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43 issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters

43 issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters

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Iโ€™ve misplaced observe of what number of occasions Iโ€™ve been to Cornwall โ€“ first as a baby on household holidays with my very own dad and mom, then with associates and now again once more with my very own daughter to rediscover all the perfect issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters.

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And it doesn’t matter what time of 12 months Iโ€™ve been, or who Iโ€™ve been with, Iโ€™ve at all times had a wonderful time. The one downside (for me in London) is that itโ€™s such an extended drive โ€“ however the truth I hold returningย simply goes to point out how tempting it’s.

Itโ€™s famously family-friendly, with so many locations to go to in Cornwall, from wet days out, to free sights and extra family-friendly websites and actions โ€“ย listed below are my high 43 issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters to begin you off.

Try my full information to Cornwall with youngsters for extra inspiration, in addition to my downloadable book model of the information

Cornwall with youngsters: Sights with animals

Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay

Sharks, turtles and a large Pacific octopus are just a few of the creatures youโ€™ll discover in 40 totally different habitats, with talks and feeding at this beautiful beachfront aquarium โ€“ one in every of my favorite issues to do in Newquay.

Try my overview of our go to with a toddler

You possibly can wander via 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, itโ€™s good if you wish to crew the seaside with the possibility to see beneath the waves โ€“ or if you end up in search of one thing to do on a wet day in Cornwall.

43 issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters

Newquay Zoo

This award-winning zoo is residence to a whole lot of the worldโ€™s rarest and most fun creatures, from creepy crawlies to massive cats, in addition to exercise trails and a youngstersโ€™s play space.

You possibly can see armadillos to zebra, in addition to discovering the gardens โ€“ together with the beautiful Secret Backyard โ€“ earlier than being transported to the tropics and the south-east Asian jungle as you discover the totally different habitats.

Itโ€™s sufficiently small to not be too overwhelming in the event youโ€™re visiting Cornwall with a toddler, though at 13 acres, thereโ€™s nonetheless a lot to maintain everybody entertained on a time out.

Paradise Park and JungleBarn, Hayle

The wildlife sanctuary is a fowl loverโ€™s paradise, with over 130 species starting from native Cornish choughs to flamingos and toucans, plus purple pandas and cattle โ€“ donโ€™t miss the penguin feeding too.

In addition to wandering round to take a look at the animals, you can even hop onto the Jungle Categorical Practice, which takes you on a small route across the grounds and a few of the backyard.

Thereโ€™s additionally an indoor play space, together with a toddler zone mushy play and jungle theme โ€“ tickets embrace an choice simply to take a look at Paradise Park, or for a ticket which covers Junglebarn play and the animals, which is really helpful for busy occasions.

Flicka Basis Donkey Sanctuary

In case your youngsters love animals, theyโ€™ll be in heaven at Flicka Basis Donkey Sanctuary simply outdoors Falmouth, residence to greater than 100 rescued donkeys (and some ponies).

Itโ€™s free to enter and go searching, though donations are welcome to assist take care of the donkeys โ€“ plus thereโ€™s a really tempting cafe to go to as effectively.

Throughout the summer season, theyโ€™ll be out within the paddocks with paths to take you previous, whereas in the course of the winter months you possibly can go to them of their barn. The sanctuary isnโ€™t open day by day, so do test earlier than you go to.

Donkeys in a field - visiting the sanctuary near Falmouth is one of my top free things to do in Cornwall with kids

Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, Helston

Meet seals and sea lions on the sanctuary and rescue centre, in addition to otters, penguins, sheep, ponies and goats at one of many quirkiest Cornwall sights youโ€™ll discover.

In addition to an interactive rockpool, there are talks and feeding occasions which happen all through the day (so you possibly can lastly discover out the distinction between a seal and a sea lion) plus a quiz path and pirate play space for teenagers.

The centre rehabilitates over 70 gray seal pups each season, in addition to being residence to others which want particular care. Itโ€™s even dog-friendly in the event youโ€™re travelling to Cornwall with the furry family members (so long as theyโ€™re stored on a lead).

Try this publish from Suitcases and Sandcastles for extra on the seal sanctuary.

