The Ultimate Cornwall Summer Bucket List: 15 Amazing Experiences
Things To Do in Summer
Looking for the ultimate Cornwall summer bucket list? From stunning sunsets on the dunes to thrilling adventures, Cornwall offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and exciting experiences. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a romantic retreat, or a solo adventure, our guide highlights 15 unforgettable activities that will make your summer in Cornwall truly special. Get ready to explore hidden beaches, enjoy wild swimming, and immerse yourself in Cornwall’s breath taking landscapes. Start planning your dream summer getaway today.
1. Watch the sunset from the dunes at Holywell
If you’re looking for something simple but spectacular to add to your bucket list this summer, make sure it’s watching the sunset from the dunes at Holywell. Take a blanket, some picnic treats, and perch on the dunes while you take in the exquisite views. Some of the best memories you’ll make in Cornwall will be just simply taking in all the beauty that the landscape has to offer. And what could be better than watching the sunset with your loved ones.
2. Go Wild Swimming in a Tidal Pool
Brave the Cornish seas and take a dip in one of the many tidal pools dotted along the coastline. If you’re looking for a tidal pool close to us we recommend the one at Portreath! Wild swimming is becoming more popular with people learning about and experiencing the great benefits of cold water immersion. It’s also a great way to feel like a mermaid for the day which is a good excuse to add it to you Cornwall summer bucket list.
3. Kayak To A Hidden Cove
The Cornish coast is filled with hidden coves and one of the best ways to discover them is by kayak! Whether you’re going as a family, a couple, or solo traveling, the guys at Newquay Activity Centre know the best places and can take you on guided expeditions exploring for the day
4. Enjoy A Cornish Cream Tea at Penventon Park Hotel
A summer in Cornwall isn’t complete without indulging in a traditional cream tea… and we make some of the best around (if we do say so). The secret behind our tasty cream teas are all thanks to our famous Mrs P’s jam, lovingly home-made by our wonderful original owner Mrs Pascoe. Slathered on top of the best Cornish cream by Rodda’s, it’s a real treat. Make sure to add trying our cream teas to your bucket list and book a table today!
5. Surf at Fistral Beach
Usually the top of a Cornwall summer bucket list is going for a surf. Surfing is at the heart of Cornish culture, and Fistral Beach is the perfect place to catch a wave. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, the rolling Atlantic swells cater to all levels. If you’ve never surfed before, book a lesson with one of the local surf schools and experience the thrill of riding the waves for yourself.
6. Go Moonlight Paddleboarding
If you’re looking for a truly magical experience you need to add this to your bucket list this summer. Local outdoor adventure companies offer guided evening paddleboarding experiences, where you can glide across the calm waters beneath a starlit sky. The peacefulness of the ocean at night makes this an unforgettable adventure.
7. Discover Nanjizal Beach’s ‘Song of the Sea’ Cave
This is truly one of the most magical places to visit in Cornwall, Nanjizal Beach is a hidden gem, home to the ‘Song of the Sea’ cave, a natural wonder that will take your breath away. The cave’s unique rock formations and the sound of the waves echoing within create an ethereal atmosphere. This secluded beach, often less crowded than its neighbours, offers a sense of tranquillity and discovery.
8. Swim under the at Swanpool Beach
There’s something truly magical about taking a night time dip in the warm summer sea. Swanpool Beach is a wonderful spot to experience this, where you can swim beneath the moonlight and watch the water sparkle under the night sky.
9. Visit a Hidden Smuggler’s Tunnel at Prussia Cove
Step into Cornwall’s smuggling past at Prussia Cove, a rugged and atmospheric location known for its hidden tunnels and fascinating history. This secluded cove, once a hotspot for 18th-century smugglers, now offers breath taking coastal views and a sense of mystery waiting to be explored.
10. Go Seal spotting at Godrevy
If you love wildlife, a visit to Godrevy is a must. This stunning stretch of coastline is home to a grey seal colony, often seen sunbathing on the sand or playing in the surf. Visit at low tide for the best chance of spotting them!
11. Swim with Blue Sharks off Penzance
For the ultimate thrill, why not take a guided snorkelling trip to swim with blue sharks off the coast of Penzance? These graceful creatures migrate to Cornwall’s waters in the summer, offering a rare and exhilarating wildlife experience.
12. Try Horseback Riding on Perranporth Beach
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of horseback riding along the golden sands of Perranporth. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, Reen Manor offer guided beach rides where you can experience the fresh sea breeze, crashing waves, and stunning coastal views on horseback.
13. Take a boat trip to see seals, dolphins and sharks
Some of the best places to get a sea life safari in Cornwall are St Ives, Padstow, and Newquay. The UK might not be famous for its marine life like more tropical countries but you’ll be surprised with the incredible animals you can come across on a Seafari. Seals, dolphins, sharks and even whales are regularly spotted along the Cornish coast. It’s makes for a fun family friendly adventure to add your Cornwall summer bucket list .
14. Hunt for Sea Glass
This may sound little generic, or something people do to keep the kids entertained for a few hours but there’s so much more to hunting for sea glass than you think, and it’s definitely an activity you need to add to your Cornwall summer bucket list. The process of glass being made into sea glass is fascinating and beautiful as waves and tides take decades to form it into little pieces of treasure. With Cornwall’s maritime and mining history the sea glass you’ll find from scouring the Cornish coast will be truly special, and it’s also a beautiful way to explore Cornwall’s famous beaches.
15. Watch Bioluminescent Plankton at Grebe
Bioluminescent plankton are a rare sight, but an amazing experience if you do get the opportunity. It’s mostly spotted at Grebe beach along the Helford river. You can park in the National Trust car park and walk down to the beach from there. Take a blanket, a picnic, and make a night of it. If you’re feeling up for braving the cold you can even swim in it, which is a truly incredible experience. Keep an eye out on the weather and tide conditions which greatly affect if you’ll see the bioluminescence or not.
You can download our Cornwall Summer Bucket List to print out and tick off as you go!
Explore Cornwall This Summer – Book Your Stay
Hollie Davies is part of the marketing team at Penventon Park Hotel. She loves all things seasonal, from crisp autumn mornings to twinkling Christmas nights. She never skips her morning coffee and finds magic in the little things that stick with you, all too well.
