Penhalvean Pottery Campsite

Spectacular surfing beaches are all around the Cornish coast, but watersporters seeking activity with the utmost ease should start off at Stithians Lake within easy walking distance, for watersports as well as fishing all year round. Windsurfing, sailing, rowing and kayaking are all up for grabs on the water; on land, take the trail around the lake for nature spotting and birdwatching from one of the three hides. Heading northwards, Portreath is a popular place for kayaking and surfing, and like most in the area is lifeguarded in the summer months. If you're up for a (somewhat steep) hike, take the South West Coast Path east from here to Porthtowan, or west to Godrevy via the famed lighthouse, or use Portreath as a starting point for scrambles around the old mines of St Agnes. Also going north from the site, Newquay and St Ives are each within 35 minutes. To the south, fab Falmouth is about 15 minutes' drive away: arrange at least a couple of days here for trips on the Fal river, idle times on the beach, a trip to the National Maritime Museum and a cold pint of Cornish cider in one of the old and excellent pubs around the quay.