Cornwall with youngsters: Theme parks & locations to play

Camel Creek

Camel Creek is a superb choice in the event youโ€™re in search of a theme park in Cornwall with a little bit of every part โ€“ indoor and outside play, animals, a 5D theatre, varied ridesโ€ฆ

With light rides for little ones, together with a carousel, plus extra adventurous rollercoasters for barely greater thrill-seekers, itโ€™s perfect in the event youโ€™ve received youngsters of various ages.

Thereโ€™s mushy play and the animal zones to discover too, so itโ€™s one other nice choice if there are showers forecast. Open year-round, there are particular themed seasonal occasions too in the event youโ€™re visiting round Halloween or Christmas. Prebooking tickets is really helpful.

Camel Creek has changed Crealyโ€™s Journey Park which was once on this web site. Cornwallโ€™s different theme park, Flambards, closed in November 2024, whereas Dairyland Farm Park has additionally closed

View of an arch leading to part of Camel Creek theme park with rides in the background - one of the best things to do in Cornwall with kids

Base Camp, Portreath

Head to Gwel an Mor resort to profit from greater than 2,000 sq. ft of soppy play at Base Camp, with a whopping three flooring of ball swimming pools, slides and different mushy play enjoyable for teenagers aged 3+, in addition to a separate play space for little ones, with quite gentler enjoyable.

However there are additionally just a few extra thrills to search out in case your youngsters need one thing past mushy play, together with 10 themed climbing partitions on the clipโ€™nโ€™climb part, appropriate for age 4 plus.

Pirateโ€™s Quest Journey Golf, Newquay

Journey again 300 years to the Golden Age of piracy, within the residence of smugglers and buccaneers (and mermaids) with a household pleasant journey golf course with a twist.

At Pirateโ€™s Quest Journey Golf youโ€™ll discover 12 holes winding via 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 youโ€™re in search of issues to do in Newquay within the rain.

Whereas the earlier interactive tour isnโ€™t working any extra, youngsters nonetheless get treasure maps to seek for pirate booty, plus an opportunity to study extra about Cornwallโ€™s myths and legends.

For extra concepts on what to do in Cornwall within the rain with youngsters, try these ideas to keep away from the worst of the climate

Raze the Roof, Penryn

In case your youngsters wish to burn off some vitality after sightseeing, Raze the Roofย mushy play in Penryn is barely a 10-minute drive from Falmouth.

And in addition to the same old mushy play treats, this enormous play space has a climbing wall, ball cannons, astro glide and a mega play body, plus a separate protected house for the littest ones.

Thereโ€™s a Digital Actuality Area and Laser Tag as effectively for older youngsters too, good for a wet day in Cornwall with youngsters.

Cornwall with youngsters: Household-friendly sights

The Eden Undertaking, St Austell

This astonishing world backyard, tucked inside futuristic domed biomes, is residence to the worldโ€™s largest indoor rainforest in addition to interactive reveals, a sensory backyard and crops from across the globe.

Itโ€™s good for households too: in addition to transporting your self to the Mediterranean and into the rainforest, there are areas to play, areas to get palms on and artworks to intrigue alongside the best way.

Go to throughout faculty holidays and also youโ€™ll usually discover particular exhibitions and further actions on the Eden Undertaking too.

See my overviewย of a time out on the Eden Undertaking with a preschooler.

Biomes of the Eden Project in Cornwall against the blue sky - the Eden Project with kids is a great day out for families and one of my top things to do in Cornwall with kids

Bodmin Jail, Bodmin

In case your youngsters take pleasure in all issues spooky, this 18th century jail is seemingly one of the vital haunted locations in Britain โ€“ so higher for older youngsters, who love their wet days spiced up with a bit of shiver of fright than for youthful youngsters (itโ€™s not buggy-friendly both).

Just lately renovated with new sights coming, there are six ranges to discover, from the dank cells and harsh punishments, in addition to the execution pit and particular exhibitions. Much less gruesomely, the jail has additionally stored the Domesday Ebook and Crown Jewels protected.

Ebook tickets to Bodmin Jail and the Darkish Stroll with free cancellation right here

Cornwall with youngsters: Castles, historic homes and heritage websites

Pendennis Fort, Falmouth

One of many mightiest fortresses constructed by Henry VIII to defend towards invasion, Pendennis Fort looms on the headland simply outdoors Falmouth.

