That feeling of sand between your toes. That first paddle in the glimmering blue sea. And that first relaxing drink in the sunshine. This is what summer holidays in Cornwall are all about…

With miles of stunning, sandy beaches just waiting to be explored you can spend your time soaking up the summer sun, walking the coast path or perfecting your sandcastle-building skills.

But if you’re looking for adventure then summer is a time when Cornwall really comes alive, with so much to see and do!

The county’s what’s on diary is jam-packed with festivals, shows and top family events – many of which are taking place nearby.

So, how should you spend your summer holiday in Cornwall? Take a look at our guide, below, to some of our favourite activities, events and entertainment…

The English National Surfing Championships

Go surfing at Fistral

No visit to the surfing capital of the UK (and, indeed, Europe) is complete without at least trying your hand at this popular sport. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a self-proclaimed expert, Newquay is the place to be for surfers of all abilities. Fistral Beach is the ultimate surfer’s paradise and is world renowned for its big waves. It’s also a great place to learn, with lots of places offering lessons and equipment hire.

Swim at Porth Beach

If you’ve only ever dipped your toes in the Atlantic Ocean then summer is the time to dive in – literally! Take the 2 minute walk to our Porth Beach and enjoy a swim in the shallows of this popular little bay. It’s a great place for a quiet swim or to experience the water for the first time. Surfing is not allowed here during the summer months, while the lifeguards are on duty – and always remember to enter the water between the red and yellow flags!

Enjoy Coasteering around Cornwall

Are you something of an adrenaline junkie? Do you like to get your heart beating fast? Well, maybe coasteering is for you. Coasteering is the exhilarating sport of jumping off cliffs into the ocean and swimming into water-filled rocky caves. With coasteering you’ll see Cornwall from a totally different perspective and travel along otherwise inaccessible stretches of coastline.

whealcoates by adam gibbard

Walk the coast path

If you love the great outdoors then you simply have to walk a stretch of the famous South West Coast Path during your stay with us. Drink in the stunning cliff top views as you wander along the path, which winds it way around Cornwall’s coastline for hundreds of miles. You can pick up the coast path from outside our entrance too!

Port Isaac

Visit Padstow & Port Isaac

Just a short drive up the north coast are two of the most picturesque destinations you’re ever likely to find – Padstow and Port Isaac. Padstow, made famous as the home town of celebrity chef Rick Stein, is a beautiful little harbour town, packed full of independent shops, bars, restaurants and narrow streets, just waiting to be explored! Port Isaac – better known to some as Portwenn, is the fictional home of TV’s most grumpy doctor, Doc Martin. This beautiful fishing village is well worth a visit, with pretty streets, shops, cafes and restaurants to sample – as well as a pretty amazing coastline!

Local events

As well as the aforementioned must-see destinations and activities, there’s also some great local events taking place this summer, including:

  • Boardmasters is one of the biggest music festivals in the South West, taking place in Cornwall from August 9-13. As well as the music, it also has a surfing and extreme sports element to it. The festival has continued to grow over the years and is now one of the most important on the calendar for many big stars.
  • Newquay Harbour Sports Day will take place on August 19th and sees the small working harbour become a venue for community water sports. Come and watch the fun or join in yourself! All events are free and there’s even prizes on offer!
  • Newquay lifeboat day is the local RNLI’s biggest fundraiser of the year and sees live demonstrations from the lifeboat and a scheduled appearance from the new coastguard helicopter (3pm). Throughout the day (August 20th) there will be live music and entertainment down at the harbour.
  • Symphony By The Sea: Do you love classical music? Inspired by the last night of the proms enjoy a classical concert come rain or shine at the Symphony By The Sea at Lusty Glaze Beach in Newquay with Cornish Sinfonia on 4th August.
  • Camelford Agricultural Show Take the short drive north for the Camelford Show. This traditional agricultural show, includes dog shows, vintage vehicle collections, displays of cattle, sheep and horses, sheep shearing displays, a heavy horse show and much more.

if you’re looking for further inspiration, why not take a look at our guide to 50 Things To Do in Cornwall here