If you have had too much sun or maybe it’s not quite as warm as you would like for surfing, then perhaps a short trip out of Newquay may be the answer. There are plenty of indoor activities within 30 minutes drive for you to choose from. A lot of the fun of a holiday is exploring and finding new places, but if you want some tips, here are a few places we have visited.
The National Lobster Hatchery
The National Lobster Hatchery
Are you looking for indoor activities within 30 minutes of Newquay? Head over to Padstow and take a look at the Lobster Hatchery. It is a must for anybody interested in marine conservation. Research done here is helping to keep our £30M industry healthy.
Would you like to adopt a lobster? The Lobster Hatchery can arrange it. For a modest £4, you even get to name it and receive a personalised certificate. The website will also tell you where and when it graduated from the nursery into the sea.
Without the lobster fishing industry, towns like Padstow and Newquay would have little but tourism to support them. See how lobsters grow, and enjoy the other exhibitions. Bring your dog, as it’s K9-friendly.
Tel.01841 533877
Distance : 24km Post CodePL28 8BL
Thanks to The National Lobster Hatchery for the images
Trerice Manor
This Elizabethan manor house, dating from 1572, has plenty to keep the historian in you interested. With over 1000 pieces in the collection, from wooden skittles to a 300-year-old long clock and some fascinating architecture, you are sure to find something to interest you. The friendly and knowledgeable room guides can keep you informed on what not to miss.
When you have seen all you want to, go to the Barn Restaurant for a coffee and a slice of the famous Trerice lemon meringue pie. If you overindulge, then walk it off in the gardens. Visit the Elizabethan-style Knot Garden or the Mowhay, a 1km long labyrinth cut through the grass. If you are inspired to garden, you can visit the shop, with plenty of gardening supplies and gifts.
Tel. 01637 875404
Thanks to National Trust Images/Beth Nash and Emily Hide
Distance : 8km Post Code TR8 4PG
Healeys Cyder Farm
Healeys is a family-run farm making Cyder, wines, spirits and preserves. The farm is also the home of Rattler and Cornish gold. The £ 3.5M visitor centre tells the story of Cornish Cyder. Later you can visit the Cyder museum. Do not forget to see the small car collection (Austin Healey’s, of course). Tours and tastings are available, and tractor rides around the orchards. Visit the farm shop and restaurant for refreshments. Not all the activities are indoors, but it is within 30 minutes, and there is plenty to keep you busy and dry. At least on the outside!
You may need a designated driver when you visit because apart from the Cyder, there is Cornish Gin and Cornish Brandy, it’s also the home of the oldest English Whiskey. Be prepared for some free tastings!
Book online for discounted prices
Dogs are not allowed in the production areas or the catering units.
Tel. 01872 573356
Distance : 16km Post Code TR4 9LW
Thanks to Healeys Cyder Farm for the images
Lane Theatre
Since 1931, the Newquay Dramatic Society has been delighting audiences with its performances of classic and contemporary plays. Lane Theatre is a small intimate venue (138 seats) offering high-quality entertainment for locals and visitors alike. Check out the website whilst you are here. We think you will become a fan.
The theatre is also a venue for live music performances.
Thanks to Lane Theatre for the images
Distance : 5km Post Code TR8 4PX