How to spend 48 hours in Cornwall

Travel inspiration | 
4 May 2018
Two individuals dressed in red and black attire are holding surfboards, ready for a day at the beach.

You’ve just touched down and have got 48 hours before you need to check-in for your return flight. Follow our whistle stop tour of Cornwall’s best bits to tick off must do’s and fill up on Cornish deliciousness. You’ll experience Cornwall to the max and will be planning your next visit before take-off. Come on, let’s go…

DAY ONE

Hit the surf

First things first, do what the Cornish do and get out in the surf. It’s Cornwall’s number one activity and the best of it is right on our doorstep. Join the ocean mad team at Newquay Activity Centre based on beautiful Towan Beach and under their expert tuition spend a couple of hours feeling the surfing buzz. They’ll kit you out in all the right gear and know all the tricks to get you up and riding the waves – even on your first surf lesson!

Grab a pasty

Salty skinned and on a surf induced adrenaline high you’ll be in the perfect mood to enjoy Cornwall’s ultimate takeaway; a flaky and oh-so-delicious Cornish pasty. You’ll find a pick of bakeries selling fresh-from-the-oven Cornish loveliness in Newquay – or in any other town in Cornwall for that matter – so what’s it going to be, a traditional steak or a quirky alternative? Whatever, enjoy it straight from the bag for a proper pasty experience. 

Discover the magical St Michael’s Mount

Quite rightly one of Cornwall’s top attractions, the iconic St Michael’s Mount rises majestically from the bay in west Cornwall. Explore the castle on the island, hear the legendary tale of Giant Cormoran and race the tide back along the causeway to Marazion beach. The views are amazing and the history? You’ll feel it in every step. Join a tour to hear tales from the medieval ages right through to modern times and delve into the sub-tropical gardens tumbling into the ocean. 

DAY TWO

Explore Eden

There’s no way you can visit Cornwall without experiencing the Eden Project’s famous biomes. At over 50 metres tall they are truly magnificent and offer a taste of the exotic right here in Cornwall. Scale the dizzy heights of the Canopy Walkway high up in the Rainforest Biome, follow trails through its Mediterranean neighbour and brave England’s longest and fastest zip wire. There’s a crazy amount to do here but give yourself the morning and you’ll cross off the highlights. 

Fill up in Padstow

Bustling fish harbour, gorgeous beaches, characterful shops and vibrant cafes. Tick, tick, tick, tick. Padstow has got it all going on and lots more besides. Wander the knot of small streets, dive in and out of unique and independent shops, and soak up the atmosphere. This is where Cornwall’s colourful lifestyle shines and our foodie credentials were born. From fine dining to bistros, traditional pubs to street food, Padstow is a glut of deliciousness where anything – fresh and local – goes. 

Finish with a coastal Cornish cream tea

Finish your trip on a high by stepping out on the South West Coast Path and taking in the stunning Bedruthan Steps. The huge rock stacks and dramatic National Trust protected coastline make it one of Cornwall’s most breath-taking stretches and lucky us, it’s just down the road from us. Eek out the very last of your trip in the cliff-top garden at Carnewas Tea Room, home to the most amazing Cornish Cream Teas, and head back to the airport with the scrumptious taste of Cornish clotted cream still lingering on your lips. Delicious! 

Got a little longer? Go off the beaten track to discover Cornwall’s hidden gems. From coasteering and castaway adventures to far-flung beautiful beaches and secret coves, Cornwall will surprise and delight as many times as you visit.

For places to stay visit www.visitcornwall.com

For flights to Newquay from UK cities including Liverpool, Manchester, London, Glasgow and Newcastle visit www.flybe.com 

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