Things to Do
The list is endless for things to do and places to see in Cornwall. However, we have tried our best to compile a list of links and information on some of the wonderful places you may wish to visit during your stay with us. Of course, if you're still looking for more information upon your arrival at Magic Cove, please have a browse at the numerous leaflets in our launderette or ask us for more information on things to see and do.
Mawgan Porth
The beach, with it's golden sands and rock pools, offers safe bathing and surfing under lifeguard supervision and is dog-friendly all year round. KingSurf is a surf school located by the beach who provide fun, professional & safe tuition for all abilities. Other activities, all within 300 yards of your pitch, include Tennis Courts, Pitch & Putt and a Crazy Golf Course. For those of you who wish to experience the breathtaking scenery, the coastal footpath is also right on your doorstep.
kARANdAVE can be found at work in their ARTSANDCRAFT studios on the Pitch & Putt/Crazy Golf site. The work in their gallery reflects the Cornish countryside, with the sea and the coast as prevalent themes. Have a browse at their very unique pieces of artwork, or if you're lucky see if you can spot one of their 'Free Art Friday' pieces whilst walk around the local area!
Looking to quench your thirst or want to take a break from cooking? Stop in at any one of the fantastic pubs and restaurants (all of which are dog-friendly) just a stones throw from Magic Cove:
The Merrymoor Inn - a family run pub overlooking Mawgan Porth beach, offering delicious food and drinks in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. During the warm summer months, their patio and garden provide the perfect setting for your leisurely drink or alfresco meal overlooking the bay.
The Travellers Rest, Trevarrian - where Martin & Natalie warmly welcome families and four legged friends. A cosy, 17th Century inn with flagstone flooring, open fires and beamed ceilings. Nestled between Mawgan Porth and Watergate Bay, the pub is ideally located to relax and unwind. Open daily from midday until 11pm.
Catch Seafood Bar & Grill - A stylish beach house restaurant next to Mawgan Porth beach. Enjoy freshly cooked seafood and coast inspired dishes.
St Mawgan
Located in the beautiful Lanherne Valley, the village of St Mawgan with it's 13th century parish church, is well worth a visit. Accessible by car, bus or we recommend the lovely 30-45 minute walk via the inland footpath adjacent to the site. The Village Green and children's play area are very popular. Also the Japanese Garden & Bonsai Nursery are well worth a visit if you have the time.
Refreshments are catered for by:
The Falcon Inn - Nestled in the picturesque village of St. Mawgan, The Falcon Inn is a traditional village pub with a roaring fire, wooden beams and an award winning garden. Everyone is welcome at the dog-friendly pub, whether it be for a relaxing drink or a bite to eat.
St Mawgan Village Stores, Post Office & Tea Rooms - Sit under the grape vine or in their award winning garden and enjoy the ambience of true Cornish hospitality. They have a wide range of coffees, teas, snacks, home made soups, hot lunches, salads and best of all, home made cakes and cream teas.
The Smugglers Inn - a large pub situated at the top of the village, offering cold draught and bottled drinks to while away in the sunny beer garden, a cosy hot beverage whilst next to the wood burner in the nook, and serving modern pub food using local produce. Dogs are welcome here too!
Watergate Bay
The next bay on towards Newquay, this is just a 45 minute walk along the coast path or a 10 minute drive. Here you can try out adrenaline sports at the Extreme Academy, such as stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP), kitesurfing, waveski and more!
Newquay
Just 6 miles from Magic Cove and boasting to be the experience capital of the UK, it is a superb family holiday destination. Whatever you want from a UK holiday, Newquay has it! It is blessed with a fantastic coastline and an array of stunning beaches, including Fistral which is the surfing mecca of the UK and hosts many professional competitions.
Attractions include (but are by no means limited to):
Newquay Zoo where you can experience the wildlife with over 130 different species,
The Blue Reef Aquarium featuring fascinating marine life from around the world,
Dairyland Farm World an all weather attraction providing entertainment for all ages, lots for the whole family to enjoy, rain or shine
Trenance Park & Gardens, a tranquil, lush 26 acre park with boating lake, pitch & putt, crazy golf and lakeside cafe just a few minutes stroll from Newquay town centre.
Swimming pools can be found at Waterworld (next to the Zoo) and also Oasis Fun Pools with it's indoor and outdoor pools.
