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Things To Do in Cornwall

couple walking up along coastline with carlyon bay hotel the background

Time to Explore Cornwall

Get the most out of your stay along the Cornish coast and explore beyond the Carlyon Bay Hotel. With the quaint town of St Austell and the rest of Cornwall waiting to be explored. Enjoy a break filled with adventure, outstanding attractions and beautiful beaches just moments away. 

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Lost Gardens of Heligan

Exclusive GuestDiscounts

With such a wealth of facilities for our guests to use complementary at The Carlyon Bay, you really can leave your car in the car park from the moment you check in, to the moment you check out but those of you that seek to travel beyond we have teamed up a number of local attractions to give you exclusive discounts throughout your stay. 

Discover our Exclusive Discounts

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 Discover a stay full of Cornish Charm

To give you a helping hand at getting the most out of your stay, we've pulled together a list of some of the most enchanting things to do. Make the most of your time in St Austell and the surrounding area by exploring all the area has to offer. 

Bodmin Jail in Cornwall
Bodmin Jail

Distance: 11.8 Miles [Approx. 27 Minutes]

20% off when you stay with us

The UK’s most haunted venue. Built in 1779 from 20,000 tons of granite by the prisoners themselves this jail isn’t just a Building… It is a story, Museum, tourist attraction and paranormal hotspot. Discover Cornwall’s most haunting and dark history in its brand new world-class immersive experience, by delving into the depths of the jail’s state-of-the-art 'Dark Walk' where your perceptions between the past and present will be blurred and provoked. Take 90 minutes to walk in the footsteps of the condemned. 

Heligan Gardens Mud Maid
The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Distance: 8.4 Miles [Approx. 23 Minutes]

10% off when you stay with us, discounted tickets must be purchased online

Since they were rediscovered 25 years ago, these have become some of the most popular botanical gardens in the country, with an enthralling history stretching back hundreds of years. 

Antony Woodland Garden at Torpoint
Antony Woodland Garden

Torpoint, Cornwall
Distance: 33.9 Miles [Approx. 54 Minutes]

20% off entry when you stay with us

Antony Woodland Gardens, nestled in the picturesque region of Torpoint, Cornwall, offers a tranquil and enchanting escape for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts alike. This hidden gem is recognised as an International Camellia Garden of Excellence and is one of only four in the country. It lies adjacent to the National Trust property Antony House and provides visitors with a captivating journey through diverse landscapes, rich history, and breathtaking flora.

Colwith Farm Distillery in Cornwall
Colwith Farm & Distillery

Distance: 5.5 Miles [Approx. 13 Minutes]

10% off when you stay with us 

Colwith Farm Distillery is Cornwall’s only ‘plough to bottle’ gin and vodka distillery. Come and see how they transform the potatoes grown on their fifth-generation family farm into award-winning vodka. Colwith offer Guided Tours of their working distillery, Tutored Tastings, Gin Schools and Masterclasses. They also have a beautiful, upcycled tasting bar overlooking the picturesque countryside and a distillery shop where you can enjoy free samples!

Padstow sealife safaris
Padstow Sealife Safaris

Distance: 22.8 Miles [Approx. 43 Minutes]

10% off when you stay with us

Padstow Sealife Safaris is a local family business that aims to offer customers the chance to experience the rich and diverse marine wildlife that the North Cornish Coast has to offer safely and responsibly. Spend the day discovering the charm of the Cornish Coast out to sea with a boat trip and experience unrivalled views, sea breezes and an array of sealife from seals to dolphins.

Jet Ski at Waverunner Safari Cornwall
Cornwall Waverunner Safari

Distance: 0.5 Miles [Approx. 5 Minutes]

10% off when you stay with us

Get out on the crystal water and experience adrenaline-fuelled Jet Ski Sessions and scenic Safaris with the UK's official Yamaha Jet Ski Experience on Carlyon Bay Beach, along with Standup Paddle Boards & Kayaks. We are delighted to be able to offer our residents a 10% discount when they book to enjoy these facilities just 200 yards from the hotel's front door.

