Lower Harlyn Sights

Ready to hit the beach(es)? Gather the family up for the 15-minute stroll to horseshoe-shaped Harlyn Bay, where you can kayak, take the kids rockpooling or go surfing, or venture a little further afield for consistent surf at Porthcothan, Trevone and Constantine bays (all less than 10 minutes’ drive). And when you’ve ticked off as many beaches as possible, amble the coast path to the landmark white tower of Trevose Head Lighthouse (40 minutes’ walk) in bracing sea air. For other expeditions, pick up the Camel Trail at Padstow (10 minutes) to follow the spectacular section of the Camel Estuary from Padstow to Wadebridge (two hours on foot, half an hour by bike). More ambitious hikes can be found along the South West Coast Path (10 minutes), where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean from soaring headlands. Turning inland, you can let younger kids loose on the fairground rides at Camel Creek Family Theme Park (15 minutes), or scare yourselves all witless during guided ghost walks of the creepy prison cells at the Bodmin Jail Attraction (half an hour).