Things to do

Whether it’s summer or winter, or somewhere in between, there is so much to do in Cornwall. If you’re a family with young children, or a couple that likes to take things a bit slower, there are plenty of options on your trips out from Butterwell Farm.

We always encourage our guests to check out what’s on their doorstep at Butterwell Farm. We have a 40 acre private nature reserve which is reserved for our guests only. Enjoy woodland and river walks in total tranquility here on the farm, spotting wildlife as you go. And don’t forget to come and visit our brood of chickens and say hello to the sheep that roam our estate freely.

If you use Instagram check out our highlights for more ideas which include: Things to do, walking, beaches and restaurants to name a few.

Camel Trail

Fantastic for walking and cycling, we are situated directly on the Camel Trail with our own private gate for access. The Camel Trail is an 18-mile, surfaced and virtually level trail, which provides access to the beautiful Cornish countryside and Camel Estuary along a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. Just a short walk from Butterwell Farm on the Camel Trail you can visit our local pub, tea garden and Camel Valley Vineyard.

Bring your own bikes or organise for rentals to be delivered directly to your property for your stay through our bike hire partner.

Read more about the Camel Trail on our dedicated Camel Trail page.

Camel Valley Vineyard

Located only across the valley from Butterwell Farm (a 20 minute walk) is the award-winning, world-class Camel Valley Vineyard where you can join one of their weekly wine tours and tastings. Or simply walk in and enjoy a couple of glasses and enjoy views back across the valley to Butterwell Farm.

If you want to book a wine tour and tasting we recommend doing this in advance as they get booked up.

Fishing

Butterwell Farm is the premier destination in the Southwest for sea-trout and salmon game fishing. Butterwell offers anglers a good chance of catching sea-trout in excess of 5lb on night fly and large Autumn salmon all the way to the season close on 15 December when nearly all other fisheries are closed.

Visit our dedicate pages on fishing for more information.

We also have a couple of ponds at Butterwell Farm which are available for residents to fish free of charge year round.  These ponds hold a variety of small fish including roach and rudd.

Coarse fisheries nearby include Innis Fishery and Temple Fishery.

Eden Project

Just a 25-minute drive from Buttewell Farm, The Eden Project is one of Cornwall’s most exciting attractions – massive Biomes house the largest rainforest in captivity, stunning plants, exhibitions and stories. With restaurants, a fantastic shop and a year-round events programme it is a fantastic day out in Cornwall.

Mountain Biking and Cycling

Whether you want a quiet cycle along the flat tranquil Camel Trail or you are seeking a greater challenge on the adjoining forest trails, Butterwell has direct access to a cycling journey the novice to even the best downhill mountain bikers will not forget.  We even have two fantastic bike parks within a short driving distance, and some great trails for the youngest biking enthusiasts. Nearby woods include Grogley Woods, Cardinham Woods, Hustyns Woods and Bishops Woods. Sam is a knowledgeable and active mountain biker so if you need any assistance or advice on routes, bike parks or bike mechanics whilst you’re here then Sam is only too happy to assist. For more information check out our dedicated biking page.

Surfing in Cornwall

Within a 20-25 minute drive from Butterwell are some of Cornwall’s premier surf beaches such as Polzeath, Watergate Bay, Fistral Newquay, Constantine and Mawgan Porth to name a few. Wetsuits and boards are available to hire on all the surf beaches and we can also recommend some great surf schools. Our favourite is Surfs Up! Surf School in Polzeath.

Eating out

Cornwall is one of the country’s prime destinations for eating out with numerous famous chefs choosing the county to open shop. The sheer number and variety of great places to eat is impressive. Fresh-from-the harbour seafood, delicious Cornish Cream Teas, incredible local produce, the famous Cornish pasty…the list goes on! We have put together our recommendations over on our restaurant guide so go check them out.

Lanhydrock National Trust

Lanhydrock is our local National Trust Property, just 15 minutes from Butterwell Farm. A magnificent late Victorian country house with gardens and wooded estate. The estate boasts extensive gardens, ancient woodlands, riverside paths, cafes, shops, large play area and cycle trails. There are off-road cycle trails, with special routes for families and novice riders, and you can even hire bikes there. It’s a firm favourite in our family.

Walking

Cornwall really is a walker’s paradise with miles of stunning coastline to explore as well as the wild Bodmin moor with its dramatic granite tors just on our doorstep. We regularly make use of the I Walk Cornwall App which has over 300 detailed walking routes for just a few pounds each. Another famous route on our doorstep is the Saints Way starting in Padstow on the North Coast and finishing in Fowey on the South. Follow the pilgrim’s trail through beautiful countryside, villages, crossing over Bodmin Moor. I did this route not long ago, so if you have any questions we can help, and some pictures and information can be found on the walking highlight of our instagram page.

