When you think about how a lot there’s to do in Cornwall with children, it’s no shock that the area is among the hottest locations within the UK for a household vacation (and one in every of my very own private favourites) – and why a information to Cornwall with children may turn out to be useful to assist plan.
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From these beautiful seashores to picturesque villages and superb countryside, historical past galore whether or not you’re intrigued by castles, Arthurian legend or mines, loads of probability to get open air, to not point out iconic spots like Land’s Finish and the Eden Mission, you may return time and again and nonetheless discover someplace new.
So I’ve rounded up a few of the finest issues to do in Cornwall for households, together with days out with children in Cornwall, concepts for issues to do in Cornwall with toddlers, wet days out in Cornwall, in addition to locations to go to in Cornwall at no cost in my final information to Cornwall with children.
Finest issues to do in Cornwall for households
In the event you’re unsure the place to start, take a look at a few of my posts on the necessities you may’t miss – together with my high issues to do in Cornwall with children.
If the climate isn’t the great solar you have been hoping for, I’ve additionally picked out the very best issues to do in Cornwall within the rain with children, in addition to the finest seashores in Cornwall for teenagers when the climate’s nice – whether or not you’re hoping to swim, make sandcastles or stroll alongside the coast.
There are additionally finances concepts should you’re looking for the finest free days out in Cornwall and should you’re venturing past the mainland to the gorgeous islands off the coast, I’ve acquired a information to the Isles of Scilly with recommendations on issues to do and see on the completely different islands.
Or maintain scrolling for extra concepts of household sights and days out throughout the entire county.
Free days out in Cornwall
Travelling with children isn’t at all times low-cost, even on a UK staycation – though whereas the solar shines, you may spend loads of time on the seashore for the value of an ice cream and a bucket and spade.
Listed here are a few of my favorite seashores should you’re seeking to sit back on the sand however scroll down for extra concepts.
However there are many completely different free issues to do in Cornwall, together with some free sights in Cornwall and low-cost days out.
You’ll be able to discover a few of the smaller museums, together with the Museum of Cornish Life in Helston, or the little Tintagel Toy Museum – preferrred should you’re on the lookout for free issues to do in Cornwall within the rain too.
For extra concepts of free issues to do in Cornwall on a wet day, the Falmouth Artwork Gallery has gained an award for its family-friendliness, with altering exhibitions and over 1,700 artworks within the assortment.
There are many outside sights as properly, to not point out extra walks than you may depend on the South West Coast Path – there’s a bit on the finest walks in Cornwall for households so you’ll find a stretch close to you.
Within the northern a part of the county, you may discover Bodmin Moor, together with the Golitha Falls Nature Reserve which additionally has buggy-friendly footpaths, in addition to stepping stones throughout the water.
And at Mount Edgcumbe Nation Park, proper close to the border with Devon, the 865 acres of nation park are free to discover, with trails and wild deer to identify. The home and formal gardens do value to enter.
In the event you’d slightly cycle, there’s the well-known Camel path, in addition to locations to take your bikes at Lanhydrock and Cardinham Woods (though there’s a cost for parking).
Or head to the farm: you may see a few of the large tanks, in addition to the animals at Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm – full excursions are paid, and chances are high you’ll want a couple of further pennies for extra cider to take residence.
Roskilly’s Ice Cream Farm remains to be completely free to go to (let’s be sensible, you’ll need to purchase not less than one ice cream although however that also qualifies on an inventory of low-cost days out in Cornwall) and you’ll discover the working dairy farm on the south coast close to St Keverne.
Issues to do in Cornwall within the rain
Whether or not you’re visiting in midsummer or out of season, it pays to be ready for dangerous climate, however you’re nonetheless spoiled for alternative should you’re questioning what to do in Cornwall when it rains.
I’ve pulled collectively an inventory of my high issues to do in Cornwall when it rains however listed below are a couple of highlights to begin you off.
The Eden Mission’s two biomes gained’t simply maintain you dry however will transport you to the Mediterranean and the rainforest.
Or for different indoor actions, Cornwall has some pretty household sights the place you may keep dry – Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay was one in every of my daughter’s favourites as a toddler, whereas close by Pirate’s Quest Journey Golf is one other nice possibility.
In Falmouth, you may head to the Nationwide Maritime Museum which regularly has actions in addition to quite a lot of exhibitions.
On the alternative coast, younger art-lovers can’t beat a visit to Tate St Ives.
There are additionally loads of historic homes to discover in Cornwall, together with Trerice, and the Tudor manor home of Cotehele.
Or head underground to the Carnglaze Caverns or to a real mine relationship again to the 18th century at Geevor Tin Mine.
You’ll be able to nonetheless discover undercover as properly, at one of many historic railways in Cornwall – the Bodmin & Wenford steam railway helps you to see a few of the countryside with out getting moist, or take a look at the Lappa Valley steam railway in order for you enjoyable issues to do within the rain in Cornwall with toddlers.
