This is the Boys 4 Adventure Cornwall Guide – your essential directory for all things related to Cornwall tourism.
On this site we feature the very best hotels, cottages, campsites, visitor attractions, restaurants, activities and other things to see, do and experience while in Cornwall.
Cornwall is a picturesque and popular holiday and mini-break destination in South West England. Famous for beaches, pasties and surfing, Cornwall is also an epicentre for culture, gastronomy, adventure and stunning landscapes.
Please use this BIG guide to Cornwall tourism businesses to plan your next trip to this cool corner of the country, whether you are planning a family holiday, a romantic weekend away or an active break with mates.
Please learn and enjoy everything that Cornwall has to offer.
Spring is coming, and do you know what that means? It means going out and enjoying the sun! At Cornwall you can do more than just walk around, even if this in itself is already a great thing to do. You can breathe in the cool spring breeze while taking in the sites of blooming trees and buzzing insects.
At Cornwall, the outdoors are a must-go especially if you’re there during the season of hope and new beginnings. Aside from the scenery, there are also a lot of festivities happening around. If you want to know what a blooming spring really feels like, take a look at these sites to visit.
1. Gardens of Cornwall
Home of the daffodils, spring brings new life to the gardens of Cornwall. This sub-tropical foliage functions year-round but only every explodes in color during the spring. The Magnolia Campbellii Champion trees is quite a sight as these rare majestic trees luminate the breathing and very much alive gardens of Cornwall.
2. Surfing
Although not for everyone surfing can be quite an enjoyable activity around the beaches of Cornwall. Aside from the fresh and salty smell of the ocean breeze, the waves are also perfect for surfing. During the spring, don’t be surprise if surfers from around the globe travel all the way to Cornwall to catch the waves.
3. Bluebells
Perhaps nothing could truly paint a perfect picture of Cornwall but these flowers. Not only do they decorate the country of Cornwall, they also give it its rich natural color. “Wild Hyacinths” are another way to call these beautiful flowers that spring to life around the country of Cornwall.
4. Scilly Isles
To the birdwatchers out there, this might be your favorite spot to visit! This interesting place surely is a sight to see. This place isn’t quite accessible during the winter which is why aside from having its natural charm during spring, it is also the best time to visit because of how perfect the weather is.
5. The Beach
Almost having that tropical flavor to a very European location is something that makes the beaches of Cornwall unique. With its marvelous white sand beaches and the smell of the salty wind in the air. The beaches of Cornwall is exactly where you’d want to be.
6. Spring Festivals
Last but not the least, the festivals of Cornwall. During the spring, there are events that celebrate 100s of years of pagan culture and these make for an interesting experience. Live in the days of the old and experience what it was really like when you join these festivals.
Cornwall is a place of nature and heritage which is why the mere appreciation of its natural sceneries alone could keep you entertained and your longing for wonder fulfilled. These are but a few activities that should be enough to keep you curious about the county of Cornwall and why it may be your best bet this spring. Lose yourself in the beauty and indulge yourself in the festivity of the county of Cornwall.
If you love surfing as much as we do, then you are in luck. You can find some great waves to try out without having to travel outside of the country. When you go to Cornwall, you enter the surf centre of the UK, with many surf schools catering to those who want to try out the water.
Surfing has become a favorite sport of mine since I tried it out as a teen, and I have influenced some of my friends and family into loving the waves as well. Thanks to the easy accessibility of Cornwall and its wonderful surfing spots, we have become frequent visitors to these spots.
1. Trevone Bay
Unlike other beaches where the waves can be unpredictable and thus dangerous for amateurs, Trevone Bay is exposed and have consistent waves. Still, it is only recommended during low tide and surfers have to watch out for the huge rocks.
2. Diggory’s Island
One of the things I hate is going to surf spots where there is a crowd. You will definitely not be able to have a great ride when there are too many people on the water. This is my favorite secret spot but it is not for the beginner. You also need to go down 150 plus steps and the tide can make it challenging, so stick to low tide conditions.
3. Constantine Bay
This a popular beach for both surfers and non-surfers, so the entire family can spend the perfect summer day together and have a great time. You may have to walk from the village due to limited parking but it is definitely worth it when you stay awhile.
