Active breaks for the young at heart

It’s not always easy finding a British break that caters for all ages. Especially one that doesn’t rely exclusively on sunny beach days. How do you cater for indulgence AND adventure on holiday in Cornwall?

We recently hosted the editor of Coast magazine, Alex Fisher, and her teenage son. Here’s what they got up to in 48 hours at Talland Bay.

First stop: Adrenalin Quarry

Located near Liskeard, Adrenalin Quarry is a geological site of special scientific interest, packed with wildlife. Visitors can choose to take the plunge on a zip wire stretching 490 metres over the flooded quarry, hop on the giant swing, go wild swimming or freshwater coasteering. Keen to show she was game for anything, Alex joined her son on the zip and then they both had a go at axe throwing.

“I loved the setting, it’s stunning,” Alex said of the experience. “We ran out of time to do everything that we wanted. I liked the fact that it’s not a flat entry fee, but you can pick and choose activities.”

Next up: Talland Bay Hotel

Having exhausted themselves at Adrenalin Quarry, they checked in at Talland Bay Hotel. One of our garden suites provided the perfect luxury base for their active Cornish break, offering plenty of space for mother and son to relax in between exploring.

After a stroll down to Talland Bay beach and back the pair were ready for dinner, choosing from the classic Lounge Menu in the Conservatory.

In the saddle with Polmartin Riding

Alex is a keen rider and her son more of a beginner, a brief that was easily catered for by the professional team at Polmartin Riding stables near Lanreath the following morning.

Owner and head instructor Jane started the centre in 2004, which is one of the few British Horse Society Approved Riding Schools in the region. Not only do they offer trekking for visitors, but they also run training courses for actors, who've subsequently appeared in TV shows including Game of Thrones and Poldark.

An afternoon with Sea Explorers

Jennie and Pete at Sea Explorers were happy to show off the range of activities available from their base at Millendreath Beach for an afternoon on and in the water. This included paddle boarding and a session with their new sea scooters; this is the only place in the UK to offer the chance to snorkel offshore with the aid of the battery powered, buoyant swimming aid. And one of only two places in the whole of the UK where sea horses can be spotted in the wild.

The centre is staying open year-round – with wetsuits to hire – so there’s no excuse not to enjoy the ocean whatever time of year you visit.

Best for last: Next level dining

The adventurers had worked up a well-earned appetite by the time they returned to the hotel for dinner in the Terrace restaurant.

“Stunning menu…Wow” said Alex. “Inspirational and divine on every level.

“Nick Hawke is brilliant, and his food is sublime. I now appreciate why this is a foodie destination hotel. The dessert was one of the best I’ve ever eaten.”

Thanks to Alex for letting us share her adventures. Visit our offers page and start planning your next Cornish escape.