Outside actions in Cornwall
Cornwall has numerous lovely locations to get outdoors, with two coasts and lovely countryside – take a look at a few of the solutions in my free days out in Cornwall ideas above.
For starters, you’ve acquired infinite selections if you wish to go strolling, with family-friendly stretches of the South West coast path, plus cycle trails together with the Camel Valley path and choices at Lanhydrock.
And Cornall can be good for watersports, most famously browsing. You needn’t have tried earlier than with surf faculties dotted round Cornwall, lots of which supply classes for youthful surfers as properly.
There’s additionally bodyboarding and stand-up paddle boarding to strive across the coast, together with kayaking and sea kayaking, crusing plus the Retallack Resort aqua park at Padstow.
Issues to do in north Cornwall with children
In the event you’re staying on Cornwall’s wilder north coast or exploring the countryside in north Cornwall, I’ve picked a few of the finest issues to do in north Cornwall with children to begin you off.
Formally north Cornwall covers the stretch all the way down to Padstow and inland to Bodmin, together with Wadebridge, Launceston, Lanhydrock, Camelford and Tintagel, amongst different highlights.
However should you’re staying in Padstow, for instance, you’re really nearer to Newquay than Bude, so it’s value testing the subsequent part of my household Cornwall information as properly.
Get open air
This a part of Cornwall is nice should you’re seeking to strive watersports – Freewave Surf Academy in Bude specialises in classes for households, and there’s bodyboarding and SUP on the checklist in addition to browsing.
In the event you’re visiting Cornwall with teenagers, you possibly can additionally strive coasteering at Bude and Polzeath, close to Port Isaac, to get your coronary heart racing.
North Cornwall can be residence to the stunning Camel path with its cycle observe and strolling routes on the disused railway line – straightforward sufficient for teenagers to strive, as I keep in mind from my very own childhood holidays, and simple to discover in sections such because the five-mile experience from Wadebridge to Padstow.
One of many loveliest stretches of the South West coast path runs alongside the River Camel, and it’s an excellent one for teenagers – the Sir John Betjeman stroll is straightforward going, passes the seashore and results in St Enodoc Church the place the poet laureate is buried.
There are family-friendly trails at Cardinham Woods too, together with the Julia Donaldson-inspired trails from the Forestry Fee but additionally 4 strolling trails, one in every of which is buggy-friendly should you’re visiting Cornwall with a child, and three cycle trails.
Or uncover the countryside round Bodmin Moor, one of many wildest components of Cornwall, with Bronze Age and Neolithic cairns and stone circles and its personal retailer of ghost tales and legends.
There’s geocaching to strive, you possibly can stroll a part of the 60-mile Copper Path strolling route or select the better footpaths on the Golitha Falls Pure Reserve.
See the animals
Not removed from Port Isaac, higher referred to as the setting for TV sequence Doc Martin, Trevathan Farm is a working farm that’s a beautiful time out should you’re visiting Cornwall with toddlers or youthful children.
In addition to animals to identify, there’s fruit choosing in the summertime, plus pumpkin carving at Halloween – to not point out an journey playground.
For extra of a thrill, head inland to see birds of prey with two days out that may be reached from Padstow and Newquay. The Cornish Birds of Prey Centre is residence to greater than 50 rescued birds of prey, together with owls, eagles and hawks, with common flying shows.
And the Screech Owl Wildlife Park has flying shows and owl talks, in addition to owl dealing with classes for teenagers aged 11+
The Tamar Otter Centre close to Launceston has now sadly closed
For an unforgettable wildlife expertise, head off to sea with Padstow Sealife Safaris – you possibly can spot seals, dolphins, porpoises, and even sunfish and basking sharks, together with birds galore.
There are journeys appropriate for youngsters below 5 in addition to older ones, though toddlers are unlikely to have the eye span for a two-hour cruise.
One of many quirkiest issues to do in north Cornwall with children is go to the Nationwide Lobster Hatchery in Padstow, a charity which focuses on dialog – and the place you may see child lobsters, even undertake and title them.
Go to a theme park
The previous Crealy’s Journey Park reopened in 2018 as Camel Creek Journey Park, simply south of Padstow.
There’s nonetheless a little bit of all the things together with rides, indoor and outside journey play – so it’s an excellent possibility for a wet day in north Cornwall with children – plus a 5D theatre to journey by means of time.
Historical past and tradition
North Cornwall is among the finest areas in Cornwall with children who love historical past; you may journey again in time wandering the streets of little villages, uncover the legends of King Arthur, discover smugglers, to not point out latest historical past.
Fantastic Tintagel is someplace to not miss, it’s a genuinely magical setting and you’ll nonetheless cross to the clifftop ruins of Tintagel Citadel – the dramatic web site is the birthplace of King Arthur, in accordance with legend, with Merlin’s Cave seen on the seashore at low tide and a sculpture of the As soon as and Future King on the cliffs.
