willows, caves, allotments, fields and pathways – you’ll lose track of time in this vibrant wonderland.
Social distancing measures are in place so it is essential to book your visit ahead of time. Head to their website here to secure your tickets and get ready for an incredible day out in nature.
The Japanese Gardens
Just a 15 minute drive from Newquay lies the stunning Japanese Gardens in St.Mawgan.
The garden provides an authentic Japanese design in an idyllic Cornish setting. With many plants and water features, visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature in a peaceful and relaxing space. The perfect place to find tranqulity and a sense of calm, the Gardens are traditionally laid out using artitsic refinement to shape and scult the natural elements. The details all come together to create a garden that is truly beautiful to behold, both perfect and balanced.
The Japanese Garden is open from 10am – 6pm, 7 days a week until the 31st October. Last entrance at 5pm. It is essential to book your visit in advance, find the link to book here.
If you haven’t booked your trip to Newquay yet but are feeling inspired, we still have some last minute availablity! Check out our stunning self-catreing holiday accomodation here.