14 Apr A big round up of all the best things to do near Atlantic Reach!
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to our friendly holiday resort!
We’ve put together the ultimate list of things to do in Cornwall – from zoos and animal parks to adventure playgrounds, walks and gardens to castles and Segway tours! Read on for over 50 of the best places to explore, listed from nearest to furthest so you can plan your days. Whether you’re looking for something you can roll out of bed for or want to plan an epic day out, there’s something for all the family to enjoy!
Onsite
Whether you want to work out, rest or play, there’s so much to do onsite to keep everyone entertained!
🏊 Pools (indoor and outdoor)
Cool off, chill out, play or take some gentle exercise in either of our indoor or outdoor pools. Just remember to book your spot in advance, click here for more details.
🍴 The Café
Open from 8.30am daily, The Café is a proper little hub, serving up delicious dishes, home-baked cakes and barista brewed coffee which you can eat in or take away. A handy tip for the grown-ups…it’s also a licensed bar.
🍴 The Manor Arms
Friendly and fun, The Manor Arms is open for dining, drinking and dancing. Featuring regularly updated menus of homemade food using with local ingredients and produce, and a Sunday roast that’ll knock your socks off.
💪 Gym and fitness
If you don’t want to break your gym streak while you’re enjoying your dream Cornish holiday, you’re in luck. Our Leisure Club and fitness studios are some of the biggest and best equipped in Cornwall. There’s also a huge timetable of classes and sessions to get stuck into!
🤠 Cornwall Segway
If you’ve never experienced riding a Segway, it’s fairly indescribable, but the best we’ve come up with is like a sort of standing up magic carpet. Sound fun? With tours and play areas, Cornwall Segway offers a brilliant, fun, safe introduction to this unique form of transport – definitely one to check out while you’re here.
5 Miles Or Less
A range of family friendly adventures are just a hop away from your front door!
🐎 Springfield Fun Park – 2 miles, 7 minutes
Just down the road, Springfields is a family run, traditional adventure park with everything from animal feeding experiences to a boating lake and crazy golf, and even an eight acre ancient woodland to explore. However, there’s also the inside play barn for wet weather days, including an under-twos area for the really little-uns – so you’ve got an all weather option for the family on your doorstep!
Visitor info – https://www.springfieldfunpark.co.uk/visitor-info/
🐮 DairyLand – 3.5 miles, 10 minutes
As a well-loved family friendly Cornish destination, a trip to DairyLand is a classic element of many holidays. There’s a huge range of indoor and outdoor activities, including play areas, the Heritage Moo-seum, Wildlife Trail, Pat-a-Pet, Pedal Town, Moo’s Mall and much more.
Events – https://www.dairylandfarmpark.com/events
🦉Screech Owl Sanctuary – 3 miles, 8 minutes
Another gem just a stone’s throw away, there are lots of furry and feathered friends at the Screech Owl Sanctuary, with experts on hand to help you learn more about how these fascinating creatures live. You can even meet some of the animals through a handling session or flying experience!
More info – https://screechowlsanctuary.co.uk/visitor-information-prices/
🥾 Goss Moor Trail – 3 miles, 5 minutes
Goss Moor is a national nature reserve which features a gentle, flat 7 mile circular route which gives safe access to the moorland in mid-Cornwall. It’s great for new or little cyclists, older members of the family, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs. You can join the trail at various places on the rote, but one of the easiest places to join is from the old A30 road just outside St Columb.
🥾 Castle An Dinas – 4.5 miles, 10 minutes
The gentle climb up to this ancient hill fort is perfect for burning off some energy – and once you get up to the top, you have some of the most amazing views across north Cornwall! With huge ramparts and ditches, and the remains of Bronze Age barrows in the centre, it’s one of the most important archaeological sites in Cornwall.
🌿 Trerice House and Gardens – 5 miles, 10 minutes
This Elizabethan manor house, just on the outskirts of Newquay, features jaw-dropping interiors, intriguing history, gorgeous gardens, a tea room, second hand bookshop and a range of seasonal activities. You can also try your hand at kayles – a Cornish variation of skittles!
More info – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trerice
10 Miles Or Less
A short drive will take you to these exciting places.
🌿 The Japanese Garden – 6 miles, 11 minutes
This one’s only open between April and October, but it’s so unusual and beautiful that we just had to give it a mention. The calming oasis features a Zen gravel garden, pond, water feature and sculptures, alongside an amazing variety of plants including bonsai trees and bamboo groves – with a nursery and gift shop as well.
🏰 Roche Rock – 8 miles, 13 minutes
This windswept rock has the ruins of an old chapel perched on top of it! Admittedly, it’s a bit of a scramble through the moorland, but we can guarantee you’ll never have seen anything quite like it before. Truly atmospheric and definitely worth stopping for on your way by.