Whilst you’re there, cease in and uncover Tintagel Previous Publish Workplace too – initially a farmhouse relationship again over 600 years, it was later transformed right into a letter-receiving workplace with actions for teenagers.
For followers of King Arthur, find time for a go to to the Vale of Avalon in Slaughterbridge (previously the Arthurian Centre) as properly, round 10 minutes from Tintagel and never removed from Camelford, with its medieval origins.
Right here you may see King Arthur’s Stone and, in accordance with legend, the fields the place Arthur and Mordred met for his or her final battle. It’s additionally residence to Woman Falmouth’s Secret Backyard, an 18th century backyard that’s at present being restored.
For extra legends, the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic at Boscastle isn’t far-off both. Undoubtedly a extra uncommon time out with children in Cornwall, it’s a unusual strategy to spend an hour or so.
Additional down the coast, the village of Port Isaac is full of smuggling historical past – the Golden Lion pub even has an outdated smuggling tunnel main all the way down to the seashore. I’m a fan of Treasure Trails to discover with children and there’s a Treasure Hunt for the village.
Don’t miss Squeezy Stomach alley too, one of many narrowest passageways in Britain.
And for newer historical past, discover some Victorian life at Nationwide Belief property Lanhydrock, the place you may poke across the servants’ quarters and kitchens in addition to the household’s extra luxurious rooms and the nursery.
Different North Cornwall household sights
Take a look at the Bodmin space for another nice household sights. The Carnglaze Caverns are on the south fringe of Bodmin Moor, and the previous slate mine is now a mini heritage attracftion – there are some guided excursions in summer time, however in any other case it’s a self-guided go to.
You can even spot bats should you’re fortunate, and hunt for dragons outdoors on the Woodland Stroll and within the Enchanted Dell.
The Bodmin & Wenford Railway is a beautiful strategy to discover the world, good should you’re visiting north Cornwall with toddlers or on the lookout for concepts for a wet day in Cornwall.
The steam trains observe a 13-mile route, and there are sometimes themed occasions corresponding to Halloween and Santa trains to look out for.
Or older children might be fascinated by Bodmin Jail, supposedly one of the haunted locations in Britain. With a brand new immersive customer expertise, there’s an opportunity to study the historical past of the jail as you’re transported again to the 18th century.
Issues to do in Newquay with children
Well-known for its browsing, Newquay can be one of many first locations in Cornwall that I visited with my daughter, so there’s loads to do should you’re planning to go to Cornwall with a toddler as properly.
Check out the part on north Cornwall (above) as properly, as you’re not removed from Padstow and its sights too, for extra concepts of issues to do close to Newquay with children.
Get open air
In the event you’re on the lookout for issues to do open air in Newquay, there are seashores, seashores and extra seashores for starters. Fistral seashore is thought for its browsing, or you may discover the wilder dunes of Crantock, and spot donkeys at Mawgan Porth.
To not point out numerous different well-known coves (and fewer well-known stretches of sand) together with Tolcarne Seaside, Watergate Bay, Lusty Glaze Seaside, Perranporth Seaside, Towan seashore within the city itself.
In the event you’re on the lookout for dog-friendly seashores in Newquay, take a look at this checklist.
If you would like greater than a spot to construct sandcastles, it’s unbelievable for watersports, together with bodyboarding and coasteering, plus extra surf faculties than you may shake a board at. Take a look at Newquay Exercise Centre too for teenagers and household classes and actions.
On land, you possibly can strive some biking – a part of the Cornish Method cycle route runs to and from Newquay – in addition to strolling. The South West Coast Path in West Cornwall consists of some family-friendly walks round Newquay.
See the animals
The Blue Reef aquarium sits proper on Towan seashore in Newquay so it’s good if that you must escape the showers – though it’s at all times excessive on my checklist of what to do in Newquay with children, regardless of the climate.
There are 40 completely different habitats contained in the aquarium, together with creatures you may spot off the Cornish coast in addition to these from extra unique seas, together with turtles, caiman and pufferfish.
Learn what we considered a day at Blue Reef aquarium in Newquay with a toddler
And greater than a thousand completely different creatures stay at Newquay Zoo, from tiny creepy crawlies as much as large cats, as properly exercise trails and play areas.
For extra of a thrill, head inland to see birds of prey with two days out that may be reached from Padstow and Newquay. The Cornish Birds of Prey Centre is residence to greater than 50 rescued birds of prey, together with owls, eagles and hawks, with common flying shows.
And the Screech Owl Wildlife Park has flying shows and owl talks, in addition to owl dealing with classes for teenagers aged 11+.
Close to Padstow, Macdonalds Farm (previously Previous Macdonalds Farm) has day go to choices, so you may expertise a few of the play areas and meet the animals.
