things to do in North Cornwall
Discover hidden secrets, grab adventure, and unwind on its golden sandy beaches – it’s all waiting for you.
Newquay truly has a little something for everyone: sandy beaches for sunbathing; beautiful rolling waves just perfect for surf; a range of family attractions to enjoy and a variety of amazing historic and cultural sites to visit. North Cornwall is truly perfect for fun-seekers and life-lovers of all ages!
Piran Meadows is the perfect destination for you to use as a base and explore the local area, with easy access to the gorgeous Cornish coast! Make the most of this incredible local area, and retreat, rest and unwind in between at your gorgeous and comfortable accommodation.
Newquay Activity Centre
TR7 1LW | 17 min drive from the resort
Newquay Activity Centre has over 20 years of experience in the industry and is the longest running surf school in town! Whether you are after surfing lessons, bodyboarding, coasteering, paddleboarding, kayaking or outdoor training you can do it all here. They are also the winners of the Cornwall and South West Tourism Awards and Trip Advisors number 1.
The centre is based in the heart of Newquay and is just a short walk away from Fistral Beach and Towan. They are open all year round, seven days a week and are surrounded by plenty of surf shops, independent retailers and cafes/restaurants so you will have plenty to do during your before or after your experience. The fantastic team are industry-leading experts with a wealth of international experience, so what are you waiting for? Get in touch and try the best adventure activities in Newquay today!
Eden Project
PL24 2SG | 30 min drive from the resort
The world-famous attraction of the Eden Project has so much to offer curious minds, whether old or young! Explore the biomes and walk through the unique ecosystems, including the tropical rainforest and Mediterranean climates. The central education area is filled with fun activities for all the family to enjoy, and the site often hosts storytime reading sessions, surrounded by the magical scenery, to create an unforgettable experience for little ones.
The Eden Project is home to England’s longest zipwire – for all those thrill-seekers out there! Visitors can also see one of these stunning rainforests from a bird’s eye view, for an unmissable trip.
Blue Reef Aquarium
TR7 1DU | 20 min drive away
A hugely popular aquarium in the local area, Blue Reef has all kinds of aquatic creatures: from the smallest clownfish, to a super-intelligent giant Pacific octopus and even black tip reef sharks! Stroll through the underwater tunnel and view the coral reef ocean display from the floor, where you’ll meet all the colourful fish just waiting to say hello.
There are plenty of rare and exotic fish to visit here, as well as information about the marine life in our own shores – and how we can help take care of it.
Newquay Zoo
PR7 2NL | 15 min drive away
With over 130 species at Newquay Zoo, you’ll have lots of fun meeting them all! The zoo is home to all kinds of creatures, from little lemurs to giant gorillas!
The keepers are always on hand to answer any questions you may have, and help you meet the wonderful animals at the zoo – a perfect trip for expanding little minds!
Lost Gardens of Heligan
PL26 6EN | 30 min drive away
This isn’t just a mystical name – these fantastic gardens were truly ‘lost’ for decades! Until just thirty years ago, the overgrowth in this paradise had hidden the entrance, keeping this lush Eden a true secret. A chance clear-out of the area revealed the door to the lost gardens, and they have been painstakingly and lovingly revived to the stunning botanical gardens as they are today. There are now many different areas to explore, including the estate itself and the themed gardens.
Follow the woodland walk to meet the breathtaking Heligan sculptures, the Giant’s Head, Mud Maid and Grey Lady: all carved from rock and are hidden in the landscape, just waiting to be found – like the gardens themselves for all those years.