Things to do in Perranporth

For something a bit different, take a visit to the nearby Perranporth Airfield. There are all kinds of events throughout the year! Watch planes fly or hone your aiming skills on the shooting range. Did you know that kids as young as 14 can even learn to drive here? Yep! Just bring your car and an adult with a full driving licence and let your teenager gain confidence behind the wheel in a safe environment.  

There’s an on-site cafe and licensed bar for refreshments and free parking. If you fancy taking a wander, the airfield is right next to scenic coastal footpaths that lead you along the beach. 

For relaxing Perranporth things to do, visit Cornish Lavender, near the Perranporth Airfield. This beautiful, calming farm is dedicated to growing, cultivating, and harvesting organic lavender. Breathe a sigh of relief as you follow the Faerie Trail in Cliff’s Wood or learn about the different lavender varieties that grow here and how they’re used. 

Treat yourself to a bottle of distilled lavender oil or one of their unique lavender cream teas, shortbreads, or cakes in the outdoor tearoom during the warmer months. There’s dedicated parking, including disabled spots, though space is limited.

For a true insight into the rich history of this seaside town, put this museum on your itinerary. It's free to enter and is an absolute hidden gem, packed to the rafters with objects, maps, and photographs depicting fishing, farming, surfing, and mining. Learn more about the parish of Perranzabuloe and the hamlets and villages within it, including the earliest days and the arrival of St Piran from Ireland. 

Although the museum is upstairs above the library, there’s a stairlift for disabled access and pay and display parking just a couple of minutes away. Want a tour? Book one in advance for free. Dogs are welcome to join you as long as they remain in their lead at all times.

If you fancy being by the water but don't like the idea of getting sand in your shoes, why not visit the boating lake? It’s a tranquil spot in Perranporth, with a nearby park and car park. Feed the ducks or take a casual stroll around the water’s edge and through the tropical palm trees. 

In the summer, this boat-shaped lake even has rowing boats to hire, so you can gaze at your pretty surroundings while on the water.  

If you’ve ever wanted to visit a cider farm, this is the perfect opportunity to do so! There’s so much to do for adults and kids. There are two ticket options—the free access gets you into the restaurant, farmyard, courtyard, and shop. For the full experience, it's well worth upgrading your ticket as for a set price you can come back all year! Take a self-guided tour of the distillery, production halls, cellar, and tasting room. Learn about how they made cider back in the 1980s and how much has changed since then. You might be surprised to learn that they also make other drinks such as apple rum, whiskey, and gin, too. Of course, you’ll want to stop off and have a tasting to fully experience the delicious drinks and jams - it’d be rude not to… 

There are plenty more family-friendly things to do here, too. Visit the scrumpy garden, Cyderhouse pressing facility, bottling plant, and even farm friends such as chickens, peacocks, pigs, pygmy goats, and donkeys. When everyone’s worked up an appetite, head to the Old Bottlery, the on-site restaurant serving up delicious fresh food, washed down with Healey’s own cyder. Take your faves home with you—visit the shop for cyder, jams, preserves, and collectables. 

Fancy an adventure on the waves? Little Wolf is a family-run business that offers paddleboarding tours and lessons, even if you’ve never tried it before. You’ll be in the safe hands of fully qualified instructors who’ll teach you how to explore the coastline while staying safe on the waves. 

Wetsuits, boots, and a buoyancy aid are all provided for you, just bring yourself with a towel, change of clothes, sun cream and a packed lunch! If you’re more experienced, Little Wolf also rents out paddleboarding equipment and even drops it off to you. You’ll need to book it in advance, though.

Cliff Road, Perranporth TR6 0DR

Sitting high on the cliffs below Droskyn car park, the Droskyn Sundial is a striking landmark with some of the best coastal views in Perranporth. Designed by local artist Stuart Thorn to celebrate the millennium, this impressive installation features a 20-foot stainless steel gnomon (the part of the sundial which casts a long shadow) surrounded by ancient granite standing stones.

Unlike most sundials, this one follows "Cornish time" rather than Greenwich Mean Time, meaning the shadow hits due north when the sun is at its highest — 12 minutes earlier than in London.

Perhaps you’re fascinated by the design or just want a peaceful spot to take in the scenery. Either way, this is a wonderful place to pause and soak up the beauty of the Cornish coast.

St Pirans Road, Perranporth TR6 0BH

A pub on the beach? Yes, please. The Watering Hole sits right on Perranporth Beach, making it one of the most unique drinking spots in the UK.

Open all year round, it’s a great place to grab a pint with unbeatable sea views, whether you’re basking in the summer sun or wrapped up on a stormy winter’s day.

The real draw here is its live music scene. From intimate indoor gigs to the massive Tunes in the Dunes festival, this place knows how to bring the vibes. Plus, it’s family- and dog-friendly, so everyone’s welcome.

Droskyn, Perranporth TR6 0GS

Perranporth is an ideal starting point for exploring one of the most scenic stretches of the South West Coast Path. Head west toward St Agnes, and you’ll pass through dramatic cliffs steeped in mining history, including the mineral-rich Cligga Head and the historic tin-streaming site at Trevellas Porth.

Walk east towards Newquay, and you’ll be treated to golden beaches, rugged headlands, and hidden coves. Will it be a full day’s hike or just a short scenic stroll? Whatever you choose, the coastal views along this route are nothing short of breathtaking.

Budnic Hill, Perranporth TR6 0AB

Perched high above the beach, Perranporth Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise, offering a challenging links course with spectacular sea views. Designed by legendary course architect James Braid in 1927, the layout has barely changed since — proof that a classic design never goes out of style.

The course is full of natural quirks, with winding fairways and plenty of dunes ready to claim your ball if you're not careful. If you don’t mind a few blind shots (there are seven!), you’re in for a fun and rewarding round on one of Cornwall’s best courses.