4. Booby’s Bay
If you get tired of Constantine Bay, then head over to Booby’s Bay. It is also good for more experienced surfers. Just make sure to avoid the high tide because the beach tends to disappear quickly.
5. Gwithian
This is another favorite of ours because it is very quiet. There is not much to see here, just a shop and a small cafe, plus a few parking spots. Still, it is perfect for beginners because the waves are gentle and consistent. On the other side, though, the waves are rougher so more experienced surfers also have something to try out.
6. Perranporth Beach
This beach is actually connected to Penhale Beach, and the two make up one of the longest beaches in Cornwall. It also offers exciting waves and beautiful scenery. The town has some more to offer as well, which makes it a better destination for a holiday. Don’t miss out on the beach bar The Watering Hole, which is directly on the beach. You can drink while enjoying the views.
7. Praa Sands
This is quiet and deserted even in summer, although there may be some visitors during the summertime. Still, this is nothing like the popular Cornish beaches which can get packed. Thus, it is a great spot for surfers trying to avoid crowds. The bay is quite exposed, though, so the heavy winds can make the waves rough and inconsistent.
In my many years of surfing, I must have visited almost all of the surfing beaches in Cornwall. Of all of them, these are our favorite and are must-see for beginner and expert surfers.
Cornwall is the perfect destination for an active and adventure-filled holiday. Beyond the usual exciting water activities, you can also explore the breathtaking surroundings on two wheels. It is a quicker way to see the views compared to hiking, and biking can be very exhilarating.
There are many places to rent a mountain bike if you did not bring yours with you. Once you have your ride, you can choose from these trails for an awesome and unforgettable ride.
1. The Bodmin Beast Cycle Trail
This 12-kilometer long trail is new and is for more experienced bikers, exactly as the name implies. You will need the skill to tackle the climbs and the speedy descents. You will also face snaking trails and spots that will test your technical capabilities. However, if you prefer to take it slow, then you can choose a more relaxed route at Cardinham Woods.
2. Goss Moor Cycle Trail
This route is perfect if you love nature, which is a surprise given its history. Goss Moor used to be a motorist’s nightmare but thanks to the rerouting of the A30 and the new dual highway, it has been transported into a ride close to nature. The trail is an easy, 12-kilometer round circular route that crosses to the Goss Moor National Nature Reserve, where you can spot the native plants and animals thriving in the area. The ride is very easy and flat, so you can concentrate on looking at the views instead of the biking.
3. The Great Flat Lode
The name gives a hint to its location. The Great Flat Lode cycle trail, which is a 12-kilometer circular route, is located in the historic Camborne-Redruth mining district, meaning it is part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. The “Lode“ in the name is from the lode of tin found in this area which was lying at a 30-degree angle as opposed to the usual 70 degrees. The ride is full of memories from the glory days of Cornwall, including what remains of the engine houses and the views of the last functioning tin mine.
4. The Camel Trail
This is a great biking adventure for the whole family because it is completely flat. It follows an old railway line for a total of 18 miles. Thus, whether your little ones are still experts on the bicycle or whether you have kids riding with you. The best part is that it goes to Padstow, the so-called foodie heaven, so you can all grab something to eat afterward.
5. Tamar Trails
The Tamar Trails is the beginning of the 25-kilometer long trail through the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. You can enjoy visiting what remains of the old mines and try out the trail activities. If you have the time, park your bike and take a canoe trip at the Tamar Valley.
Riding a bike is something you never forget, so even if it has been decades since your last time, you can try out mountain biking in Cornwall for a unique experience. The ride itself is exhilarating and allows you to see the sights from a different perspective.
With more than 400 miles of scenic coastline, hidden coves, sandy beaches, and oodles of good ol’ English heritage, Cornwall is one of the best places in the UK to go on a fabulous road trip. One of the reasons why Cornwall is the best destination for a driving holiday is that it doesn’t have a motorway. As such, you will be driving your car, hugging the fringes of the Atlantic, and get a feel of the unique blend of Cornish hospitality and natural beauty. Here are some of the region’s most scenic driving routes.
