Bird Watching!
Wild bird sightings are common around the site; buzzards, woodpeckers and sometimes – if you’re really quiet – kingfishers by the river. You can also fish for trout from the bridge – the river is fenced off, but access is at your own risk. There’s almost no light pollution either, so the stargazing in your hot tub is amazing.
Launceston Steam Railway
Launceston Steam Railway (10 minutes’ drive) runs daily during the holiday season, and it’s well worth exploring Launceston Castle’s hilltop ruins while you’re in town. Railway buffs might also enjoy the heritage trains on Bodmin and Wenford Railway (30 minutes).
Widemouth Bay
The kids will nag to go to the beach, and there are several options for you. Widemouth Bay has long sandy beaches, and when the tide is out, Crakington Haven (both 30 minutes) is a treasure trove of rock pools and paddling. Both beaches are good for surfing, with life guards in attendance.
Eden Project
Further afield are the tropical gardens and desert regions of the Eden Project (45 minutes) and the gorgeous, romantic Lost Gardens of Heligan (an hour).