Out and About

Atlantic House is all about relaxing, playing, eating and socialising but there is also so much more to do both close by and further afield throughout Cornwall. Here are some of the activities your family can enjoy whilst staying at Atlantic House.

SAND BETWEEN YOUR TOES discover beaches along North Cornwall’s rugged coastline. From sandy bays, long shorelines or secret smugglers’ coves, this stretch of Atlantic Coast captivates all who visit.

OFF ROAD FAMILY CYCLING is a great way to explore Cornwall and there are lots of trails to discover. Cornwall has an ace up its sleeve with cycle routes and cycle paths throughout the county.

CORNWALL IS A WALKER’S PARADISE with more than 200 miles of the South West Coastal Path to explore and enjoy. Whether a keen hiker or looking for a relaxed stroll, there is a walk for everyone.

SEA ADVENTURES Cornwall has a diverse range of wildlife out at sea, on the beaches and along the coastline. Whether you are strolling along the beach or taking a wildlife watching tour, Cornwall’s rich marine and coastal wildlife is all around.

HIDDEN WITHIN THE COASTAL BEAUTY is a wonderful array of wildlife. Getting out into North Cornwall’s stunning scenery gives you a chance to see many birds and animals in their natural environment.

FUN DAYS OUT Cornwall is absolutely packed full of great activities and family attractions. In fact, there’s so much to choose from, it can be tricky to decide what to see and do.

Beaches

SAND BETWEEN YOUR TOES

Discover beaches along North Cornwall’s rugged coastline. From sandy bays, long shorelines or secret smugglers’ coves, this stretch of Atlantic Coast captivates all who visit. With 42 beaches, you are spoilt for choice, and here are just a few of our favourite beaches.

Polzeath Beach is a Blue Flag family beach. Enormous at low tide, extending around half a mile in all directions. One of the safest beaches along this stretch of coast. Excellent for surfers of all abilities or making sandcastles.

Baby Bay is adjacent to Polzeath Beach and perfect for couples and families to hunker down for the day with their picnic from Atlantic House.

Rock Beach is a long stretch of golden sand following the Estuary. Backed by sand dunes behind which is St Enodoc Golf Club. The waters are generally clear and safe, being sheltered.

Daymer Beach has at low tide long stretches of golden sand backed by dunes with superb views. The beach is in the mouth of the Camel Estuary, sheltered and has a gently sloping beach making it safe for swimming.

Lundy Bay is a small sheltered rocky cove. At low tide, a beautiful sandy beach is revealed along with plenty of rock pools making it a great place for families with kids. Access involves a bit of a hike off the beaten track through an open field into a stunning wooded valley, down to the beach via a sloping path or up to the cliff to take in the breath-taking views.

Take time to visit some of the incredible 42 beaches scattered along the North Cornwall coastline here.

Cycling

OFF ROAD FAMILY CYCLING is a great way to explore Cornwall and there are lots of trails to discover. Cornwall has an ace up its sleeve with cycle routes and cycle paths throughout the county. Together these comprise 180 miles of cycling, much of which is traffic free and forming part of the National Cycle Network. As well as being quite flat these routes have the advantage of being free of road traffic making them suitable for families with young children. For those who fancy a more strenuous ride, the rolling hills, high moors and undulating coastal roads of Cornwall can be challenging but are rewardingly picturesque.

The Camel Trail is a short drive from Polzeath, the perfect way to explore the Cornish countryside and provides a safe and free activity for all the family. The trail spans from Padstow to Wenfordbridge with several manageable sections to walk or cycle. The most popular part of this trail is from Wadebridge to Padstow, but a well-kept secret is to continue on the beautiful trail which goes all the way to Wenfordbridge and can be connected to at numerous points along the route. With plenty of pubs, shops, and restaurants to visit along the way, and cycle hire available from Padstow, Wadebridge, and Bodmin, this relatively flat, surfaced trail is perfect for enjoying some of the most spectacular countryside in the South West.

Cardinham Woods There are a series of newly built trails running through Cardinham Woods, starting with a number of family-friendly trails and building to the 12km Bodmin Beast which is a single-track trail for mountain bikers and experienced off-roaders with exhilarating climbs and descents, exciting technical tests. There is a diverse woodland full of secret glades, stream-side paths and stunning viewpoints. With family learning packs for a day of discovery or the Shaun the Sheep glow trail. There is also a nice cafe to recuperate in afterwards.

www.forestryengland.uk/cardinham-woods

Bridge Bike Hire, Wadebridge - http://www.bridgebikehire.co.uk

Trail Bike Hire, Padstow - https://www.trailbikehire.co.uk

Cornish Cycle Tours - www.cornishcycletours.co.uk

Coastal Walks

CORNWALL IS A WALKER’S PARADISE with more than 200 miles of the South West Coastal Path to explore and enjoy. Whether a keen hiker or looking for a relaxed stroll, there is a walk for everyone. Step outside Atlantic House and join the path! Download the App at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Pentire Point and The Rumps These magnificent headlands are reached from Polzeath following the coastal path up through the National Trust land and on to Pentire Point. A brilliant walk for children who will love the prehistoric promontory fort ramparts and the volcanic rocks. In springtime it is an extensive carpet of wildflowers, with stunning views of the Atlantic. There is a wide variety of bird life along the coast and occasionally grey seals, dolphins and basking sharks are spotted.

