Get active with outdoor activities in Cornwall

Walking

Walking in Cornwall is an absolute joy. With miles upon miles of golden beaches, cliff tops and countryside footpaths to explore, there’s no better way to enjoy the local scenery than on a hike. Some of the best walks can be found along the South West Coast Path. We like to stretch our legs with a hike along the coast from Perranporth to St Agnes or walking the length of Perranporth Beach.

Cycling

Cycling in Cornwall has become extremely popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. The coastal roads with their steep inclines and speedy descents, amid spectacular scenery, make for some thrilling riding. There are great rides in all directions, but the coast road between Perranporth and Gwithian is particularly special. There are also some family-friendly off-road routes to be explored around the county, including the Camel Trail near Padstow and the coast-to-coast Bissoe Trail between Portreath and Devoran.

Surfing

You can’t avoid surfing in Cornwall. Visit any beach on the North Coast and you are very likely to see people surfing or attending a surf school. It’s hugely popular, highly addictive and a great way to get active while splashing around in the sea. Here in Perranporth we have two superb surf schools – Perranporth Surf School and Stoked Surf School –  where visitors can learn the art of wave riding.

Golf

Cornwall has its fair share of quality golf courses, many of which are located in attractive, rolling countryside or overlooking the coast. The most famous places to play golf in Cornwall are Trevose Golf and Country Club and St Enodoc Golf Club. But right here in Perranporth we have one of Cornwall’s finest links courses. At Perranporth Golf Club visitors can enjoy a 18-hole round with stunning views of the dunes, beach and town in the valley below.

SUP Tours

Stand Up Paddle Boarding has exploded in popularity in recent years. SUPing is a great way to get on the water, take some exercise and see the coast from a completely different angle. A SUP board is essentially a very large and stable surfboard which you paddle while standing. It takes a while to get the hang of it, but once you do it’s a fun and exciting way to get active in Cornwall. It’s best to try this activity on flat water first. There are a few companies that offer SUP tours including SUP in a Bag which paddles out from St Agnes on calm days, and also provides sessions on the Gannel estuary near Newquay and the Fal estuary near Falmouth.

Coasteering

This activity is one for only the most adventurous visitors. Coasteering involves swimming, climbing and traversing along the coast, over rock and through caves, to explore the dramatic coastline and its marine life. The best places to go coasteering in Cornwall are from the beaches and coves of St Agnes and Newquay. For safety reasons, coasteering should only be attempted as part of an organised group.  One local company offering coasteering tours from beautiful St Agnes is Coastal Rush.

Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the most pleasurable ways to explore the coast and creeks of Cornwall. Paddling a kayak on a calm day out of Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes is one of the best local experiences to enjoy on holiday. Koru Kayaking run guided kayaking trips from St Agnes or, when it’s too rough on the north coast, they explore the calmer waters of Frenchman’s Creek on the Helford River. This is flat water kayaking on a tidal waterway, which is a lovely way to spend a sunny day in Cornwall.

Other Activities

For more information on outdoor activities in Cornwall, there are some useful local websites including Visit Cornwall and Adventure Cornwall.

If you’d like to organise your own activity filled holiday in Cornwall, please see our holiday houses and cottages in and around Perranporth and St Agnes. Start your holiday search here.