Boscastle to Bude
This 24-kilometre stretch is, without a doubt, Cornwall’s most scenic drives. While the area boasts of the A39, it is best for road trippers to stick to the coastal road. This is the best route to get mesmerised by dramatic seascapes while getting one’s driving skills tested against curving clifftop roads. The best part of the journey is indulging in the best Cornish ice cream at Boscastle. The ice cream here is hand-churned, rich, creamy, and divine.
Tregony to St. Mawes
Stretching some 32 kilometres, the scenic drive from Tregony to St. Mawes offers one of the best in Cornish driving experiences. There are winding yet exciting rural lanes that open up to incredible scenery. Picture-perfect villages greet you as you veer off the A3078. Smaller lanes open up to hidden coves and amazing beaches at Pendower. Start the drive at The Lost Garden of Heligan and before heading towards St. Mawes. Listen to smugglers’ tales in Cornish villages along the way.
Sennen to Zennor
If you’re a fan of natural cliff architecture, then this 24-kilometre stretch is for you. What makes this 1-hour drive so unique is that you will never be leaving the coastline. And as you manoeuvre your vehicle along the narrow lanes, you’ll find yourself enthralled with the sheer beauty of the cliffs. Cornish tin mines, rugged outcrops, and famous lighthouses dot the cliff top landscape. This is one of those road trips that you will never want to drive faster than 20 KPH.
Perranporth to Padstow
Water-loving folks will want to take this Cornish scenic drive. From Perranporth to Padstow, you’ll get one of England’s finest stretches of stunning beaches. It is the perfect route for beach lovers and surfers. As such, the usual 1-hour drive can take several hours to complete. This 42-kilometre section prides itself of a narrow coastal road and hairpin bends, which are perfect for testing your driving skills.
Wadebridge to Tintagel
This Cornish scenic route is more about incredible attractions along the 35-kilometre stretch. A visit to Port Martin is crucial if you’re a fan of Doc Martin. If not, you will still find the coastal paths to be marvellous and the village delightful. Always end your road trip at Cornwall’s most iconic place, King Arthur’s Castle right in Tintagel.
With fair weather throughout the year, driving along Cornwall’s stunning coastline provides an experience of a lifetime. So, get your car ready and drive to this exciting part of the UK.
Cornwall is, without a doubt, a popular tourist destination, with its sandy beaches and waves perfect for surfing. Unfortunately, its popularity also means crowds during warm weather. So in your next trip to Cornwall, skip the tourist traps and head over to these lesser-known places instead.
1. Nanjizal
Nanjizal is one of those secret areas that remain so because it is secluded. However, if you manage to find your way here, you will be rewarded with so much natural beauty that will make the journey worthwhile. The finest beach on the Penwith peninsula is accessible only by a long walk and there are no carparks, cafes nor signposts. But beyond the natural stone sculptures and the fine beach, there are caves for exploring, rockpools that come out during low tide, and a freshwater waterfall! You can also watch the seals from here, making it a truly magical destination away from the rush.
2. The Rame Peninsula
This spot is aptly called “Cornwall’s Forgotten Corner” for a reason, as most tourists simply drive by on their way to the more popular spots in Cornwall. Take some time to check it out and enjoy the green farmland, fine beaches, country parks, and tidal creeks. There are no towns nearby, though the harbor community of Kingsand-Cawsand has traditional pubs and eateries for visitors. Don’t forget to check out the deer park and gardens of Mount Edgcumbe, which occupies 865 acres close to the sea.
3. Bedruthan Steps
Between Padstow and Newquay is the unknown Bedruthan Steps. It offers majestic views of stone stacks that have been formed through erosion for hundreds of years. Legend states that a giant named Bedruthan used these as stepping stones to walk across the bay. Getting to the golden sand beach is tricky, using a steep and narrow set of steps.
4. Shipwreck at Booby’s Bay
While Booby’s Bay is not as unknown as these other places, the eerie shipwreck comes out for a peek at times when there are shifting sands. The wreck used to be the sailing vessel Carl that was ruined during the war and got stuck while being towed back to London. While she had been buried for decades, the storms of 2014 started revealing her again. Unfortunately, no one knows when she will be visible, but the sight of her is truly breathtaking!