EDIT: Dairyland Farm World has sadly closed as of November 2024
Go to a theme park
The previous Crealy’s Journey Park reopened in 2018 as Camel Creek Journey Park, simply north of Newquay.
There’s nonetheless a little bit of all the things together with rides, indoor and outside journey play – so it’s an excellent possibility for a wet day in north Cornwall with children – plus a 5D theatre to journey by means of time.
Historical past and tradition
In the event you’re on the lookout for historic locations to go to in Newquay, there’s loads to tempt – beginning with the sixteenth century manor home of Trerice, not far-off.
In addition to exploring the grounds, the home is one other great spot to go to on a wet day in Newquay, together with actions and crafts for teenagers, and Tudor costumes.
Or uncover one in every of Cornwall’s cliff castles, additionally referred to as promontory forts, whose historical past goes again to the Iron Age: Trevelgue Head is among the most spectacular. Also referred to as Porth Island, it’s straightforward to stroll to from Newquay with some spectacular views.
Different household sights in Newquay
Swashbuckle your means again to the 18th century at Pirate’s Quest Journey Golf and also you’ll have the ability to uncover extra in regards to the Golden Age of Piracy alongside the best way.
It’s an excellent possibility should you’re visiting Newquay within the rain with children.
Not removed from Newquay itself, Lappa Valley Steam railway is a unbelievable possibility for youthful children too: with extra than simply trains, there are nature trails, a path maze and youngsters’s rides.
Issues to do in St Ives with children
One other of the preferred locations to go to in Cornwall with children, St Ives and the close by West Cornwall coast has some nice days out and sights, plus you’re in straightforward exploring distance of Penzance, Land’s Finish and the South Cornwall coast, so it’s value testing these sections too.
To begin you off, I’ve picked a few of my favorite issues to do in St Ives with children as properly.
Get open air
Like a lot of Cornwall, you’ve acquired a string of beautiful seashores to select from in St Ives and close by, together with three which couldn’t be simpler to get to from the city.
Porthgwidden Seaside has brightly colored seashore huts and rocks to discover, Porthmeor Seaside close to Tate St Ives for browsing and sand, plus Porthminster Seaside for paddling and extra sandcastles.
There are restrictions on visiting the primary seashores with canine through the summer time months, however you’ll find some dog-friendly seashores in St Ives too.
It’s additionally an excellent space if you wish to get energetic – Blue Flag seashore Carbis Bay is a mile east of St Ives alongside the South West Coast path, so nice motivation for a stroll, plus there are extra concepts for family-friendly strolling routes round St Ives.
In the event you don’t need to wander too far, take a stroll alongside Smeatons Pier as properly: it’s a working pier with fishing boats crusing from the harbour and the occasional seal altering its luck, plus you’ll get nice views of St Ives itself.
Or there are numerous surf faculties in St Ives – providing different watersports as properly, and with choices for household classes, together with St Ives Surf College on Porthmeor seashore.
See the animals
The seas round St Ives are an excellent place to identify seals – together with journeys out to Seal Island, simply off the coast. Preserve a watch out for basking sharks, sunfish and dolphins too.
In any other case, you may typically see seals at Godrevy Head – should you’re visiting St Ives in winter, there are greater numbers for a cold-weather bonus. Head to Mutton Cove at Godrevy Level and look down from the cliffs to the seashore to see them.
Otherwise you’ll discover extra issues to do round St Ives, together with Paradise Park and Jungle Barn in Hayle, with over 130 species of chook, from native Cornish choughs to flamingos, in addition to pink pandas and livestock.
You can even meet the animals at Feadon Farm on the coast north of St Ives, not removed from Portreath. In addition to livestock, you may see foxes and owls, in addition to studying extra about native wildlife.
Learn our evaluation of assembly the animals at Feadon Farm, Gwel An Mor
Go to a theme park
In the event you’re on the lookout for theme parks close to St Ives, head in the direction of the south coast and also you’ll discover Flambards – round half an hour away in Helston.
There are completely different actions for all ages, together with gentler rollercoasters and play areas for youthful children, and extra adrenline-fuelled rides for teenagers and thrillseekers.
Historical past and tradition
One of many largest cultural sights is Tate St Ives, the Cornish department of the gathering of artwork galleries, with fashionable artwork and short-term exhibitions operating. There are additionally household trails and it’s free for teenagers.
For some native historical past, head to the little St Ives Museum, which has reveals on native fishing, farming and mining, in addition to exercise sheets for teenagers – spot the cats and kittens within the show instances.
And just some miles from St Ives itself lies Chysauster historical village, a Romano-British settlement initially occupied nearly 2,000 years in the past whose stone-walled courtyard homes are solely discovered on this a part of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
You can even see the Iron Age fort of Citadel An Dinas close to Nancledra – to not be confused with Citadel An Dinas in north Cornwall, nearer to Bodmin!