Pencarrow House & Gardens

Less than 10 minutes from Butterwell Farm, Pencarrow House is a beautiful family estate with 50 acres of formal garden and woodlands, cafe, shop, play area and house tours.  For people interested in history, nature and gardens.  A tranquil place which is dog and family friendly.

Bodmin Jail

Just 10 minutes from Butterwell Farm, built in 1779, Bodmin Jail is a landmark historical site showcasing the rich and darkly fascinating legacy of Georgian and Victorian crime and punishment. The jail recently underwent a £40 renovation and now boasts an incredible immersive experience as its main attraction. Award-winning heritage tours, paranormal experiences and self-guided entry provide a unique pathway to the past. Licensed bar and restaurant on site.

Jamaica Inn

Cornwall’s most famous smugglers inn! Situated on Bodmin Moor, the Jamaica Inn it is a fun place to visit including a Daphne du Maurier museum, farm shop and restaurant. Take a walk from here up onto Bodmin Moor to really soak up the atmosphere.

Trebah Garden

Trebah is a sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop just South of Falmouth on the Helford River. Discover the magic of this beautiful 26 acre Cornish valley garden, with over four miles of footpaths, extensive childrens play areas, leading down to their private secluded beach on the Helford River. Open year round and dog friendly. Cafe, shop and plant centre on site.

Bodmin & Wenford Steam Railway

Just 10 minutes from Butterwell Farm, discover the excitement and nostalgia of steam travel with a journey back in time on the Bodmin Railway. The line descends as it leaves Bodmin behind and heads out into open countryside. The train ride ends at Boscarne Junction, the original Bodmin & Wadebridge Railway, less than a 30min walk from Butterwell Farm along the Camel Trail. The line passes over the River Camel and runs adjacent to the Camel Trail.

Padstow

Just a 30 minute drive or an hours cycle along the Camel Trail, Padstow is a lovely traditional harbour town with plenty on offer. Lots of lovely shops, restaurants, cafes, cream teas, pasties, fish and chips, crabbing, boat trips and the National Lobster Hatchery! You can also use the ferry from here to visit Rock across the estuary, the ferry runs year round. Or book onto a sea safari boat trip to head out and spot seals and dolphins. Padstow is also a foodie mecca with restaurants from Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth and more. Why not improve your recipe repertoire and book onto a full day or evening cookery course at Rick Stein’s fantastic cookery school right on the harbour.

Cardinham Woods

Just a 15 minutes from Butterwell Farm is the beautiful Forestry England site of Cardinham Woods. A regular family favourite, there are walking and bike trails to suit all levels, including a slice of Cornish history with the remnants of a former lead mine and an ancient clapper bridge. Beautiful stream side walks, a “Gruffalo” Trail, play area, and the Woods Cafe which is a great spot for lunch or tea and cake.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Europe’s largest garden restoration project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, offer over 200 acres for exploration. Extensive gardens including lush jungle, HUGE play areas for children, cafes, shop and plant centre. Year-round events attract visitors to return again and again. If you’re visiting in the winter months their famous ‘light show’ is well worth a visit.

Tintagel Castle

Tintagel Castle, part of English Heritage, is a fantastic sightseeing opportunity. Immerse yourself in history, myth and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle on Cornwall’s rugged North coast, and experience the legend of King Arthur. Boscastle, just 10 minutes up the road from Tintagel, is also well worth a visit to combine the trip.

St Ives

St Ives is a charming harbour town location in itself to visit, but it is also home to the fantastic Tate Modern and Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, over looking the Atlantic Ocean. There is also the Leach Pottery, an exhibition, gallery, shop and also a studio for courses and classes.

Prideaux Place

Nestled above the harbour town of Padstow sits Prideaux Place. Since its completion in 1592, the same family have lived in this charming Elizabethan manor. They offer house tours, a cafe and beautiful grounds to explore overlooking the an ancient deer park. Alongside the main house the family have re-opened the Prideaux walled garden and “bothy” offering insight into a no-dig, organic, productive garden and complimentary shop and cafe.
Prideaux place is a popular tourist destination for many German, Swiss and Austrian visitors due the the famous author Rosamunde Pilcher and Poldark. Over 100 of Pilcher’s stories have been made into an incredibly popular German television series. We even had the German film crew here at Butterwell in 2018 to film some fly fishing scenes on the River Camel. I highly recommend delving into some of Pilcher’s books to evoke memories of Cornwall.