There are also plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants for all tastes as well as plenty of supermarkets so you can stock up on supplies to take back to camp.
Visit the official tourist information website for Newquay here for a comprehensive list on everything this great town has to offer.
Padstow
Located just 8 miles north from Magic Cove, Padstow is an 'Old World' fishing port with great charm and character. The outstanding natural scenery coupled with the attraction of a working port makes it well worth a visit. Fishing and boat trips run daily from the harbour, and freshly caught crabs and lobsters can be purchased at the quayside. There are nice walks out from the Harbour where you can enjoy a picnic, or catch a ferry across to Rock.
The popular Camel Trail cycle way also starts here and runs along the disused railway track stretching inland to Wadebridge and Bodmin, following the route of the 'Atlantic Coast Express'. Bikes can be hired from any of these towns if you don't wish to bring your own.
Local Outdoor Activities
Golf...
There is an abundance of golf courses in the local area, the closest of these being Merlin Golf Club which is less than 2 miles away and is suitable for all abilities. Along the coast towards Padstow is Trevose Golf & Country Club with its fantastic views of the North Cornish coastline. This course is very challenging and caters for the more experienced golfer. Situated in the heart of Newquay is Newquay Golf Club which overlooks Fistral Beach and offers golfers of all ages and abilities the opportunity to enjoy a challenging round of golf.
Fishing...
The coarse fishing lakes at Mawgan Porth Pools are naturally very beautiful, with wildlife in abundance. The lakes have wooden platforms with paths which lead to & from the car parking area, so whatever your age or disability, you will be able to enjoy the peace & beauty of the countryside. Alternatively, with four well stocked lakes on site, Penvose Farm is suited to either the casual angler or the dedicated coarse fisher-person who can spend many happy hours angling for carp, rudd, roach, bream, perch, golden and green tench.
Go-Karting...
Located just 3 miles from Magic Cove, St. Eval Kart Racing Circuit is the largest, fastest and most exciting race circuit in the South West offering 800m/1000m/1200m tracks including a flyover. Whether you decide to visit the circuit for a quick practice or opt for one of their great race events you can be assured to receive the very best service from their highly trained team.
Further Afield
There are so many beautiful and exciting places to visit throughout Cornwall that it'd be impossible for us to list then all, however, if you are happy to travel a little further for your day out, here are a few of our recommendations:
The Eden Project near St Austell - An educational charity, connecting us with each other and the living world, exploring how we can work towards a better future. Their visitor destination is nestled in a huge crater. Here, massive Biomes housing the largest indoor rainforest, stunning plants, exhibitions and stories serve as a backdrop to our striking contemporary gardens, summer concerts and exciting year-round family events.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan near Mevagissy - One of the most mysterious estates in England. Lost to the brambles of time since the outbreak of WW1, this Sleeping Beauty was re-awakened in 1990 to become Europe’s largest garden restoration project. Today Heligan’s 200 acres are a paradise for the explorer, wildlife, plant lover and garden romantic.
Camel Creek Adventure Park between Padstow and Wadebridge - Delivering great adventures and days out for the whole family, the Park is an all-weathers’ attraction with fantastic rides, slides, animals, fun and adventures, set within 100 acres of countryside. Open all year round, with annual activities reflecting the seasons.
Port Isaac between Polzeath and Tintagel - A traditional fishing village with a vibrant local community in north Cornwall and home to the TV series Doc Martin starring Martin Clunes. It's a truly picturesque village with narrow winding streets lined with whitewashed cottages that head down to the harbour. Enjoy a cliff-top walk to Port Gaverne, take a boat trip from the harbour, or check out the local galleries and art & craft shops.
Tintagel Castle - Immerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery set high on Cornwall's rugged north coast. Inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur, for centuries this dramatic castle and coastline has fired the imaginations of writers and artists.
Paradise Park in Hayle - The award-winning wildlife sanctuary with JungleBarn indoor play centre offers so much for all the family. With over 1,000 birds plus, beautiful Red pandas, rare Red squirrels and playful Asian otters there is a wonderful selection to see.
Local Travel Information
Go Cornwall Bus Company operate the bus service running from Newquay, through Mawgan Porth and on to Padstow - Service Number 56. See the timetable for this service here
Cornwall Airport, Newquay is located just 2 miles from Magic Cove and offers fast links from many parts of the UK and Ireland.