Issues to do round Penzance with children
This a part of Cornwall is one you may simply go to from St Ives or from south Cornwall, together with the Lizard and the coast stretching in the direction of Falmouth, so it’s value testing the sections earlier than and after this for extra concepts of what there’s to do within the space
Get open air
As one in every of Cornwall’s largest cities, Penzance is a good base to discover this a part of the county, together with the westernmost level of England, however realistically should you’re getting open air, you’ll be heading out of Penzance itself.
There are infinite picturesque fishing villages to discover, together with the famously named Mousehole (pronounced extra like Mowzel), however probably the most well-known spot to stroll to must be Land’s Finish.
There’s way over simply the well-known signal – scroll all the way down to examine extra of the household sights at Land’s Finish – however you’ve additionally acquired miles of dramatic coast to wander round, in addition to straightforward family-friendly walks on the South West Coast Path.
The Cornish Method cycle path additionally begins from Land’s Finish with a traffic-free part.
You can even discover one of the uncommon spots within the UK on the Minack Theatre. This dramatic theatre is constructed on the facet of the cliff, with great views out to the waves – you may guide to go to through the day, however there are additionally performances together with storytelling classes aimed toward households.
Porthcurno Seaside has some nice views wanting again as much as the theatre too, one in every of my favorite seashores in Cornwall with children – canine are allowed too, besides throughout July and August.
Or not removed from Penzance itself, head to Tanglewood Wild Backyard – 9 acres of untamed gardens together with woodland and 9 ponds. It’s an ideal place to spy wildlife or simply take pleasure in being out in nature.
In distinction Tremeheere Sculpture Gardens, set in a sheltered valley, are residence to subtropical vegetation in addition to modern artworks – however nonetheless family-friendly.
For extra unique vegetation, Trengwainton Backyard has walled gardens to guard a few of its extra uncommon species, in addition to magnolias and rhododendrons. Wander the wooded paths for views out to the ocean and uncover a kitchen backyard constructed – slightly unexpectedly – to the size of Noah’s Ark.
See the animals
You’ll must journey from Penzance should you’re on the lookout for animal sights – the closest are the Paradise Park and Jungle Barn in Hayle, close to St Ives, and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek, close to Helston.
Go to a theme park
The closest theme park to Penzance can be at Helston – Flambards is round half-hour away with actions for all ages, from gentler rollercoasters and play areas for youthful children, to extra adrenline-fuelled rides for teenagers and thrillseekers.
Historical past and tradition
The world round Penzance is ideal should you’re seeking to uncover some Cornish historical past. A go to to St Michael’s Mount is like moving into one other world.
You’ll be able to stroll medieval paths, discover the fort and uncover the village and harbour, together with free excursions to study extra about life on this little island – at low tide you may even stroll throughout the causeway (following within the footsteps of giants, so legend says) or boats run from Marazion.
One among Cornwall’s largest preserved mine websites can be not removed from Penzance – Geevor Tin Mine was as soon as a real mine relationship again to the 18th century, and you’ll nonetheless discover each the museum and head underground.
Different household sights in and round Penzance
One among Cornwall’s extra uncommon museums, the Museum of World Communications in Porthcurno is an interesting take a look at a slice of British – and world – historical past.
With telegraph cables stretching below the ocean from Porthcurno to the cities of the Empire, this quiet spot was as soon as Britain’s communications centre.
The well-known signpost at Land’s Finish is what everybody associates with this level on the finish of England (that and really lengthy walks to John O’Groats) however there are many different household sights right here.
There’s the walk-through expertise Arthur’s Quest, Aardman Presents: A Grand Expertise, with a few of the best-loved characters from Wallace and Gromit to Shaun the Sheep, plus a 4D cinema, Greeb Farm, a restored farmstead that’s residence to a string of animals.
Issues to do in South Cornwall with children
In the event you’re staying on the Lizard Peninsula or round Falmouth, I’ve grouped collectively a few of the finest issues to do in South Cornwall with children into this part – should you’re on the lookout for the world across the Eden Mission, maintain scrolling to take a look at my ideas for South East Cornwall for teenagers.
Alternatively, you’ll find concepts for issues to do close to Penzance and Land’s Finish within the part above.
Get open air
In the event you take a look at a map of Cornwall’s south coast, the very first thing that strikes you is simply how inexperienced it’s – from the Lizard Peninsula to the Roseland Heritage coast, you possibly can stroll till your legs are worn out with out operating out of selections.
For slightly much less exhausting choices, you possibly can strive the stroll round Argal Reservoir, not removed from Falmouth, or discover the grounds and woodland walks round Tressilick close to Truro.
There are additionally family-friendly walks on the South West Coast Path beginning not removed from Falmouth, whereas the Bissoe Path will take you the entire means throughout Cornwall from the south coast to the north, close to Portruth.
