Being one of the country’s most beautiful and dynamic counties, Cornwall has a huge amount to offer. Whether you’re an adventurer, nature lover, hiker or thrill-seeker, there is so much to see and do in Cornwall that allows you to experience the best of what the area has to offer.
In this piece, we’ll be taking a look at some of the brilliant and unique places which you can visit in Cornwall and experience for yourself. Whether you’re at a loose end during your holiday or just want to explore something exciting and unusual during our stay, we’ve gathered together our pick of unique days out in Cornwall for you to enjoy!
Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary
Founded in 1964 on the Murrayton House estate, the Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary offers a brilliant and interesting day out for families and nature lovers. The Sanctuary, based just east of Looe, is home to 40 different types of rescued monkeys including Mamosets, Woolly Monkeys and Barbary Macaques.
Rescued from illegal trafficking, being kept as pets or poor upbringings, the monkeys at the sanctuary have been given a new and vibrant home in large, spacious enclosures which you can visit every weekend between 11 am and 3 pm and during most school holidays. The Sanctuary offers loads of amazing information about the monkeys at the site and how they are being looked after, as well as providing in-depth talks on its work in helping these beautiful creatures.
The Monkey Sanctuary is a definite must see for kids and there is also a massive Wild Play area for them on site where they can run, climb and slide, just like the monkeys next door! You can also take a lovely walk through the extensive wildlife garden at the Sanctuary which is home to over 285 wildflower species, 23 butterfly species and nearly 60 types of bird as well as providing a wonderful habitat for Cornwall’s other native wildlife. If you are peckish or want to pick up a memento of your visit, there is a lovely tearoom and gift shop with all proceeds going towards looking after the monkeys and keeping up the Sanctuary’s amazing work. Find out more information on the Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary website.
Cornish Wave
There are a number of things that come to mind when thinking of Cornwall; Cream teas, pasties, stunning coastal walk, dramatic green countryside… and, of course, surfing! Based in the wonderful town of Newquay, Cornish Wave is the ‘go to’ place for surfers looking for adventure visiting Cornwall. They provide surfing lessons and exciting days out along the Cornish coastline for all ages and abilities.
If you’re looking for something special, Cornish Wave offers a large array of different options from beginner’s lessons, equipment for experienced surfers, group lessons and private sessions too. There is even a Surf Safari that offers 3 two-hour surf lessons at 3 different Cornish beaches with your own private Cornish Wave coach to take you to the different surf spots.
The surfing center is a brilliant place to visit if you are new to surfing, and Cornish Wave lays claim to having one of the best surfing beaches in the county on their doorstep.
Take a look at the Cornish Waves website to book a lesson or for more information.
Cornwall Football Golf
Football Golf? Yes, that’s right, golf with footballs! The first and largest football golf course in the UK, Cornwall Football Golf literally offers an experience like no other. Situated just outside the quaint town of St Austell, this massive outside attraction is a brilliant place to visit no matter your age or how good your football (or golfing!) skills are.
Whether visiting on a family day out in the Cornish sunshine or with a group of mates, Cornwall Football Golf has two extensive, 18 ‘hole’ courses which are incredibly fun and entertaining to explore. A wonderful way to enjoy yourself outdoors and get some exercise whilst doing so, the course offers a brilliant twist on the classic game of golf, swapping clubs for feet and golf balls for footballs!
Open daily, 10 am till 9 pm, there’s no need to book so you can turn up and get playing straight away. Snacks and drinks are also available at the course for refueling after a round and there is also a brilliant play area for under 5’s if your little one’s haven’t already run out of energy afterwards.
If you would like to have a game of Football Golf, take a look at the Cornwall Football Golf’s website for more information.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is a wonderful place to visit near Gweek and Helston, in the South of Cornwall. A charity set up to look after and rehabilitate seals along the Cornish coastline, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is home to several local species of seal, including common and grey seals as well as more exotic species such as sea lions, Asian Otters and even some penguins!
Home to Cornwall’s only Seal Hospital, the Sanctuary helps injured seals and those pups without mothers to be rehabilitated into the wild, with over 70 seal pups being rehabilitated each season. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary provides a brilliant day out for animal lovers and families, allowing you to get up close with the Sanctuary’s animals as well as learn about their stories and how they are being helped by the keepers there.
From underwater viewing areas, open pools and insights into the Sanctuary’s inner workings, you can learn everything you need to know about the animals kept here and the wildlife of the Cornish coast. There are also daily talks about the animals being looked after and opportunities to meet the Seal Sanctuary team and talk with them about their work. If you want to explore even more of the Sanctuary and get involved yourself, you can even book special VIP experiences such as having breakfast with the seals and having a go at being a keeper yourself!
Take a look at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary’s website for opening hours and more information.
Kernow Coasteering
Still looking for a bit of more adventure and excitement in your holiday? Well, you need look no further than Kernow Coasteering! Based in Penzance, this dedicated coasteering centre offers a great selection of coasteering experiences across the Land’s End peninsula and even the Isles of Scilly.
Providing a unique and exhilarating way of exploring the Cornish coastline, Kernow’s expert guides will take you climbing, swimming, hiking and jumping through Cornwall’s hidden coves and caves, and across its secret beaches and dramatic cliff faces. Providing days out for beginners, groups and those already experienced, Kernow Coasteering also offers rock climbing tours across some of Land’s End’s most famous cliffs including Sennen, Bosigran and Chair Ladder.
Check out our blog on climbing in Cornwall to discover the best locations.
For those wanting to try something a little different, the centre also has opportunities for you to explore some of Cornwall’s extensive copper and tin mines, taking you deep into the county’s proud heritage where you can discover what it was like to mine in these confined spaces and how they helped forge the county’s most famous industry.
You can find out more information on Kernow Coasteering’s website.
From this small selection you can see that Cornwall certainly has a lot to offer everyone who visits. So, if you’re visiting with your family, with friends or just want a little bit of an adventure, Cornwall is definitely the place to be if you want to explore something unique and experience an amazing day out!