Out and about
Exploring Cornwall
There’s lots to do in the local area like sunset swims on Gylly Beach, watching dolphins off Pendennis Point and Falmouth’s nightlife. Flushing estuary is within walking distance and St Mawes is just a boat ride away. You’re never short of things to do here.
While at first Penryn might feel a little secluded, you soon find yourself exploring new parts of the country and find beautiful places you wouldn’t get to see in a city. Some of my favourite things to do are:
Surfing
Being in Cornwall it will come as no surprise that many want to try surfing within their first couple of weeks here, and taster sessions put on by Surf Society are offered regularly around Freshers’ Week to those willing to give it a go.
Beaches
Carpooling to new beaches is a great way to make new friends and explore the county, with some even making their way over to St Ives for the waves coming in from the Celtic Sea.
Hiking and hacking
For those keen to see more of Cornwall’s coastlines and countryside, hiking with Expedition Society or hacking cross country and riding along the beach with Horse Riding Society is an amazing alternative way to see the countryside.
Written by
Lily
Lily, BSc Zoology, Penryn Campus.
Written by
Lily
Lily, BSc Zoology, Penryn Campus.
Favourite things to do around Falmouth
Late nights at the beach in the summer with a bonfire, friends and a couple of drinks.
Jaime, BSc Zoology, Penryn Campus.
I love going to Pendennis Castle in the autumn. Penryn has a great Christmas vibe. St Mawes has some of the most amazing flowers in bloom to see in the spring. The Eden Project is a must-do in the summer!
Adam, BA History, Penryn Campus.
Enjoying everything Cornwall has to offer! Having barbecues on the beach with friends or exploring the beautiful scenery of the local area.
Genevieve, BA History, Penryn Campus.
There can’t be many unis where you can go either surfing or sea swimming on a weekly basis. I’ll miss being on a campus so close to the beach.
David, BA History, Penryn Campus.
The lifestyle has been fantastic. Sunset surfs after long days at placement, dog spotting on coastal walks and amazing pubs by the beach in town! It has been a joy!
Freddie, BMBS Medicine, Truro Campus.
Favourite things to do around Cornwall
Late nights at the beach in the summer with a bonfire, friends and a couple of drinks.
Jaime, BSc Zoology, Penryn Campus.
I love going to Pendennis Castle in the autumn. Penryn has a great Christmas vibe. St Mawes has some of the most amazing flowers in bloom to see in the spring. The Eden Project is a must-do in the summer!
Adam, BA History, Penryn Campus.
Enjoying everything Cornwall has to offer! Having barbecues on the beach with friends or exploring the beautiful scenery of the local area.
Genevieve, BA History, Penryn Campus.
There can’t be many unis where you can go either surfing or sea swimming on a weekly basis. I’ll miss being on a campus so close to the beach.
David, BA History, Penryn Campus.
The lifestyle has been fantastic. Sunset surfs after long days at placement, dog spotting on coastal walks and amazing pubs by the beach in town! It has been a joy!
Freddie, BMBS Medicine, Truro Campus.
For me the best way to spend some free time is to explore the vast amount of natural beauty Cornwall offers. When me and my friends felt like we needed to de-stress or just wanted a break we would get together and head out.
My favourite trip my friends and I ever did was an all-day road trip taking us to Kynance Cove, the Lizard, St Michael’s Mount and Land’s End. The weather was perfect, the views spectacular and driving was extremely fun for me.
We did lots in one day but you could just visit any of these places on its own and it’ll be an amazing day out.
Written by Daniel, BA Politics and International Relations, Penryn Campus.
Top reasons to study in Cornwall
Lots of students prefer big cities for a more diverse leisure life. However, I recommend you choose to study in a relatively calm place. One reason is that a big city means higher living costs and less outdoor activities. The other reason is that this sort of place can provide you with an environment to immerse yourself in your work.
Written by Jiaxin, PhD Renewable Energy, Penryn Campus.
When I moved to uni I wasn’t sure what to expect, but once I started to explore I saw how amazing Cornwall really is. The beaches are a must see (Godrevy being my favourite) even in the questionable Cornish weather. Even though lectures and deadlines kept us busy, we always took a trip down to Gylly beach for some lunch and a cold sea swim. I really don’t believe there is a better place to study.
Written by Hannah, BA / BSc Geography, Penryn Campus.
Local excursions
01. Topsham
Topsham is a quaint town on the Exe estuary with independent shops and cafés. The Boathouse is the best for crêpes, as well as cakes and coffees! Alternatively, my friends and I often head to The Lighter Inn for a hearty Sunday lunch which has great views of the estuary. I’d also highly recommend visiting Darts Farm just outside Topsham which is a food lover’s haven.
20 minutes by train.
02. Exmouth
A few more stops along the train line is Exmouth which is a popular destination for students because of its long sandy beach. At the end of the beach is a pretty footpath up to Orcombe Point and along the coast which is stunning on a clear day (it isn’t always rainy and grey!) Exmouth is full of both chain and independent shops, cafés and restaurants so there’s something for everyone.
30 minutes by train.
03. Dawlish and Teignmouth
On the other side of the River Exe are Dawlish and Teignmouth, connected by a stunning coastal path. It’s easy to get the train to Dawlish, walk to Teignmouth and then get the train back to Exeter from Teignmouth. I came across this route doing an organised walk with Out of Doors Society during Freshers’ Week so definitely look out for these as they can help you discover the local area! The path takes you right along the sea. Stopping off in Teignmouth for fish and chips is a must! My friends and I often visit Seaview Diner which is cheap and cheerful.
Approx. 20 minutes by train.
Pictures by Lucy.
04. Haldon Forest
Haldon Forest is a peaceful area of woodland that’s lovely to visit if you have a car. It’s owned by the Forestry Commission so has several clearly marked walks. There are also lots of cycling routes, segways for hire and a Go Ape. I like to visit their Ridge Café, a cosy café that is perfect for a drink and a bite to eat.
20 minutes by car.
Written by
Lucy
Lucy, BA Geography, Streatham Campus.
Picture by Izzie.
Picture by Izzie.
Top pubs to visit by train from Exeter
Written by
James
James, PhD Computer Science, Streatham Campus.
Picture by Moanna.
Picture by Moanna.