Top 10 things to do in South East Cornwall

Cornwall isn’t just about Newquay, the Lizard and Penzance – the beautiful rolling hills and valleys of South East Cornwall have a lot to offer, with picturesque fishing villages, glorious beaches, stunning scenery, great restaurants, and lots to do for all ages.  Here are just a few ideas:

1). Take a Walk on the Wild Side

We have fantastic walking all over Cornwall (not least the glorious South West Coastal Path, and Bodmin Moor).  September sees the South East Cornwall Walking Festival (13th-20th September 2014) with guided walks of varying difficulties, so there is something for all abilities. 

2). Throw someone you love off a cliff

For the adrenalin junkie in your life, check out Adrenalin Quarry at Menheniot, where you can fly down the UK’s maddest zipwire, go coasteering, ride the giant swing (150ft up…), go wild water swimming, or take a spin in a kart (more sedate activities are also available!). Visit Adrenalin Quarry’s Website for more information. 

3).  Tickle your tastebuds

With an abundance of great local produce, Cornwall is fast becoming something of a foodie Mecca, and we are fortunate to have some fabulous restaurants in South East Cornwall.  A few favourites include Trawlers on the Quay in Looe (where the fish virtually jumps off the boat and onto your plate), The View at Millbrook (gorgeous food and a fabulous view over Whitsand Bay), the Springer Spaniel at Treburley(newly taken over by Anton Pietrowski, who won Masterchef – the Professionals in 2012, and it is also dog-friendly), and the Blue Plate in Downderry (Nick Barclay’s latest venture).  Yum!

4).  Visit the Tudors

Cotehele House (National Trust) is one of the best examples of a Tudor house in the UK.  Explore the beautiful interiors and the glorious gardens, and don’t forget to go down to Cotehele Quay on the Tamar, where the views are lovely and you can enjoy a cracking cream tea at the Edgcumbe Tea Room overlooking the river. Visit Cotehele House at the National Trust.

5).  Climb a hill

Prince Charles gifted Kit Hill in Callington to the people of Cornwall to celebrate the birth of Prince William in 1985.  This 400 acre Country Park is a wild, rugged, granite hilltop that is famous for its fine view over the Tamar Valley AONB, and is the ideal place for a wide range of activities including bird watching, kite flying and picnics.

6).  Canoe the Tamar

Paddle from Cotehele Quay to the majestic Calstock Viaduct, and experience the delight of gliding in a silent boat in some of the most beautiful scenery in England, past steeply sloping woodland, ancient quays, and mine chimneys. Visit the Tamar Trails Centre Website for more information.

7).  Talk to the animals

There are plenty of opportunities to visit animals in South East Cornwall, including the Donkey Sanctuary in St Anne’s Chapel (which also has indoor soft play and petting animals), the Monkey Sanctuary in Looe and the Porfell Wildlife Sanctuary near Liskeard (owls, lemurs, monkeys, meerkats and reptiles).

8).  Pop into Polperro

Polperro is the perfect Cornish fishing village, with tiny fisherman’s cottages jostling together down the valley and sail lofts hanging off the rocks. In olden times it was the haunt of smugglers, but is now more famed for its seafood, so don’t forget to try a mouth-watering crab sandwich.

9).  Go shark fishing

Looe is not just a fishing town, but is also home to the Shark Angling Club of Great Britain. However, you can also take a boat trip without the fishing! It has a pretty harbour, a couple of beaches, and plenty of foodie opportunities, from fish and chips and cream teas to fine dining.

10).  Splash about at Siblyback

Part of the South West Lakes Trust, Siblyback Lake Country Park sits in the stunning setting of Bodmin Moor and boasts the only clockwise wakeboarding cable in the UK. You can also go windsurfing, rowing and canoeing on the lake. Landlubbers can take a leisurely walk around the lake (dog-friendly graded track), or hop on a segway if you prefer!

Buy 10 get one free!

Jam First… while you are with us don’t forget to treat yourself to a scrumptious Cornish cream tea. If you’re wondering what the difference is between a Cornish cream tea and a Devon one – in Cornwall we put the jam on first (obviously…!).

If these activities have stirred your appetite for adventure, explore the range of Self Catering Holiday Cottages available in Cornwall to suit everyone from Premier Cottages.

Local Cornish Information kindly written by:

Beth Bailey, Kernock Cottages