For someplace to walk and marvel, head to Trebah Backyard the place 4 miles of footpaths lead you thru lovely gardens all the way down to a non-public seashore.
There are seashores galore alongside the south Cornwall coast as properly – Gyllingvase (or Gylly) seashore in Falmouth was one in every of our favourites after we visited. Or on the Lizard peninsula itself, lovely Kynance Cove is one in every of my favourites.
Each have restrictions from Might to September should you’re visiting with canine, however are dog-friendly at different occasions.
See the animals
Meet seals and sea lions on the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, lower than half an hour from Falmouth – it’s also possible to spot different wildlife, together with otters and penguins, in addition to the interactive rockpool.
Go to a theme park
The closest theme park should you’re staying in South Cornwall is at Helston – Flambards is round half-hour away with actions for all ages, from gentler rollercoasters and play areas for youthful children, to extra adrenline-fuelled rides for teenagers and thrillseekers.
Historical past and tradition
Falmouth artwork gallery has gained an award for its family-friendliness, with household actions together with choices for preschoolers, alongside the altering exhibitions – and greater than 1,700 artworks for little artwork lovers to discover.
In the event you’re on the lookout for historical past, Pendennis Citadel is unbeatable – looming on the headland simply outdoors Falmouth, it was constructed by Henry VIII to defend towards invasion, and you’ll benefit from the views from the highest of the Tudor maintain, strive actions and discover the outdated buildings.
Different South Cornwall sights for households
Falmouth is residence to the Nationwide Maritime Museum Cornwall, beforehand voted one of many nation’s most family-friendly museums, wanting on the nation’s seafaring historical past and its boating heroes.
Take a look at my evaluation of our day on the museum, together with a few of the everlasting shows and a brief Viking exhibition – unmissable should you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Falmouth with children.
Truro, Cornwall’s county city, can be residence to the Royal Cornwall Museum which follows Cornish tradition and historical past from the traditional previous to the current – plus you may see an Egyptian mummy. Free for teenagers.
Issues to do in south-east Cornwall with children
One among Cornwall’s most well-known sights, the Eden Mission, is ready on this typically neglected a part of Cornwall, however it’s also possible to discover beautiful spots like Mevagissey, Polperro and Fowey on this space.
Relying the place within the county you’re staying, it’s value testing the opposite sections too, together with north Cornwall – whereas it’s the south coast, Mevagissey is lower than an hour from Newquay and Fowey is lower than half an hour from Bodmin.
Get open air
The previous residence of Earls, there are 865 acres at Mount Edgcumbe nation park with walks galore – in addition to the possibility to discover the formal gardens within the grounds of the home.
There are completely different trails to observe or you may wander by the river, the place it’s potential to identify wild deer.
Or the Misplaced Gardens of Heligan have a narrative as fascinating as their evocative title – hidden till 30 years in the past, they’ve since been restored to their full glory together with walks and magical gardens for teenagers.
Look out for The Jungle and the buried troll head (or probably a large’s head), however with 200 acres to discover, there’s lots to maintain children entertained.
There are additionally some enjoyable household walks on the South West Coast Path in south east Cornwall, together with stretches close to Fowey and Portmellon.
See the animals
Porfell Wildlife Park is a beautiful place to discover with youthful children, residence to meerkats and livestock, plus an opportunity to carry a few of the animals and feed others.
Or little Mevagissey Aquarium is good to study extra about native marine life. Set in an outdated RNLI lifeboat home, it’s additionally free to enter.
In the event you’re craving extra animals, Newquay Zoo is just round 45 minutes from Mevagissey.
Historical past and tradition
Restormel Citadel could also be ruined but it surely’s nonetheless a outstanding place to discover – constructed within the thirteenth century, it’s been visited by royalty and you’ll nonetheless get a way of the unique grandeur.
Strolling the partitions across the within the maintain to get some unimaginable views.
You’re additionally near Nationwide Belief property Lanhydrock, in the direction of Bodmin, the place you may discover Victorian life together with a take a look at the servants’ quarters and kitchens.
Different household sights in south east Cornwall
No checklist of issues to do in Cornwall with children could be full with out a point out of the Eden Mission – with its iconic biomes, you may step into the Mediterranean or the rainforest and it’s unbelievable to discover even with youthful children.
There are actions and extra to discover past the biomes as properly, though the indoor sights are good should you’re visiting Cornwall within the rain with children.
Learn my evaluation of a day on the Eden Mission with a toddler
Issues to do within the Isles of Scilly with children
Some of the lovely locations within the UK, the Isles of Scilly are merely magical – formally a part of Cornwall, they’re a spot aside the place you may’t assist however loosen up (particularly if you’re by seashores which might have come straight from the Caribbean).
Take a look at my information to the Isles of Scilly with children for extra concepts of issues to do, the very best seashores and the place to remain.
