Tourists guide to Cornwall and extreme sports and surfing in Newquay, Britain’s surfing capital

Extreme Sports in Cornwall

If you’re feeling brave take the plunge and conquer an extreme sport…

Coasteering

Okay, so you’re not literally going to keep your feet on dry land, but coasteering is the ultimate activity if you fancy a bit more than a sedate stroll along the coast path. As you traverse the border between land and sea you will explore remote coves and crags, clamber along barnacled ledges, plunge into swirling surf, abseil down cliff faces and scramble through coastal caves. Adrenalin-fuelled, action-packed and truly adventurous.

 

Wakeboarding

Experience the art of going sideways on water! With a little help from a motorboat you can harness the exhilaration of riding the face of a wave as you get towed into the wake of the boat on a surfboard-cum-snowboard. It can be a great way to learn some impressive tricks (once you’ve mastered the art of standing up sideways) and it’s a top pastime when the water’s flat.

 

Kite Surfing

Launch a power kite and ride across the surface of the water at the speed of the wind with your feet strapped to a surfboard. This cutting-edge action sport is a fusion of windsurfing, surfing, wake boarding and power kiting, and once you have mastered the technique the speeds and jumps attainable are absolutely mind-blowing. Since Cornwall’s Andreya Wharry hit the record books when she completed the longest kite surf passage ever achieved by a woman (from Watergate Bay to County Waterford, Ireland), the sport has sailed even further into the spotlight and become synonymous with Cornwall’s beach scene.

 

Mountain Boarding

As these all terrain boards carve on sand, turf, dirt and road, it comes as no surprise that mountain boarding is becoming popular on the diverse terrain of Cornwall. And what with mountain boarding being a massive hit across the globe, we really are lucky to have the land and culture of it on our doorstep. If you get a rush from surfing, skateboarding or snow boarding, you’ll find this emerging sport is pure exhilaration.

 

Climbing

Have you got a head for heights and a nose for adventure? Be totally at one with Cornwall’s rugged landscape as you climb to spectacular heights on dramatic granite cliffs and spectacular inland sites. Pioneered by A W Andrews who scaled the cliffs of West Penwith in 1939, Cornwall is the home of sea-cliff climbing and boasts rock faces for all levels of climber.

 

Sailing in Cornwall

Feel the wind in your sails and take to the open seas – Cornwall is a Mecca for sailors.
Why not live the high-life and charter a sleek yacht to cruise to the idyllic Isles of Scilly or explore smugglers’ coves and the sheltered waterways of the Carrick Roads? Sail a catamaran from the dock where Dame Ellen MacArthur completed her epic round-the-world record breakers or learn the ropes on a sailing dinghy.

Whatever floats your boat – the calm south or the challenging north coast swell – climb aboard and venture into the yachting world that is deeply ingrained in Cornwall’s culture.

Surfing in Newquay and Cornwall

Get a fabulous workout as you ride the waves of one of Europe’s top surfing destinations. With a variety of reef and beach breaks scattered along both the north and south coasts, there is a wave for all weather conditions and for every level of surfer.

And as the super chic image of surfing has cajoled more and more participants into the waves, it’s no longer just for super cool grommets and weathered pros – grandads, parents and annoyingly good littl’uns can be found grinning in the line-up.

Diary dates

Watch surf and skate pros in action and let your hair down at one of the music gigs or after-parties at the week long Rip Curl Boardmasters surf, skate and music festival, based at Newquay on the north coast. Held each year in August.

 

Beaches in Cornwall

Thanks to our unique position on the south west peninsula 80% of Cornwall is surrounded by water, giving us the longest stretch of coastline in the UK at 697km. So wherever you are in Cornwall a stroll across the sand or a game of beach rounders is only a maximum of 16 miles away. And with over 300 beaches to choose from you never have to visit the same one twice!

Head to the north coast if you fancy a day stretched out on a large expense of golden sand watching Atlantic waves breaking on the shore with surfers following in their wake. Or for secluded coves and sheltered bays make your way to the south coast. But rest assured – whatever beach you choose it will be blessed with the clear waters and picturesque views that put Cornwall’s beaches among the best in the world.

Pubs in Cornwall

Whether you’re passionate about real ales or a connoisseur of cocktails; looking for traditional, hearty pub food or contemporary cuisine, you won’t need to search far in Cornwall to find a venue which suits your tastes.

Cornwall’s unique combination of stunning coastline and countryside, historic fishing villages and town centres brimming with vibrant art galleries and innovative, independent shops, means that when it comes to locations you really are spoilt for choice.

Warm up by the fire at one of the many village inns on Bodmin Moor, or watch surfers catching waves at a relaxed bar overlooking the beach; join in with the local banter at a lively harbourside pub, or enjoy the vibe at a stylish new venue in the centre of town.

Restaurants in Cornwall

You will find the whole spectrum of restaurants and eating places in Cornwall – to suit all purses. Whether you are looking for a contemporary waterside bistro or a Michelin star restaurant, you will be spoilt for choice in Cornwall.

Taking pride of place on any Cornish restaurant menu is its dedication to local produce and suppliers, and with the sea being less than 16 miles from anywhere in the county it is unsurprising that the phase ‘catch of the day’ makes a regular appearance.
But its not just the food that has pushed Cornwall to the top of the eating out list – as the saying goes, location is everything and in Cornwall we’ve got it by the bucket load! Dine with a view along Cornwall’s stunning coast, head inland for a lovely rural setting or try one of Cornwall’s farm restaurants for a more rustic experience.

You’ll never go hungry in Cornwall.

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