Offers of Segway Cornwall

The segway personal transporter was revealed to the public at the start of a new millennium. 2001, a year that will always be associated with science-fiction futurism, was a moment of optimism for the inventors of this machine. They claimed that it would revolutionise the way we work, play and get around modern cities. They were popular among silicon valley techies, trialled by the US postal service, and even considered as an option for the military, but their appeal as the vehicle of the masses never really materialised. The problem wasn’t the invention itself, it was the environment: our crowded cities just aren’t made for these devices. Instead, these vehicles have found a new home and new purpose: as off-road experience vehicles to take you for the ride of your life! And what could be a better place to get off-road and experience the thrills of a segway ride than beautiful Cornwall, in England’s Southwest.

This county has always had a reputation for doing things a bit differently. Historically it’s always been independently minded, and this has led to some world famous innovations. Sea shanties, the Eden Project, and, of course, Cornish pasties are celebrated around the world to this day. So it’s no surprise that the quirkiest mode of transport around, has found a home here. And you can enjoy a segway experience at a variety of locations, each with a unique appeal, but all at a good price.

Where are the best places for segway tours in Cornwall?

These vehicles aren’t allowed on public roads or pavements in the United Kingdom, which means that you can’t ride them in city centres in this country. For that reason, you’ll find experiences on private land, often in beautiful outdoor surroundings like the ones that we’re about to tell you about.

• Newquay: the surf capital of the UK, Newquay boasts fantastic beaches, music festivals and a zoo which attract so many tourists in the summer months that the population of the town can increase fourfold. To accommodate the influx of people there are several holiday parks around the town in charming countryside and within easy reach of the beach. Two of these parks - Hendra Holiday Park and Atlantic Beach Seaside Resort - offer segway rides as part of their entertainment programme. You’ll have a chance to get to grips with the controls under the guidance of the tour leader, before going off road and finding out what they’re capable of! Especially designed obstacles, games and challenges are guaranteed here, and the whole family can enjoy them!

• Bodmin: in the centre of the county, you’ll find Bodmin Holiday Park, covering 96 acres of woodland, cabins, and lakes - there’s even an escape room on site. But the most fun that you can have here is on the platform of a Segway exploring the paths, trails and woods of this countryside paradise. You’ll get a warm welcome from the team and your friendly instructor will share their passion for these machines with you as you familiarise yourself with the driving style, and then let rip on and off-road.

• Mt Edgcumbe: on a hill overlooking Plymouth harbour, Mt Edgcumbe Country Park is a stunning setting for a segway ride. Apart from the attractions of the park itself - the stately home, the landscaped gardens, the romantic folly - the views of river and ocean on three sides are the perfect backdrop to your adventure. It all starts with a training briefing in controlled surroundings, then the action starts: ramps, balance beams and the limbo make up an assault challenge, and you’ll also have time for free exploration of the 860 acre park. Woodland, shoreline, and hillsides, there’s a variety of terrain to try out, and if you’re lucky you might spot some of the local wildlife as well.

Requirements to do this activity

If you’ve seen videos of people riding segways, you might wonder how they move. Where are the pedals? The throttle? Anything? The answer is that are controlled by your weight alone. You stand on the platform and lean in the direction that you want to go, it’s that simple! This is an incredibly intuitive driving style that can be picked up by almost anyone in a matter of minutes so you don’t need any kind of licence or experience to get involved in Cornwall. But there are some physical requirements in place to ensure that everyone can ride safely and effectively. You have to weigh at least 40 kilograms or 7 stone and be about 120 cm tall or more in order to use your weight to move it. On the other hand, if you weigh over 120 kilograms or 19 stone your weight can affect the suspension and handling of the machine so this is the upper limit.

A normal segway is a suitable vehicle for adults, teenagers, and children as young as 8 or 10 years old depending on their size and weight. But that doesn’t mean that the little ones can’t join in on the fun - in Newquay you can find special mini segways, purpose built for the children down to the size of an average 6 year old. As the limiting factors here are size and weight, the age limits are more of a guideling - the ride providers will be happy to discuss your requirements with you beforehand, or you can have a little trial run on arrival before commiting to a full session.

Futhermore is truly an activity for all the family. But what if you’re in Cornwall with your mates, or perhaps you work for a company based here? We’ve got you covered. These experiences are a great group activity that everyone can enjoy learning together. Games and competitions can be organised as well as or instead of the tours and obstacle challenges, and everyone is guaranteed to leave with a smile on their face. The holiday parks here can cater for groups of up to 10 or 12 people, but you can take a group of up to 36 to Mt Edgcumbe!

How long does an experience last?

You should put aside around 90 minutes for your adventure. The guides here are passionate about this activity and they want you to have at least an hour of riding, so if you factor in the time it takes to arrive, put on some basic safety equipment and learn a bit about the machines, it could be half an hour before you’re on your way. For young children a shorter session can be a better option and you can find 30 and 45 minute options. On the other hand, a group experience can be organised to last longer, up to 2 hours, so that everyone has a chance to spend time with all the other members of the group.

Experience these vehicles in their best environment right here, what are you waiting for?