Rock climbing, coasteering, ecoasterring, wild swimming, sea kayaking – for the thrill seeker who wants to get that little bit closer to Cornish nature, Cornish Rock Tors has venues on the north and south coasts of Cornwall, so it’s a good one to keep in mind whether you’re visiting the area for the first time or after multiple trips. Suffice to say the excursions allow you to take in some of the most picturesque aspectsof Cornwall, getting to grips with the great outdoors and some of the most incredible scenery the UK has to offer. They even cater to hen weekends and stag parties, all the while endorsed by the National Trust and conservation organisations.

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Offering kayaking tours, SUP sessions and coasteering in picturesque Cornwall, Cornish Coast Adventures is all about tours on the water and getting to see the area from one of its prized assets – the sea. Based at the family run Scarrabine farm in Port Quin, between Polzeath and Port Isaac in North Cornwall, it’s a beautiful way to explore the sheltered harbours, huge caves and old shipwrecks under the watchful guidance of friendly guides. You can book family tours, classic kayak tours and adult-only adventures whether you’re a beginner or a thrill seeking pro.

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For the thrill-seekers and the calm-seekers, the adrenalin junkies and the nature lovers, and those who just want to take a moment out of the daily grind: Wavehunters will have an ocean adventure for you. From surf lessons to sea boat safaris, they offer a wide range of activities guaranteed to provide fun for all the family, make sure you get on board! 

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For an action-packed, adrenaline-filled day of adventure, try your hand a paintballing, outdoor laser tag or combat archery. A purpose-built UKPSF accredited site set in 20 acres, Big Dunks Paintball offers a great day out for any group, big or small. Younger children can also take part in child-friendly 'Splatmaster' paintballing.

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A circular countryside walk from the 15th century church at St Tudy through the grounds of the 18th century Manor of Wetherham, returning to the church alehouse where ale brewed by the church was sold to raise funds, and later became the village lock-up known as The Clink. 2.4 miles. Steepness: easy-moderate.

Owned by one of Cornwall's most well known chefs, Nathan Outlaw. High end seafood tasting experience in lush surroundings.

Outlaws, 6, New Road, Port Isaac, Cornwall (T: 01208 880896)

A pretty fish shop and café serving fish and seafood fresh from the owner’s boat.  Delicious crab, lobster or salmon sandwiches and salads are the specialities, all sustainably caught in the waters around Port Isaac. 

Fresh From the Sea 18 New Rd, Port Isaac PL29 3SB (T: 01208 880849)

 An 18^th century pub full of character in an idyllic location overlooking the Cornish Sea.  Home to the ‘Bloody Bones Bar’ complete with smuggling tunnel leading down to the beach which, along with open fires and cask ales, adds to the air of history and intrigue.  Expect a warm welcome from the staff and top notch food including plenty of local seafood.

The Golden Lion 10 Fore St, Port Isaac PL29 3RB (T: 01208 880336)

Celebrity chef Nathan Outlaw oversees this smart bistro style restaurant serving delicious tapas-style fish and seafood dishes.  Dedicated to sustainability and supporting local fishermen the menu changes regularly depending on the days catch.

Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen 1 Middle St, Port Isaac PL29 3RH (T: 01208 221183)

A relaxed and welcoming harbourside restaurant, specialising in the fantastic local fish that is landed each day just feet from the front door.  Spread over two floors in a pretty 16^th century building, this is a great place from which to watch the hustle and bustle of the harbour.

The Mote 9 Fore St, Port Isaac PL29 3RB (T: 01208 880226)

Since the arrival of Doc Martin on the small screen, Port Isaac has soared in popularity, and the pretty little village with the historic harbour, which also serves as the beach, has become instantly recognisable.  Still an active fishing village with crab pots scattered about, the sand stretches between twin piers at low tide and has a small stream and lots of rock pools to explore, so it’s ideal for children.  Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round, and as it’s at the centre of the village there’s easy access to shops and all facilities including public toilets.  The car park for the town is a 10-minute walk away, and while there are a couple of parking spaces on the beach itself, just make sure you park above the high water mark, or keep an eagle eye on the tide!    

A sheltered beach on the north Cornwall coast, Port Gaverne Beach is in a narrow cove just east of Port Isaac.  It’s comprised of sand and shingle with lots of rock pools to explore at low tide.  In the summer months it can get quite busy given the popularity of the location and its suitability for families.  Surrounding walks along the cliff path are delightful and at high tide the beach is favoured by divers.  There’s also a slipway and it’s sometimes used to launch boats because of the easy access from the road.  Thanks to it proximity to Port Isaac half a mile away facilities and restaurants are nearby, and the beach welcomes dogs all year round.  You can also park in the village although there is limited road parking by the beach itself.

A rocky beach in a narrow, sheltered cove, Port Quin Beach is close to Port Isaac, and is only accessible at low tide.  Its rugged landscape is beautiful to see, but its location means that it’s largely popular with seasoned walkers and those looking to go snorkeling and kayaking.  Unspoiled and peaceful, it reveals a treasure trove of rock pools when the tide is out, and the nearby village is largely deserted, having once had thriving fishing and mining industries.  Today both the cove and the village are owned by the National Trust and there is a car park courtesy of them in Port Quin.  Dogs are banned between Easter and October, and there aren’t any facilities nearby – it’s all about enjoying the peace and quiet.

Best known as a surf beach, Tregardock Beach is only accessible by footpath, which offers beautiful views of the water and Port Isaac as you head down.  It is quite a stroll and the terrain is bumpy, so it’s not an ideal beach to visit with children.  The path can also get quite muddy, so keep an eye on the weather.  There’s a seasonal ban on dogs from Easter to September, and there aren’t any facilities in the immediate vicinity of the beach.  When the tide goes out, several small beaches become one long stretch of sand, and there’s a waterfall cascading down the cliffs at the back of the beach as well as caves to explore, so it really is a little paradise hidden in the landscape.  Because it’s not easy to access, it’s usually quiet at this beach, but parking along the roadside near the farm at Treligga is very limited, so it’s a good idea to head over as early as possible and make sure you don’t get cut off at high tide.

Visit one of Cornwall’s most famous surfing hubs. Polzeath Beach near Wadebridge is the perfect spot for all you wet-suited surfers, whether novice or pro. Take a lesson in surfing or catch some waves on a body board before heading to browse the local shops and visit the cafes and restaurants along the sea front. For those walkers amongst you, enjoy an easy coastal walk to nearby Daymer Bay and Rock found on the mouth of the Camel Estuary. Parking is plentiful and dogs are welcome on the beach except between Easter Sunday and 30 September when a seasonal dog ban is in place.