5. The Witchcraft Museum in Boscastle
Cornwall is the unlikely spot to find the biggest collection of things related to witchcraft and the occult. It is one of the country’s most popular independent museums, so it is not as unknown. While the location might make you wonder, the founder explains that this is close to a prehistoric maze stone that is proof that ancient men have been practicing magic centuries ago. The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic thus celebrates this tradition of magic and witchcraft from ancient times all the way to the present.
If you are not a fan of crowded beaches and want to explore other spots in Cornwall, then start off with these 5 lesser-known attractions that are definitely worth the trip!
The Cornish coast is home to many of the British Isles’ famous surfing schools. You might be surprised to learn that the same region is also perfect for those who are into a different kind of water sport – stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). It is actually an offshoot of traditional surfing except that you’re standing on the board all the time, using a paddle to move the board over water. And if you’re interested in learning a thing or two about SUP, then head out to these Cornish spots and start paddling your way to a more exciting water adventure.
Helford River
Perfect for newbies especially in calmer waters, the River Helford is always a favourite spot for those who would like to learn or even hone their skills in stand-up paddleboarding. The waters can be serene, much like that of a lake. But what is really amazing about the place is that it provides you an Instagrammable view of the Falmouth Bay coastline. Plus it’s an amazing place to stay at nearby holiday cottages and vacation rentals in Helford or Falmouth. The river banks are lined with trees while the creeks that branch from the main body are also inviting for the more advanced paddlers. In low tide, one can easily sit on the paddleboard and start picking oysters below the water surface, although you’d have plenty of competitors in the herons that flock the field as well as oyster catchers hoping to take full advantage of the bounty. For some really fun paddelboarding, head out to the east as it has one of the clearest sections in the area.
Loe Beach
Whether it is stand-up paddleboarding, spotting seals, watching birds, or even taking a much-needed break in one of the area’s sought-after pubs, Loe Beach on the mouth of the River Fal is always a great place to polish one’s skills in SUP. It can get pretty crowded, though as the spot is a favourite among water-loving adventurers. There are plenty of water sports and water-related activities in the area that first-timers may have a difficult time making their way in calmer waters. Nevertheless, the area is still a good place to start if ever you’ve seriously considered standing up on a paddleboard instead of doing a hang ten with the breaking surf.
Crantock Beach
Cornwall natives definitely recommend the Gannel River as one of the best places to start learning the ropes of stand-up paddleboarding. The waters are calm and you get fantastic scenery wherever you set your eyes on. The Gannel has a gentle start near the boating lake of Newquay, paddling your way across a salt marsh for an entirely different kind of paddleboard experience. From here you’ll be reaching Crantock Beach where you can easily sharpen your SUP skills a lot further. Of course, you can always go in reverse, paddling your way upriver and try to determine just how much your technique has improved. Otherwise, taking a dip in its cool blue waters should always offer a welcome respite.
The Cornish coast is waiting for you. Try these spots and start enjoying the thrill of stand-up paddleboarding.
If you think that Stonehenge is the only collection of ancient stones in the UK, you would be surprised to find that Cornwall has quite a few. These are remnants of people who have inhabited the region from as early as 20,000 years ago during the early Stone Age.
Back then, the ancients loved building monuments and West Cornwall and Bodmin Moor is full of them. Some believe they were part of burial rites while others think they were guides to the stars. If you are looking for a different adventure during your next Cornish holiday, you can track these down and marvel at how our ancestors from tens of thousands of years ago erected these stone monuments.
Men-an-Tol
This is without a doubt the most interesting and easiest to identify, thanks to the round stone with a hole that looks like a donut. With this stone are 2 upright stones on each side that look like pillars and one similar pillar nearby that has fallen down. These stones near Madron and Penzance have been carbon-dated to the Neolithic period but many believe that the stones have been moved from their original positions since then.
Lanyon Quoit
These stones near Penzance are believed to have been erected around 3000 years before Christ (BC). Archeologists believe they were important in the death rites of the tribes back then, maybe even being a burial chamber that used to be covered in soil. Unfortunately, a lightning struck the structure over 200 years ago, which is why it was rebuilt in 1815.
