Beyond the Shore: Things to do away from the coast

    While Cornwall's picturesque coastline often steals the limelight with its stunning beaches and captivating seaside activities, there's an equally thrilling world of adventure waiting just beyond the shore. From the adrenaline-pumping thrills of theme parks and unique sports experiences to the serene beauty of lush woodlands, enchanting gardens and historic mine sites, inland Cornwall offers a vibrant array of attractions waiting to be explored.

    Inland family fun

    While the seaside provides coastal fun on sandy beaches, Cornwall’s inland adventures offer an array of family-friendly activities providing days filled with excitement and laughter. From theme parks that fuse thrilling rides with educational encounters to unique sports and adrenaline-packed experiences, Cornwall’s heartland is a playground for all ages.

    Camel Creek Family Adventure Park offers a blend of thrilling rides and animal encounters, ensuring a day of laughter and excitement. For cosmic adventures, The Milky Way Adventure Park provides attractions that take visitors on interstellar journeys, catering to the curiosity of both young astronauts and seasoned explorers.

    Sports enthusiasts will enjoy Cornwall Football Golf Park, where golf meets football in a fun and challenging experience. For those craving adrenaline, Adrenalin Quarry promises extreme thrills with activities like zip-wiring across stunning landscapes and taking giant leaps of faith.

    Rainy days in Cornwall bring their own adventure. Pirate’s Quest Adventure Golf offers an immersive indoor pirate-themed mini-golf experience, perfect for family fun. Meanwhile, Discovering42 ignites the imagination with interactive science exhibits, making learning an exciting quest for visitors of all ages.

    Enchanting woodland and gardens

    Whether you’re drawn to the untamed beauty of Cardinham Woods, with its winding trails and dense woodland, or you prefer a leisurely picnic in the meticulously manicured gardens of Enys Gardens, Cornwall’s inland is dotted with lush woodland and historic gardens, offering an outing for every preference.

    Dog lovers and their four-legged friends will enjoy Pinetum Gardens, which provides a peaceful haven amidst a variety of plant species, while Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens blend contemporary art with exotic plantings in a magical experience for both humans and pets. Trelissick Garden, with its expansive maritime views, and The Lost Gardens of Heligan, a rediscovered paradise, are adventures waiting to be explored on leash.

    Budget-conscious visitors will find much to love in Cornwall's free and budget-friendly gardens. Potager Garden and Mount Edgcombe Country Park offer stunning landscapes and historical insights without a fee. Trenance Gardens and Morrab Gardens are perfect for family outings, offering more than just a walk in the park with leisure facilities and subtropical plantings.

    If accessibility is a priority, you can still enjoy Cornwall's natural beauty. From the world-renowned Eden Project to the historically rich Lanhydrock, these gardens provide accessible paths through breath-taking landscapes and educational experiences in conservation and sustainability.

    Gardens with manors and estate houses like Cotehele, Caerhays and Antony offer a glimpse into Cornwall's storied past, allowing visitors to wander through meticulously maintained gardens and explore ancient homes and castles.

    Explore ancient castles

    Along the Cornish coastline, you may catch sight of castles that once served as formidable fortresses defending against seafront invasions but venture further inland and you will also discover majestic castles nestled amidst the lush Cornish countryside, each with its own unique story and historical significance. From the atmospheric ruins of Restormel Castle to the towering Launceston Castle, each site will enchant history buffs with its tales of medieval lore and legends.

    Discover Cornwall's wild side

    Beyond the beaches, Cornwall is home to a diverse array of wildlife and exotic creatures. Paradise Park, Newquay Zoo and Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary offer unforgettable encounters with animals from around the globe while Cornish Seal Sanctuary and The National Lobster Hatchery allow you to connect with the marine life that thrives closer to our own shores. These sanctuaries not only provide fun days out for all ages but also engage visitors in important conservation efforts.

    Cycle through the heartlands

    Cornwall’s landscapes offer more than just its stunning coastline; it’s a haven for cyclists craving adventure off the beaten path. Throughout Cornwall you will find a number of cycle trails guiding you through historical remains, past breath-taking scenery, and through quaint Cornish towns and villages.

    Thrill-seekers will relish the challenges of the Bodmin Beast cycle trail, offering exhilarating climbs and technical tests through the picturesque Cardinham Woods. Meanwhile, nature enthusiasts can explore the Goss Moor cycle trail, a tranquil journey through a lush National Nature Reserve, or enjoy the scenic beauty of Seaton Valley Countryside Park. Heritage hunters will be captivated by the Great Flat Lode, where Cornwall’s rich mining history unfolds along a 12km trail, and the Coast to Coast Route, tracing the industrial past from Portreath to Devoran.

    For families, the Camel Trail provides an easy, flat route from Wenfordbridge to Padstow, perfect for a leisurely day out. The Lanhydrock Bike Trail also offers varied paths for all skill levels, ensuring fun for the whole family. Adventurers can embark on the extensive Tamar Trails through the Tamar Valley or follow the Cornish Way from Land’s End to Bude and see some of Cornwall’s most diverse landscapes and heritage sites.

    Explore Cornwall's great little city

    Visit Cornwall’s one and only city famous for cobbled streets and gothic architecture perfectly represented by the stunning gothic revival cathedral that towers over the town. Shopping enthusiasts will relish in the endless shopping opportunities at a mix of independent shops while foodies will enjoy the variety of local restaurants and cafes.

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    Discover Cornish history and cultural exhibitions at the Royal Cornwall Museum or be captivated by a performance at the Hall for Cornwall. Time your visit on a Wednesday or Saturday and attend Truro Farmers Market where you’ll find an array of local produce, seasonal treats and artisanal crafts.

    Discover Cornwall's iconic Mines

    Take a step back in time and discover one of Cornwall’s heritage and historical hotspots with a visit to one of Cornwall’s mine museums. Whether you’re looking to step into Cornwall’s renowned tin mining history at Cornwall Gold, where the art of transforming tin into exquisite jewellery is alive and well, making it a hit with families and craft enthusiasts; or dive deep into the gritty reality of the mining past at Geevor Tin Mine, offering an authentic underground experience led by stories from former miners—there’s something to captivate every history buff.

    For those fascinated by the industrial heritage, Tolgus Tin Mill, the last working tin mill in Cornwall, showcases centuries-old machinery still in operation. Meanwhile, Wheal Martyn Clay House opens a window into the billion-pound china clay industry, set against the backdrop of Cornwall's stunning landscapes, making it perfect for explorers of all ages interested in both the environmental and industrial tales of the region.

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