When you think about how a lot there’s to do in Cornwall with youngsters, 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 youngsters may come in useful to assist plan.
comprises affiliate hyperlinks*
From these attractive seashores to picturesque villages and superb countryside, historical past galore whether or not you’re intrigued by castles, Arthurian legend or mines, loads of likelihood to get outdoor, to not point out iconic spots like Land’s Finish and the Eden Venture, 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 youngsters 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 youngsters.
Finest issues to do in Cornwall for households
In case you’re undecided 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 youngsters.
If the climate isn’t the fantastic solar you have been hoping for, I’ve additionally picked out one of the best issues to do in Cornwall within the rain with youngsters, 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 price range concepts in case you’re trying to find the finest free days out in Cornwall and in case you’re venturing past the mainland to the gorgeous islands off the coast, I’ve acquired a information to the Isles of Scilly with tips about issues to do and see on the completely different islands.
Or preserve scrolling for extra concepts of household sights and days out throughout the entire county.
Free days out in Cornwall
Travelling with youngsters 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 seaside for the value of an ice cream and a bucket and spade.
Listed below are a few of my favorite seashores in case you’re trying to relax 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 – ideally suited in case you’re in search of 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 nicely, to not point out extra walks than you may rely on the South West Coast Path – there’s a bit on the finest walks in Cornwall for households so you will discover 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 price to enter.
In case you’d quite 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 likelihood is you’ll want a number of additional pennies for extra cider to take dwelling.
Roskilly’s Ice Cream Farm remains to be fully free to go to (let’s be lifelike, you’ll need to purchase at the very least one ice cream although however that also qualifies on a listing of low-cost days out in Cornwall) and you may 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 unhealthy climate, however you’re nonetheless spoiled for selection in case you’re questioning what to do in Cornwall when it rains.
I’ve pulled collectively a listing of my high issues to do in Cornwall when it rains however listed below are a number of highlights to begin you off.
The Eden Venture’s two biomes gained’t simply preserve 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 a wide range 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 nicely, at one of many historic railways in Cornwall – the Bodmin & Wenford steam railway allows 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.
Out of doors actions in Cornwall
Cornwall has numerous lovely locations to get exterior, with two coasts and lovely countryside – take a look at a few of the strategies in my free days out in Cornwall ideas above.
For starters, you’ve acquired limitless decisions 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 colleges dotted round Cornwall, a lot of which supply classes for youthful surfers as nicely.
There’s additionally bodyboarding and stand-up paddle boarding to attempt 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 youngsters
In case 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 youngsters 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 in case you’re staying in Padstow, for instance, you’re truly nearer to Newquay than Bude, so it’s price testing the following part of my household Cornwall information as nicely.
Get outdoor
This a part of Cornwall is nice in case you’re trying to attempt watersports – Freewave Surf Academy in Bude specialises in classes for households, and there’s bodyboarding and SUP on the record in addition to browsing.
In case you’re visiting Cornwall with teenagers, you might additionally attempt coasteering at Bude and Polzeath, close to Port Isaac, to get your coronary heart racing.
North Cornwall can be dwelling to the beautiful Camel path with its cycle monitor and strolling routes on the disused railway line – straightforward sufficient for teenagers to attempt, as I bear in mind from my very own childhood holidays, and simple to discover in sections such because the five-mile journey from Wadebridge to Padstow.
One of many loveliest stretches of the South West coast path runs alongside the River Camel, and it’s a terrific one for teenagers – the Sir John Betjeman stroll is straightforward going, passes the seaside 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 in addition 4 strolling trails, one in every of which is buggy-friendly in case you’re visiting Cornwall with a child, and three cycle trails.
Or uncover the countryside round Bodmin Moor, one of many wildest elements of Cornwall, with Bronze Age and Neolithic cairns and stone circles and its personal retailer of ghost tales and legends.
There’s geocaching to attempt, you might stroll a part of the 60-mile Copper Path strolling route or select the simpler footpaths on the Golitha Falls Pure Reserve.
See the animals
Not removed from Port Isaac, higher generally known as the setting for TV collection Doc Martin, Trevathan Farm is a working farm that’s a beautiful day trip in case you’re visiting Cornwall with toddlers or youthful youngsters.
In addition to animals to identify, there’s fruit selecting 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 dwelling 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 might spot seals, dolphins, porpoises, and even sunfish and basking sharks, together with birds galore.
