The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Cornwall This Summer
Summer in Cornwall is hard to beat. Long days by the sea, spectacular coastal walks, beautiful fishing villages and some of the UK’s best beaches make it the perfect place to slow down, explore and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re searching for the best things to do in Cornwall this summer, you’ve come to the right place.
And when it comes to choosing where to stay, Crantock Bay offers the best of both worlds. Tucked away on Cornwall’s north coast, yet within easy reach of Newquay, Padstow, St Ives and many of Cornwall’s best-loved attractions, it’s the perfect base for discovering everything Cornwall has to offer.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in Cornwall this summer.
Discover Crantock Beach
Of course, you don’t have to travel far to find one of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches, and it’s one of the top things to do in Cornwall for beach lovers.
Crantock Beach is a sweeping stretch of golden sand backed by dunes and the Gannel Estuary. Whether you’re planning a day of swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the sand, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a Cornish summer’s day. Take a look for yourself via our Crantock Beach surf webcam.
Guests staying at Crantock Bay Holidays are just a short walk from the beach, meaning you can leave the car behind and head straight for the coast.
Walk the South West Coast Path
Cornwall is best explored on foot, and the South West Coast Path offers some truly spectacular scenery. Coastal walking is consistently ranked among the best things to do in Cornwall, and it’s easy to see why.
From Crantock Bay, you can step straight onto the coast path and explore dramatic clifftops, secluded coves and incredible sea views.
One of our favourite walks takes you towards Polly Joke Beach, a beautiful, unspoilt cove tucked between Crantock and Holywell Bay. Continue further, and you’ll reach Holywell Bay, instantly recognisable by the famous Gull Rocks just offshore.
Pack a picnic, lace up your walking shoes and spend the day exploring.
Spend the Day in Padstow
Around an hour from Crantock Bay, Padstow is one of Cornwall’s most famous harbour towns and makes a fantastic summer day trip, and one of the most popular things to do in Cornwall for foodies.
Wander around the harbour, browse the independent shops and enjoy lunch overlooking the water. Padstow is particularly well known for its food scene, with everything from traditional fish and chips to award-winning restaurants.
For something more active, hire bikes and cycle the Camel Trail. Following a former railway line alongside the Camel Estuary, the largely traffic-free route between Padstow and Wadebridge is ideal for families.
And no trip to Padstow is complete without an ice cream by the harbour.
Explore St Ives
With its cobbled streets, golden beaches and thriving art scene, St Ives is one of Cornwall’s most iconic destinations and remains one of the best things to do in Cornwall for a full day out.
Spend the morning exploring the town’s galleries and independent shops before visiting Tate St Ives or the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
There are several beautiful beaches within walking distance of the town centre, including Porthmeor Beach, a favourite with surfers.
Our tip? In the busy summer months, consider using the Park & Ride train from St Erth. The short train journey into St Ives offers some fantastic coastal views and saves the challenge of finding a parking space.
Enjoy Newquay
Just a short drive from Crantock Bay, Newquay has something for everyone and is one of the most searched-for things to do in Cornwall, especially among surfers and families.
Fistral Beach is internationally famous for surfing and is a great place to watch experienced surfers tackle the Atlantic waves. If you fancy trying it yourself, there are plenty of local surf schools offering lessons for beginners.
Families can visit Newquay Zoo or Blue Reef Aquarium, while the town itself has a great selection of cafés, restaurants and shops.
Newquay is also the perfect place to book a boat trip and explore Cornwall’s coastline from the water.
Visit the Eden Project
One of Cornwall’s most famous attractions, the Eden Project, is well worth a day trip and is regularly named one of the top things to do in Cornwall, whatever the weather.
The enormous biomes are home to plants from around the world, including a spectacular indoor rainforest. Outside, beautiful gardens and exhibitions explore nature, sustainability and the environment.
It’s a brilliant day out for all ages and a particularly good option if the Cornish weather decides not to cooperate.
