We at Mariners understand that sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to decide which activities to do in such a short amount of time. So we have curated what we think is the perfect itinerary for a weekend break in Cornwall, allowing you to explore the different landscapes, sights and adventures that the area has to offer. 

Friday: 

Breakfast – Whether you arrive on Friday morning or Thursday evening, we have to recommend breakfast at the Blue Tomato. This friendly restaurant offers everything from granola to cinnamon toast (for those with a sweeter tooth), and more savoury meals such as a classic full Cornish or Bubble ’n’ Squeak.

Try an indulgent breakfast at The Blue Tomato to kick off your long weekend break in Cornwall.
A sweet breakfast treat at The Blue Tomato

Morning activity – After breakfast, continue your way towards the beach and for a coastal walk along the estuary up towards Daymer Bay. Enjoy the protected golden sand dunes as well as exploring the idyllic St Enodoc Church. Or take the ferry and pop over to Padstow, to enjoy a little bit of shopping and a beautiful coastal walk across Tregirls and Harbour Cove. 

Lunch – If you’re in Padstow, why not pop into Rick and Jill Steins flagship restaurant – The Seafood Restaurant? Serving the finest local seafood for almost 40 years, they offer a set lunch menu of three courses for an absolute steal of £34.95. Or pack a picnic supplied from local bakery Malcolm Barnecutt, and sit on the sand dunes for a truly laid back lunch. 

Afternoon activity – For those who are craving a dip in the water but find the idea of learning how to surf quite daunting, Rock offers numerous alternatives. Camel Sailing School is perfect for water lovers of any sailing ability. They have been teaching families how to sail for more than 60 years.

If sailing isn’t for you, right next door is Camel Ski School, offering waterskiing, wake-boarding, water-sledging, paddleboarding, kite surfing as well as banana boating. Friendly and qualified instructors accompany all sessions available. If you fancy exploring the estuary at your own pace then give kayaking a go. 

If water isn’t quite for you, then head for a round of golf at the St Enodoc golf club, located just around the corner from our cottages.

The St Enodoc Golf Club is a popular sport for a round. The stunning scenery and challenging course is often a highlight for those spending a weekend away in Cornwall.
Go for a round of golf at the ever popular St Enodoc Golf club

Evening – After a super packed day, freshen up back at the cottage and relax before dinner. Head over to any of the fantastic restaurants nearby. Whether it’s a cosy romantic meal at The Dining Room or a few drinks at The Mariners along with scenic views and the sunset over the Estuary. 

Saturday

Breakfast – Wake up early and pop into Wadebridge, a local town nearby which is a hub for cute cafes providing some of the best breakfasts. Tucked away in Foundry Court is Relish, serving award-winning coffees. And just outside the entrance to the Camel Trail is Wood and Green, offering some of the most amazing all-day breakfasts including vegan and veggie options. 

Day Activity – Now, this activity can be done one of two ways. The first one involves driving over to Bodmin Moor, famous for its wild and beautiful landscape – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Explore Cornwall’s highest points Rough Tor and Brown Willy, where you can explore excavated Bronze Age circle huts. You can also head over to a landmark known as the Cheesewring – a wind-eroded formation of circular granite rocks sitting on top of each other, a great photo opportunity. 

The beautiful scenery and variety of wildlife make Bodmin Moor well worth the cycle up. The local Old Inn provides that extra incentive for the hard work.
Some of the local wildlife up on Bodmin Moor. Credit: Mathias Liebing

At the top of St. Breward are stables which offer excursions to see the moorland on horseback. Hallagenna stables provide an experience of riding over the dramatic, granite tors where you can pass old settlements and stone circles. No matter your ability, Hallagenna offers a variety of treks so that there is something for everyone. 

The second option is to cycle up the Camel Trail from Wadebridge to St. Breward. Passing the small Bodmin and Wenford Railway, Camel Valley Wines and two pubs for cream teas until you reach the end of the trail at Wenford – where a lovely cafe called The Snails Pace offers a vast range of cakes, snacks and coffees. And If you continue up the hill through St. Breward, you’ll meet the beautiful expanse of the moor along with sheep, moorland cows and ponies.

Dinner – After a full day of adventure, you could head over to either St. Tudy or St. Breward Pub (the highest pub in Cornwall), which welcomes the likes of Dawn French and Will Young. Or go back to the cottage and freshen up for a meal and night out at The Mariners. The short walk saves you from having a designated driver.

Sunday:

Breakfast – We’ve decided to go for a relaxing Sunday – as they should be! So stay under the covers for a little, have a relaxing cooked breakfast in bed and watch the world pass by. 

The stunning bedroom from one of our lets. Cozy up here for a lazy Sunday morning during your weekend away.
Lie-in on a lazy Sunday morning and watch the world go by

Activity – After your slow start to the day, why not take relaxing up a notch and book a couple of hours in one of the nearby spas? The St. Moritz, located in Trebetherick, offers many spa treatments supplied by Cowshed, with the best spa products you can get your hands on.

Lunch –  After your day of unwinding and recovering from the night before, why not experience a late Cornish Sunday Carvery at The Maltsters Arms or The Quarryman, both nearby.

Evening – Spend the evening enjoying the holiday cottage for the rest of your stay; play a board game or snuggle up and watch a film, fighting your food coma from Sunday Lunch, so that come Monday, you wake up refreshed and ready to go. 

For more information about securing your self-catered Cornish cottage for the perfect short break in Cornwall, visit our properties page here.