If Cornwall’s on your to do list this summer, then head for the south of the region. Blessed with family-friendly beaches, picturesque fishing villages, gorgeous coastlines and packed with attractions to keep the little ones entertained.

South Cornwall is a land of mystery and legend just waiting to be explored. If you still need an excuse to go, then here’s our top 10 to tempt you on a South Cornwall holiday this summer.

Where to stay

Looe Island View 

To make your summer stay perfect, you can browse our fabulous south Cornwall holiday cottages. Discover all this action and more in our ‘Things to Do & Events’ section for each property. Or call us on 01275 21 75 75 and our expert advisors will happily help you out. We are open from 9am – 10pm, 7 days a week.
 

East Looe Beach by Karen Roe

1. The coast & beaches – When it comes to beaches, south Cornwall has some absolute gems. For family fun; East Looe, Downderry and Whitsand Bay top the list.

Surfers and sailors should head to Seaton, and rockpoolers can have a field day at Hannafore. Kayaks can be hired at Talland Bay. Good news for our four-legged friends too. A south Cornwall holiday is a great choice as many beaches welcome dogs all year round. 

Golitha Falls by Christopher Dart

2. The nature reserves and country parks – Your south Cornwall holiday is not all about the coast! Discover the many attractions and activities that Bodmin Moor has on offer. There is a wide choice of country parks and nature reserves. Try the spectacular Golitha Falls and the beautiful mixed woodland of Cardinham Woods. Or head to Siblyback and Colliford, perfect for a host of water activities with the family. 

Porfell Wildlife Park by Bradley Howard

3. The attractions – Discover the magical castle of Restormel and spend a sunny evening at one of their summer outdoor theatre performances.

Animal lovers will enjoy monkeying around at Looe’s Monkey Sanctuary or experience Cornwall’s biggest exotic wildlife sanctuary at Porfell.

Go underground at Carnglaze Slate Caverns and explore Cornwall’s smuggling history at Jamaica Inn. Or for a touch of nostalgia, journey back in time on one of Bodmin and Wenford’s heritage steam trains. 

Adrenalin Quarry

4. The outdoor activities – Whatever your interest, be it fishing, water and adventure sports, horseriding, or golf, you’ll find it on a south Cornwall holiday. Try your hand at sea fishing in Looe and Polperro, or trout fishing at Colliford Lake Park.

Thrill-seekers should make for Adrenalin Quarry’s longest zipwire in the UK or take to the Cornish skies with a Virgin Balloon flight from Liskeard. 

The South West Coast Path at Lantic Bay by Tom Bastin

5. The walks – Walkers will love the diversity of the landscape, windswept moors, coastal cliff top walks, areas of natural beauty and trails through woodlands, nature reserves and country parks. The stretch of the South West Coast Path is particularly beautiful in south Cornwall and Llansallos is the perfect starting point for a scenic coastal walk. Or why not head in-land to take on one of the wonderful walks across Bodmin Moor? 

Sleeping Goddess at the Lost Gardens of Heligan by Loco Steve

6. The houses and gardens – Lose yourself for a few hours at Moyclare, one of the fine Cornish gardens in the area, or explore the ancient Lost Gardens of Heligan and the exotic biodomes of the Eden Project.

There is a great choice. A number of spectacular manor houses with sprawling gardens abound – try Port Eliot, Lanhydrock, Antony House and Cothele, Cornwall’s best-preserved and most important Tudor house. 

Cornish Pasties by Jim Hammer

7. The food and drink – Visitors to south east Cornwall are in for some tasty treats – food and drink here is seriously special! Experience freshly caught seafood from the surrounding fishing villages and harbours. Looe & Polperro boast restaurants and cafes to suit every budget, from fine dining restaurants to cafes & fish & chips. And, of course, that great Cornish staple, the pasty! 

Port Eliot Festival by john

8. The events – Summer 2017 is going to be another great year for events in and around Looe and south east Cornwall. Entertainment for the whole family is guaranteed at Looe Carnival Week, the Port Eliot Festival and Fowey Regatta and Carnival Week. Vintage vehicle fans should head to the Boconnoc Steam Fair, Morval Vintage Steam Rally or Mount Edgcumbe American & Classic Car Show & Fayre.

Polperro Harbour by Nick Hubbard

9. The towns and villages – Explore the delightful market towns and villages which are dotted throughout the area. Encounter the busy fishing port of Looe and the picture-perfect fishing village of Polperro, renowned for its former smuggling activities. The important port of the town of Fowey, pronounced ‘Foy’, St Austell, home to the famous St Austell brewery and the charming town of Lostwithiel, thought by some to be Cornwall’s hidden treasure, are well worth the trip.

Looe Estuary by Robert Linsdell

10. The climate – Compared to the exposed north coast, south east Cornwall is an area of relative calm with a temperate sheltered climate. The countryside around the Looe estuary is some of the most sheltered in Cornwall, and the steep wooded sides of the river valley provide an environment rich with wildlife.