From camping on the Lizard to sailing the open seas, here's how to explore Cornwall.

Renowned surfing beaches, stunning coast paths and the World Heritage Site industrial heartland. Our location offers countless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. 

On the water

Revel in the north coast’s bounty of surf spots. Slip into a drysuit and deep dive into clear waters. Hoist the sails or jump into a kayak to explore tucked away bays. Whether you’re swimming, surfing, or coasteering there are plenty of opportunities to make the most of studying by the sea.

The Students’ Union hosts clubs for all sorts of water sports, including diving, gig rowling, sailing and sea swimming, which are a great way to meet new people too.

Watersports hire

Need to hire watersports equipment? There are plenty of places offering watersports rentals, including paddleboard, kayak or boat hire. Here are just a few to get you started. 

Cornwall surf schools

If you're new to surfing, why not join a surf school? You'll build confidence in the water while being supported by qualified instructors. 

Three Falmouth University students on Gylly beach with SUPs in the foreground
A line of Falmouth University students carrying surfboards heading to the beach
Surfer inside the tube of a wave
Four people standing on beach with paddles and paddle boards.
Two students talking on the beach in Falmouth
Falmouth University student diving backwards out of a sailing dinghy.
A person diving off the cliff into water with people watching on paddleboards
Falmouth University students on a beach with sailing dinghies
Two Falmouth University students walking on the sand towards to sea
Two students sat watching the sunset with Falmouth docks in the background
Two people walking in the woods at Autumn
Falmouth University student crouching on the banks of the river with trees and paddleboards
Falmouth University student climbing up a cliff face

On land

From rambling on Bodmin Moor, walking the dramatic coastal paths and climbing cliffs to cycling the backroads and pitching a tent in one of the many beautiful campsites across Cornwall, there’s plenty of fun to be had on land too. Why not join the Expedition or Climbing Society, or perhaps you’re more into horse riding? Discover all our clubs and societies for outdoor pursuits

Our top campsites in Cornwall

Our top 5 hidden places in Cornwall

1. Kynance Cove

If turquoise waters and a picturesque cove float your boat then you have to visit Kynance Cove. It's on the Lizard, the UK's southern-most tip. Great all year round, but you will need a car to get there.

Perfect for: Unspoilt beauty and coast-path walks.

2. Rinsey Cove

Located between Porthleven and Praa Sands. Rinsey Cove sits at the bottom of cliffs overlooked by the old engine house of Wheal Prosper mine. Accessible at low tide, the footpath is a bit of a climb down but it's worth every step.

Perfect for: Taking in the sea air and exploring the Cornish coast.

3. The Orchard at Penryn Campus

We're not going to tell you where the orchard is on the campus because half the fun is finding it yourself. It's more a secret garden than an orchard and you'll quickly feel like you've stepped into a different world once you find it.

Perfect for: Lazy lunches away from the campus crowds.

Open door to the Orchard at Penryn campus
view of Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Secret garden at Penryn campus

4. The Helford

Just a few miles from Falmouth, you'll find the stunning Helford Passage. Explore its seven creeks by kayak, stop off at Helford Passage for a pint in the pub and explore the nearby gardens. Relax in the sub-tropical paradise of Trebah and puzzle your way out of Glendurgan's magnificent maze!

Perfect for: Getting lost in nature.

5. The Roseland

The Roseland is probably Cornwall's best place no one knows about. From the amazing Hidden Hut through to expanses of golden sand, you could get lost for days exploring the Roseland. Get there on the St Mawes Ferry from Falmouth (where you get discounted travel) and then start your adventures.

Perfect for: Escaping the crowds in good weather and brilliant day trips.

Getting around Cornwall

Much of Cornwall is explorable by public transport. From Falmouth train station you can catch the swell in Newquay or walk the St Ives coatline. Ferries will take you to Flushing, St Mawes and the Roseland Heritage Coast. And local bus and train services run regularly across Cornwall too. 

The inside scoop

Hear from your fellow students about making the most of living in Cornwall

Ask our student community

What better way to find out about student life at Falmouth than asking our current students? Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.