12 Cool Date Ideas To Try In Cornwall

There’s nothing wrong with sitting with a bottle of wine on the beach and watching the sunset. In fact, it’s a great idea, but there is so much to do in Cornwall that it doesn’t take much to think outside the box a little bit. If you’re in search of date ideas in the Duchy, look no further than these 12 fun activities.

Kayaking

Cornwall is surrounded by the sea, so naturally there are an abundance of gorgeous places to explore on the water. Whether you choose to paddle the north or south coast, you are almost guaranteed clear waters, stunning views and encounters with seals, dolphins and basking sharks.

Adrenalin Quarry

If you’re into blood-pumping adventure, then head to Menheniot and the Adrenalin Quarry for a day of flinging yourselves off cliffs, axe throwing and coasteering. The zip wire is the Quarry’s main attraction, where you can fling yourself off a 50-metre cliff at 40mph. Sound good?
Adrenalin Quarry, Lower Clicker Rd, Menheniot, Cornwall, United Kingdom, +44 (0) 157 930 8204

The Minack Theatre

Going to the theatre is a classic date night activity, but going to a theatre which has been carved out of a cliff and overlooks the Atlantic as the sun sets and dolphins jump in the reflection? That’s something else. The Minack has shows throughout the spring and summer, so take your waterproofs, a comfy cushion to sit on, a flask of wine and enjoy.
The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom, +44 (0) 173 681 0181

Spa at the Scarlet

Hotel

The Scarlet is an adults-only hotel sat on the cliffs just north of Newquay, and it is awesome. Treat your other half to a spa day here, and reconnect with each other, the outdoors and yourself. Hang out in the eucalyptus steam room, look out at the sea in the reed-filtered infinity pool and sink into deep relaxation in the meditation room.

St Nectan’s Glen

Natural Feature

Just outside of Tintagel is a magical forest walkway to a magical waterfall at the bottom of a glen. Over the years, the force of the water has forged a perfect circle in a stone, causing this 60-foot waterfall to cascade into a beautiful basin. In summer, the sun dapples the shade with moving light and ribbons festoon the trees.

Surfing

School

Learning something new together is a great way to bond, so chuck on a wetsuit, and book yourselves onto a surf lesson. Perranporth Surf School are a professional and personable bunch on one of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches.

Stargazing in St Agnes

St Agnes, on the north coast, is one of the few places in the United Kingdom which has been deemed a Dark Sky Site, meaning it’s a top place to stargaze. So, wait for a clear night, pack a blanket and a bottle of fizz and watch the night roll in.
St Agnes, Cornwall, United Kingdom

Tasting Menus

There are more than the average amount of celebrity restaurants in Cornwall, and most of them offer tasting menus at affordable prices. Head to Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen or Restaurant Nathan Outlaw to dine in style on five- to eight-course meals with matching wine flights.

Walking

If you’re into walking, then Cornwall has to be one of the best places in the world for a date. There are coast walks, woodland walks, moor walks, river walks, walks which go to castles, walks which start and end in pubs and walks which take you through Cornish history.

Sea Safari

If you want to go in search of some wildlife, but you don’t fancy putting in the effort to get there by kayak, join a sea safari trip from any of the many places along the Cornish coast. Falmouth, Mevagissey, Padstow, Newquay, St Ives and Penzance all offer daily boat trips to see seals, sea birds, dolphins and sharks.

Camel Trail

Following the course of the Camel Estuary, the Camel Trail runs along a disused railway that has some of Cornwall’s best scenery. The trail is level and traffic-free, which makes this an enjoyable day out, even for nervous cyclers. Stop at the Camel Valley vineyard along the route for a glass of Cornish wine on the sun terrace.

Day trip to the IOS

Take a boat or plane to the Isles of Scilly, and enjoy a day swimming in warm waters with porpoises, wandering from pub to pub or simply taking in island life. Day trips only really allow for time on the island of St Mary’s, but it’s a beautiful island where you can almost feel as though you are in the tropics.
Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, United Kingdom

About the author

Lauren Williams

Freelance Travel Journalist

A rum-drinking and adventure-seeking freelance journalist based in Devon. Can often be found stomping the coast path, wild camping on Dartmoor or enjoying a proper Cornish cream tea.