Polzeath to St Enodoc Church the walk starts at Polzeath beach and follows the coast path, known as "The Greenaway", around past a number of small beaches with purple-and-green pinstripe rocks and many rockpools to explore at low tide. The route continues past shipwreck remains on Trebetherick Point and descends onto the beach at Daymer Bay before heading through the sand dunes to St Enodoc Church - the burial place of Sir John Betjeman. The route then loops inland, across fields and golf courses, to return to Polzeath.

Port Isaac to Polzeath for the more adventurous, this 9-mile walk starts by taking the 96 bus from Polzeath to Port Isaac. Join the walk along the Coastal Path from Port Isaac to the sheltered inlet of Port Quin. From here the route passes the clifftop folly that was used as a gambling den and the mines on Doyden Point before reaching the sandy beaches of Epphaven Cove and Lundy Bay. The walk continues along the rugged coast around the headlands of The Rumps and Pentire Point before entering the Camel Estuary, passing the sandy beaches of Pentireglaze and reaching Polzeath. Enjoy spectacular coastal views and spot various wildlife including seals, birds of prey and seabirds.

Bodmin Moor is one of Cornwall's few true wilderness areas. Much of the unspoilt high moorland has Open Access status, allowing members of the public the right to walk freely within designated areas without having to stick to paths. www.cornwalls.co.uk/walking/bodmin_moor.htm

The Camel Trail Running between Padstow and Wadebridge, this 5.5-mile trail follows a disused railway line through the Cornish countryside and along the stunning Camel Estuary, this relatively flat, surfaced trail is perfect for enjoying some of the most spectacular countryside in the south west.

Walks around Polzeath - https://www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk/walks/near/polzeath

Sea Adventures

SEA ADVENTURES Cornwall has a diverse range of wildlife out at sea, on the beaches and along the coastline. Whether you are strolling along the beach or taking a wildlife watching tour, Cornwall's rich marine and coastal wildlife is all around. Many varieties of mollusc are numerous in Cornish waters, both freshwater and saltwater species, while crustaceans reign over the coastline and rock pools, home to crabs such as the spider crab, lobsters, prawns and the tenacious barnacles who cling to the rocks found around the coast.

A Fishing Trip from Padstow on Emma Kate, a Lochin 38 sea-fishing boat, built by one of the best and oldest British boatbuilding companies is not to be missed. Moored in Padstow, one of the most picturesque working harbours, join Skippers Lee and John for a fishing trip out to sea. www.emmakate2.com

Join Cornish Kayaking for an unforgettable adventure exploring the Camel Estuary and Cornish Coastline. You will be guided safely along sheltered beaches and coves, play in the waves, and rest on hidden bays along the way. Kayaking is open to all abilities, with no previous experience required. Experienced guides will teach essential kayak skills under their watchful eyes. Kayaking is the ideal activity for families, individuals and friends looking for adventure and fun on the sea. www.cornishkayaking.com

Take a Safari Trip with Wavehunters and explore the dramatic, rugged coastline of North Cornwall. Whether you are a first-time or experienced sailor, their boat trips take you along Cornwall’s unique coastline to look for a stunning array of wildlife. Depending on the Seasons, this may include puffins (spring through to early summer) peregrine falcons, dolphins, seals, minke whales, sei whales, jellyfish, sunfish, and porpoises. On beautiful sunny days when the ocean is crystal clear, you can spot lobsters crawling along the ocean bed in the shallow waters of seal caves. Let Reception book your trip.

Coasteering is an exciting and action-packed exploration of a stretch of rocky coastline. Travel along an otherwise inaccessible stretch of the Cornish coast, swimming into rocky coves, through exhilarating whitewater features, adventuring into caves and of course leaping from our favourite jump spots. With a range of routes and activity levels, coasteering with Cornish Rock Tors is a truly accessible experience for all ages and abilities. Sessions take place in the beautiful National Trust location at Port Gaverne offering access to a stunning stretch of unspoilt coast. All equipment is provided including a warm 5mm wetsuit, thick-soled wetsuit boots, a buoyancy aid and a helmet. www.cornishrocktors.com

Wildlife

HIDDEN WITHIN THE COASTAL BEAUTY is a wonderful array of wildlife. Getting out into North Cornwall's stunning scenery gives you a chance to see many birds and animals in their natural environment. Visit Hayle Estuary, a mix of estuary, tidal pools and marshes and home to up to 18,000 birds. Tidal estuaries are the home of many wading birds. The boggy areas inland are frequently settled by marshland bird species, and you may see them delving for food among mud flats and tidal pools. The beaches and dunes are home to many species of sea bird, and you’ll find a large variety of birds nesting in this habitat. One of those you will frequently see is the sandpiper, running alongside the sea in search of insects.

