A holiday to Cornwall doesn’t have to mean weight gain by way of excessive pasty/yarg/clotted cream consumption!
There are plenty of ways to stay fit and active while you enjoy your holiday in England's beautiful far south-west corner. From making the most of the coastal location, to working out in a quirky outside gym, there are plenty of ways to break a sweat and raise your heart rate in Cornwall. Here are five of our favourites:
1. Run along the coast
If you’re one of the 2 million runners in the UK, you’ll love Cornwall! The South West Coast Path goes from Minehead in Somerset, along the coast of Cornwall and Devon and finishes up at Poole Harbour in Dorset. At 630 miles long, it’s the longest way-marked footpath in England and here in Cornwall we’re lucky to have a splendid 300-mile chunk of it. It offers runners huge variety - you’ll find some fairly flat stretches (by Cornwall’s standards) to beastly cliff climbs and all routes come with a sea view to boot. If you prefer running with others, contact one of the county’s many running clubs, most are open to visitors joining in for a few sessions. Or failing that research the running event calendar in Cornwall. Anyone for a marathon at The Eden Project?
2. Learn to surf
Is there a cooler way to stay active than surfing? We doubt it. Advanced surfers can check Magic Seaweed or our live webcams and then hit the waves accordingly - but beginners might benefit from a lesson or two first. Luckily Cornwall’s coastline is dotted with reputable surf schools and instructors, so you’ll never be far away from one. If in doubt, head to the UK’s capital of surfing, Fistral Beach, and learn amongst the pros.
3. Take a dip
If you’d like to enjoy the sea without worrying about a board, simply head down to the shore and take a wild dip instead. There are over 300 beaches to choose from here in Cornwall, so going for a swim in the sea is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to stay fit on holiday. Plus, during the summer season, many of the beaches are patrolled by lifeguards making it a safer option. For even more protection check out the tidal Sea Pool at Bude or head to Penzance and enjoy a few laps in the UK’s largest seawater lido – Jubilee Pool.
4. Get your zen on
If you like to combine physical exercise with mental peace and quiet, check out one of the county’s many fine yoga studios. Many even run outdoor – and even beach – classes during the warmer weather. Oceanflow Yoga Studio in Newquay boasts sea views and a dedicated hot yoga studio, or for some peace and quiet in the city centre swing in to Cornwall Yoga Centre in Truro.
5. Visit an outdoor gym
Head to Penrose and take a couple of laps on the National Trust outdoor gym at Loe Pool, Cornwall's largest freshwater lake. You’ll find all sorts here including a chin-up bar with a gorgeous view! If you can’t make it to Penrose – simply treat the entire county as one huge outdoor gym. There is so much to do and see whether you hike across Bodmin Moor, cycle your way to Padstow or go sea kayaking around Falmouth.
For more holiday inspiration, browse our holiday cottages in the UK and start planning your next break.