Travellers Rest

Newquay (15 minutes' drive) is more than about just surfing – although if that's what you're after, you'll find hire and lesson opportunities by the bucketload. For family-friendly times with your feet firmly planted on dry land, there's Newquay Zoo and the Blue Reef Aquarium – as well as coasteering and paddleboarding at Newquay Activity Centre if you don't mind getting wet some of the time… Trevibban Mill Vineyard (15 minutes) is also close by if you fancy sampling some of the finest Cornish wines around (bring a pencil and paper for tasting notes…), while Trerice (20 minutes), a nearby National Trust property, sorts similarly sophisticated days out in the local landscape. Doyden Castle (30 minutes) is well worth a visit too: also managed by the Trust, this grand-sounding property is actually a tiny clifftop house built to resemble a fortress overlooking the sea at Port Quin. Heading a bit further down the coast, you'll reach Falmouth (45 minutes), home to the deepest natural harbour in Western Europe (with spectacular coastal views to match), while driving an hour in the other direction will take you straight into Plymouth city centre.