🎠 Camel Creek – 8 miles, 15 minutes
Camel Creek is guaranteed fun for kids of all ages. There’s a range of indoor and outdoor rides and activity centres – from tea-cup waltzers to log flumes, and slides to mini rollercoasters. You can also get hands on with furry friends including pony and shire horse grooming, meerkat feeding and rabbit holding! If all that sounds tiring, don’t worry – there’s a snack shack, cafe and ice cream parlour if you need to refuel. Check out their seasonal event programme too.
What’s on – https://www.camelcreek.co.uk/calendar-of-events/
🏄♂️ SSS Surf School – 7 miles, 15 minutes
Based at the sheltered Towan beach in Newquay, SSS Surf School caters for absolutely everyone. You can book a session just for your family, join in a group lesson, or have a one-to-one. If it’s as flat as a pancake while you’re visiting, how about a stand-up paddle boarding tour? It’s a magical way to see the beautiful coastline!
🏖 Mawgan Porth – 8 miles, 14 mins
Don’t be fooled if you find yourself at Mawgan Porth at high-tide – at low-tide, the sea retreats and the beach becomes huge, with plenty of rock pools, nooks and crannies to explore. There’s a parade of shops and restaurants, and the Merrymoor pub if you need a pitstop. Remember – always follow the lifeguard’s instructions, and if in doubt, stay out!
🏖 Watergate Bay – 8 miles, 15 mins
Where Mawgan Porth beach goes a long way out at low-tide, Watergate goes a long way from side to side! Two miles from end to end, you’ll definitely manage to find a quiet spot in this gorgeous stretch of sand – just keep an eye on the tide times and don’t get cut off! Don’t worry if you haven’t got any beach equipment – there’s all types of surf-hire on the walk down to the beach.
🏖 Fistral Bay and Newquay beaches – 8 miles, 15 minutes
Newquay is truly a family paradise. Beach-wise, you’ve got the huge Fistral Bay facing west catching the bigger swells, and around the headland and onto the town side, Towan, Great Western, Tolcarne and Lusty Glaze are all more sheltered with plenty of room to explore. The town’s full of shops, food options, and souvenirs – so if you’ve forgotten something you won’t have to go far to find what you need!
What’s on in Newquay – https://www.visitnewquay.org/whats-on
🏴☠️ Pirate’s Quest Adventure Golf, Newquay – 8 miles, 15 minutes
Miniature golf – but make it pirate-themed! Right in the middle of Newquay, this fun experience is great for kids both big and small. Make your way through Shipwreck Cove, the Towan Blystra Docks, Blackbeard’s Tavern, Davey Jones’ Locker and many more on your golfing adventure.
Check availability and opening times here – https://www.piratesquest.co.uk/special-events/
🦁 Newquay Zoo – 8 miles, 15 minutes
You can travel the world at Newquay Zoo, from lions to lemurs, meerkats to monkeys, and the Carpathian lynx to capybaras! Find out about the mammals, birds, reptiles and plants the zoo cares for, and you can also have an up close and personal experience with some of the animals!
Events – https://www.newquayzoo.org.uk/wild-events/
🐠 Blue Reef Aquarium – 8 miles, 15 minutes
Big fish, little fish, and everything in-between – the huge array of marine life cared for at the Blue Reef Aquarium down on the beachfront in Newquay is incredible. You can catch a glimpse of black tipped reef sharks, the giant Pacific octopus, turtles and caiman crocodiles across 40 different habitats from the Cornish coast to tropical seas.
More info – https://www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/newquay/
🏎 St Eval Kart Circuit, 15 minutes, 9 miles
Unleash your inner racing driver with a trip to St Eval Kart Circuit. With different track options for different age groups and abilities, you can get competitive with your kids or let the little ones show off their skills!
More info – https://www.stevalkartcircuit.com/
🏖 Holywell Bay, 10 miles, 20 minutes
With an absolutely stunning view out to sea through the iconic Gull Rocks, Holywell Bay is another stunning beach and well worth a visit. The holy well itself is only accessible in a cave at the north end of the beach on very low tides, so safety first and only go looking if you’ve got enough time. There’s also a shipwreck in the middle of the beach that gets uncovered at low tides – something to look out for!
Up To 20 Miles
These places might be a little further afield but they’re well worth a visit!
🦞 The National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow – 11.5 miles, 20 minutes
The National Lobster Hatchery is a must see if you’re intrigued by these fascinating creatures. You can even be a part of their brilliant conservation work by adopting a lobster for just £4! There’s plenty more to do and see in Padstow so you could easily make a day of it.
