Fun Day Trips
Places to visit that are an easy drive
The Cottage Down is close to the port of Plymouth, the coastal small towns of Looe, Polperro and Padstow.
So much to do! Here are just a few ideas.
Adrenalin Quarry
Menheniot
20 mins drive
This former quarry is now a paradise for thrill-seekers with a huge zip wire ride, cliff top swing, freshwater coasteering and a host of other high adrenaline activities on offer including a water park, axe throwing, giant swing and karting…….
As it says on the packet Adrenalin !
Eden Project
South of St Austell
45 mins drive
From Sir Tim Smit – co-founder
“In the beginning the idea was very simple – let’s take a place of utter dereliction and create life in it”.
Twenty years ago, a group of us transformed a china clay pit in Cornwall into a living theatre of plants and people. This visitor destination, cultural venue and global garden showcases our dependence on plants and demonstrates technological ingenuity and the regeneration of landscapes and livelihoods. It was our first ‘shop window’ for the future we want to make.
Carnglaze Caverns
St Neot
25 mins drive
Carnglaze Caverns is a much recommended all-weather family tourist attraction.
One of Cornwall’s and Devon’s premier underground experiences Visit this former slate mine where slate was both quarried and mined underground in Cornwall.
You can go on a self-guided underground tour (may be guided in high seasons) to learn how the mine was worked, ending at the Underground Lake with its crystal clear blue/green water.
Lost Gardens of Heligan
South of St Austell
1 hour drive
National collections, wildlife and Victorian gardens in 200 acres of lush grounds, plus a tearoom.
Heligan is one of the most mysterious estates in England. Lost to the brambles of time since the outbreak of WW1, this Sleeping Beauty was re-awakened in 1990 to become Europe’s largest garden restoration project. Today Heligan’s 200 acres are a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic.
Newquay Zoo
Newquay
1 hours mins drive
Discover hundreds of the world’s most amazing animals, living among our beautiful gardens at Newquay Zoo.
One of Cornwall’s most exciting visitor attractions in the heart of Newquay, it’s a place to roam, discover, learn and get in touch with nature.
Newquay Zoo is a registered charity and supports a number of projects in the UK and overseas that aim to conserve wildlife and protect rare and endangered species.
Come rain or shine, Newquay Zoo is a fun filled inspiring adventure for all the family!
Boat Trips
Looe & Polperro
15-30 Minutes
With its wide sandy beach, ‘banjo’ pier, harbour & island, the twin-towns of East & West Looe has been a favourite with visitors to Cornwall for centuries.
Its smaller neighbour, Polperro, an historic fishing village with white-washed cottages and narrow streets leading down to the picturesque harbour – is a quintessential Cornish gem.
