Our Favourite Days Out

While it is very tempting to stay put at South Priddacombe, you are perfectly positioned to explore the best of Cornwall. From ancient stone circles to boat safaris, here are a few of the places we love to visit.

On Two Wheels

You can’t come to this part of the world without hearing about The Camel Trail. It is a deservedly popular day out, but our top tip is to do it “back to front.” Instead of starting in Wadebridge, hire your bikes in Padstow and cycle back towards Wadebridge; it is usually much quieter. Wadebridge is a lovely little town to explore – try The Butchers Bakehouse for coffee and excellent pastries. Or cycle a bit further to Camel Valley Vineyard for a glass of fizz on their terrace with its stunning view of vines and valley. The cycle route is fairly short, so you can return to Padstow in plenty of time for fish and chips, visit quirky Lobster Hatchery or take a boat-ride across the estuary to Rock.

For a quieter alternative to the Camel Trail, head east to the Dartmoor Granite Way. It is a lovely flat route that is great for kids. You can hire bikes from Okehampton (about a 45-minute drive) and cycle to Lydford. Make sure you stop at The Highwayman at Sourton roughly halfway—it is a completely mad, wonderful pub that has to be seen to be believed!

The North Coast & Wild Waters

Tintagel (English Heritage) is spectacular. The new bridge divides opinion, but we think it is fantastic. The village is a real “honeypot” though, so we recommend walking in if you can – try parking at the church. There is a really good vintage ice cream van halfway down the path to the castle, too. The Old Post Office (National Trust) on the main street is tiny but worth a quick visit for its beautiful, ancient interior.

A little further along the road, Boscastle is also well worth seeing, but best visited via the coast path if you don’t mind the walk – try parking at Trevalga church, or Boscastle Farm Shop – rather than driving straight into the busy centre. There is a huge car park if needed though. And a completely bonkers Museum of Witchcraft, useful if the heavens open!

For something a little wilder, try the cliffs to the north of Crackington Haven. The beach is lovely as well and there’s a good café.

If you want to get out on the water, take a RIB boat safari with Padstow Sealife Safaris or Wavehunters (operating from Padstow and Port Isaac). Depending on the season, you might spot puffins, dolphins, or seals.

If you prefer a mystical walk, St Nectan’s Glen (between Boscastle and Tintagel) has a great cafe called the “Tree of Life” which is accessible only on foot. It’s getting rather well known these days but still fun to walk up to.

Days Out: History, Gardens & Culture

Lanhydrock is a magnificent National Trust property with a fascinating “upstairs/downstairs” story and extensive grounds. You can hire bikes here, or park at Restormel Bridge and walk up. If you have children, the playground by the main car park is super – and you can visit that and the café without paying the entrance fee.

Nearby Lostwithiel is a gem of an ancient stannary town. It’s perfect for browsing antique shops, buying pasties, or paddling by the medieval bridge. Just up the road is the Duchy Nursery & Café, which does outstanding food and plants, and is a good base for a short walk to Restormel Castle.

For a bit of garden magic, Endsleigh House Hotel is set in a landscape designed by Sir Humphrey Repton. It is fun for children to explore the grotto, dell, and waterfall, and you can order afternoon tea picnics to eat in the grounds.

Further afield on the Roseland Peninsula, the Lost Gardens of Heligan are a justified tourist magnet and well worth the drive.

Local Curiosities

You don’t have to travel far for adventure. On the south side of the moor, you’ll find The Hurlers (stone circles) and The Cheesewring (natural rock formations) at Minions. It is a landscape steeped in mining history and atmosphere.

For a rainy day, Golitha Falls is actually at its best in wet weather, looking incredibly atmospheric under the trees. If you are looking for family fun, Hidden Valley Discovery Park near Launceston is a quirky attraction focused on puzzles, mazes, and trains, while Alpaca Trekking Cornwall offers exactly what it says on the tin (plus meerkats!) in the beautiful Fowey Valley.

If you love the arts, check the schedule for Sterts Theatre. It is a unique semi-outdoor venue that puts on some great summer productions.

The Best Seat in the House

Finally, remember that you don’t always need to go out to see the best views. We highly recommend grabbing a gin and tonic and sitting on the back steps of the barn for sunset. Alternatively, wander up onto the moor directly behind the cottage for a 360-degree sunset view that rivals anywhere in Cornwall.