Our favourite family things to do this summer

With the school summer holidays just around the corner (I know, we can’t believe it either), we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite things to do with the family within a short drive of Crantock Bay.

Learn to surf

We’re surrounded by fabulous beaches which are great for surfing, but there’s no better than the one right on our doorstep – Crantock Bay. If you’re yet to try surfing, we’d highly recommend a lesson with the Big Green Surf School. They’re family friendly, provide all the equipment you’ll need and have amazing coaches.

If you prefer to stick to calmer water, they also do SUP tours and lessons in the nearby Gannel estuary too!

Try your hand at golf

Challenge the kids to a round of mini golf, or if you’re looking for more of a challenge, pitch and putt (watch out for the cliff-hanging 18th hole!) Both can be found close by at Holywell Bay Golf. With coastal views and well-kept greens, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon outdoors.

Head off on a sea safari

Take a 2-hour trip out to Seal Cove with Newquay Sea Safaris, stopping to see birds and marine wildlife on the way. You’ll learn about Newquay’s maritime history and the marine habitat as you cruise along too. After speeding out to deeper water there’s an opportunity to look for dolphins, basking sharks and sunfish – an experience which the whole family will enjoy.

There’s also shark cage diving for the slightly braver…

Visit Blue Hills Tin Streams

Learn about tin production on a self-guided tour at Blue Hills in St Agnes. Tin has been produced in the valley for the past 40 years and is worked under a special licence from the Duchy of Cornwall. Hand tools are used to collect the tin carefully – an ancient type of mining which has taken place for thousands of years.

On a walk around the site, learn about how the ore is extracted and meet the craftsmen who dress it, smelt it, refine it and make it into the end product – such as jewellery and giftware.

Walk the Newquay Discovery Trail

Explore secrets of the past on the Newquay Discovery Trail. You’ll find slate disks in the ground at key places of interest around the town. Each slate is numbered and links to a map – so you can learn facts about your location whilst admiring the view. A brilliant way to explore Newquay without a car!

There are two walks which make up the trail, one which takes a coastal route and the other which takes in some of the coast before moving inland – passing through the gardens and boating lake, as well as other attractions.

Pick up a copy of the Discovery Trail Map from the Visit Newquay Tourist Information Centre.