Swallows Meadow

Cornwall’s a cracking place for folk in search of outdoorsy activities – walkers can hit the South West Coast Path with a drive of 15 minutes or so, while cyclists can pedal along the Camel Trail (25 minutes’ drive) or National Cycle Route 3, which makes its way across Bodmin Moor. A horse riding centre is 10 minutes away in St Breward, and there’s an 18-hole golf course a similar length of drive away. It’s also a county that (as you may have heard) has a rather fine stretch of coastline. With that comes more activity: perhaps surfing at Trebarwith (15 minutes), fishing or kayaking trips from Port Isaac (25 minutes) or wildlife-spotting outings from Padstow (45 minutes). Pick either of these last two and there’s also scope for following up with dinner at a celeb chef’s restaurant. Sticking to dry land for a bit? Take a wander around Tintagel Castle (20 minutes) to hear tales of King Arthur and his antics, get all mystical at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle (20 minutes) or wander among exotic environs at the Eden Project (45 minutes).