More info – https://www.nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk/visitor-centre/
🚤 Padstow Sealife Safaris – 11.5 miles, 20 minutes
Get out on the water with Padstow Sealife Safaris. You’ll enjoy amazing coastal views and have the chance to spot some of our marine wildlife and birdlife.
More info – https://www.padstowsealifesafaris.co.uk/boat-trips/
🚲The Camel Trail, Wadebridge – 11.5 miles, 10 minutes
The Camel Trail is a free bike and footpath that runs along the River Camel between Padstow and Bodmin. We suggest starting at Wadebridge so you can choose which direction to go in! It’s an old train line so it’s completely level, meaning an easy cycle or stroll for all family members.
🚂 Bodmin & Wenford Railway – 15 miles, 20 minutes
Take a trip back in time with a journey on an old-fashioned steam train through the beautiful Cornish valleys. First opened in 1834, this historic line covers four stations, each with their own history and heritage.
Opening times and seasonal/special events – https://bodminrailway.co.uk/things-to-do/events/
🏭 Wheal Martyn Clay Museum, 11.5 miles, 20 minutes
Discover the fascinating history of Cornwall’s china clay industry. This important substance is so widely used you will come across it everywhere in your everyday life – from bricks to paper to make-up. Plenty for grown-ups and little ones, and there’s a cafe on-site too.
🍦Callestick Ice Cream Parlour – 14 miles, 22 minutes
Callestick’s champion ice cream is a classic taste of Cornwall. Why not visit their ice cream parlour to try some of their incredible flavours of ice cream, sorbet and much more? The dairy treats are made onsite with the help of their herd of 380 grass-fed cows. Although operating only as a take-away with outside seating at the moment, keep an eye on their website for updates and events.
More info – https://www.callestickfarm.co.uk/ourparlour
🦙 Llama Land – 12.5 miles, 20 minutes
If you love all things llama, then you’ve obviously got to visit Llama Land, which is just outside Truro. You can even take those fluffy faces for walk experiences!
More info – https://www.llamalland.com/
🍻🚜 Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm – 25 minutes, 14 miles
The largest independent cider maker in Cornwall and the home of world famous Rattler! Healey’s farm is open all year round for tractor rides, tours, tasting, and homemade food and drink. They have a range of seasonal events too so check out their website to see their current activities.
What’s on – https://healeyscyder.co.uk/whats-on
🏖 Harlyn Bay – 25 minutes, 14 miles
This gorgeous open bay faces north, so when the waves are larger over on the west-facing beaches you’ll find more shelter here! It’s a huge sweep of sand so there’s plenty of room to run around.
🏖 Perranporth – 25 minutes, 15 miles
Another massive expanse of beach at low-tide (so check your timings!), this beach faces west and has the lovely little town of Perranporth behind it – full of places to eat, drink and shop. Perranporth is also home to The Watering Hole, the UK’s only pub that’s literally on a beach!
🌿 The Eden Project, 15 miles, 25 minutes
This absolute world-class destination is only 25 minutes away and it’s well worth the trip – pictures can’t really convey how amazing it is. Between biomes, learning centres and cafés, there’s so much to do you’ll struggle to fit it all in to a one day trip.
What’s On – https://www.edenproject.com/visit/whats-on
⛪️ Truro Cathedral – 16 miles, 25 minutes
Truro is Cornwall’s great little city! Small but perfectly formed, there’s loads to do and see, including the Royal Cornwall Museum, river walks, eating and shopping. We also love the cathedral which is absolutely beautiful inside and out, and has a peaceful garden at the back that no-one seems to know about!
🌿 The Lost Gardens of Heligan – 15 miles, 30 minutes
This incredible garden was rescued from the wilderness in 1990 and is now an absolutely stunning destination for a day out. There’s plenty to occupy little people, including a jungle walk and an adventure playground, as well as the the huge variety of beautiful plant life, farmland and woodland. They also put on plenty of events on throughout the year, so be sure to check out their latest listings!
Events – https://www.heligan.com/events
🏰 Restormel Castle – 18 miles, 30 minutes
If you’re into your knights and round tables but don’t want to head all the way up to Tintagel, Restormel Castle is a great option for an afternoon out closer to hand. This atmospheric castle is around 800 years old, and you can still climb the stone staircase to the ramparts for epic views!
More info – https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/restormel-castle/
🌿 Trelissick Gardens – 20 miles, 35 minutes
Beautiful Trelissick is on Cornwall’s sheltered south coast and shows you the best of the country and the coast. With shaded woodland walks and maritime views, there’s plenty of space to stretch your legs! There’s also a café, shop, plant sales, second-hand bookshop and Cornwall Crafts gallery.
