Cornwall, from a different view!

There’s no denying that Cornwall is a beautiful county however you look at it, and that’s exactly what we’re suggesting you do! Try taking a look at Cornwall from a different perspective and experience the Duchy from an alternative point of view such as from the sea, the air, underwater, or even underground. Here are a few ideas of how to get a completely different outlook on Cornwall…

Stand Up Paddleboarding along the Gannel 

Book in for a river SUP tour with Newquay Activity Centre and learn how to Stand Up Paddleboard along the beautiful Gannel Estuary just south of Newquay. The calm and sheltered waters of the river make this an excellent place for learners, or for those honing their SUP skills. The Gannel flows to the stunning sands of Crantock beach, past magnificent sand dunes and clear water pools to meet the ocean. There’s plenty of wildlife and native birds to spot along the route, and local history to hear about from the instructors.

Dolphin Spotting on a Sea Safari

Cruise the secret coves and secluded beaches around Newquay on coastal cruises for all the family with Newquay Sea Safaris. Spot Cornwall’s marine wildlife up close in their natural habitat such as Cornish grey seals, dolphins, fish, and if you’re lucky, even sharks. Guided by a marine biologist skipper, learn all about the fascinating marine ecology, and view Newquay’s beautiful beaches from a completely different angle. Remember to bring your camera!

Kayaking along the Helford River

Take to the river with Koru Kayaking along the Helford to Frenchman’s Creek or Falmouth Bay, depending on wind conditions and tides. Passing sailing boats and ancient oaks to reach Frenchman’s Creek, this tranquil inlet (the inspiration for Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name) is perfectly appreciated from the peace of a kayak. Alternatively paddle towards Falmouth Bay experiencing secluded beaches and famous gardens from the serenity of the water, and on sunny days enjoy a swim before paddling back to Budock Vean.

Diving in the Cornish Waters

Learn to dive with Dive Newquay’s dedicated team of experienced instructors, and experience over 30 wreck dives, stunning reef and shore dives, and see Cornwall, its history and marine wildlife from below the water. Within a ten mile radius of Newquay are over 200 wreck sites, making the area the richest wreck heritage in the UK, as well as being home to a diverse eco system and an abundance of marine life.

Flying England’s Longest and Fastest Zip Wire

Visit the Hang Loose at the Eden Project for aerial adventures not for the faint hearted! Soar above the famous biomes on England’s longest and fastest zip wire the SkyWire, covering 660 metres and travelling at speeds of up to 60mph. Or try your hand (and footing!) on the SkyTrek aerial high ropes adventure with balance beams, swinging logs, wobbly bridges and a zip wire finale.

Plummet at 50mph from 65 foot out over a cliff edge in the giant swing Gravity, which can be ridden solo, or with up to two friends. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, The Drop is a leap of faith ten metres over a cliff edge, or screw up your courage to attempt Big Air: an epic base jump with a 12 metre drop. Pick the ride that you most want to try, or create your own adventure by combining several rides and benefit from a discount.

Skydiving above Perranporth

Do you fancy seeing Cornwall from the skies? A family run skydive centre, with fully qualified and very experienced instructors, The Cornish Parachute Club is situated on the cliffs above Perranporth and is the only skydive centre in the UK to boast the beach as a drop zone. Climb to 10,000 feet and appreciate breathtaking views of the Cornish coastline before hurtling towards the Atlantic Ocean at 120mph!

Climbing Local Peaks

Take a walk to the highest point of St Agnes Beacon for panoramic sea views that stretch from Newquay to Perranporth, taking in Trevaunance Cove and Chapel Porth, and out as far as Godrevy Lighthouse on a clear day or inland across to Bodmin Moor. Get those calf muscles working as you head up through the gorse and hedgerow-lined hills to the stone monument at the top, 630 foot above sea level!

Cornwall’s highest hill is Brown Willy, on Bodmin Moor, with a summit of 1378 feet (420 meters) above sea level. Situated among the rocky outcrops on rugged Bodmin Moor, there are cairns that date back to the early Bronze Age, with the hill considered a sacred place, thought to be the resting place of an ancient Cornish king.

Galloping along the Sand

Take in the views from horseback! Reen Manor Stables are located very close to Perranporth and offer a number of different rides and hacks including a beautiful ride along Perranporth’s three mile beach, accessed via safe bridleways and along the extensive dunes above the beach. Inland rides trot through the Cornish countryside to a traditional thatched roof pub where you can enjoy a pasty and a pint while the horses graze. At the stables there are over 20 horses varying in size, suiting all from beginners to advanced riders.

Going underground at Geevor Mine in person or by VR!

Conserving the history and importance of the Cornish tin mining industry, Geevor is the largest preserved mining site in the country, and the key centre within the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. Travel underground into Wheal Mexico, dating back to the 18th Century, and walk through tunnels made by men and boys two hundred years ago. Explore the many buildings and mining machinery, and enjoy interactive exhibits in the Hard Rock Museum.

For visitors unable to access the underground, there is now a Virtual Reality (VR) tour available on request, creating an experience “as close to an actual tour as possible without it being the real thing” and allowing accessibility to visitors of all physical abilities.

If you’re ready for an adventure in Cornwall, browse our holiday cottages and start planning an action-packed trip.