- Ride the giant zipline at Hangloose
- Train for the circus at Circus Camp
- See 500 classic cars at Cornwall Classic and American Car Show
- Celebrate Boardmasters Newquay
- Ride Helston Heritage Railway
- Gather with geeks at Geekfest
- Enjoy the view at stunning Minack Theatre
- Ride a whirlybird to the Scilly Isles<
- Take a RIB ride around Mevagissey
- Slipe and slide!
Ride the giant zipline
If you’re going to ride a zipline, make it the fastest in England with a visit to Hangloose adjoining the Eden Project. This SkyWire is 660m long and reaches speed of up to 60mph – perfect for adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers.
After that, hook up for the Aerials Trekking Course including swinging logs and balance beam crossing and a zip wire finale to plummet from a cliff edge on the Giant Swing. There’s more adrenalin fuelled experiences with The Drop: Leap of Faith and Big Air: Base Jump. We’ll leave the rest to your imagination!
Train for the circus
Sign up for Circus Camp, a four-day circus-themed event on the last weekend in August. There’s a Big Top (of course), top tutors, focused training in circus skill and great food and camaraderie. Want to learn the high wire or trapeze? How about riding a unicycle, learning to stilt-walk or practising skilful acrobatics? Located on Chyan Community Field, Falmouth, tickets include a one day pass or a full four-day ticket.
See 500 classic cars
The spacious estate at Mount Edgcumbe is the perfect place to enjoy a day out and attend the Cornwall Classic and American Car Show. Taking place on the first Sunday in August, all proceeds are donated to Cornwall Hospice Care and Friends of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. The easiest way to get there is as a foot passenger aboard the Cremyll Ferry which connects Stonehouse Plymouth with Cremyll right next to the estate. Car enthusiasts will be blown away with 500 American and classic Cars on display. There’s a Craft Fair, Car Boot Sale, music, a licensed bar and family events. The house and gardens are open for tours and there’s a large park and small sandy beach.
Celebrate Boardmasters Newquay
The main event in Newquay’s very busy social calendar has to be Boardmasters Festival at Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach (and the surrounding clifftops too!). Music lovers flock to the north coast of Cornwall for this cool event that combines surfing with music over five days in early-mid August.
Watch pro surfers, see art installations, attend workshops and gigs, book surfing lessons and watch (or participate in) the BMX and Skating Competitions. There’s no time for sleeping as the after-parties run until dawn. Here’s a tip – make use of the shuttle buses that run to and from the site and save yourself the £25 fee each time you re-enter the car park.
Ride Helston Heritage Railway
All aboard! Take a ride aboard Britain’s most southerly heritage railway. Steam locomotives and restored carriages run on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays in August so pick your day carefully. It runs from Prospidnick (free parking) to Truthal Halt along a restored section of the Helston branch line re-opened by volunteers and enthusiasts.
After that, head to the Buffet Car at Prospidnick Halt where a stationary restored buffet carriage now accommodates an excellent cafe serving breakfast, lunch, ice cream and cream teas. Another carriage holds the railway themed gift shop with model locos and Thomas the Tank engine toys.
Gather with geeks!
The first weekend in August in Geekfest – a must for sci-fi, tech, science fantasy and gaming lovers who gather from all over the galaxy. It takes place at Heartlands mining heritage site near Redruth which is transformed into another world to welcome daleks, stormtroopers, robots and gamers. Take part in virtual reality, visit the dedicated games area, watch fan-tastic movies and see a laser show.
Enjoy live action role play, immersive gaming and Star Wars experiences that geeks will feel totally comfortable with. Dress up as your favourite character, enjoy parties, presentations, comic-themed stalls and more. Linger for the after-show party with live music at the Breaking Bad Bar and in the marquee. There’s a whole other world out there!
Enjoy the view at stunning Minack Theatre
The stunning Minack Theatre on the cliffs at Porthcurno is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to enjoy a performance in the most spectacular surroundings. As the sunsets over the aquamarine waters and white sandy beach in Porthcurno Bay, all eyes are drawn to the bay views as a backdrop to the open-air stage. Bring a cushion the turf and concrete tiered seats are pretty hard after the first ten minutes.
Book ahead then spend the day at the beach or exploring the subtropical gardens. Descend the steps to the Minack Theatre to take your place at this incredible beauty spot.
Ride a whirlybird
Another unique opportunity for visitors in Cornwall in August is the chance to visit the Scilly Isles. This beautiful unspoilt archipelago is uncrowded and remote. Fly by helicopter (a thrilling experience in its own right) to St Mary’s or Tresco. You can also fly by small airplane from Newquay and Lands End. There’s also a ferry in summer that sails from Penzance daily at 9:15, arriving on St Mary’s at noon and returning at 4:30pm.
Tresco Abbey Gardens and the Valhalla Museum of Ships’ figureheads are well worth a visit while St Mary’s offers three beaches, quaint shops, cafes, pubs and a nature reserve. It’s perfect for deserted coastal walks.
Take a RIB ride
Mevagissey has been a fishing harbour for centuries but now the traditional fishing fleet is joined by hardcore power boats as part of Mevagissey Rib Rides. These Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) tear out of the harbour offering 20 minutes of sheer exhilaration. Aboard Bouncing Betty. Life jackets provided – hold onto your hat! The harbour also has coastal cruises and mackerel fishing trips for those who prefer a more sedate pace of life.
Slip and slide
Near Padstow and a hop from St Endellion, the Giant Slip and Slide is a farm-based attraction that’s fun for all ages. Opened in 2017, this original fun slide is 360 feet long with a 3m high launch ramp and a splash pool at the end. Four lanes allow you to race along this epic ride.
Take your pick from inflatable tubes and body-boards for slipping and sliding. Tickets (£12 per person) allow limitless rides for one hour sessions and booking is recommended. Spectators and parking are free. Wear a wetsuit or long-sleeve top and leggings to avoid friction burn!
We’ll see you in Cornwall
Best book your holiday cottage in Cornwall without delay and enjoy ALL these cool experiences!
What about next month? Here’s our guide to the top 10 things to do in Cornwall in September .
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.