There are journeys appropriate for kids 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 youngsters 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 identify 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 the whole lot together with rides, indoor and outside journey play – so it’s a terrific possibility for a wet day in north Cornwall with youngsters – plus a 5D theatre to journey by way of time.
Flambards, the opposite theme park in Cornwall, closed in November 2024
Historical past and tradition
North Cornwall is among the finest areas in Cornwall with youngsters 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 current historical past.
Great Tintagel is someplace to not miss, it’s a genuinely magical setting and you may nonetheless cross to the clifftop ruins of Tintagel Fortress – the dramatic web site is the birthplace of King Arthur, in keeping with legend, with Merlin’s Cave seen on the seaside at low tide and a sculpture of the As soon as and Future King on the cliffs.
When you’re there, cease in and uncover Tintagel Outdated Put up 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 nicely, 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 keeping with legend, the fields the place Arthur and Mordred met for his or her final battle. It’s additionally dwelling to Woman Falmouth’s Secret Backyard, an 18th century backyard that’s presently being restored.
For extra legends, the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic at Boscastle isn’t far-off both. Undoubtedly a extra uncommon day trip with youngsters in Cornwall, it’s a unusual solution to spend an hour or so.
Additional down the coast, the village of Port Isaac is filled with smuggling historical past – the Golden Lion pub even has an outdated smuggling tunnel main all the way down to the seaside. I’m a fan of Treasure Trails to discover with youngsters 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 more moderen 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 too can spot bats in case you’re fortunate, and hunt for dragons exterior on the Woodland Stroll and within the Enchanted Dell.
The Bodmin & Wenford Railway is a beautiful solution to discover the realm, good in case you’re visiting north Cornwall with toddlers or in search of concepts for a wet day in Cornwall.
The steam trains observe a 13-mile route, and there are sometimes themed occasions reminiscent of Halloween and Santa trains to look out for.
Or older youngsters will likely be fascinated by Bodmin Jail, supposedly probably the most haunted locations in Britain. With a brand new immersive customer expertise, there’s an opportunity to be taught the historical past of the jail as you’re transported again to the 18th century.
Issues to do in Newquay with youngsters
Well-known for its browsing, Newquay can be one of many first locations in Cornwall that I visited with my daughter, so there’s lots to do in case you’re planning to go to Cornwall with a toddler as nicely.
Check out the part on north Cornwall (above) as nicely, as you’re not removed from Padstow and its sights too, for extra concepts of issues to do close to Newquay with youngsters.
Get outdoor
In case you’re in search of issues to do outdoor in Newquay, there are seashores, seashores and extra seashores for starters. Fistral seaside is understood 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 seaside within the city itself.
In case you’re in search of dog-friendly seashores in Newquay, take a look at this record.
If you need greater than a spot to construct sandcastles, it’s unbelievable for watersports, together with bodyboarding and coasteering, plus extra surf colleges 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 might attempt some biking – a part of the Cornish Manner cycle route runs to and from Newquay – in addition to strolling. The South West Coast Path in West Cornwall contains some family-friendly walks round Newquay.
See the animals
The Blue Reef aquarium sits proper on Towan seaside in Newquay so it’s good if you could escape the showers – though it’s at all times excessive on my record of what to do in Newquay with youngsters, 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 dwell at Newquay Zoo, from tiny creepy crawlies as much as massive cats, as nicely 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 dwelling 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 Outdated 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 the whole lot together with rides, indoor and outside journey play – so it’s a terrific possibility for a wet day in north Cornwall with youngsters – plus a 5D theatre to journey by way of time.
Flambards, the opposite theme park in Cornwall, closed in November 2024
Historical past and tradition
In case you’re in search of historic locations to go to in Newquay, there’s lots 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 good 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 called Porth Island, it’s straightforward to stroll to from Newquay with some spectacular views.
Different household sights in Newquay
Swashbuckle your method 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 a terrific possibility in case you’re visiting Newquay within the rain with youngsters.
Not removed from Newquay itself, Lappa Valley Steam railway is a unbelievable possibility for youthful youngsters too: with extra than simply trains, there are nature trails, a path maze and kids’s rides.
Issues to do in St Ives with youngsters
One other of the preferred locations to go to in Cornwall with youngsters, 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 price testing these sections too.
To start out you off, I’ve picked a few of my favorite issues to do in St Ives with youngsters as nicely.
Get outdoor
Like a lot of Cornwall, you’ve acquired a string of attractive 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 seaside 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 canines through the summer time months, however you will discover some dog-friendly seashores in St Ives too.