Carn Euny Fogou
Dated back to the Iron Age, this structure in Sancreed was a fogou or an underground chamber. The roof is also made of huge stone pieces and there is a corridor on one side that has a circular chamber. Because of the massiveness and the complexity of the structure, experts believe that these underground chambers were highly important to the people of the time.
Chysauster
These are the remains of possibly the oldest street in England. Nowadays, there are still traces of 8 stone homes that are believed to be the homes of the Dumonii tribe about 2000 years in the past. The original thatched roofs are now gone but the walls are still standing strong. Located in Newmill near St Ives in West Cornwall. For more information visit English heritage.
The Pipers of Boleigh
These 2 menhirs are the tallest that can be found in Cornwall, with one about 15 feet tall and the other 13 feet tall. The Pipers of Boleigh can be found in St Buryan, to the south west of Penzance. The belief is that the stones used to be pipers who were turned into stone because they played music on the Sabbath day.
Trippet Stones
Found near Blisland on Bodmin Moor, this collection of stones form the perfect circle, which is not a common trait. Despite their remoteness, it is well worth the travel because of its special characteristic.
Trevethy Quoit
More easily known as the “giant’s house”, this is the biggest and most preserved quoit in Cornwall. It is also an engineering feat due to the huge capstone over the 2 internal chambers. On the corner of the capstone is an interesting circular hole as well. It is well worth travelling to see this ancient monument near St Cleer and Liskeard.
Merry Maidens of Boleigh
These 19 stones are the most popular in Cornwall, and they form an almost perfect circle as well as being regularly spaced. Legend states that they used to be a group of little girls who were turned into stone to punish them for their Sabbath day dancing. Visit these stones just off the main road through the village of Boleigh in West Cornwall.
Rock Up and Enjoy Ancient Cornish Monuments
Visiting these monuments remind you that these areas have been populated from tens of thousands of years ago. Moreover, despite the lack of modern tools, people back then managed to haul these huge rocks to create their formations. Now, if that does not inspire respect and awe, wait until you see them yourself.
Going on a holiday is all about creating memories that you will be reliving for many years to come. In the UK, there’s no other place that is frequently visited not only by local Britons but by international tourists as well than Cornwall. With its fantastic beaches, superb cuisine, and rich cultural heritage, this southwesterly region of the British Isles is a natural magnet for holiday merrymakers and casual tourists alike. In case you would like to make the most out of your Cornish holiday, it is important to really be prepared for it. Here’s how to plan for the perfect Cornish holiday.
Determine what you want to experience.
Whether it is surfing in Newquay or exploring the famed beaches of Falmouth or even sampling Cornish pasties, Cornish clotted creams, and Cornish yarg, it is imperative that you have a very clear idea of what you want to experience. If you’re a water person, then the many beaches of Cornwall should be your priority. If you’re on a gastronomic quest, then you need to list down the things that you want to feast on. If you need culture and history, then the mining towns and fishing villages of Cornwall should be a great place to start.
Check your budget.
While the food and accommodation in Cornwall is substantially lower than those you can find in London, understand that this is still the UK. As such, you can expect the prices to be a bit steeper compared to similar attractions overseas in continental Europe. Nevertheless, you can save by opting bed and breakfast as well as self-catering accommodations over posh hotels. It thus, pays to check how much you are willing to spend on your journey.
Consider your options.
You need to strike a balance between what you want to experience and how much you are willing to pay for it. Sometimes, skimping on luxury and extravagant accommodations can help you spend a bit more on the more important activities in Cornwall. It should make perfect sense. As you will be shaving off a few tens of pounds on your accommodation, you can use this to enjoy more of the things that make Cornwall a favourite destination. This way, you can be sure that you’ll be making more meaningful memories during your holiday vacation.
Enlist the help of a travel adviser.
There are a variety of online resources that can provide you with credible information on the latest happenings in Cornwall including tips on how to save on a meagre budget. Blog sites such as the Cornwall Big Guide can provide you with insider tips on how to make the most of your Cornish holiday. Otherwise, you can always seek the services of a travel advisor who can help you plan the most exciting way to discover and experience the best of what Cornwall has to offer.
Planning for the perfect Cornish holiday can be quite challenging. Hopefully, with these tips, you’re now better equipped to make a more realistic Cornish holiday plan.
