Best Activities for Groups in Cornwall: Our Ultimate Guide for Fun and Adventure

The best adventures are enjoyed with others and a trip to Cornwall is no different. Here, there are plenty of group activities to enjoy, ranging from coastal adventures to historical excursions to indulging in the region’s best food and drink. Located in central Cornwall, The Cornish Place is perfectly positioned to access a wide range of group days out in Cornwall, making it an ideal base for your next adventure. In this blog, we'll guide you through some of the top group activities Cornwall has to offer, providing plenty of inspiration for your next group getaway. 

Group bookings at The Cornish Place

Courtyard table at The Cornish Place

Staying at our holiday cottages in Cornwall provides the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. The Cornish Place provides a cosy and homely atmosphere, ensuring your group feels at home from the moment you arrive. Our central location means you can easily explore all corners of Cornwall, whether you’re heading to the rugged north coast, the tranquil south, or anywhere in between.

Our Cornish holiday cottages come with fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, and beautiful gardens, providing a comfortable retreat after a day spent exploring. Our indoor and outdoor hangout areas – the Piggery and the Paddock – are perfect for group socialising, whilst our separate holiday cottages also mean you can enjoy some quiet time too. 

Outdoor adventures for groups in Cornwall 

A haven for outdoors enthusiasts, part of Cornwall’s unique appeal is its stunning and varied landscapes. From the rugged Atlantic north coast, to wild moors of Bodmin, to the serene southern shores, there are a huge range of group activities to enjoy against a backdrop of phenomenal natural beauty. 

Go on a group hike 

Cornwall Coastal Path

Cornwall is a top destination for walking enthusiasts, offering everything from a gentle stroll along the beach to taking on the epic South West Coast Path. From hidden creeks and ancient woodlands to prehistoric ruins and charming fishing coves, Cornwall offers an abundance of fantastic places to explore on foot. Group walks can be tailored to suit your needs, whether it’s a short stroll with a swim at the end or a challenging long-distance hike. If you’re looking for inspiration, read our blog about the best walks near our holiday cottages. 

Cycle along the Cornish trails 

Mineral Tramways Cycle Path, Cornwall

If you’d like to cover more distance, hiring bikes and exploring Cornwall’s cycling trails is a great way to see the Cornish landscape. There are several fantastic trails on offer including the Saints Trails, the Bissoe Trail and the Camel Trail. For groups more interested in off-road biking, Cardinham Woods has a variety of trails appropriate for different experience levels. Or, take a trip to Bike Park Kernow to practice your mountain biking skills. 

Coastal days out in Cornwall

Click on Map of things to do in Cornwall

Surrounded by ocean on three sides, a big part of Cornwall’s appeal is its coastal areas. The coast is the perfect place for group activities, because there is something for everyone there. 

Enjoy a beach day out and BBQ 

Beach BBQs provided in each cottage

Take a trip to one of our favourite beaches in Cornwall, to enjoy the serenity of spending time with friends on the sand. Pairing with an ocean dip and a meal al fresco is guaranteed to create memories that last a lifetime. Beach barbecues are one of our favourite group activities and the perfect recipe for quality time. When combined with a Cornish sunset, barbecue beach days are truly magical. 

Head offshore for a boat or fishing trip 

Dolphin, Penzance, Cornwall

There are plenty of boat and fishing trips to enjoy in Cornwall. Many of them offer group bookings so you can spend a day on the water with your friends. Whether it’s getting up close to the famous Godrevy Island, or catching fish to throw on the barbecue later, it’s a quintessentially Cornish day out. 

Surf the famous Cornish waves 

Body Boarding, Gwithian, Cornwall

Cornwall’s north coast is famous for surfing and bodyboarding and catching waves is one of the most joyous ways to spend time with friends. Head to Fistral, Watergate Bay or Gwithian to hire a board or even get a lesson to perfect your pop-up. Connect with your inner child and feel the smile spread across your face as you glide through the waves. High five your friends as they catch the next set and laugh together when you bail. 

Get active with some watersports 

Paddle Boards, Gyllyngvase Beach, Cornwall

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, then Cornwall’s watersports scene offers plenty of opportunity for fun group activities. Whether it's trying your hand at sailing, going on a paddleboarding adventure or exploring Cornwall’s famous smuggling caves by kayak, there are ample opportunities around the coast. If adrenaline is your thing, coasteering is a sure way to get your heart pumping. Cheer each other on as you launch into the water, but be sure to go with a certified instructor. 