You possibly can discover the fortress hold on the English Heritage web site,ย in addition to gazing out on the views from the highest of the Tudor hold, making an attempt household actions and exploring the outdated buildings, together with exhibitions from the Victorian and First World Battle eras.

Thereโ€™s additionally mushy play and a ferry over to the close by fortress at St Mawes, if one isnโ€™t sufficient!

Plan your go to for the suitable day and you may even see weapons being fired, together with Tudor replicas in addition to Edwardian and Second World Battle fashions which might have been used to guard the coast.

Tintagel Fort, Tintagel

Dramatic and rugged, the clifftop ruins include legends galore, notably the story that itโ€™s the birthplace of King Arthur โ€“ and also youโ€™ll discover Merlinโ€™s Cave close by.

Finest with older youngsters who can handle the vertiginous steps,ย Tintagel Fortย is likely one of the most memorable fortress websites in Cornwall โ€“ even crossing the bridge is magical, whereas thereโ€™s a sculpture of the As soon as and Future King on the cliffs.

In the event youโ€™re frightened that ruins arenโ€™t going to seize your youngstersโ€™ consideration, thereโ€™s additionally an exhibition to convey the fortress to life, tracing its historical past, the important thing figures whoโ€™ve been linked with it, and the way its legends have impressed them.

People on the causeway, just visible through the waves, leading to St Michael's Mount in Cornwall - a visit is one of the best things to do in Cornwall with kids

St Michaelโ€™s Mount

A go to to St Michaelโ€™s Mount is like getting into one other world, the place you possibly can stroll medieval paths, discover the fortress and uncover the village and harbour, together with guided excursions to study extra about life on this little island.

As you wander across the village, think about what life is like for the 30 islanders who nonetheless name it residence โ€“ the excursions additionally share extra of its historical past in addition to tales in regards to the households who dwell on the Mount. At some factors of the 12 months, you possibly can discover a bit of totally free, however in any other case itโ€™s paid.

At low tide you possibly can stroll throughout the causeway to succeed in the island (following within the footsteps of giants, so legend says) or hop on a ship to hurry over from Marazion, additionally residence to one of many loveliest seashores in Cornwall.

Lanhydrock, Bodmin

One in every of a number of Nationwide Belief properties in Cornwall, Lanhydrock is a superb choice for a wet day with youngsters โ€“ in addition to the same old expansive grounds and outside actions (together with an journey playground), there are kidsโ€™s trails to discover inside the home as effectively.

Designed to allow you to expertise Victorian life, from the servantsโ€™ quarters and kitchens to the extra luxurious rooms the household lived in, you possibly can even take a peek contained in the nurseries.

View across gardens to Cotehele National Trust property - one of my top things to do in Cornwall in the rain with kids

Cotehele, close to Saltash

This Tudor manor home is one other nice choice for time out in Cornwall with youngsters โ€“ thereโ€™s a free youngstersโ€™s path to observe via the rooms, with stickers to gather alongside the best way, and varied actions happening all year long.

You possibly can make postcards, impressed by the medieval manorโ€™s gardens and wartime historical past, earlier than discovering out extra about nature and wildlife within the Uncover Centre.

Or wander to the Mill (spot the pisky doorways on the best way), the place the waterwheel could also be turning โ€“ watch flour being milled on Thursdays and Sundays.

Tintagel Outdated Put up Workplace, Tintagel

First constructed over 600 years in the past, the unique farmhouse has been expanded and altered over the centuries as household after household lived inside its partitions.

Lastly reworked into the villageโ€™s letter-receiving workplace, you possibly can discover the 5 rooms in addition to attempt conventional crafts or observe the historical past path as you discover.

Trerice, close to Newquay

This sixteenth century manor is a superb place to discover on a wet day, with conventional video games to play in the homeโ€™s nice chamber and mice to identify round the home.

Thereโ€™s additionally the possibility to attempt your hand at brass rubbings of the household which as soon as lived at Trerice and dressing up in Tudor costumes.

Ourdoors, you could possibly attempt enjoying the normal Cornish sport of kayles, or exploring the knot backyard.

