Lying between Falmouth and Gweek is a landscape carved out by the legacy of a once mighty granite quarrying industry. Within this beautiful location, you’ll find two businesses that make use of this bygone heritage in very different ways and both of whom recently received recognition from the South West Tourism Excellence Awards earlier this year.
The first wakeboard park in the world to be built in an ‘upcycled’ quarry. The former Kessel Quarry site ceased use in 1999 and lay dormant until 2013 when work began by Alex Sly on creating this thrill seekers’ paradise. Providing a unique playground for the whole family, try your hand at wakeboarding (powered by an energy efficient cable system), open water swimming and a Total Wipeout style assault course.
Having won bronze in the Activity and Sporting Experience category at the awards, Kernow Adventure Park is a ‘must visit’ attraction in Cornwall.
Nestled in the peaceful surroundings of the disused quarry workings, The Waymarker offers a tranquil location from which to enjoy a delicious meal out – created from quality local produce. The restaurant aims to develop and sustain the community in which they operate, by keeping food miles to a minimum and helping local companies thrive. The highlight for many is their homebred lamb and beef, as well as their award-winning Cornish Cream Teas.
After a mouth-watering meal, why not head out and explore the many footpaths in the area, which follow the routes taken by the Cornish granite quarrying workforce in days gone by.
Awarded Silver in the Café/Tearoom category at the awards – we recommend sampling some of the truly stunning dishes on offer at this fantastic restaurant and café.
Both The Waymarker and Kernow Adventure Park are ideal for private group hire events and can be found near Longdowns, only minutes from the major towns of Falmouth, Penryn and Helston.