North Cornwall self-catering attractions
This section contains information about places of interest in North Cornwall, such as historical sites and popular visitor attractions. Entry prices, opening times and locational details are provided along with a selection of links.Outdoor activities
Crealy Adventure Park is located in Tredinnick and is one of the South West's major theme parks. Attractions include an adventure zone and a large collection of rides and high-adrenalin roller-coasters, such as the Tidal Wave Log Flume - opening hours are 10am - 6pm and admission prices are between £6 and £14. Infants are admitted free.
Petrol heads should try the Go Karting Centre near Padstow which features 70mph pro karts and two circuits - there is also a selection of junior carts for younger racers, aged 3 and over. Tickets are £4 for children, £22 for adults and it's open from 9.30am - 6pm. The Launceston Steam Railway is also worth visiting and runs from Launceston to Newmills. Steam locomotives travel the two-mile line six times a day and afford some wonderful views of the Cornish countryside. Fares are between £5 and £9.
Food and drinkThe 18th century Quarryman Inn in Wadebridge is situated close to the Camel Trail, an old disused railway line. Local Cornish ales are served as well as wholesome pub food - a curry night is held on the first Tuesday of every month. The thatched Smugglers Den Inn, Newquay, is another delightful country pub that features a family room and large garden. Visitors can choose from an excellent selection of beers and ales and the imaginative pub menu includes dishes such as partridge and local beef.
For fine dining see the Metropole in Padstow. It affords some impressive sea-views and serves modern British cuisine such as crab and shrimp tian. Families and children are welcome and there's also a kid's menu. The Castle Restaurant in Bude is also a top eatery and was recently awarded an AA rosette for its food, which is served in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. It also has an extensive wine list to compliment its top-notch cuisine.
History and CultureTintagel Castle is one of North Cornwall's most impressive historical landmarks. It was built in the 13th century and has a strong association with King Arthur, who is said to be have been born on Tintagel Island. Merlin's Cave can be found below the castle which is only accessible at low tide.
For more details about King Arthur, visit the Arthurian Centre at Slaughterbridge. It features an exhibition which includes paintings and related texts, a 6th century stone with Latin inscriptions and a secret garden, unearthed in 2005. Opening times are 10-5pm and tickets are £3. The Jamaica Inn, Launceston is another major attraction and tells the story of smugglers and pirates who once inhabited the local shores. The Inn inspired Daphne Du Maurier's famous book by the same name.