Historical and cultural days out in Cornwall 

With a rich history spanning millennia, there are plenty of historical and cultural days out to enjoy in Cornwall. From ancient monuments to grand estates, here are our favourite places to head with the gang. 

Visit one of Cornwall’s famous castles 

Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, Cornwall

There are eleven castles in Cornwall, each with its own fascinating history. They include the famous Tintagel Castle, rumoured to once be the home of the mystical King Arthur and Merlin, and King Henry VIII’s many tudor fortifications, built to protect the Cornish coastline. Perfect for grey or rainy days, a group trip to Cornwall’s castles also makes for an enlightening experience. One of our favourites is Pendennis Castle in Falmouth, which is a short drive from The Cornish Place.

Stroll around a Cornish garden 

Trebah Garden, Cornwall

Cornwall’s unique microclimate means that many plant species flourish here. It’s home to a large number of stunning gardens, many of them complete with manor houses or grand estates. The most famous is The Eden Project – considered the largest greenhouse in the world and housing over one million plant species. However, Trebah Garden and Trelissick Gardens are a short drive from The Cornish Place and are the perfect day out for groups with dogs. Both also have small beaches, ideal for a doggy paddle or quick dip.  

Take a trip to Falmouth 

Old High Street, Falmouth, Cornwall

One of Cornwall’s most famous towns, Falmouth blends maritime history with modern, creative influence making it a must-visit area. It’s cobbled streets are lined with independent galleries, boutiques and stores, providing hours of entertainment and plenty of opportunity for souvenir hunting. There are river front views from the high street, with a varied selection of great pubs and restaurants. Each offers the chance to pause and take in the scenery. To learn more about the town’s maritime heritage, the Maritime Museum is a unique attraction, or you can take a short walk to the other side of the town to enjoy a relaxing stroll and swim at Gyllyngvase Beach.

Food and drink days out in Cornwall 

Nothing brings people together more than quality food and drink. Cornwall has a thriving food and drink scene, including award-winning vineyards, renowned food festivals and famous Michelin star restaurants to be enjoyed together. 

Feast at a food festival

Truro Food Festival, Cornwall

Cornwall has an incredible roster of food and drink festivals which take place throughout the year. Amongst the most famous are Falmouth’s Oyster Festival in October which celebrates some of the regions best shellfish, plus Porthleven Food Festival where local growers and makers sell their delicious produce. Bude, Newquay Falmouth and St Ives also have food festivals where you can try various cuisines from local eateries. Or, take a trip to Mevagissey for Feast Week, which has been running for over 250 years. All are in stunning waterfront locations, so you can eat to your heart’s content whilst feasting on some of the country’s best views. 

Sample Cornish wine 

Wine tasting at Knightor Winery, Cornwall

Cornwall is becoming one of the most recognised regions for wine, with several award-winning bottles being produced here. Visit a local vineyard for a group tasting and to learn more about the wine-making process. Alternatively, we host wine and cheese nights at The Cornish Place on request, where we serve the finest Cornish wine with locally curated Cornish dairy products like Cornish Yarg. Either way, Cornish wine is a must-try, especially the sparkling varieties. 

Dine at a Michellin star restaurant

Family celebration at the Ugly Butterfly Restaurant, Cornwall

Cornwall has earned its place on the culinary map, boasting several Michelin-starred restaurants that offer unforgettable dining experiences. Culture Restaurant in Falmouth offers nature-inspired cuisine, which has earnt chef Hylton Espey a Michelin Green star for his exceptional sustainability practices. Nearby is Restaurant Mine, known for its locally sourced cuisine, intimate courtyard setting and laidback Cornish atmosphere. Also in Falmouth is The Mulberry, which serves an outstanding seasonally-inspired menu. Across the river, the Harbour House at Flushing is a modern waterside pub, with delicious food cooked over a charcoal ember grill. If you’re looking for somewhere to stop en route to the Cornish Place, Adam Handling’s Tartan Fox near Newquay serves sustainable British pub food with a luxury approach perfect for group indulgences. And finally our very favourite restaurant in the most amazing setting is Adam Handling’s Ugly Butterfly at Carbis Bay.

Plan your trip 

Ready to start planning your group adventure? Get in touch with The Cornish Place today to learn more about our holiday cottages in Cornwall and how to enjoy the best group days out in Cornwall.