It’s additionally a terrific space if you wish to get lively – Blue Flag seaside 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 case you don’t need to wander too far, take a stroll alongside Smeatons Pier as nicely: 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 colleges in St Ives – providing different watersports as nicely, and with choices for household classes, together with St Ives Surf Faculty on Porthmeor seaside.
See the animals
The seas round St Ives are a terrific place to identify seals – together with journeys out to Seal Island, simply off the coast. Preserve an eye fixed out for basking sharks, sunfish and dolphins too.
In any other case, you may usually see seals at Godrevy Head – in case you’re visiting St Ives in winter, there are larger numbers for a cold-weather bonus. Head to Mutton Cove at Godrevy Level and look down from the cliffs to the seaside 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 hen, from native Cornish choughs to flamingos, in addition to pink pandas and cattle.
You too can meet the animals at Feadon Farm on the coast north of St Ives, not removed from Portreath. In addition to cattle, you may see foxes and owls, in addition to studying extra about native wildlife.
Learn our evaluate of assembly the animals at Feadon Farm, Gwel An Mor
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 momentary exhibitions working. 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 displays on native fishing, farming and mining, in addition to exercise sheets for teenagers – spot the cats and kittens within the show circumstances.
And only a few miles from St Ives itself lies Chysauster historical village, a Romano-British settlement initially occupied virtually 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 too can see the Iron Age fort of Fortress An Dinas close to Nancledra – to not be confused with Fortress An Dinas in north Cornwall, nearer to Bodmin!
Issues to do round Penzance with youngsters
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 price testing the sections earlier than and after this for extra concepts of what there’s to do within the space
Get outdoor
As one in every of Cornwall’s largest cities, Penzance is a superb base to discover this a part of the county, together with the westernmost level of England, however realistically in case you’re getting outdoor, you’ll be heading out of Penzance itself.
There are limitless 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 Manner cycle path additionally begins from Land’s Finish with a traffic-free part.
You too can discover probably the most uncommon spots within the UK on the Minack Theatre. This dramatic theatre is constructed on the aspect of the cliff, with fantastic views out to the waves – you may ebook to go to through the day, however there are additionally performances together with storytelling classes geared toward households.
Porthcurno Seaside has some nice views trying again as much as the theatre too, one in every of my favorite seashores in Cornwall with youngsters – canines 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 get pleasure from being out in nature.
In distinction Tremeheere Sculpture Gardens, set in a sheltered valley, are dwelling to subtropical crops in addition to up to date artworks – however nonetheless family-friendly.
For extra unique crops, 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 – quite unexpectedly – to the size of Noah’s Ark.
See the animals
You’ll must journey from Penzance in case you’re in search of 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.
Historical past and tradition
The realm round Penzance is ideal in case you’re trying to uncover some Cornish historical past. A go to to St Michael’s Mount is like getting into one other world.
You’ll be able to stroll medieval paths, discover the citadel and uncover the village and harbour, together with free excursions to be taught 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 in all 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 may nonetheless discover each the museum and head underground.
Different household sights in and round Penzance
One in all 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 dwelling to a string of animals.
Issues to do in South Cornwall with youngsters
In case 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 youngsters into this part – in case you’re in search of the realm across the Eden Venture, preserve scrolling to take a look at my ideas for South East Cornwall for teenagers.
Alternatively, you will discover concepts for issues to do close to Penzance and Land’s Finish within the part above.
Get outdoor
In case 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 might stroll till your legs are worn out with out working out of decisions.
For quite much less exhausting choices, you might attempt 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 method 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 seaside.
There are seashores galore alongside the south Cornwall coast as nicely – Gyllingvase (or Gylly) seaside 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 in case you’re visiting with canines, however are dog-friendly at different instances.
See the animals
Meet seals and sea lions on the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, lower than half an hour from Falmouth – you too can spot different wildlife, together with otters and penguins, in addition to the interactive rockpool.
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 case you’re in search of historical past, Pendennis Fortress is unbeatable – looming on the headland simply exterior Falmouth, it was constructed by Henry VIII to defend in opposition to invasion, and you may benefit from the views from the highest of the Tudor preserve, attempt actions and discover the outdated buildings.
Different South Cornwall sights for households
Falmouth is dwelling to the Nationwide Maritime Museum Cornwall, beforehand voted one of many nation’s most family-friendly museums, trying on the nation’s seafaring historical past and its boating heroes.