Football Golf in Cornwall
Cornwall FootballGolf

Distance: 1.8 Miles [Approx. 6 Minutes]

Up to 10% off when you stay with us 

This unique multi-award-winning attraction on the outskirts of St Austell is spread over 20 acres of stunning Cornish countryside. Cornwall FootballGolf Park is where guaranteed fun and laughter await for all ages & abilities. FootballGolf uses the same rules as crazy golf but instead of using a club, players kick a football into a hole navigating hazards and obstacles along the way helping to make this game fun and enjoyable for everyone.

wheal dream in cornwall
Wheal Martyn

Distance: 4.8 Miles [Approx. 13 Minutes]

Save £1 off admission entry when you stay with us

Wheal Martyn is the UK's only china clay mining museum. The museum tells the story of Cornwalls' largest mining industry. Their charity provides opportunities for all visitors to discover how china clay was mined, processed and used.

Fowey River Hire, explore the area on water
Fowey River Hire

Distance: 6.1 Miles [Approx. 15 Minutes]

10% off when you stay with us

With Fowey River Hire, anyone can have a fabulous fun day on the river forms boats, SUPs and Kayak hire to tours of the river and Cornwall Seafari RIB trips. Great for all outdoor adventurers looking to explore Cornwall. This friendly family-run business is set in the heart of Fowey. With a large selection of Kayaks, Stand up paddle boards and Self-drive boats to hire. Whether you are looking to discover your very own adventure or join in with one of their guided tours.

Penelewey tours in Cornwall
Exclusive Guided Tours in Cornwall

10% off when you stay with us

Welcome to Penelewey Tours Cornwall, your gateway to discovering Cornwall’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Explore hidden gems and iconic landmarks with their knowledgeable guide Becky and create unforgettable memories.

Portraits in Cornwall, coastal photoshoot
Portraits in Cornwall

What better way to celebrate your time in Cornwall than with a photo shoot using iconic Cornish landscapes as your backdrop? Portraits in Cornwall offers you the chance to commemorate your stay by getting out into nature. The best part? You have every say in where your photoshoot takes place, but should you need inspiration they can provide you with a list of picturesque spots.

Sup Boards at Gylly Adventures in Cornwall
GyllyAdventures

Distance: 1.7 Miles [Approx. 7 Minutes]

Based in Charlestown, just a short walk along the coast path, GyllyAdventures offers both kayaks and stand up paddleboarding from the world-famous Georgian harbour where you can access hidden coves and beaches accessible only by water in the shelter of St Austell Bay.

tregothnan and glenburns tea estate
Tregothnan Tea & Orchard Tours

Distance: 16.6 Miles [Approx. 31 Minutes]

Tregothnan Estate is home to Europe's largest tea garden, in Cornwall's Goldilocks climate for botanical gardens with a history going as far back as 700 years. They also happen to be our Cornish tea supplier at The Carlyon Bay Hotel. 

The Gardens are now open to the public, with tours being described as "The Vinyard tour you can drive away from" with glorious views over the 18-metre deep Fal River. Each tour takes about two hours, covering about 2 miles and a variety of terrains from the tea gardens at Halwyn overlooking the King Harry ferry to the hidden valley jungle gardens Kea Plum orchards of Coombe by the edge of the foreshore.

Minack Theatre Porthcurno Cornwall
The Minack Theatre

Distance: 55 Miles [Approx. 1 Hour 59 Minutes]

The most extraordinary theatre in the world, carved out of granite on the side of a cliff, with spectacular sea views. Open-air performances take place throughout the summer. This is certainly an experience that must be enjoyed. 

Girls walking into sea with surfboard
Harlyn Surf School

Distance: 23.9 Miles [Approx. 44 Minutes]

Don’t miss the wonderful surfing that Cornwall is famous for! Harlyn Surf School near Padstow offers great family activities including surfing, paddle boarding, coasteering and kayak tours. 

Lands End Cornwall
Land's End

Distance: 55 Miles [Approx. 1 Hour 34 Minutes]

The famous landmark boasts iconic scenery and a range of fascinating family attractions. No Cornwall holiday is complete without a photo in front of the Land’s End signpost!

Walk with me app Cornwall
Walk With Me App

Walk With Me is a free story app created by award-winning theatre company Kneehigh. It brings the tales and landscapes of Cornwall to life. Looking for a the perfect activity that can be enjoyed alone or with family and friends? Kneehigh has launched four new story walks at the Eden Project and in St Austell. Funny, magical and often moving stories from locals can be found as you explore the local area.

Polkerris Beach
Polkerris Beach Watersports

Distance: 4.4 Miles [Approx. 12 Minutes]

Situated across St Austell Bay from the Carlyon Bay Hotel, the Polkerris Beach Company offers a range of activities including powerboating, sailing, windsurfing and many more. Suitable for all ages and experience, all done with friendly and expert instruction.

