1/ Diving Holidays

Just-Ribbing   Our own personal favourite family activity!  Tear around the coast in an inflatable powerboat at full trottle with the wind in your hair and the spray in your face.  You do wave jumping, high speed turns (hold onto your stomache) and surfing.  Our three year old went as well - although if you take little children then the skipper can't go as fast as usual!  Book either a morning or afternoon 1-2 hour session on: 07779 036589.   (10 minute drive)

Portreath to Devoran cycle path   Hire bikes from the Bissoe cycle hire shop and cycle along the old Cornish mines railway line all the way to the north coast of Cornwall.  It takes a couple of hours to get to the north coast from the cycle hire shop, but there's a pub long the way to stop at and once you're there you can go to the beach at Portreath (good surfing waves) and have lunch to recover!  Most of the route is either off road or on marked cycle paths.  Make sure you book first on: 01872 870341.   (5 minute drive)

The National Maritime Museum   Loads to do for adults and children alike in what many consider the main contributor to Falmouth's rejuvenation.  It costs about £6.00 for adults and £4.00 for children and has lots of interactive exhibits - including piloting your very own remote-controlled boat!   (6 minute drive)

Ships and Castles Leisure Pool   Great pool for the kids when the weather's poor, with water slides and whirpool.   (6 minute drive)

Pendennis Castle   Built by Henry VIII to protect the anchorage of Falmouth, and re-fortified throughout its 400 year history.  Visit the hands-on Discovery Centre, Tudor gun Deck and the underground defences.  Open all year.   (5 minute drive)

Helford river boat hire   This is really fun - and our children (aged 12, 10 and 5) loved it!  Hire a small motor boat just outside the Ferryboat Inn, a lovely pub right on the Helford river with its own little beach, then cruise up and down the Helford Passage (no nautical experience necessary!).  The Ferryboat Inn serves wonderful food and every summer they have a jazz festival.   (10 minute drive)

Cruises up the River Fal and Helford River   Really worth doing if you can - especially if the sun's out!  Leaves from Prince of Wales Pier.   (10 minute drive)

Flambards Village   The ideal day out for everybody, whatever their age, tastes or enthusiasms!  With more undercover than any other attraction in the South West, it doesn't matter what the weather is like.   It has over 40 attractions, including; the internationally-acclaimed Victorian Village, Britain in the Blitz, Aeropark Collection, Cornwall's Science Centre, Super Family Rides, live entertainment and award winning gardens.  Opens mid April.   (8 minute drive)

Sea-Faris   This is an absolute must - the cruise takes you around the coast while listening for underwater noises from the marine life and trying to spot the occasional dolphin!   (5 minute drive)

The Lost Gardens of Heligan   An amazing restoration of a lost Victorian Garden, located at Pentewan.   (35 minute drive)

Trebah Garden   Listed by the Good Gardens Guide as one of the 80 finest gardens in the world - a 25 acre garden of tropical beauty.   (5 minute drive)

Glendurgan Garden   Fantastic gardens with a huge maze for adults and children to run around.   (5 minute drive)

The Eden Project   The spectacular living theatre of plants and people.  With over 1 million visitors already, the Eden project is now the premiere attraction in Cornwall.  It is a must for garden lovers, anyone interested in the environment, or anyone just looking for one of the best days out in the Westcountry!  Get there early to avoid the crowds.   (50 minute drive)

The Tate Gallery St Ives   A unique introduction to modern art, where many works can be viewed in the surroundings and atmosphere which inspired them.   (45 minute drive)

St Michaels Mount   This magical island has a church, a medieval castle (home of the St Aubyn family for over 300 years), an exotic garden clinging to the steep flanks, and an ancient harbour.  Open all year.   (40 minute drive)

Goonhilly Satellite Station   This the largest Satellite Earth Station in the World, with guided tours and a multimedia visitors centre.   (30 minute drive)

The South West Coastal Path   For the walkers amongst you, the Falmouth area is an ideal base from which to explore the South West Coastal Path.

Royal Cornwall Museum   The largest and liveliest museum in Cornwall based in Truro.   (10 minute drive)

The National Seal Sanctuary   Set in the picturesque Helford Estuary by the beautiful village of Gweek, it has over 40 years experience in seal rescue, rehabilitation and release.  Open all year.   (20 minute drive)

Land's End   Enjoy an unforgettable day out at Britain's most famous landmark.  Land's End is a unique, magical place - a place of legend and mystery, with a stunning natural beauty.   (60 minute drive)

Poldark Mine   An all-weather attraction with tin mine, museum, entertainments and garden.   (25 minute drive)

Dairy Land Farm World   An all-weather attraction.  The sights, sounds and smells of a real working farm.  Includes nature trail, alternative energy centre, adventure playground, pony rides and milking parlour.   (35 minute drive)

Golf   Very close by is Falmouth Golf Club, which has fantastic views right across Falmouth Bay.   (5 minute drive)

Bird Watching   Follow this link for more information on some of the best bird watching sites in West Cornwall.

Sailing   Why not book yourself and/or the children on a sailing course at the Falmouth Sailing School?  Our 10 year old daughter loved the level one and two sailing course you can do over three days; and as it takes place during the day it leaves parents time to do other things!  The sailing school is right in the middle of Falmouth, so you can leave the children at the sailing school then go shopping, see the National Maritime Museum etc.   (7 minute drive)

Ocean Bowl Tenpin Bowling Centre   Ten pin bowling centre located in Falmouth on Pendennis Rise, telephone: 01326 313130.   (7 minute drive)

Walks from the cottage   There are some lovely walks + coastal footpath you can do from Honey Buzzard Barn and in the Barn you will find a large OS map of the Falmouth/Lizard area hanging on the wall, with all the public rights of way marked.

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If you fancy something a bit different, and you're prepared to travel outside the Falmouth area, try:

Cornwall Classic Car Hire   Hire an old E-Type, MG or Morgan and then drive around Cornwall with the roof down and the shades on...  Telephone: 0845 458 1108.

Cheney Mill Farm Park   Get to see, touch and hold snakes, lizards and spiders (lovely!).  Located in St Earth, telephone: 01736 759555.

Holywell Bay Fun Park   Have fun with; junior carts, climbing wall, buggies, battle boats and a maze.  There's also a golf course, so mum or dad can play golf whilst the children tire themselves out.  Located off the A3075 Newquay to Redruth road, telephone: 01637 830095.

Lappa Valley Steam Railway   Ride a 15inch gauge steam railway two miles through lovely countryside, plus try out the canoes, paddle boats and childrens' play castle.  Located near Newquay, telephone: 01872 510317.

The Cornish Cyder Farm   Free tasting, free entry and free hang-over...  Located in Penhallow on the other side of Truro, telephone: 01872 573356.

The All Terrain Vehicle Centre   Serious Quad biking for those aged from six upwards.  Located in Blackwater near Truro, telephone: 01872 560753.

Blue Reef Aquarium   Brilliant aquarium where you can see everything slimy - from sharks to, of course, starfish!  Located in Newquay, telephone: 01637 878134.