Take a look at my evaluate of our day on the museum, together with a few of the everlasting shows and a brief Viking exhibition – unmissable in case you’re in search of issues to do in Falmouth with youngsters.
Truro, Cornwall’s county city, can be dwelling 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 youngsters
One in all Cornwall’s most well-known sights, the Eden Venture, is ready on this generally missed a part of Cornwall, however you too can discover attractive spots like Mevagissey, Polperro and Fowey on this space.
Relying the place within the county you’re staying, it’s price 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 outdoor
The previous dwelling of Earls, there are 865 acres at Mount Edgcumbe nation park with walks galore – in addition to the prospect 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 identify – 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 presumably a large’s head), however with 200 acres to discover, there’s lots to maintain youngsters 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 youngsters, dwelling to meerkats and cattle, plus an opportunity to carry a few of the animals and feed others.
Or little Mevagissey Aquarium is good to be taught extra about native marine life. Set in an outdated RNLI lifeboat home, it’s additionally free to enter.
In case you’re craving extra animals, Newquay Zoo is just round 45 minutes from Mevagissey.
Historical past and tradition
Restormel Fortress could also be ruined however it’s nonetheless a exceptional place to discover – constructed within the thirteenth century, it’s been visited by royalty and you may nonetheless get a way of the unique grandeur.
Strolling the partitions across the inside the preserve to get some unbelievable 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 record of issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters could be full with out a point out of the Eden Venture – with its iconic biomes, you may step into the Mediterranean or the rainforest and it’s unbelievable to discover even with youthful youngsters.
There are actions and extra to discover past the biomes as nicely, though the indoor sights are good in case you’re visiting Cornwall within the rain with youngsters.
Learn my evaluate of a day on the Eden Venture with a toddler
Issues to do within the Isles of Scilly with youngsters
Probably the most 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 calm down (particularly while you’re by seashores which may have come straight from the Caribbean).
Take a look at my information to the Isles of Scilly with youngsters for extra concepts of issues to do, one of the best seashores and the place to remain.
The place to remain in Cornwall for households
You’re spoiled for selection with regards to nice locations to remain in Cornwall with youngsters – making an attempt to spherical up all of the choices could be worthy of a ebook, however I’ve picked out a number of highlights of lodging for Cornwall seaside holidays with youngsters.
Self-catering in Cornwall
There are cottage corporations 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 numerous completely different sizes and magnificence which swimsuit households, and it’s good to discover the coast round St Ives.
Household resorts in Cornwall
Cornwall can be a terrific place in case you’re in search of family-friendly resorts – sadly the Sands Resort in Newquay, the most effective resorts 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 resorts out there on reserving.com, together with ones with free cancellation in case of last-minute adjustments to plans!
The perfect household seashores in Cornwall
In case you’re in search of a vacation with limitless probabilities to get out onto the sand, you’ll be in heaven – whittling down one of the best seashores in Cornwall, even making an attempt to make a shortlist for one of the best household seaside in Cornwall is hard.
Relying whether or not you fancy browsing or rockpooling, stress-free within the solar or constructing sandcastles, light paddling or discovering someplace to get pleasure from virtually alone, there’s a Cornish seaside 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 youngsters.
Scroll down for extra concepts on seaside actions for teenagers, my favorite seaside towels and exercise books.
Finest seashores in north Cornwall
There are some nice seashores round Bude – Summerleaze seaside has a sea pool with shallow water that’s nice for youthful swimmers.
At low tide, you will discover rockpools in Widemouth Bay, in addition to an extended open stretch of sand, with a part of the seaside dog-friendly year-round. For extra rockpooling, head to Crooklets seaside.
Or additional nonetheless down the coast at Padstow, Harlyn Bay seaside is one other lengthy open sandy seaside with some rockpools, whereas Porthcothan Bay has dunes on the again in case you tire of the sand. Each are dog-friendly year-round.
Dunes line Daymer Bay seaside 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 seaside have been as soon as the stepping stones for the enormous Bedruthan – however it’s presently closed after a rock fall.
Finest Newquay seashores
The coast round Newquay has a few of Cornwall’s finest recognized seashores – from Towan seaside within the city itself with its golden sand, to Porth seaside which is nice in case you’re trying to swim.
I really like the dunes of Crantock as nicely and large open Holywell Bay, or the two-mile stretch of sand at Watergate Bay.
For youthful youngsters, sheltered Mawgan Porth is a superb spot with plenty of golden sand and Lusty Glaze can be protected by excessive cliffs.