Landhydrock House Cornwall
Lanhydrock House

Distance: 9.8 Miles [Approx. 22 Minutes]

Lanhydrock House is a magnificent National Trust Victorian-style country estate set in beautiful manicured gardens and grounds. Discover the differing life below the stairs to the elegant and luxurious manor house home to the Agar-Robartes family. Discover the ancient woodlands and riverside paths, perfect for country walls and unspoilt nature.

Fireworks at Flambards
Flambards

Distance: 34.1 Miles [Approx. 1 Hour 5 Minutes]

Flambards is one of Cornwall’s best family day visit attraction with rides for everyone, family fun, indoor attractions and entertainment. Visit the award-winning and unique indoor attractions including The Victorian Village and Britain in the Blitz life-size re-creations and enjoy some top rides.

Trebah Gardens in Cornwall
Trebah Gardens

Distance: 30.1 Miles [Approx. 1 Hour 14 Minutes]

Trebah Gardens are a sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop. Visit to discover the magic of this beautiful Cornish valley garden with over four miles of footpath. Follow vibrant tunnels of colour that cascade down to our their own secluded beach on the Helford River. 

Hangloose at The Eden Project in Cornwall
Hangloose

Distance: 2.7 Miles [Approx. 8 Minutes]

The fantastic Hangloose offer a variety of activities for the adventurous! Including the longest and fastest zip wire in the country, a giant 20m cliff top swing, a free fall simulation, jumping off a platform to an airbag of epic proportions, a 16 metre climbing tower and the world’s first commercial freefall onto an airbag! Situated in the spectacular surroundings of the world famous Eden Project, a definite one for all the family especially those adrenaline junkies.

Eden Project
The Eden Project

Distance: 2.9 Miles [Approx. 8 Minutes]

You will never forget your first visit to the spectacular biomes, as you wander deep in a rainforest and through gorgeous Mediterranean gardens. Eden always has a lively programme of entertainment that are educational and huge fun. 

Horseriders Barguse Riding Centre
Barguse Riding Centre

Distance: 7.6 Miles [Approx. 20 Minutes]

This is a wonderful way to experience our countryside. Barguse Riding Centre, near St Austell, has an indoor school, outdoor arena and jumping paddock. 

Tin mine in cornwall, Poldark
Poldark Mine

Distance: 32.3 Miles [Approx. 1 Hour]

Take a spellbinding journey through time as you travel underground to experience at firsthand a chapter in Cornwall’s history made famous by the hugely popular Poldark novels and TV series.

Doc Martin Tours
Doc Martin Tours

Distance: 26 Miles [Approx. 55 Minutes]

Doc Martin tour is a fully guided tour which will take you around the fictional Cornish seaside village of Portwenn. This tour is led by the local who has been involved in the filming of Doc Martin itself as an extra who shares many anecdotes about the filming of this show. Doc Martin is filmed on the location in Port Isaac. Port Isaac is a very popular place for tourists. This is a small picturesque filming village on the Atlantic coast of North Cornwall. 

Child feeding a goat
Dairyland Farm World

Distance: 14 Miles [Approx. 32 Minutes]

Dairyland Farm World offers a fantastic adventure park to suit all ages. With lots of fun such as slides, nature trails, pony rides, tractor rides, milking cows & feeding the animals. This is a fabulous day out for the family at reasonable prices.

motorboat
Falmouth Motorboat Charters

Distance: 27.5 Miles [Approx. 53 Minutes]

Enjoy an unbelievable luxury trip as you explore our lovely coast in the hands of a professional skipper. Falmouth Motorboat Charters offers full day, half day and evening cruises tailored to your requirements.

children playing
Kidzworld

Distance: 0.9 Miles [Approx. 4 Minutes]

Kidzworld has plenty for everyone, majority being undercover therefore a great day out come rain or shine! Everything included in admissison price - Open 7 days a week throughout all school holidays and bank holidays. Great fun all the kids!

lemur in a newquay zoo
Newquay Zoo

Distance: 20.3 Miles [Approx. 42 Minutes]

Discover hundreds of the world’s most astonishing animals, living among the beautiful gardens of Newquay Zoo. Come face to face with some of the world’s rarest and endangered animals as you make your way around the enclosures. Newquay Zoo is one of Cornwall’s most exciting visitor attractions, it’s a place to roam, discover, learn and get in touch with nature.