The place to remain in Cornwall for households
You might be spoiled for alternative with regards to nice locations to remain in Cornwall with children – making an attempt to spherical up all of the choices could be worthy of a guide, however I’ve picked out a couple of highlights of lodging for Cornwall seashore holidays with children.
Self-catering in Cornwall
There are cottage firms specialising in Cornwall alone, in addition to others with a tempting decide of self-catering lodging. Take a look at Sykes Cottages and holidaycottages.co.uk for some nice choices.
We additionally stayed at Gwel An Mor in one in every of their luxurious lodges – they’ve varied completely different sizes and magnificence which swimsuit households, and it’s good to discover the coast round St Ives.
Household inns in Cornwall
Cornwall can be an excellent place should you’re on the lookout for family-friendly inns – sadly the Sands Resort in Newquay, the most effective inns with toddlers in Cornwall, has now closed.
On the alternative coast, we additionally stayed at St Michael’s lodge in Falmouth – whereas it doesn’t have the identical choices for preschoolers, it was nonetheless very family-friendly.
Or you may take a look at a few of the inns obtainable on reserving.com, together with ones with free cancellation in case of last-minute adjustments to plans!
The most effective household seashores in Cornwall
In the event you’re on the lookout for a vacation with infinite probabilities to get out onto the sand, you’ll be in heaven – whittling down the very best seashores in Cornwall, even making an attempt to make a shortlist for the very best household seashore in Cornwall is difficult.
Relying whether or not you fancy browsing or rockpooling, stress-free within the solar or constructing sandcastles, mild paddling or discovering someplace to take pleasure in virtually alone, there’s a Cornish seashore to swimsuit.
So listed below are a few of my high picks to begin off, together with six of my favorite seashores in Cornwall with children.
Scroll down for extra concepts on seashore actions for teenagers, my favorite seashore towels and exercise books.
Finest seashores in north Cornwall
There are some nice seashores round Bude – Summerleaze seashore has a sea pool with shallow water that’s nice for youthful swimmers.
At low tide, you’ll find rockpools in Widemouth Bay, in addition to an extended open stretch of sand, with a part of the seashore dog-friendly year-round. For extra rockpooling, head to Crooklets seashore.
Or additional nonetheless down the coast at Padstow, Harlyn Bay seashore is one other lengthy open sandy seashore with some rockpools, whereas Porthcothan Bay has dunes on the again should you tire of the sand. Each are dog-friendly year-round.
Dunes line Daymer Bay seashore too, one other dog-friendly possibility, plus there are mermaid legends to inform – the sand bar was supposedly created by one in revenge within the legend of Doom Bar.
Bedruthan Steps was one other dramatic favorite with its personal legend – the granite rocks on the seashore have been as soon as the stepping stones for the large Bedruthan – but it surely’s at present closed after a rock fall.
Finest Newquay seashores
The coast round Newquay has a few of Cornwall’s finest recognized seashores – from Towan seashore within the city itself with its golden sand, to Porth seashore which is nice should you’re seeking to swim.
I like the dunes of Crantock as properly and extensive open Holywell Bay, or the two-mile stretch of sand at Watergate Bay.
For youthful children, sheltered Mawgan Porth is a good spot with a number of golden sand and Lusty Glaze can be protected by excessive cliffs.
In the event you fancy a extra energetic time by the waves, the surf of Fistral seashore is known, whereas Tolcarne seashore is nice for household browsing and boogie boarding, in addition to swimming. There are additionally rock swimming pools at low tide.
Nice Western seashore is one other Newquay seashore that’s good for households, in addition to surfers, with its personal rock swimming pools at low tide – it has picked up a Blue Flag awards prior to now.
For the very best dog-friendly seashores in Newquay, take a look at this checklist.
The most effective St Ives seashores
You barely want to go away St Ives itself for lovely seashores – Porthmeor seashore is a unbelievable one for households, with lengthy stretches of golden sand, an excellent surf college with classes for teenagers, and a beautiful cafe too.
Porthminster Seaside is one other favorite for households in St Ives, particularly with youthful children, as you may paddle at low tide. Porthgwidden Seaside is smaller however has some enjoyable rocks to climb on in addition to extra sand for sandcastles.
Simply up the coast, Carbis Bay seashore has gained a Blue Flag award and has some pretty secure bathing off the golden sands. Or Hayle Towans seashore is nice should you’re seeking to escape the crowds – stroll by the dunes and spot the sand yachts and equipment buggies taking advantage of the winds off the ocean.
There are fewer dog-friendly seashores in St Ives should you’re visiting through the summer time months – verify the restrictions and people which do permit canine.
Finest seashores close to Penzance
In the event you’re staying south of St Ives and exploring round Land’s Finish and Penzance, Porthcurno seashore is among the most eye-catching in Cornwall, with views as much as the Minack Theatre.
