Summers in Cornwall

The stunning county of Cornwall is home to charming harbour villages, golden shorelines, and woodland valleys offering peaceful coastal living. With a long and varied coastline, wild moorland scenery, and a temperate climate, the Cornish Riviera is the ideal location for a memorable holiday.

Are you planning a Cornish holiday? Our guide is here to help you find the best dining, attractions, activities, pet-friendly places, and events in Cornwall this summer.

 

Dining in Cornwall

What is a holiday in Cornwall without flavourful food? Whether you prefer delicacies like mussels and prime rib or simpler pleasures like Cornish pasties and ice cream, you’re bound to find something that suits your palate. Here is a selection of the best restaurants in Cornwall to try on your summer holiday.

Restaurants in Fowey

• Sams on the Beach: Whether you want to indulge in delicate crab, crispy fish or fluffy scones, you’ll satisfy your seafood cravings whilst dining at Sams on Cornwall’s south coast.
• Old Quay House Restaurant: Enjoy the view from the exceptional terrace overlooking the estuary as you delight in modern British cooking at this luxurious eatery.
• Havener’s Bar & Grill: There’s plenty on offer for visitors of all ages, but those 18 and up should certainly try the Cornish draught beers on tap.
• Pintxo: For a taste of authentic Spanish culture, head to this hidden gem within Fowey’s cobbled streets.
• Fitzroy: Locally sourced ingredients make for exceptionally flavourful dishes at this ultra-laidback restaurant.

Restaurants in Fistral Beach

• Dune Restaurant: The culinary team at Dune serves up gourmet burgers, tender steaks, fresh seafood and decadent desserts.
• C-Bay Bar Cafe: Enjoy homely breakfasts, fresh bakes, delicious coffee and afternoon tea at this cafe nestled in Crantock Bay.
• The Fistral Stable: The self-proclaimed “cider-loving pizza makers” at the Stable use local ingredients to craft some of the best-tasting pizza in Cornwall.
• The Fish House Fistral: Ideally located just a stone’s throw from Fistral Bay, seafood is the star of the show at this exceptional eatery.

Restaurants in Cornwall

• The Boathouse (Charlestown): This intimate family-run restaurant is open all day, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to hungry diners.
• The Kingswood Bar & Restaurant (St Austell): There is plenty on offer for a convenient, casual dining experience the whole family will enjoy.
• Hubbox (Pentewan and Portmellon): Indulge in American-inspired street foods like award-winning burgers, hotdogs, malt-shakes and coffee.
• Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant (Padstow): The flagship establishment of this celebrity chef, Rick Stein’s offers simple seafood dishes using the very best local fare.

Coffee Shops in Cornwall

• Box & Barber (Newquay): Sip on a rich coffee and enjoy wholesome light bites on the patio at this hip coffee shop.
• Cherry Trees Coffee House (Padstow): Schedule a stop at this artisan cafe, which serves Cornish food alongside freshly ground coffee.
• Chapel Cafe (Port Isaac): This barista café bar boasts its own signature coffee blend and has been dubbed the home of the best fish finger sandwiches.

 

Attractions in Cornwall

Some guests visit Cornwall for the stunning beaches. Others come for the vibrant plant life. Whatever brings you to this coastal region of England, we hope you stay awhile! Here are some exciting places to visit and things to do in Cornwall:

• Newquay Zoo: Get close to hundreds of your favourite species, from armadillo to zebra, at Newquay Zoo. Fun for all the family!
• Local Beaches: Cornwall is home to over 300 golden sandy beaches, spoiling you for the choice of where to spend your day. Nether-less, some of the best beaches in Cornwall are Carlyon Bay Beach, Fistral Beach, Holywell Bay, Polkerris Beach, Polzeath Beach and Porthpean Beach.
• Lost Gardens of Heligan: This stunning Cornish secret garden is a horticulture wonderland. Explore formal lawns, kitchen gardens, greenhouses and hidden grottos.
• The Eden Project: Wander around the largest indoor rainforest in the world at one of the UK’s most popular visitor attractions.
• Newquay Golf Club: Golf aficionados will love playing at one of Cornwall’s finest courses overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

 

Activities in Cornwall

There’s something for everyone in Cornwall, whether you prefer action, adventure, relaxation, or true to Cornish living – a laidback holiday. Here are some ideas to consider when planning your getaway:

• Lappa Valley Railway: There is a wealth of family-friendly activities to enjoy at Lappa Valley in Newquay, including a nostalgic railway that takes you for a train ride through the beautiful Cornish countryside.
• Pentewan Trail: Hire a bike and ride the scenic trails around Mevagissey, St Austell and the breathtaking south coast.
• Kayaking and Canoe Trips: Encounter Cornwall has been running guided trips from a quiet village base in Golant since 2006. These tips are the ideal introduction to Fowey’s tidal waters for families and those new to kayaking and canoeing.
• Surfing Lessons: Find lessons for students of all ages and skill levels throughout Cornwall.
• Bodyboarding Lessons: This alternative to surfing is highly enjoyable and open to anyone who can swim.
• Coasteering: For an unforgettable, action-packed day, try coasteering! You’ll see a side of Cornwall’s beautiful, craggy coastline that you never knew existed.

 

Pet-Friendly Activities in Cornwall

Your Cornish holiday offers numerous pet-friendly locations that welcome and encourage you to bring your four-legged friend. Be sure to book pet-friendly accommodation for your stay in Cornwall. Then, visit these restaurants and beaches designed specifically for those joined by a VIP guest (very important pooch).

Pet-Friendly Pubs & Restaurants in Cornwall

• The Sharksfin (Mevagissey): Part of the St Austell Brewery family, this popular waterfront hangout serves up mouth-watering fusion dishes like Crab Mac and Cheese, Lamb Ragu and BBQ Bacon Prawns.
• The Ship Inn (Mevagissey): If you’re craving seared saffron scallops or homemade crepes with an enviable waterside view, this dog-friendly restaurant is a great place to grab a local bite.
• Polgooth Inn (Polgooth): This traditional 16th-century pub boasts a roaring log fire, a recently renovated beer garden and an overall friendly atmosphere.
• The Longstore (Charlestown): Overlooking the harbour and bay in Charlestown, this pet-friendly eatery specialises in craft beers, steaks, and seafood.

Summertime Pet-Friendly Beaches in Cornwall

It is common for beaches in Cornwall to only permit dogs during the cooler months. However, we have collated a selection of beaches where your four-legged friends are welcome all year round:

• Portholland Beach: Portholland is, in fact, two beaches. At low tide, they join to form a wide stretch of sparkling sand.
• Caerhays (Porthluney) Beach: Backed by the stately Caerhays Castle, this white-sand beach offers relatively gentle waters and excellent swimming for people and pets alike.
• Gorran Haven Beach: This sheltered beach nestled in front of Gorran Haven is a hidden gem perfect for families and pet owners.
• Daymer Bay: Enjoy the spectacular views across the Camel Estuary as you sail, swim, and windsurf at this safe, sheltered beach.
• Crantock Beach: This idyllic stretch of coastline is an excellent choice for dog owners looking for a peaceful place to swim and play in the water.

 

Summer 2022 Events in Cornwall

Nothing quite compares to a summer break in Cornwall. The warmth of the sun on your face, the smell of the salty air and the taste of freshly fried fish and chips, truly make for a memorable holiday. Fill your schedule with some of these iconic summer events in Cornwall:

• Sea Theatre at Bedruthan (Newquay): Come to Sea Theatre on select evenings in July and August for an entertaining production in a magnificent setting.
• Leopallooza (Bude): Visit this festival for live music, camping, and good vibes from the 22nd to the 24th of July.
• Boardmasters (Newquay): This festival runs from the 10th to 14th August, providing five days of frolicking fun and epic surfing under the Cornish sun.
• Rock Oyster (Rock): Find fabulous food, upbeat music and a stellar activity programme at this festival hosted by Jack Stein and friends. It is scheduled for the 29th to the 31st of July, so mark your calendar!
• St Endellion Summer Festival (St Endellion): This union of musicians from around the world highlights the exceptional talents of the participating artists. It is the second St Endellion festival of 2022, scheduled to take place from the 26th of July to the 5th of August.

 

 

Stay at a Luxury Holiday Cottage in Cornwall

Book your stay at a luxury self-catering cottage, villa, or apartment for an incredible holiday in breath-taking destinations. Spending your summer break in Cornwall is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with loved ones in a beautiful home away from home! For tailored advice our dedicated Concierge Team are on hand to help, simply call +44(0)1625 416430 or email at info@togethertravel.co.uk