Healey
Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm

Distance: 22.5 Miles [Approx. 45 Minutes]

Visit a real working cider farm making over forty varieties of delicious fruit products including farm scrumpy and sparkling cider.

Girl server beer in St Austell Brewery
St Austell Brewery

Distance: 3 Miles [Approx. 11 Minutes]

Pop by and find out about the history and heritage of the Brewery with their interactive tour. A great day out for all, with tickets including beer sampling and a pint of your choice.

mother and baby in swimming pool
The Seahorse Pentewan Sands

Distance: 5.5 Miles [Approx. 17 Minutes]

Eat, Swim, Play & Party at The Seahorse Centre!

Sheltered under the cliffs and with stunning sea views between St Austell and Mevagissey, this fresh and vibrant leisure venue is a wonderful setting for a day out with friends, family or just to get away from it all!

2 people walking on hill
Walks and tours for all

Soak up the beauty of Cornish coastlines year-round, with a hike accompanied by an experienced guide. With a range of walks and tours available from public scheduled walks and tours where you can just book and turn up, private events, celebratory walks, coach and shore excursions as well as 'Beyond Paradise' and other TV location tours. A huge selection of dates is available, with walking locations including Fowey, Polkerris, Carlyon Bay, Charlestown and Porthpean. There are shorter, circular walks available for light/path conditions throughout the year. 

Camel creek adventure park
Camel Creek Adventure Park

Distance: 18.8 Miles [Approx. 35 Minutes]

Fantastic fun for the whole family at this top-quality attraction which consistently gets five star reviews on TripAdvisor. Beautifully designed rides and animal attractions in a lovely setting.

pinetum gardens st austell
Pinetum Gardens

Distance: 1.6 Miles [Approx. 8 Minutes]

Lovingly created over 4 decades and located in the heart of St Austell Pinetum Gardens stands as a place of tranquillity, peace and remarkable garden scenery.

Caerhays Castle Cornwall
Caerhays Castle & Estate

Distance: 13.5 Miles [Approx. 29 Minutes]

Discover the magic of the 140 acres of Spring Gardens at Caerhays Castle and Estate. Enjoy a day exploring the natural beauty of the coastlines, the sweeping valleys, the castle grounds and the exciting rich history. 

Fowey Cornwall
Fowey Maritime Centre

Distance: 6.5 Miles [Approx. 18 Minutes]

What better way to see the sights of Cornwall than on a Luxury Cruiser? Operating from Fowey, Fowey Maritime Centre offer a variety of packages including bespoke to you cruises. Whether you wanted to watch the Sunset with a glass of bubbly or perhaps take the family on a day trip with lunch. Nothing is too much trouble.

Sunrise at Charlestown Harbour Cornwall
Charlestown

Distance: 1.5 Miles [Approx. 6 Minutes]

Charlestown is the last open 18th Century Georgian harbour in the UK and is proud to be a UNESCO world heritage site. When you ascend into Charlestown Harbour you are met with the sense that you've travelled back in time. It's also the backdrop to several TV and movie productions from Poldark and Dr Who to Rebecca. 

Mevagissey Harbour Cornwall
Mevagissey

Distance: 8.2 Miles [Approx. 27 Minutes]

With narrow streets and terraced houses guiding you down to the centre of the old Mevagissey, this village dates back to the early 14th century. On arrival, you'll be greeted by the distinctive twin harbour which provides a safe haven for the many fishing boats that land their daily catch. Along the streets, you'll discover pubs, cafes, galleries, shops and plenty of seafood restaurants where you'll enjoy tucking into some local scallops, crab or mackerel.

Fowey
Fowey

Distance: 6.3 Miles [Approx. 17 Minutes]

Fowey’s picturesque town centre has a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants to enjoy, all set amongst the historic buildings of Fowey. Nestled within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the sheltered deep water of Fowey Harbour is a haven for all manner of boats, from kayaks to cruise ships.

Cornwall Sea Safari from Charlestown
Cornwall Seafari

Distance: 6.1 Miles [Approx. 16 Minutes]

The Ultimate Marine Adventures are available on the South Cornish coast. Cornwall Sea Safari Tours specialises in providing professional boat trips for most ages and abilities. Whether you’re looking for a sensitive wildlife encounter or a riveting coastal sightseeing trip on one of their vessels; they have something suitable for all budgets and occasions. Interested in your own private adventure or Unique experience? Explore their website to find out more.

 

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