For extra nice views, Marazion seashore appears out to St Michael’s Mount – deservedly successful awards for its loveliness. Or should you’re after surf, Sennen Cove seashore is probably the most westerly surf spot within the nation.
Discover extra dog-friendly seashores close to Penzance right here.
Finest seashores in south Cornwall
A brief stroll from the city centre, Gyllyngvase seashore – or Gylly seashore – is ideal for households on the lookout for the very best seashore in Falmouth, with a number of golden sand and varied actions. It’s additionally dog-friendly.
Or head somewhat means additional to Swanpool seashore, on the sting of the character reserve, the place it’s also possible to rent kayaks or take a look at the loopy golf close by.
Additional north up the Roseland Heritage coast, Carne seashore is beautiful for swimming with its extensive sheltered bay.
Finest seashores in south east Cornwall
On Cornwall’s south coast, you’ll discover extra beautiful seashores inside straightforward attain of Mevagissey, Fowey and Polperro, in addition to St Austell.
Porthpean seashore has some pretty stretches of sand and it’s in style with households, though it may be steep taking place for youthful children. Pentewan Seaside and Gorran Haven seashore close to Mevagissey are each good sandy spots with children as properly.
Canine are allowed on Gorran Haven seashore however should be stored on a lead.
For watersports, strive Polkerris seashore or if you wish to get away from different sunseekers, unspoiled Lantic Bay is good – it’s fairly a stroll down although.
Finest rockpooling in Cornwall
Take a look at the seashores above as there are some nice choices to combine rockpooling and sunbathing throughout Cornwall, together with Carne Seaside on the Roseland coast, Crooklets seashore close to Bude and Harlyn Bay close to Padstow
But when it’s discovering sea creatures that you just’re most fascinated by, right here is a few of the finest Cornwall rockpooling: look out for crabs and lobsters among the many winkles and anemones, to not point out pipefish, prawns and cushion stars – tiny seastars.
Treyarnon Bay, simply south of Padstow has some large rock swimming pools at low tide or Hannafore Seaside at West Looe is one other haven for rock swimming pools – you may entry them by way of a concrete path too.
At Falmouth, Citadel Seaside is the very best spot for rockpooling, though you gained’t discover a lot sand. And down on the Lizard, Kennack Sands is one other good place to find Cornwall’s marine life – in case your children are captivated, it’s additionally a preferred spot for scuba diving!
As ever, don’t contact the creatures within the swimming pools and should you transfer stones, at all times exchange them afterwards.
Planning a visit to Cornwall for households
Until you’re native, there’s no probability of visiting Cornwall with out a automobile journey to succeed in your vacation spot – about the one downside for me!
For some extra of my finest motorway stop-offs within the UK, take a look at this put up: there’s additionally loads to find on the best way with concepts in my final information to Devon, in addition to choices should you’re travelling alongside the Nice West Method, to not point out historic homes corresponding to Stourhead in Wiltshire, a mini metropolis break in Salisbury and Stonehenge.
In the event you’re on the lookout for methods to outlive the highway journey with children, these are my high concepts on learn how to entertain them alongside the best way, in addition to learn how to make the journey go extra easily.
In the event that they don’t get automobile sick, take a look at the pocket sized I Spy books which embrace I Spy on a automobile journey to maintain them occupied through the drive.
Audiobooks are one other favorite of ours, and are preferrred if studying or watching tablets does trigger automobile illness. We’re signed as much as Audible which has a tremendous vary of child-friendly audio books, together with the Harry Potter sequence and How To Prepare Your Dragon, however this assortment of Roald Dahl audiobooks on CD is one other nice purchase, as is the whole Paddington assortment.
Don’t overlook your bucket, spade and web too – though there’s extra to sandcastles and rockpooling with these concepts of seashore actions for teenagers too.
You’ll be able to see a few of my different journey necessities to pack, together with my favorite hammam towels and SPF, on this checklist, in addition to this I Spy on the Seaside guide and an I Spy on the Seaside exercise guide.
Cornwall information books to purchase
Footprint guides has a guide of concepts for Cornwall with children whereas this Wild Information: Devon, Cornwall and the South West has nice solutions to seek out the much less explored facet of the nation.
For extra methods to get open air, Cornwall – 40 Coast and Nation Walks consists of all the things from straightforward strolls to more difficult hikes. Or there are 50 concepts of buggy-friendly walks throughout the UK in Stunning Buggy Walks which is good for visiting Cornwall with a child or toddler.
Discover much more recommendations on issues to do in Cornwall with children in Lonely Planet’s Devon and Cornwall information or the Tough Information to Devon and Cornwall
And in case you are combining a visit to Cornwall with a go to to neighbouring Devon, listed below are my high 30 issues to do in Devon with children, in addition to free issues to do in Devon and concepts of what to do in Devon within the rain.
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*First printed 2020, final up to date 2024*
PIN FOR LATER: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CORNWALL FOR FAMILIES
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