Charlestown

Charlestown is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A historic working harbour on Cornwall’s South coast. Expect impressive classic tall ships, beautiful views and great places to eat and drink. We recommend the Longstore restaurant. Charlestown is infamous for being the backdrop to Poldark’s harbour scenes in the much celebrated BBC series. Charlestown is also home to the Shipwreck Museum with over 8000 underwater treasures and artefacts.

Port Isaac

Explore the narrow lanes of Port Isaac, past beautiful white-washed fishermen’s cottages down to the harbour front where there is a small beach and some lovely eateries and shops. Port Isaac has become increasingly popular with visitors due to its association with film and TV, most notably the Doc Martin TV series, as well as Poldark. Duck into The Golden Lion pub, a traditional pub with open fires and sea views. Or for something a bit more ‘special’, try Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, where you can sample a range of locally caught fish dishes right on the front of the harbour.

Cornish Coast Adventures

Kayaking, coasteering and paddle boarding are on offer at Cornish Coast Adventures based in the beautifully quaint harbour cove of Port Quinn on the North Coast between Polzeath and Port Isaac. A small team that offers fantastic experiences at sea. They even have a sauna on-site which is a great extra treat after your sea adventure. We have personally been on adventures with these guys and would highly recommend them.

The Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden is a beautiful, tranquil and unusual garden just near Mawgan Porth bay with an attached shop and nursery selling succulents and bonsai trees.  Dogs are not permitted but there are some shaded parking areas and a typical visit would take 1 – 2 hours. Open March to November.

Lostwithiel and the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery

Lostwithiel is known as the antiques capital of Cornwall. As well as lots of antique shops there are also lots of other lovely independent shops and restaurants. A couple of our favourites include Alice in Scandiland and Watts Trading. This 13th Century port town is perfectly charming with its medieval bridge over the River Fowey, and also home to the Duchy of Cornwall offices. The royal family stay in this area when visiting the county. Just outside Lostwithiel is the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, a great place to visit for a few hours for a delicious lunch in the Orangery or a cream tea next to the fire in their cafe, and to muse the wonderful collection of plants, house plants in the glasshouse and homeware in their beautiful shop. From the nursery you can take a woodland and river stroll up to Restormel Castle (English Heritage) with views over the River Fowey valley – just over a 2 mile round trip.

Cornish Seal Sanctuary

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is in the picturesque Helford Estuary, by the beautiful village of Gweek, and provides a lifeline for stray, sick and injured seal pups which have been discovered around the Cornish coast. A great place for an educational visit and other seal experiences on offer. Dog friendly.

Minack Theatre

The Minack Theatre is built on a cliff side in Porthcurno in the far South of Cornwall. As well as ticketed performances throughout the season you can also visit this impressive, hand-built feat of engineering for a tour, and to explore the sub-tropical paradise gardens. There is a cafe and terrace coffee shop on site. No buggies, dogs allowed on a short lead if not during a performance. Lots of steep steps.

Screech Owl Sanctuary & Animal Park

Just over 20 minutes from Butterwell Farm is Screech Owl Sanctuary & Animal Park. A fascinating experience for all ages. As well as numerous species of owls there are other birds of prey as well as wallabys, meerkat, fox, lemurs, goats, racoons, polecats. Owl talks, animal talks and flying displays are scheduled throughout the day and there are always staff on hand to answer any of your questions and talk to you about the animals. Cafe and play area. No dogs.

Camel Ski School

Located on the Camel Estuary in Rock, is Camel Ski School, a fantastic centre for water skiing, wake surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking and boat chartering. The UK’s largest waterski centre. Wetsuit higher available. A professional and fun experience on the water, all available to book online, and a great little cafe on the quayside.

Camel Creek Family Adventure Park

Camel Creek is great day out for the whole family. Family rides, animal encounters, indoor play, adventure golf, water ride and splash zone. Less than 30 minutes from Butterwell.

Adrenaline Quarry

“Throwing people off cliffs since 2009”. Adrenaline Quarry is an action packed adventurous day out. Huge inflatable aquapark suitable for ages 6 and up, go karting for ages 7 and up, zip wire, giant swing and axe throwing.

Horse riding

At Butterwell Farm we’re in a fabulous part of the country to get out on horse back. We recommend Hallagenna Riding on Bodmin Moor just 20 minutes from Butterwell. We also offer the opportunity to bring your horse on holiday at Butterwell Farm. With plenty of paddock place directly adjacent to our cottages you can see your horse from your cottage. Get in touch for further details. Riding out from Butterwell Farm you can access incredible trails at Grogley, Hustyns, Bishops woods and more.