New recommendations for your Cornwall bucket list
Whether you’re travelling with little adventurers, planning a friend’s getaway, or simply seeking an adrenaline-fuelled day by the water, Cornwall is home to a host of aqua and water parks, perfect for sunnier days. From inflatable obstacle courses and zip wires to coasteering and open-water swimming, there’s something for every thrill-seeker.
Adrenalin Quarry
Location: Menheniot, Liskeard, PL14 3PJ
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A favourite amongst older children, teenagers, and groups of adults, Adrenalin Quarry near Downderry has earned nationwide recognition as one of the best water parks since opening in 2009. Set in a flooded quarry, it’s a go-big-or-go-home kind of place.
Tackle the UK’s longest zip line, launch yourself off a cliff on the giant swing, or challenge each other to a race over the inflatable obstacle course. Packed with slides, jumps, and splash zones, it’s a real-life version of “Total Wipeout.”
For those who’d prefer to stay on dry land, they also offer go-karting and axe-throwing – meaning you can easily fill a day here before heading over to nearby Looe for fish and chips on the harbour wall.
Nearby properties: Eden and Sea Edge in Downderry
Retallack Water Sports
Location: St Columb Major, TR8 6DE
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Just outside of Newquay and within easy reach of our Mawgan Porth properties, Retallack Water Sports is a brilliant all-rounder for families of all ages. The main attractions? The FlowRider wave machine, an inflatable obstacle course, and wild Ringo Rides.
You can also book in for wakeboarding, open-water swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding, so it’s a good option for those holidaying with children who like different things.
There’s a café on site, and it's also not too far from Strong Adolfo’s – North Cornwall’s answer to stacked pancake breakfasts and barista-made coffees.
Nearby properties: The Hideout, The Lookout, Owls, Prennek House, Trevenek, Headlands, Panorama, and Red Cove in Mawgan Porth


© Adrenalin Quarry and Retallack Water Sports via Instagram
Kernow Adventure Park
Location: Halvasso, Penryn, TR10 4BZ
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Tucked away in a granite quarry near Halvasso, just outside of Falmouth, Kernow Adventure Park is a true hidden gem in South Cornwall. Surrounded by towering quarry walls, it feels a world away from the buzz of the coast and yet you can easily commute here from the neighbouring coastal towns and beaches.
Perfect for groups and energetic families, the floating aqua park is packed with climbing walls, slides, balance beams, and inflatable jumps, offering high-energy fun for anyone aged six and over. Wetsuits and buoyancy aids are included, and there’s always a team of lifeguards on hand.
For a calmer pace, they also offer stand-up paddleboarding and open-water swimming in the spring-fed lake. You could also tie in a visit with a wander around Trebah Gardens or lunch at Slice of Cornwall.
Nearby property: Compass Point in Coverack
Giant Slip and Slide
Location: St Columb, TR9 6DT
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As the name suggests, this is one for pure, unfiltered joy. Locals and visitors flock to this North Cornwall water park during the summer months, taking it in turns to race down the 440-foot inflatable slide. With hoops, rings, and bodyboards available to borrow, everyone will love spending a sunny afternoon zooming down the hillside and making a splash at the bottom.
Set against open countryside and with plenty of space to picnic, it’s a brilliant choice for families, birthday celebrations, or just cooling off on a warm day. Simple and nostalgic, it’s a guaranteed hit with children and adults alike.
Nearby property: Sea House in Porth


© Left: Kernow Adventure Park via Instagram. Cornish Rock Tors by Perfect Stays.
Cornish Rock Tors
Location: Port Gaverne, PL29 3SQ
Book here
If your idea of fun includes clambering across craggy coastlines, jumping into wild coves, or paddling through sea caves, Cornish Rock Tors is the one for you.
Based in picturesque Port Gaverne, they specialise in coasteering, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding – with instructors on hand to guide you through the natural playground of North Cornwall’s coastline.
A little different to an aqua or water park, Cornish Rock Tors offer groups a truly unforgettable way to experience the north coast – they’ve also been known to spot seals, sunfish, and dolphins while out and about.
Nearby properties: Gwel Arvor in Port Isaac, The Paddock and The Yellow Cottage in Trebarwith Strand
Looking further afield?
In Devon, we recommend checking out Splashdown Quaywest. Near Paignton and the largest outdoor water park in the UK, it has 18 waterslides, splash pools and rapids. Meanwhile, over in North Devon, the Wake Park near Bideford has a giant inflatable playground and a mini one for children aged four to eight.
Accessibility notes: While many of Cornwall’s waterparks aim to be inclusive and accommodating, the nature of these activities varies, and the locations can be challenging to navigate. We recommend reaching out to your chosen venue in advance to chat through any specific access requirements.
Image credits: Adrenalin Quarry, Retallack Watersports, Kernow Adventure Park via Instagram | All other images are own own.
Posted by Bethany Walton
Beth can usually be found on a Cornish beach or enjoying a swim in the sea. She has great insight about where to visit across the county, plus plenty of recommendations for finding the best Cornish ice cream.