Things to do in Cornwall
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Ferryboat Inn
reviewed
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Extreme Academy
reviewed
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A
Enterprise Boats
reviewed
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EboAdventure
reviewed
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Cobweb
reviewed
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B
Chain Locker
Shiver-me-timbers - a classic old sea-dog of a pub, with the all-important low ceilings, heart-stopping ales and hugger-mugger atmosphere.
reviewed
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Cardinham Woods
reviewed
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Adventure Centre
reviewed
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C
Zero Lounge
More urban chic than olde-worlde, this open-plan bar also boasts the town's best beer patio.
reviewed
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Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary
Half a mile west of town, this monkey centre is guaranteed to raise a few 'aaahhhhs' over its unfeasibly cute woolly and capuchin monkeys, many of which were rescued from illegal captivity.
reviewed
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Watering Hole
Perran's old warhorse of a beach bar makes a great spot for a sundowner, with tables spilling right onto the sand and local bands playing into the night on weekends during summer.
reviewed
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D
Vertigo
The pick of the bars around St Mary's St, worth a look for its quirky decor and delightful walled garden.
reviewed
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E
Turk's Head
They pull a fine pint of real ale at this, the oldest boozer in Penzance. It's said a smugglers' tunnel used to link the pub with the harbour – handy for sneaking in that liquid contraband – and the bar's covered in maritime memorabilia.
reviewed
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Trelissick Gardens
At the head of the Fal estuary, 4 miles south of Truro, Trelissick is one of Cornwall's most beautiful estates, with a formal garden filled with magnolias and hydrangeas, and a huge expanse of fields and parkland criss-crossed by walking trails.
reviewed
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Trebah
Two of Cornwall's great gardens sit side by side along the northern bank of the Helford River, both of which can be visited by taking a day-trip from Falmouth. Trebah, first planted in 1840, is one of Cornwall's finest subtropical gardens, dramatically situated in a steep ravine filled with giant rhododendrons, huge Brazilian rhubarb plants and jungle ferns.
reviewed
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Tin Fin
Perran's dining scene is dominated by cheap-and-cheerful pubs and fish-and-chips shops, but if you fancy something more substantial, this bright and breezy bistro turns out the town's best food. Slate floors, multicoloured chairs and light pine tables give it a fresh seaside feel, while the menu is chalked up daily on the blackboard.
reviewed
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The Loe
A mile south of Porthleven is the treacherous sandbank of Loe Bar – scene of many a shipwreck – and Loe Pool, Cornwall's largest freshwater lake, said by some to be the resting place of King Arthur's magical blade, Excalibur.
reviewed
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Surfing
Newquay's awash with places to learn to surf, offering everything from half-day taster lessons (£25 to £30) to full-blown multiday 'surfaris' (from £130). When choosing your school, make sure it's approved by the BSA (British Surfing Association). Reputable operators include National Surfing Centre and Extreme Academy.
reviewed
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F
Stein's Fish & Chips
It had to happen – the Stein empire is spreading. Offering the same menu as his Padstow original (top-quality battered fish fried in beef dripping, or fish grilled in sunflower oil, both accompanied with hand-cut chips), Stein's Falmouth fish-and-chip shop has the addition of a snazzy oyster bar on the top floor. Pricey, mind.
reviewed
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G
Sloop Inn
A classic fishermen's boozer, complete with low ceilings, tankards behind the bar and a comprehensive selection of Cornish ales.
reviewed
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Sam's
This much-loved locals' diner has long been a favourite for Fowey punters, but a recent refit has added extra space upstairs and new premises down by Polkerris Beach. Both offer a similar ’60s–retro vibe, with booth seats and big specials blackboards: the Samburgers are particularly worth a mention. No bookings.
reviewed
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River Helford
The River Helford flows across the north of the Lizard. Lined with overhanging oaks and hidden inlets, it's the perfect smugglers' hideaway. Frenchman's Creek, the inspiration for Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name, can be reached on foot from the car park in Helford village.
From the quayside, Helford River Boats runs pedestrian ferries across the water to Helford Passage (near Falmouth).
reviewed
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Provedore
Cool continental cafe serving Falmouth's best coffee and tapas.
reviewed
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Pinky Murphy's Café
Cafes don't come much quirkier than this oddbod establishment, where mismatching crockery is a virtue and seating ranges from tie-dyed beanbags to patched-up sofas. Ciabattas, panini and generous platters are washed down with Pinky's Cream Tease, mugs of Horlicks and fresh-brewed smoothies.
reviewed