In case you fancy a extra lively time by the waves, the surf of Fistral seaside is legendary, whereas Tolcarne seaside is nice for household browsing and boogie boarding, in addition to swimming. There are additionally rock swimming pools at low tide.
Nice Western seaside is one other Newquay seaside 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 one of the best dog-friendly seashores in Newquay, take a look at this record.
The perfect St Ives seashores
You barely want to go away St Ives itself for lovely seashores – Porthmeor seaside is a unbelievable one for households, with lengthy stretches of golden sand, a terrific 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 youngsters, 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 seaside has gained a Blue Flag award and has some pretty secure bathing off the golden sands. Or Hayle Towans seaside is nice in case you’re trying to escape the crowds – stroll by the dunes and spot the sand yachts and package buggies benefiting from the winds off the ocean.
There are fewer dog-friendly seashores in St Ives in case you’re visiting through the summer time months – test the restrictions and people which do permit canines.
Finest seashores close to Penzance
In case you’re staying south of St Ives and exploring round Land’s Finish and Penzance, Porthcurno seaside is among the most eye-catching in Cornwall, with views as much as the Minack Theatre.
For extra nice views, Marazion seaside appears to be like out to St Michael’s Mount – deservedly profitable awards for its loveliness. Or in case you’re after surf, Sennen Cove seaside 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 seaside – or Gylly seaside – is ideal for households in search of one of the best seaside in Falmouth, with plenty of golden sand and numerous actions. It’s additionally dog-friendly.
Or head just a little method additional to Swanpool seaside, on the sting of the character reserve, the place you too can rent kayaks or take a look at the loopy golf close by.
Additional north up the Roseland Heritage coast, Carne seaside is beautiful for swimming with its large sheltered bay.
Finest seashores in south east Cornwall
On Cornwall’s south coast, you’ll discover extra attractive seashores inside straightforward attain of Mevagissey, Fowey and Polperro, in addition to St Austell.
Porthpean seaside has some pretty stretches of sand and it’s standard with households, though it may be steep taking place for youthful youngsters. Pentewan Seaside and Gorran Haven seaside close to Mevagissey are each good sandy spots with youngsters as nicely.
Canines are allowed on Gorran Haven seaside however have to be stored on a lead.
For watersports, attempt Polkerris seaside 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 seaside 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 through a concrete path too.
At Falmouth, Fortress Seaside is one of the 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 youngsters are captivated, it’s additionally a well-liked spot for scuba diving!
As ever, don’t contact the creatures within the swimming pools and in case you transfer stones, at all times substitute them afterwards.
Planning a visit to Cornwall for households
Until you’re native, there’s no likelihood of visiting Cornwall with out a automobile journey to achieve 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 submit: there’s additionally lots to find on the best way with concepts in my final information to Devon, in addition to choices in case you’re travelling alongside the Nice West Manner, to not point out historic homes reminiscent of Stourhead in Wiltshire, a mini metropolis break in Salisbury and Stonehenge.
In case you’re in search of methods to outlive the street journey with youngsters, these are my high concepts on the right way to entertain them alongside the best way, in addition to the right way 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 ideally suited if studying or looking at 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 collection and How To Practice 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 seaside 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 record, in addition to this I Spy on the Seaside ebook and an I Spy on the Seaside exercise ebook.
Cornwall information books to purchase
Footprint guides has a ebook of concepts for Cornwall with youngsters whereas this Wild Information: Devon, Cornwall and the South West has nice strategies to search out the much less explored aspect of the nation.
For extra methods to get outdoor, Cornwall – 40 Coast and Nation Walks contains the whole lot from straightforward strolls to tougher hikes. Or there are 50 concepts of buggy-friendly walks throughout the UK in Lovely Buggy Walks which is good for visiting Cornwall with a child or toddler.
Discover much more tips about issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters in Lonely Planet’s Devon and Cornwall information or the Tough Information to Devon and Cornwall
And if you’re combining a visit to Cornwall with a go to to neighbouring Devon, listed below are my high 30 issues to do in Devon with youngsters, in addition to free issues to do in Devon and concepts of what to do in Devon within the rain.
To purchase a PDF model of this submit to maintain, click on right here to go to my on-line retailer
*First printed 2020, final up to date 2024*
PIN FOR LATER: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CORNWALL FOR FAMILIES
Disclosure: This submit comprises some affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee.
Pictures courtesy Depositphotos/Adobe Inventory or copyright MummyTravels
LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER