One of many issues I really like a couple of household vacation in Cornwall is that thereโs a lot selection packed into one countyย โ discovering the wild coast of north Cornwall with youngsters, venturing right down to fairly St Ives, a keep on the gentler south coast and the prospect to discover the countryside too.
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But when Iโm pressured to determine, itโs the north coast which is my favorite: that is the place I used to vacation as a baby, itโs the place my daughter had her personal first Cornish vacation in Newquay, and yow will discover free days outย in addition to issues to do in north Cornwall within the rain. Effectively, that is the UK in any case.
So Iโve rounded up a few of my very own highlights โ together with the northern a part of the county and the north Cornwall coast โ with this record of the perfect issues to do in north Cornwall with youngsters.
Try my full information to Cornwall with youngsters, in addition to my downloadable e-book model of the information
Strictly talking, my ideas enterprise past the official boundaries of north Cornwall: Newquay and Crantock should not technically north Cornwall however are on the north Cornish coast, for instance.
I simply couldnโt miss out the Eden Challenge both. Itโs a lot nearer to the south coast of Cornwall, however nonetheless solely 20 to half-hour from Bodmin and Padstow really easy to suit right into a household vacation in north Cornwall.
The concepts beneath are organized in roughly geographical order if you wish to work out which locations to go to in north Cornwall close to the place youโre staying.
So whether or not youโre a purist in the case of boundaries or are simply in search of some nice north Cornwall sights for households, there must be lots right here to encourage โ from north Cornwall household days out to child-friendly sights, north Cornwall locations to go to and wet-weather actions. Oh, and seashores after all!
Finest seashores in north Cornwall
It doesnโt matter which little bit of Cornwall you go to, there are some fabulous seashores to be discovered โ and so many little secret coves to find as nicely.
I all the time love getting ideas from locals on the perfect ones โ considered one of my favorite journey hacks is staying with a neighborhood specialist firm which might kind you out with someplace beautiful to remain in addition to sharing secrets and techniques of the place to go.
For 2 of the perfect seashores in north Cornwall, donโt miss out on a few seashores in Bude, together with Summerleaze seashore with a sea pool, and Crooklets seashore which has some nice rock swimming pools. Each have restrictions from Might to September for those whoโre in search of dog-friendly seashores in Bude although.
Additional down the coast, Widemouth Bay has a protracted open stretch of sand and its personal rockpools at low tide, and the southern finish is dog-friendly year-round.
Treyarnon Bay between Newquay and Padstow can be nice for rockpooling, and canine are allowed year-round right here too, whereas Crantock Seashore close to Newquay is a agency household favorite in addition to a dog-friendly choice too.
Together with large sand dunes and caves to discover, there are simple rock swimming pools for youthful youngsters, some constant surf, plus a kiosk promoting ice cream.
Scroll down for concepts of some extra of north Cornwallโs greatest seashores round Padstow and Newquay, in addition to Bedruthan Steps.
Bude Sea Pool
In case youโre not a fan of swimming within the sea, the ocean pool at Summerleaze Seashore is implausible for households, with some shallow water โ plus Bude Sea Pool can be free!
Itโs open year-round, though most households will wish to stick with the summer season months when the water temperature reaches round 18C, and also youโre beneficial to swim at low tide.
Do keep in mind there are restricted amenities right here as nicely โ itโs higher for assured swimmers and older youngsters somewhat than toddlers.
Watersports in Bude
Older youngsters will love the prospect to attempt browsing, bodyboarding and get up paddle boarding on the north Cornwall coast โ Freewave Surf Academy specialises in classes for households and teams, so itโs excellent for novices as nicely.
For extra journey, you possibly can attempt coasteering as nicely, swimming by means of sea caves, visiting hidden seashores and getting your coronary heart racing with just a few leaps into the water โ good for those whoโre visiting Bude with teenagers.
Bude sits proper close to the border of Cornwall and Devon, so itโs simple to nip throughout into the neighbouring county too for extra issues to do with youngsters in Devonย โ the Milky Manner Journey Park isnโt far-off.
Stroll the South West coast path
Wherever you might be in Cornwall, there are some stunning locations to get exterior and go strolling alongside the South West Coast path โ and north Cornwall isn’t any completely different, together with a number of family-friendly walks.
Discover a few of the Cornwall Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence โ the Hartland stretch from simply above Bude to the Cornish border is a real problem however you might do this Bude Coast and Canal choice.
The part from Widemouth Bay to Pentire Level is one other difficult one โ not least as a result of it runs for 30 miles โ however there are some unmissable views from Crackington Haven and the aptly named Excessive Cliff, the best in Cornwall.
Boscastle Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
Positively one for older youngsters somewhat than giving toddlers nightmares, the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic at Boscastle has round 3,000 displays making it the worldโs largest assortment of this sort, in addition to its oldest.
Good for a day in north Cornwall within the rain or for an uncommon day trip with youngsters โ visits to the museum itself are inclined to final an hour or much less.
Go to Tintagel
Finest recognized for its hyperlinks to King Arthur and the hanging sculpture that stands on the cliffs, the wild surroundings and ruins of Tintagel are someplace which stick within the reminiscence. I keep in mind visiting as a baby โ itโs a genuinely magical setting.
However thatโs solely the beginning of what there may be to do. Go to the seashore at low tide and you’ll discover Merlinโs Cave โ examine the tide tables earlier than you go, and as youโll be scrambling in low gentle, take a torch and donโt do this with toddlers.
Then there are centuries of historical past to find at Tintagel Fort, together with its position within the legends of King Arthur.
Teetering on the headland, the 2 halves of the location are joined collectively once more by a footbridge โ you want a timed ticket to enter, and itโs greatest to ebook these prematurely, together with for English Heritage members. Some walk-up tickets could also be obtainable on the day, significantly within the afternoon, however itโs fashionable so higher secure than sorry at peak instances.
Tintagel Previous Submit Workplace is one other nice cease โ initially a farmhouse, relationship again over 600 years, the medieval constructing was later transformed into the villageโs letter-receiving workplace, with a historical past path to discover and conventional crafts to attempt.
Discover extra ideas for visiting Tintagel, Cornwall right here, that will help you plan your day
The Vale of Avalon, Slaughterbridge
Not removed from the medieval city of Camelford โ thought by some to be the location of Camelot โ thereโs extra for King Arthur followers on the Vale of Avalon in Slaughterbridge (previously the Arthurian Centre), round 10 minutes drive from Tintagel.
The 20 acre website surrounds King Arthurโs Stone, and the fields are the legendary spot the place King Arthur and Mordred met for his or her final battle. You may uncover extra in regards to the historical past and tales, in addition to testing the kidsโs quiz, making an attempt brass rubbing and thereโs even a play citadel.
And for a newer historic discovery, an 18th century backyard rediscovered in 2005 is presently being restored โ Woman Falmouthโs Secret Backyard was uncovered throughout archaeological work and is progressively being introduced again to life.
Trevathan Farm, Port Isaac
Port Isaac itself is greatest generally known as the setting for TV collection Doc Martin โ however except you will have any small followers, youthful youngsters are prone to be extra tempted by close by Trevathan Farm.
Thereโs berry choosing in the summertime and pumpkin carving at Halloween, plus youngsters can burn off their vitality on the journey playground on this working farm.
Do take a wander round Port Isaac itself although โ I really like Treasure Trails for enjoyable methods to discover with youngsters, and this Treasure Hunt model is ideal for exploring the twisty streets of a fishing village with smuggling historical past.
The Golden Lion pub even has an previous smuggling tunnel which leads down onto the seashore โ one of many quirkiest issues to identify in North Cornwall for households.
Try Squeezy Stomach alley too, one of many narrowest passageways in Britain โ possibly earlier than you take a look at the Port Isaac fudge store and pasties!
Go coasteering at Polzeath
Itโs not simply Bude which is a hotspot for coasteering โ Polzeath, simply down the coast from Port Isaac, is one other great spot to discover the shoreline, swimming, scrambling and leaping alongside the way in which.
You would possibly even spot seals and dolphins within the space, and thereโs extra probability to attempt browsing right here too.
There are a number of organisations which provide coasteering in Polzeath for teenagers: attempt Cornish Coasteering for ages 8+ or Period Adventures runs taster classes for rookies, with a beneficial age of 10+.
Uncover mermaid legends close to Rock
For a somewhat gentler different, head to the Camel Estuary and the seashore at Daymer Bay with its unspoiled dunes.
Related to Rock at low tide, you possibly can sit on the sand and inform the story of Doom Bar, the sand bar supposedly created by a mermaid in revenge and the reason for many shipwrecks.
Cycle the Camel path
One other favorite from my very own childhood holidays, the stunning Camel path cycle monitor was created from a disused railway line.
The entire stretch is round 18 miles lengthy โ for a shorter style, for those whoโre visiting north Cornwall with toddlers, thereโs a five-mile part from Wadebridge to Padstow. Or it’s also possible to cowl the 12-mile stretch to Bodmin.
Youโll discover automotive parking alongside the route in addition to locations to rent bikes for those who donโt have your individual, together with youngstersโ bikes, to not point out award-winning native vineyards.
Stroll the Sir John Betjeman stroll
This beautiful stretch of the South West coast path runs alongside the River Camel, passing the golden dunes of the seashores and resulting in tiny St Enodoc Church the place the poet laureate is buried.
One of many best walks alongside the coast path in north Cornwall, itโs a stunning place to amble within the solar.
Go to the Nationwide Lobster Hatchery
One of many quirkier issues to do in north Cornwall with youngsters, the Nationwide Lobster Hatchery is a charity with a concentrate on conservation, analysis and schooling. However from a babyโs standpoint, itโs a spot to see child lobsters!
Set on South Quay in Padstow, you possibly can see lobsters on the completely different levels of their life in addition to different marine life, and you’ll even undertake one and monitor its progress through the web site. High tip: select a much less widespread identify than โpinchyโ for those who do โ there are 630 on the final depend!
There are extra stunning seashores and picturesque streets to wander โ Padstow does get very busy in summer season although โ plus the ferry throughout to Rock right here for an opportunity to tick off two locations to go in north Cornwall in at some point.
Camel Creek Journey Park
Round quarter-hour south of Padstow, Camel Creek Journey Park is about on the location of the previous Crealyโs Journey Park. Reopened in 2018, thereโs a little bit of every little thing too โ indoor and outside play, animals, a 5D theatre, varied ridesโฆ
With mild rides for little ones, together with a carousel, plus extra adventurous rollercoasters for barely larger thrill-seekers, itโs ideally suited for those whoโve acquired youngsters of various ages.
You may meet meerkats and Shire Horses, plus indoor gentle play and outside journey play so itโs one other nice choice for a wet day in north Cornwall with youngsters.
Open year-round, there are particular themed seasonal occasions too for those whoโre visiting round Halloween or Christmas. Prebooking tickets is beneficial.
Macdonalds Farm
Just a little additional down the coast, between Padstow and Newquay, Macdonalds Farm (beforehand Previous Macdonalds Farm) is a stunning day trip with youthful youngsters โ in addition to seeing the cattle, there are many alternatives to play, and you’ll keep on website or flip up for a day go to.
With particular animal expertise in addition to a regular go to (could should be prebooked, further charge applies), there are additionally particular occasions through the 12 months. Time your go to proper and you’ll assist bottle feed lambs and calves.
Bedruthan Steps
The granite rocks on the seashore at Bedruthan Steps had been as soon as the stepping stones for the large Bedruthan in keeping with legend โ really extra seemingly made up by Victorians, however why spoil a very good story?
Both means, the rock stacks are a dramatic sight, continuously altering because the waves put on away the softer rock (donโt take into consideration paddling!)
Thereโs (presently no entry to the seashore due to rock falls (though the slim steps lead down had been by no means ideally suited for those whoโre visiting north Cornwall with toddlers) however the views are spectacular.
Thereโs a Nationwide Belief automotive park and cafรฉ on the prime too, and a few beautiful walks, plus occasional further actions like treasure hunts to attempt.
Newquay seashores
My daughterโs first go to to Cornwallย took us to Newquay and there are good the reason why itโs so fashionable with households.
For starters, there are seashores galore โ from browsing at well-known Fistral seashore to the summer season donkey derby at Mawgan Porth and the dunes of Crantock.
To not point out an entire string of different well-known coves: Tolcarne Seashore, Watergate Bay, Lusty Glaze Seashore, Perranporth Seashore, Towan seashore within the city itself with loads of golden sand and nice surf waves.
In case youโre in search of dog-friendly seashores in Newquay, take a look at these choices.
In case you fancy studying to surf however donโt wish to courageous the ocean simply but, head toย Retallackย between Newquay and Padstow, which has Cornwallโs solely FlowRider โ excellent waves, regardless of the climate, which are perfect for youthful surfers hoping to hone their abilities. Appropriate for age 8+.
Newquay Zoo
Thisย award-winning zooย is dwelling to lots of of the worldโs rarest and most enjoyable creatures, from creepy crawlies to massive cats, in addition to exercise trails and a youngstersโs play space.
You could possibly see armadillos to zebra, in addition to discovering the gardens โ together with the stunning Secret Backyard โ earlier than being transported to the tropics and the south-east Asian jungle as you discover the completely different habitats.
Itโs sufficiently small to not be too overwhelming for those whoโre visiting north Cornwall with a toddler, though at 13 acres, thereโs nonetheless lots to maintain everybody entertained on a day trip.
Blue Reef aquarium, Newquay
This beautiful aquarium is true on the seafront in Newquay โ you possibly can sit back on Towan seashore then head indoors to find what lives beneath the waves.
Sharks, turtles and a large Pacific octopus are just a few of the creatures youโll discover in 40 completely different habitats, with talks and feeding at this beautifulย beachfront aquariumย โ considered one of my favorite issues to do in Newquay.
You may wander by means of the ocean tunnel, recognizing loggerhead turtles and reef sharks, in addition to seeing a few of the different uncommon inhabitants, together with pufferfish.
Set proper on the seafront, itโs excellent if you wish to workforce the seashore with the prospect to see beneath the waves โ or if you end up in search of one thing to do on a wet day in Cornwall.
Try my overview of a day trip at Blue Reef aquarium in Newquay with a toddler
Pirateโs Quest Journey Golf, Newquay
Journey again 300 years to the Golden Age of piracy, within the dwelling of smugglers and buccaneers (and mermaids) with a household pleasant journey golf course with a twist.
Atย Pirateโs Questย Journey Golf youโll discover 12 holes winding by means of the streets of 18th century Cornwall, in addition to an opportunity to discover caves, uncover native legends, seek for a mermaid and pose within the shares (in addition to making an attempt for a yo ho gap in a single!)
The swashbuckling course is indoors too, in case youโre in search of issues to do in Newquay within the rain.
Whereas the earlier interactive tour isnโt working any extra, youngsters nonetheless get treasure maps to seek for pirate booty, plus an opportunity to study extra about Cornwallโs myths and legends.
Trerice Home, close to Newquay
Just a bit means inland from Newquay, this Nationwide Belief property consists of the prospect to decorate up in Tudor costumes in addition to attempt some conventional video games within the nice chamber of Trerice Home.
It’s also possible to uncover extra in regards to the household which lived within the sixteenth century manor through the years. If itโs a sunny day, wander the gardens and take a look at just a few video games on the bowling inexperienced, or itโs one other nice choice for a wet day close to Newquay.
Lappa Valley Steam railway, close to Newquay
Not removed from Trerice Home and Newquay, Lappa Valley Steam railway is a good attraction for youthful youngsters โ thereโs extra than simply for toddlers and pre-schoolers, however theyโll love the trains which run on the small railway.
Inside, there are nature trails and youngstersโs rides, a toddler path maze plus indoor play carriages and a woodland railway. Or you possibly can actually have a go at loopy golf whilst youโre visiting so itโs a enjoyable day trip in Cornwall for the entire household.
Bodmin Moor
The wildest a part of Cornwall, Bodmin Moor is an enchanting place to roam, with Bronze Age and Neolithic cairns and stone circles and its personal retailer of ghost tales and legends.
For a much less spooky choice, you possibly can go geocaching on the moor in addition to following a part of the Copper Path, a 60-mile strolling route.
Look out for the granite rock formations together with the Cheesewring, climb a few of the tors (hills topped with rocks) and for teenagers who love tales of King Arthur, donโt miss a go to to Dozmary Pool the place the Woman of the Lake supposedly gave Excalibur to Merlin.
Or one other favorite for those who donโt fancy venturing too far off the overwhelmed monitor is to go to the Golitha Falls Pure Reserve. Footpaths, together with one buggy-friendly path, lead by means of the valley alongside the riverside.