More info – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/trelissick
🌅 Wheal Coates, St Agnes – 20 miles, 31 minutes
If you’re looking for an absolutely picture-perfect postcard photo to take away with you, this is the one. You cannot beat an atmospheric engine house on the edge of a rugged cliff with the sunset in the background. Plus, it’s on the South West Coast Path so you can make a walk of it as well.
More info – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wheal-coates
A Little Further Away
These attractions are well worth a visit, so if you’re looking for a big adventure and to make a day of it, here are some great options for a proper expedition.
🤸 Heartlands, Poole – 23 miles, 30 minutes
Heartlands is a free, 19-acre heritage centre that celebrates Cornish history and culture. With a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, you’re covered whatever the weather! Based in a World Heritage Site, it’s complete with an engine house and mining machinery, as well as a museum, gardens, a dedicated play area, and café.
Events – https://www.heartlandscornwall.com/events/
🏰 Tintagel Castle – 25 miles, 50 minutes
Immerse yourself in history and mystery at Tintagel Castle in north Cornwall; associated with the legends of King Arthur, magician Merlin, and the tragic love story of Tristan and Iseult. There’s so much to do, whether you explore the beautiful beach at the bottom, or the ruins of medieval buildings and contemporary sculptures on the island itself. English Heritage also opened a new footbridge over to the island in 2019, which improves accessibility.
More info – https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle/
🥾 Brown Willy / Bronn Wennilli – 26 miles, 50 minutes
If you’re keen on walks, you really ought to check out Bodmin Moor. Brown Willy is the highest point in Cornwall, so much so that on clear days you can see from the north to the south coast. The name comes from the Cornish words Bron Wenilli, which means ‘Hill of Swallows.’
More info – https://www.cornwalls.co.uk/bodmin/brown-willy.htm
🦜 Paradise Park, Hayle – 30 miles, 45 minutes
Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary, just outside of Hayle, is a tropical adventure featuring over 130 species of birds from all corners of the world, as well as a bunch of other furry critters to meet as well. With a Dinosaur Trail Quiz, and the Jungle Barn play centre, there’s plenty indoors and out for everyone.
Events – https://paradisepark.org.uk/events-and-news/events-throughout-the-year/
🌿 Trebah Gardens – 30 miles, 55 minutes
Trebah is a unique valley garden just south of Falmouth – and easily one of the most stunning. The estate features a range of landscaped and more wild gardens, including the iconic Mallard Pond which is surrounded by incredible flowering displays of beautiful and unusual plant-life. The valley eventually leads down to Polgwidden, a gorgeous private beach with a seaside cafe.
What’s On – https://www.trebahgarden.co.uk/events
🎢 Flambards – 32 miles, 55 minutes
You know what they say…it’s the best day of the week! Seriously though, Cornwall’s fab little theme park, close to Helston, is an institution beloved by both locals and visitors alike.
More info – https://www.flambards.co.uk/
🎨 St Ives – 36 miles, 56 minutes
This historic harbour has evolved into a bustling town, absolutely jam-packed full of shops and restaurants, and of course, art galleries. From the world famous Tate St Ives and Leach Pottery, to the studios of many independent artists, crafters and makers, you can easily spend a day wandering through the crooked lanes and cobbled streets.
🏰 St Michael’s Mount – 36 miles, 50 minutes
An absolute jewel in the crown of Cornwall’s iconic spots, St Michael’s Mount is a fairytale castle perched on an island in Mount’s Bay, which you can walk to across a stone causeway which is uncovered when the tide goes out. Need we say more?
Plan your visit – https://www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit
🏖 Kynance Cove – 43 miles, 1 hour 25 minutes
Another picture-perfect location that’s well worth the drive – but probably best to check the tides and set off early if you’re looking for a beach day. Turquoise pools, white sand, dramatic rocky stacks and islands…it’s a real-life postcard.
More info – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kynance-cove
🎭 The Minack Theatre, Penwith – 46 miles / 1 hour 30 minutes
If you’re into your shows then your backdrops literally don’t get more spectacular than this! The Minack is an amphitheatre built into the the side of dramatic granite cliffs next to one of Cornwall’s most photographed beaches. Open for shows and tours throughout the year, check their website for listings and events.
What’s on – https://www.minack.com/whats-on/by-genre
🌅 Land’s End and Sennen – 47 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes
If you’ve climbed the highest hill in Cornwall, how about getting to the furthest point west? The Land’s End landmark attraction features shops, activities, eateries and even a hotel and historic 17th century inn, so there’s a lot to see as well as the iconic sign! Nearby Sennen Cove is another classic beach with a long stretch of white sand.