Ever tried going on holiday with teenagers. It can be a nightmare at times. They don’t want to be dragged from one tourist trap to the next, and they often don’t want to be left on the beach by themselves all day.
We want to help make your holiday as pain free and fun for all involved so we’ve pulled this list together of the best things to do in west Cornwall for families with teenagers.
Take Surfing Lessons
Book some surfing lessons with one of the numerous surf schools dotted around the coast, from St. Ives, to Porthleven, to Gwithian. There are a variety of options for different ages and abilities. Most will provide all the equipment you need and offer a range of lessons to suit all abilities.
It’s a great option for meeting new people, learning a new skill and getting out into nature.
Hire a Paddleboard or Kayak
If surfing isn’t your thing, then Paddleboarding or Kayaking are great alternative ways to enjoy the water without having to swallow quite so much seawater. Praa Sands, Porthleven and Longrock are good options on the south coast while around Hayle and St. Ives bay are good options on the north coast.
A lot of places won’t need booking, so you can show up when the sea is relatively smooth and spend a relaxing few hours exploring the coastline.
Go Karting at Hayle’s Coast 2 Coast Karting
Perfect for those with a competitive spirit, see who brings home the bragging rights on this high speed go-kart track just outside Hayle, and only a ten-minute drive from the Woodland Collection.
Suitable for ages 8+ with lap times and leaderboards, the course is great fun and a great chance to show the kids that you’ve still got it!
Find a Local Slip and Slide
A recent craze for Giant slip and slides has taken over Cornwall in the summer, there are now so many popping up over the county that it’s hard to keep track of them. They are a great fun activity for the whole family to let off some steam. You usually book for a full hour and are free to go around as many times as you are able. Most have multiple lanes so you can race against your family members to see who can go fastest or furthest.
Catch a Performance at the Minack Theatre
No-one can fail to be impressed by the Minack Theatre, clinging to the cliff face above Porth Curno beach. There is a range of regular performances scheduled through the year, which run most evenings over the summer months. Although most of these are excellent, the main draw is the spectacle of watching the theatre against such a unique and stunning backdrop.
Bring a blanket and plenty of food and drink and enjoy theatre like no-where else.
Visit the Tate St Ives & Barbara Hepworth Museum
The Tate St. Ives is a modern art gallery run by the Tate modern. It attracts an eclectic mix of modern art, sculptures and interactive exhibits. It stands out from the other galleries in the area which often focus more on seascapes and Cornwall’s natural beauty.
It’s the perfect destination for teens interested in design, photography or art. The cafe also has a stunning view of Porthmeor beach and is definitely worth a visit
Take a Creative Workshop (Pottery, Painting, Photography)
Something for those that are more inclined to enjoy a quiet afternoon, or a way to wile away a rainy day. Cornwall has a thriving art scene and there are numerous galleries and workshops which offer workshops in anything from Ceramics, Watercolours, Photograph and printing along with a host of other options.
The best places to look at St. Ives and Newlyn where most of the galleries are clustered.
Many of the activities will involve making something, giving you a perfect souvenir to take home afterwards.
Visit an Outdoor Activity Centre
There are two outdoor activity centres just outside Penryn, about a half hour drive from the Woodland Collection. They both offer a variety of watersports and other outdoor activities, which is sure to tire out any teenager.
Via Ferrata Cornwall – Offer a huge range of activities from mixed watersports and coasteering to rock climbing and archery. The via Ferrata high ropes course also includes a heart stopping zip wire across the quarry. There is an excellent café overlooking the quarry which is dog friendly for those not taking part to watch, and there’s even a free play area for children that are too young to entertain themselves. https://viaferratacornwall.co.uk/
Kernow Adventure Park – Have a go on their giant Aqua park or on one of their stand-up paddleboards in the beautiful reclaimed quarry. There is also the option for adults to enjoy a cold water swim followed by a relax in a sauna, perfect for enjoying a bit of relaxation while the kids burn off some energy.
Go on a Sea Safari or Wildlife Boat Tour
Hop on a wildlife boat tour and enjoy a scenic tour of the local sights and wildlife. The two most popular options are a trip around Mount’s bay from Penzance with plenty of options to see some of the seals, sharks or even whales that are regular visitors to the area, or take a trip from St. Ives across to Godrevy to see the seals that live there. Did you know over 40% of the global population of grey seals live in the UK.
There are plenty of options to choose from with fast high adrenaline boats and slower more gentle options; short two hours trips or whole date excursions. Binoculars and waterproofs are often provided onboard.
In Summary
Whether your teenagers are creative, sporty or sociable, there’s something for them in Cornwall. At the Woodland Collection we are family friendly (as well as dog friendly) with safe walks from the doorstep and a games room with table football and table tennis.