Older youngsters will love clambering over tree trunks and hopping from stepping stone to stepping stone on the way in which to the falls. Apparently itโs dwelling to piskies too.
Thereโs free parking, so itโs an incredible choice for an inexpensive day trip in north Cornwall.
Cardinham Woods
Not removed from Bodmin Moor, the woods are Cornwallโs place to seek out the Forestry Feeโs household trails together with these impressed by Julia Donaldsonโs books, such because the Gruffalo twenty fifth anniversary exercise path.
However everytime you go to, there are 4 completely different strolling trails to discover โ considered one of which is buggy pleasant โ plus three cycle trails, a play space and cafรฉ.
The one cost is for parking (except youโre a discovery go holder) and any particular path actions so itโs one other enjoyable choice for reasonable issues to see in north Cornwall.
Bodmin Jail
Seemingly some of the haunted locations in Britain, Bodmin jail reopened just a few years in the past with a model new immersive customer expertise together with a โDarkish Strollโ and overhaul of the prevailing attraction.
Telling the historical past of the 18th century jail over six ranges, with sights, sounds and smells of life within the 18th century, you possibly can step into the chilly cells, to think about a sentence of laborious labour forward. Much less gruesomely, the jail has additionally stored the Domesday E-book and Crown Jewels secure.
Harsh punishments and an execution pit imply this isnโt one for youthful youngsters (though you possibly can keep away from one or two of the scarier sections) however itโs some of the memorable north Cornwall days out with youngsters.
Higher for older youngsters, who love their wet days spiced up with a little bit shiver of fright than for youthful youngsters (itโs not buggy-friendly both).
Bodmin and Wenford Railway
Cornwallโs solely full-size railway nonetheless operated by steam locomotives, itโs an ideal choice for train-obsessed little ones (and a few larger ones).
Chuffing alongside the 13-mile spherical journey route of the Bodmin and Wenford Railway makes for a really enjoyable technique to discover the countryside too.
There are additionally particular themed occasions throughout college holidays, comparable to Halloween and Santa trains โ and the prospect to have a correct Cornish cream tea.
Lanhydrock
Not removed from Bodmin itself, the Nationwide Belief property of Lanhydrock is designed to allow you to discover Victorian life, wandering by means of the home from the servantsโ quarters and kitchens to the householdโs extra luxurious rooms.
Kids have trails to observe inside the home, and you’ll actually have a peek into the nurseries alongside the way in which to match to their very own bedrooms.
Open air there are bike trails to discover together with a simple inexperienced path thatโs appropriate for youthful youngsters and bikes with tagalongs in addition to trickier routes for older youngsters, plus the same old expansive grounds to roam round and an journey playground.
Carnglaze Caverns
The three underground caves making up Carnglaze Caverns are on the south fringe of Bodmin Moor, a former slate mine which is now a mining heritage attraction.
Your self-guided go to (though there are some guided excursions in excessive season) explains extra in regards to the minerโs work and why offering slate was so necessary, earlier than ending on the spectacular underground lake.
The caves are actually dwelling to 5 species of bats, whereas exterior you possibly can hunt for faeries and dragons on the Woodland Stroll and within the Enchanted Dell on the hillside.
Thereโs a youngstersโs path that will help you spot a few of the fairy inhabitants, whereas the stroll takes round 25 minutes โ in late spring itโs excellent to see bluebells, and you may also be fortunate sufficient to identify deer or a fox.
The Eden Challenge
The award-winning attraction is immediately recognisable โ the labored out china clay pit has been reworked with two well-known biomes, one concealing the Mediterranean, the opposite the warmth of the rainforest.
Try my overview of our day on the Eden Challenge with a three-year-old.
This astonishing international backyard, tucked inside futuristic domed biomes, is dwelling to the worldโs largest indoor rainforest in addition to interactive displays, a sensory backyard and crops from across the globe.
There are storytelling classes for teenagers and different actions, exhibitions, and even gentle play. If the climateโs good, there are paths to wander outside too and lots to do on the Eden Challenge within the rain if not.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Cornwall, take a look at my prime picks and my final information to Cornwall with youngsters
*First printed 2020, final up to date 2024*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN NORTH CORNWALL WITH KIDS
Disclosure: Accommodates affiliate hyperlinks: any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. All opinions and advised names for lobsters are my very own.
Blue Reef picture copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy Depositphotos
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