Discover Cornwall’s Beautiful Gardens
Cornwall’s mild climate has created the perfect conditions for some truly spectacular gardens, making garden visits one of the most relaxing things to do in Cornwall.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are among the most famous and offer over 200 acres to explore, from formal gardens to woodland and a subtropical jungle.
Trebah Garden, near Falmouth, is another favourite. This beautiful subtropical garden winds its way down to a private beach on the Helford River.
Both make wonderful summer day trips.
Explore Cornwall’s North Coast Beaches
Crantock Bay is perfectly positioned for exploring some of Cornwall’s best beaches, and beach-hopping is one of the easiest things to do in Cornwall when staying on the north coast.
Nearby Holywell Bay offers a huge stretch of sand backed by impressive dunes, while Perranporth is famous for its long beach and lively atmosphere.
Head further north and you’ll find Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth and Constantine Bay, all fantastic places to spend a summer’s day.
Of course, with Crantock Beach right on your doorstep, you may find it difficult to leave!
Experience Cornwall from the Water
The sea is a huge part of life in Cornwall, and summer is the perfect time to get out on the water. Watersports are among the most exciting things to do in Cornwall for active visitors.
Try paddleboarding on the Gannel Estuary, book a surf lesson, explore the coastline by kayak or join a boat trip from Newquay.
For wildlife lovers, keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and a huge variety of seabirds along the Cornish coast.
Visit a Traditional Cornish Village or Landmark
Part of Cornwall’s charm lies in its small villages and historic harbours, and village-hopping is one of the most charming things to do in Cornwall for a slower-paced day.
Port Isaac, famous as the filming location for Doc Martin, is a wonderful place to explore. Wander through its narrow streets and enjoy views across the harbour.
Further south, the fishing villages of Fowey and Mevagissey are perfect for a relaxed day of browsing independent shops, stopping for lunch and watching the boats come and go.
Watch a Cornish Sunset
Sometimes the best things to do are the simplest.
Find a quiet spot on the coast, bring a picnic and watch the sun disappear into the Atlantic.
Cornwall’s north coast is famous for its spectacular sunsets, and from West Pentire and Crantock Bay, you have a front-row seat.
It’s the perfect way to end a summer’s day.
Make Crantock Bay Your Base for Exploring Cornwall
With spectacular beaches, coastal walks and incredible sea views on your doorstep, Crantock Bay is a destination in its own right.
But its location also makes it the perfect base for exploring Cornwall. Newquay is just minutes away, while Padstow, St Ives and many of Cornwall’s most famous attractions are all within easy reach.
After a busy day exploring, return to your luxury self-catering accommodation, take a swim in our heated indoor pool or simply relax and enjoy the view across Crantock Bay.
Whether you’re planning beach days, coastal adventures or days exploring Cornwall’s famous towns and attractions, Crantock Bay Holidays is the perfect place to start. Check out our properties today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Cornwall
What are the best things to do in Cornwall in summer?
Some of the best things to do in Cornwall in summer include relaxing on beaches like Crantock, Fistral and Holywell Bay, walking sections of the South West Coast Path, visiting the Eden Project, exploring towns such as St Ives and Padstow, and spending time on the water paddleboarding, kayaking or surfing.
What are the best free things to do in Cornwall?
Many of Cornwall’s best experiences are free, including coastal walks, beach days, exploring villages like Port Isaac and Mevagissey, and watching the sunset from spots such as West Pentire.
What are the best things to do in Cornwall with kids?
Family-friendly things to do in Cornwall include Newquay Zoo, Blue Reef Aquarium, cycling the Camel Trail, beach days at Crantock or Watergate Bay, and exploring the Eden Project’s biomes.
What are the best things to do in Cornwall when it rains?
On a rainy day, the Eden Project is a great option thanks to its indoor biomes. St Ives also has galleries such as Tate St Ives, plus plenty of independent shops and cafés to explore.
