Best outdoor family activities in Cornwall

Cornwall's summer scene is all about soaking up the sun and diving into outdoor activities! Whether you're a local seeking fresh adventures or a visitor eager to explore, this guide has your back. From hitting the waves to coasteering over great views, Cornwall's got it all. Need some pointers or hotspots? This guide will lead you to the best spots that will make your summer adventures amazing! Here are the top activities that allow you to explore the Cornish outdoors.

Sea Kayaking in Cornwall

Sea kayaking is like taking a mini-adventure on the water, paddling your way through coastal landscapes, exploring hidden coves, and getting up close to marine life. Sea kayaking offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, surrounded by the beauty of the ocean. As you navigate along the coastline, you're surrounded by the sights and sounds of the ocean and it’s wildlife.

Want to try it? Check out Cornish Rock Tors for a sea kayaking, coasteering, or SUP trip this summer! You can explore Port Issac Bay and find secluded coves, secret beaches, and go past enormous caves-a view you won’t want to miss!

SUP in Cornwall

SUP, short for stand-up paddleboarding, is a great outdoor activity to do in Cornwall! In this fun water activity, you stand on a big board and use a paddle to cruise around. It's similar to surfing, but much easier to learn. You don't need a ton of fancy gear to get started. Just grab a board, a paddle, and you're good to go. SUP is great for families too! Since it is super inclusive, it doesn't matter if you're a seasoned pro or a total newbie, everyone can get in on the fun. Plus, it's a great way to bond.

Want to experience it? Roam the open waves of Cornwall or book a beginner SUP lesson with Ocean High! Based at Marazion, the home of St Michael’s Mount and Mounts Bay, Ocean High offers several different types of lessons to tailor your needs, no matter if you are a beginner or even if you’ve been out before. They also offer MegaSUP: a giant paddleboard that can fit up to 8 people-perfect for the whole family!

Kayaking in Cornwall

The Helford River is a great spot for outdoor activities in Cornwall. A wildlife hotspot, people of all ages love to see the many types of wildlife including seals, herons, and even dolphins on a lucky day. Paddling on the Helford River is your family’s ticket to peace and quiet. It's a great way to relax, get in touch with Mother Nature, and refill your energy tank.

Sounds fun? Koru Guided Adventures offers a range of customisable tours and experiences tailored to different interests, skill levels, and group sizes. Whether you're a beginner seeking an introductory adventure or an experienced enthusiast looking for a challenging excursion, Koru Guided Adventures can cater to your needs.

Coasteering in Cornwall

Coasteering is a thrill-seeking outdoor activity that involves navigating along the coastline by climbing, swimming, jumping, and sometimes even cave exploring. It's essentially an adventure that combines rock climbing, swimming, and cliff jumping all in one thrilling experience. Coasteering allows you to explore hidden coves, sea caves, and remote stretches of coastline that are often inaccessible by land.

Interested in trying it? Head to Vertical Blue, where you can unlock the secrets of Cornwall. Their coasteering tours give an amazing unique view of the Coastline of Cornwall. Vertical Blue also offers sea kayaking and SUP-perfect for the family to spend a whole day outdoors!

Surfing in Cornwall

Cornwall boasts some of the best surf breaks in the UK, with consistent swells rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you're a beginner looking for gentle rollers or an experienced surfer seeking powerful barrels, Cornwall has waves to suit every skill level and style. The coastline of Cornwall is breathtakingly beautiful, with rugged cliffs, golden sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Thrilling and adventurous, surfing provides a great experience for both kids and adults alike.

Hitting the waves? Big Green Adventures is an award-winning activity provider located on the stunning Crantock Beach. You can book a private surf lesson with their expert crew who will have you riding the waves in no time! Don’t worry if a member of your party isn’t into surfing. Big Green Adventures offers SUP, kayaking, and bodyboarding too!

So whether you're planning a family getaway, a solo adventure, or a weekend escape with friends, Cornwall's summer scene has everything you need to make your vacation truly unforgettable. From fun outdoor activities on the water to stunning views and climbing, Cornwall is the ultimate destination for summer fun.

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Looking for a booking system to help you run your outdoor activities? eola is dedicated to helping instructors and outdoor activity centres share their passion with more people. We reduce your administrative burdens, so you can have more time to spend doing what you love. Find out more at our watersports page.

If you’re looking for more ideas, check out Best outdoor adventures in Cornwall: Elemental UK water centre and Outdoor family activities in Cornwall: East Crinnis Slip and Slide.

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