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Summer is here and there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and explore. Take in the atmosphere in Cornish villages, attend an outdoor event or find a hidden spot to go wild swimming. Here are our top picks for long summer days outside:
Outdoor theatre
Look out for local events on cornwall365.com. The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno and Penlee Gardens in Penzance have a programme of outdoor theatre. Perfect for taking a picnic and enjoying the atmosphere.
Walking
iwalkcornwall is our favourite app for finding the perfect walk wherever you are in Cornwall.
From Porthleven it is easy to get to the coast path from your front door! The west you can join the footpath to take in magnificent views towards Mounts Bay and explore the tin mines along the cliffs.
To the east the coastpath heads towards The National Trust Penrose estate and Looe Pool. Beyond the path will take you to the beach at Gunwalloe and on to the Lizard if you are brave enough to venture that far.
Cycling
Try Shipyard Cycles for cycles hire from Porthleven. Their electric bikes are perfect for all day adventures.
You can also pick up a hire bike at the Boating Lake in Helston. Park in the free car park and you will find Lakeside Cycles on the other side of the lake. Take a ride to Porthleven, through Penrose estate, to enjoy lunch and then cycle back for a lovely easy ride especially good for children.
Sea adventures
Vertical Blue will take you on an adventure on sea kayaks, Stand up Paddle boarding or coasteering. Explore coves and cliffs that you wouldn’t be able to get to any other way.
You can hire Stand up Paddle boards from many of the beaches in the area. Spend the day paddling around the outer harbour in Porthleven or on a calm day at Praa Sands.
Beaches
With so many lovely beaches in Cornwall it can be a challenge to choose which one’s to visit! Luckily, at Porthleven Holiday Cottages, we’ve visited them all. Here are our top picks.
Great for young families: Praa Sands
With easily accessible parking and just a minutes walk to the beach, this is a wonderful beach for young families. The beach is long and flat and children love to play in the river that runs into the sea. You can grab ice-creams, lunches and a cold beer at Stone’s Reef café and above is the recently refurbished Welloe Rock.
Secluded and quiet: Rinsey
Park at the National Trust car park at Rinsey and walk down the cliffs to the beach. You will be rewarded with golden sands and a lovely secluded swimming beach. Be sure to check the tide times before you head out.
Good for rockpooling: Marazion
At low tide Marazion is perfect for rockpooling. From the beach you can walk over the causeway to St Michael’s Mount and catch the boat back if the tide is too high.