Visits to any of these wildlife centres are not only a great family day out but an opportunity to learn more about marine conservation at the National Lobster Hatchery or the Cornish Sea Sanctuary where you will get up close and personal with seals and otters. Owls from around the world can be seen at the Screech Owl Sanctuary, or enjoy breath-taking flying displays by falcons, eagles, hawks, owls, and parrots at the Cornish Birds of Prey centre.

So much to see and enjoy you won’t be able to fit it all in so will have to start planning your return visit soon!

Blue Reef Aquarium - https://www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/newquay/

Cornish Birds of Prey - https://www.cornishbirdsofprey.co.uk

Cornish Seal Sanctuary - https://sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org/en/

Hayle Estuary - https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/hayle-estuary/

National Lobster Hatchery - https://www.nationallobsterhatchery.co.uk/

Porfell Wildlife Park - www.porfell.co.uk

Portreath Bee Centre - http://www.porteathbeecentre.co.uk/

Screech Owl Wildlife Sanctuary - https://screechowlsanctuary.co.uk

Fun Days Out

FUN DAYS OUT Cornwall is absolutely packed full of great activities and family attractions. In fact, there's so much to choose from, it can be tricky to decide what to see and do. To point you in the right direction, we’ve made some suggestions below that the whole family will love!

WIPEOUT AT THE AQUAPARK Climb, jump, slide and bounce at Cornwall’s most extreme Aquapark. No-holds-barred madness on this colossal inflatable playground. Get wet & go wild on oversized trampolines, monkey bars, slides, swings and more www.adrenalinquarry.co.uk/aquapark

DISCOVER PIRATES at the New World Pirate’s Quest, Newquay, an immersive walk-through experience which combines talented theatrical actors, amazing special effects, and detailed 360⁰ sets in an authentic, atmospheric adventure. A live Pirate Guide will lead you through realistic scenes on an hour-long voyage into the history of piracy. Be transported to the 1700’s and discover fascinating life of a Caribbean Pirate! A real Pirate will help you escape a shipwreck then lead you through the mystical caves and murky streets of seventeenth century Cornwall to the crew’s recruitment base; Blackbeard’s Tavern. Eventually you’ll arrive at the Captain’s Ship, ready to set sail to the Caribbean.

Feel, hear, smell, and see Cornwall’s intriguing legends and exciting history in an adventure the whole family can enjoy together. www.piratesquest.co.uk

ALL ABOARD! Lappa Valley is one of the best family days out in Cornwall. Take a nostalgic steam vintage train ride on Zebedee, Muffin or Rosie and weave through leafy woodland to the site of historic East Wheal Rose mine. There’s something sweetly nostalgic about hearing the toot of the train’s whistle and being engulfed in clouds of steam as you set off down the tracks. Once there, paddle a canoe or giant swan around the boating lake, explore gentle nature trails or the wooden fortress, play crazy golf and ride more tiny rare trains, such as the woodland railway, with sit-astride benches.  Set over 35 acres there are adventures for all both outdoors and inside. Make happy memories as a family, roaming free and enjoying play in the great outdoors! www.lappavalley.co.uk

ADVENTURE PARK FOR ALL AGES. Dairyland Farm World has masses to do inside and out.

The Bull Pen, a huge undercover play area with climbing nets, slides and ball pools, and outside there's trampolines, assault courses, play area for smaller children, mini ride on tractors & JCB's. Still a working farm, the daily milking session is a main attraction when the cows step aboard a merry-go-round milking machine and are milked to a rousing musical accompaniment. This amazing milking parlour is just like a space-age nightclub, complete with glitter ball. Visit a bygone age in the Cornish Heritage Centre and educate the children how life and work used to be which sits next to the alternative energy centre. A tranquil nature trail rolls down through the valley with woodland walks to lakes filled with wildlife from fish to swans and for those not up to walking there is a Hayride daily from 1pm. www.dairylandfarmworld.com

Click on these links for other terrific experiences for the family:

Bodmin and Wenford Railway – https://bodminrailway.co.uk

Bodmin Jail – www.bodminjail.org

Camel Creek Adventure Park - https://www.camelcreek.co.uk

Green Leisure - https://www.greenleisure.co.uk/outdoor-activities-in-wadebridge/

Jump4Trampoline Park - https://jump4.co.uk

Paradise Park and The Jungle Barn - https://paradisepark.org.uk

St Eval Kart Circuit - www.cornwallkarting.com