Things to do in Cornwall for Couples
Balmy weather. Beautiful beaches. Coastal paths weaving from craggy coves to dramatic clifftops blanketed in vibrant foliage. Cornwall is the perfect destination for couples in summer. Renowned as a family holiday destination, couples can still snag a table for two at some of the best sea-view restaurants, try new activities together on land and sea, and discover secluded spots for wild dips and romantic picnics off the beaten track.
Dive into the best things for couples to do in Cornwall this summer.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
If you fancy exploring the coastline together and trying a sport that’s a little less high-octane than surfing, summer is an idyllic time to cast away on a paddleboard in the calm waters around Padstow. Not only will you discover secluded coves and sublime scenery, as the sea temperature rises at this time of year, you’re likely to come across all sorts of sea life from sunfish and seals, to mackerel shoals and even dolphins.
Camel Ski School, based on Padstow’s tranquil Camel Estuary, offer one-hour SUP starter sessions, so you can learn how to balance on, and paddle your board with the help of an instructor and safety boat, before gliding off on longer adventures. If you’re based in the romantic village of Port Isaac, hop on a SUP lesson or tour out of the stunning Port Gaverne with Cornish Rock Tors.
Secluded Wild Swimming Spots
Wild swimming has seen a huge resurgence in recent years, with locals and visitors flocking to Cornwall’s coves and sea pools to take the plunge into the feel-good blue health lifestyle.
Offering a sanctuary from the waves, if you’re staying at Treyarnon, Trevone and Porthcothan you have the luxury of tidal pools to dip in. These attract plenty of families looking to cool off on summer days, but if you slip out together in the early morning light or late evening sunshine, you might be lucky enough to enjoy a bracing dip to yourselves. So pack your towel and your swimmers and strip off for an invigorating sea dip together.
Picturesque Picnics
Sublime summer days are the perfect time to lay out a blanket and picnic together – and you don’t have to look far to find picturesque picnic spots away from packs of excited children kicking sand around.
Why not hole up at the sheltered Hawker’s Cove and find your own nook on the dreamy white sands or strike out west to the Caribbean-esque Mother Ivey’s Bay, or take a walk beyond Daymer Bay to the low-tide gem of Greenaway Beach, usually overlooked by families who stop at Daymer or Polzeath. Make the most of dining alfresco with your partner and pack a hamper of goodies from one of the delis in Padstow, or treat yourself to a bespoke picnic experience laid up and waiting from Dine with Iris.
Romantic Restaurants
It’s no secret that Padstow and its surrounds have become one of the UK’s gastronomic hotspots, flaunting an enviable line-up of waterside restaurants helmed by celeb chefs including Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth, Emily Scott and Nathan Outlaw.
During the busy summer months, it can be difficult to snag the best tables in town for bigger groups, if you haven’t booked months ahead. However, when there are just two of you, there’s still a chance to grab a table with a sparkling sea view and enjoy a romantic dinner by the sea. So why not book now for Prawn on the Lawn, Emily Scott’s at Watergate Bay or your choice of eateries from Ainsworth’s and Stein’s stables?
Learn to Surf Together
If you fancy yourself as king and queen of the waves, summer is the perfect time of year for couples to hit the waves in Cornwall. The water’s warmer, the swells are gentle and if you get up with the larks, the breaks are still relatively uncrowded before the families hit the waves. If you want to learn to surf under the tutelage of an expert, book a private lesson with your partner, so you can get the full attention of your instructor.
So, what are you waiting for? From your beach-view apartment in Mawgan Porth, it’s a short walk to Kingsurf for couples’ surf lessons. Staying in Harlyn? Try Harlyn Surf School which offers private surfing lessons for two people, catering for all levels.
Hand-in-Hand Walks
Summer is a magnificent month to lace up your walking boots and hit the South West Coast Path for some hand-in-hand walks with your partner. With the last of the spring colours still blanketing the clifftops, the warmest months can be some of the finest to enjoy the dramatic scenery together.
Head west from Padstow around Stepper Point to Trevone and onwards to the lighthouse at Trevose Head, or if you’re bedding down in Rock, pad along the golden sands all the way to Daymer Bay at low tide, looping back over the grassy knoll of Brea Hill and past the wonky steeple of St Enodoc Church.
Escape to a Boutique Beach House for Two
Make the most of Cornwall this summer and stay in one of our luxury holiday cottages. Also, see our choice of holiday cottages for couples and discover the best towns and places to stay and visit for couples in Cornwall.