Explore North Cornwall

Cornwall is famous for its coast, but it's famous for its gardens and houses too. When you explore North Cornwall you can amble, ramble, hike or bike. Whether you prefer to join a guided walk or blaze your own trail, there are ancient tracks and coastal footpaths, cycle routes, highways and byways for all comers.

Cornish splendour

Imagine the lords and ladies who once frequented Prideaux Place, the beautiful Elizabethan mansion near Padstow - their ornate costumes, the music and dancing which took place within its halls. The house, lived in by the Prideaux family for 400 years, commands views of the Camel Estuary and its 60 acres include a 5th century deer park. Another renowned Cornish family, the Molesworth-St Aubyns, reside at Georgian Pencarrow, near Bodmin. The estate extends over 50 acres of gardens and lake walks, a children's play area and a craft centre, and hosts events throughout the year. Why not explore Lanhydrock House near Bodmin. First built in the 17th century, with its 450 acres of wooded park, its rare shrubs and trees, Lanhydrock is often considered the finest house in Cornwall. Owned by the National Trust, it has 50 rooms on view, including the magnificent Long Gallery.

Gardeners' delight

On the fringes of Bodmin Moor you'll discover hidden garden gems such as the fragrant Old Mill Herbary at Helland Bridge and the shrubs and alpines of Pinsla Gardens at Cardinham. Many of North Cornwall's fabulous gardens are on display all year round, while others open their gates for the annual Cornwall Celebration of Spring from 1 March to 31 May. or why not explore Eden? A day in the giant biomes at the Eden Project - only 15 minutes' drive from Bodmin - offers the exotic sights and smells of warmer climes. Marvel at the lush jungle and 75ft waterfall within the Humid Tropics biome, and the flowers, fruit and vines in the Warm Temperate dome. Eden's latest awe-inspiring building - The Core - demonstrates a day in the life of the planet - in just 20 amazing minutes! And when you leave Eden behind, North Cornwall offers a paradise of wild flowers - cliff-top carpets of sea campion and thrift; hedgerows of wild gladioli and meadowsweet; heathland sprinkled with orchids, eyebright and coconut-scented gorse.

Pedal the Cornish Way

If you're passionate about pushbikes, or just a Sunday cyclist, you'll want to ride the newly-extended Camel Trail. Winding along the banks of the Camel River, from Padstow to Wenford Bridge and Poleys Bridge on the edge of Bodmin Moor, the 18-mile level trail follows a disused railtrack and is also popular with birdwatchers and walkers. And you don't need to dismount at the end of the Camel Trail; you can push your pedals to the limit towards Camelford and Hallworthy, then past Widemouth Bay on the coast road to Bude. This is the North Cornwall section of The Cornish Way - 42 miles of traffic-free routes or minor roads. Look out too for the Launceston Cycle Route leaflets - four circular country routes from 19 to 27 miles. A perfect day out in the saddle!

Doing it with stile

Stride out along the spectacular cliffs from Port Isaac to Tintagel, or stand high on the Iron Age ramparts at Willapark and Rumps Point. Each twist and turn of the winding coast path reveals another breathtaking vista, an extraordinary rock formation, or even the lightning dive of a distant gannet. Head inland, and follow the Town and Village Trails where every landmark tells a story. Dawdle along the peaceful Bude Canal, walk though woods to quaint Coombe village, or explore the waterfalls of Rocky Valley. Pick up a Church Trail pack and flesh out the bones of local history secreted within those weathered walls. More energetic pilgrims might prefer the 26-mile Saints' Way from Padstow to Fowey. Feeling intrepid? Make tracks for Bodmin Moor and a strenuous hike to Hawk's Tor, or a leisurely stroll to the Neolithic hillfort of Stowe's Hill.

North Cornwall has a full range of walks, trails and circular routes available from all the local Tourist Information Centres.