Cornwall, renowned for its sparkling blue seas, rugged coastline, wooded valleys and industrial heritage. I cycled round Cornwall in May; starting in Bodmin, I cycled through the Luxulyan Valley along the Cornish way, stopping off in Mevagissey, Truro, taking in the surfer’s paradise of Newquay and then the cosmopolitan harbour town of Padstow, before returning to Bodmin.

There’s so much to enjoy whilst in Cornwall, including crossing England at its thinnest point. Cycling, in my opinion, is the best way to do this by far! Our Classic Cornwall Cycling itinerary is an easy to moderate trip with manageable daily rides of 13-21 miles, going from inn to inn and taking in the best of the region. Here are my top five things to do whilst in Cornwall!

1. Indulge in Cornish Ice Cream in Bodmin

Delicious Cornish Ice Cream

Ice cream or clotted cream? Both are firm favourites in my book, but why do you have to choose? Cornwall is famous for its smooth Kelly’s Ice Cream, including the clotted cream variety. You can’t miss the over 40 parlours, plus vans, scattered across the county. Indeed, you can even view a map of all the places to get Kelly’s Ice Cream here. The Kelly’s of Cornwall factory is in Bodmin, and while It’s not always open to the public, they do occasionally organise tours, so it’s worth getting in touch prior to your stay in Bodmin!

2. Take in nature at the Eden Project

The otherworldly Eden Project

The Eden Project is one of Cornwall’s most popular attractions, pulling in visitors from all over the world. Famous for its biomes, which house Rainforest and Mediterranean fauna, as well as outdoor gardens which showcase amongst other plants, hops and barley, the ingredients of beer! Your first ride, from Bodmin to Mevagissey, takes you right past the Eden Project, and it’s worth a few hours of your time! You can buy tickets on the spot or in advance here.

3. Fish and chips in Mevagissey

Mevagissey Harbour

Mevagissey is a town brimming with charming tea shops, cafes and local inn’s, all intertwined by quaint narrow alleyways. After your first cycling day, what better way to reward yourself with some good old fish and chips? The town has several fish and chip shops, all within a stone’s throw of the beautiful harbour, it’s not hard to imagine the fish coming straight of the boats and into the fryer. Get your fish and chips to go and walk along the harbour to take in some spectacular views on a sunny day.

4. Enjoy an afternoon paddle at Constantine Bay

Untouched beauty of Constantine Bay

On Day 5 of our Classic Cornwall Cycling trip, you pedal from Newquay to Padstow. The route takes you along country lanes to St Columb Major before heading North towards the coast. Ideally placed along the route, Constantine Bay is one of Cornwall’s premier surfing spots. You can stop for lunch at the Constantine Bay Stores, before heading down to the beach and enjoy the soft pale sands and gorgeous views over to Trevose Head.

5. Eat Cornish Pasties in Padstow

Cornish Pasties. A must try (every day for lunch)

Famous the world over, Cornish pasties have protected geographical indication status, meaning only pasties that are made in Cornwall by the traditional method can carry the name “Cornish Pasty”. The Chough Bakery in Padstow has been a World Champion in recent years, so where better to enjoy the crumbly yet crispy, beef and potato delight! If you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket, then Padstow is also famous for its seafood restaurant with Paul Ainsworth at No. 6 currently holding a Michelin Star. Famous TV Chef Rick Stein also has an establishment in the town, “Rick Stein’s Café”, which offers a seasonally changing menu in an informal setting. Exploring Cornwall by bike is a wonderful way to experience this awesome part of England.  If you have any questions about the trip, don't hesitate to contact one of our Destination Specialists.