10 Fun things to do in Cornwall for adults

Cornwall is not just for families and children – there are plenty of fun things to do in Cornwall for adults too! From water sports to museums and cultural sites, what will you add to your itinerary?

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You’ll find experiences from world-famous sites like the Eden Project to other gems like Tarquin’s Cornish Gin distillery tours. Expand your horizons with Cornwall's most intriguing and exhilarating days out that make the most of the region's unique appeal for adult visitors.

Whether you crave pulse-raising physical pursuits, indulgent food and drink, or some chilled sightseeing, Cornwall promises entertainment for all, so read on for our picks of the top 10 fun things to do in Cornwall for adults.

The local and well known Eden Project in Cornwall, a perfect place to visit on your Cornwall trip.

Eden Project

The world-famous Eden Project biomes are a must-visit, with lush rainforest and Mediterranean environments to explore. Make sure to check out the Eden Sessions - a series of outdoor concerts hosting major bands and artists – plus you get free entry to see the biomes when you purchase a ticket. You’ll also find Hangloose Adventure, where you can take on Edens fast zip wire.

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Water sports at Retallack Resort image

Water sports at Retallack Resort

For even more adventurous things to do in Cornwall, why not test your balance and courage at the Aquapark at Retallack Resort? With inflatable obstacles and slides out on the water, it provides active fun for competitive adults. You can tackle Cornwall’s only surf simulator – FlowRider – and see how good your surf is before heading to the surf capital of Cornwall, Newquay!

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Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm image

Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm

For a fun adult's day out, why not visit Healeys award-winning cyder farm that offers guided tours and tutored tastings of their delicious locally-produced cyders? Perfect for cider (or cyder) fans, come along and learn about traditional Cornish cyder-making methods and sample a range of unique flavours. You can even browse their online shop!

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Bodmin Jail image

Bodmin Jail

Especially if you’re staying in the Bude holiday park, why not take a spine-tingling tour around one of England’s most notorious former prisons? Bodmin Jail offers scary night tours revealing haunting histories, with access to unused corridors and eerie tunnel networks. You can take on the ‘dark walk’, enter the naval wing, and much more!

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The National Lobster Hatchery image

The National Lobster Hatchery

The National Lobster Hatchery, breeds and rears lobsters along with other crustaceans. The award-winning centre allows guests to get up close with lobster babies, pregnant lobsters, and giant lobsters! As well as being educational, adults can gain first-hand knowledge of these crustaceans, whilst learning about sustainability efforts. You can even adopt your very own lobster!

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Tarquin’s Cornish Gins Tour image

Tarquin’s Cornish Gins Tour

For connoisseurs of craft gin, book an in-depth distillery tour with Tarquin’s Cornish Gins - multi-award-winning local gin-makers in Wadebridge. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of how the gin is distilled and learn insider tips, with plenty of opportunity for gin tasting and perfect garnish pairing advice too.

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The Seafood Restaurant, Padstow image

The Seafood Restaurant, Padstow

You can’t come to Cornwall without tasting some of their finest seafood! Foodies should indulge at Rick Stein’s flagship Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, with fresh local Cornish seafood exquisitely prepared. Or, you could dine at the more casual Rick Stein’s Cafe which is close by, which also serves wonderful fare in relaxed bistro surroundings.

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Cornish Seal Sanctuary image

Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Discover Cornwall’s incredible marine wildlife up close at the Seal Sanctuary. As well as seals, adults can enjoy underwater viewing experiences while learning the stories of the resident creatures. Join the breakfast feeds, be a keeper for the day, or get a VIP experience with Cornish Cream Tea – and more! There’s so much that this sanctuary offers.

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Royal Cornwall Museum image

Royal Cornwall Museum

Explore Cornwall’s heritage and culture through archaeology, art, and social history exhibits at Truro's Royal Cornwall Museum. Knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights for those keen to discover more about Cornwall's mining past amongst other aspects of local life through the ages. And with plenty more to discover.

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A group of three giraffes at Colchester Zoo.

Newquay zoo

Newquay Zoo provides so many fun things to do in Cornwall for adults. With animals such as red pandas, penguins, lemurs, and lynx, you'll love the immersive habitats too. Interactive animal encounters can be booked to get closer to your favourite creatures. You can also visit the Secret Garden, where you may be able to spot some native species!

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Fun things to do in Cornwall for adults FAQs

There are so many fun things to do in Cornwall for adults, but if you want some extra help on creating your next best holiday, here are some of the most frequently asked questions!

Is Cornwall good for couples?

Yes, Cornwall is good for couples – amazing even! With its Mediterranean-esque shores, romantic seafood dinners, gin tasting, and more – it provides all of the perfect elements to be one of the top romantic hotspots. If you don't know where to start when it comes to planning your couple's holiday, this guide includes everything you could ever wish for!

Where should I go for the first time in Cornwall?

There are so many recommended spots to do for your first time in Cornwall, including some of the best towns in the UK. Here are a few that will create some unforgettable memories:

  • Padstow
  • Bude
  • St Ives
  • Newquay
  • Falmouth

Luckily, you can find holiday parks that are in these towns or nearby, so you can experience some of the best places to visit for the first time right on your doorstep!

Why is Cornwall so special?

Cornwall is special for so many reasons, which also makes it a must-see location to visit! Cornwall is England's most south-westerly county and sits on the beautiful coast that many flock to visit. The county particularly built its reputation on fishing, mining, and farming. Known to Cornish speakers as Kernow, it's now the place to come if you seek isolated, craggy coves for romantic breaks, wide expanses of smooth sand to explore, or wild, rugged moorland.

Plus, with plenty of fun things to do for everyone, it’s become one of the best places to visit in the UK. You can experience some of the best UK getaways here, so will you be visiting anytime soon?

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