Image of a Cornish village with the words, Click to buy my ebook version of the complete guide to Cornwall with kids, only ยฃ2.50

Cornwall mining heritage

Geevor Tin Mine, close to Penzance

One of many largest preserved mine websites within the nation, itโ€™s the proper place to grasp Cornwallโ€™s mining historical past together with an 18th century underground tour and the possibility to pan for minerals.

Alongside the best way, there are interactive reveals within the museum in addition to the possibility to see areas preserved when the mine was closed, plus further household actions in the course of the 12 months.

Any Poldark followers will recognise Wheal Leisure in the event that they do enterprise out for a brief stroll alongside the cliffs โ€“ plus thereโ€™s additionally a VR tour to offer further entry to elements of the mine workings, and to make the expertise extra accessible.

If you wish to uncover extra of Cornwallโ€™s industrial and mining historical past, Wheal Martyn Clay Works at St Austell is one other various, with family-friendly interactive reveals on the UKโ€™s solely china clay mining museum

Tin Mining at Cornwall Gold, Redruth

There are a few enjoyable methods to get palms on at Cornwall Gold โ€“ together with an opportunity to pan for gold your self.

Thereโ€™s dressing up for little ones, who can rework themselves right into a tin miller or bal maiden, as a part of the Tolgus Mill interactive exhibition, plus you possibly can see how rock was smashed into items earlier than the tin ore was eliminated.

With authentic artefacts, you possibly can study extra in regards to the individuals who labored within the mines, in addition to a few of the different machines used to separate the dear steel out from the rock to be offered. Each actions are utterly free (plus different paid choices, together with portray pottery)

Sadly Heartlands, one other nice free wet day attraction in Cornwall, has now closed โ€“ for extra free issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters, try my high picks

Carnglaze Cavern, St Neot

Head underground to keep away from the climate on a tour of a former slate mine between Liskeard and Bodmin โ€“ you possibly can uncover how the miners labored, ending on the Underground lake, in addition to seeing a few of the minerals mined and quarried within the space.

Exploring round 60m beneath floor, itโ€™s at all times 10C, so pack a jumper in the event youโ€™re visiting on a heat summer seasonโ€™s day โ€“ or benefit from the heat on chillier ones! Thereโ€™s additionally a woodland stroll with a youngstersโ€™s path.

See the mines at Botallack

Earlier than tourism, Cornwallโ€™s wealth got here from mining, and the coast and countryside continues to be suffering from the stays of those mines.

And when you canโ€™t go down into Botallack mine in contrast to these at Geevor close by, itโ€™s an incredible place to study a bit of extra about this aspect of Cornish historical past in addition to having fun with the dramatic clifftop surroundings.

The old stone towers from the mine at Botallack on the Cornish coast - a visit is one of the most unusual free things to do in Cornwall with kids

The mineโ€™s tunnels prolong half a mile underneath the ocean, and itโ€™s thought that round 20,000 tonnes of copper had been mined, together with tin and (unexpectedly) arsenic.

Right this moment, you possibly can nonetheless see the Crownds engine home, which pumped water out of the shafts, and which has been used for filming of the TV sequence Poldark. The outdated mine workplace has extra data and homes the customer centre and cafe.

Cornwall with youngsters: Museums & artwork galleries

Nationwide Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth

Voted one of many nationโ€™s most family-friendly museums, the unbelievable Nationwide Maritime Museum traces the historical past of the island and its boating heroes throughout 15 galleries.

The right place to grasp the position the ocean performs in life in Cornwall (particularly when the climate is simply too unhealthy to truly be out on the waves), youโ€™ll hear tales of the ocean and seafarers via the centuries, in addition to momentary exhibitions, starting from the Vikings to Titanic.

There are additionally storytelling classes for teenagers, interactive reveals and the possibility to go into the basement Tidal Zone to look out into the waters of the harbour throughout your go to.

Try my overview of our day on theย Nationwide Maritime Museum with a toddler.

The exterior of the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth - one of my top 20 things to do in Cornwall with kids

PK Porthcurno: Museum of International Communications (Porthcurno Telegraph Museum) close to Penzance

As soon as Britainโ€™s communications centre, with telegraph cables stretching underneath the ocean to the cities of the Empire, the little Cornish village of Porthcurno was as soon as residence to the worldโ€™s largest telegraph station.

And whereas know-how has moved on, the fascinating tales atย the museumย are nonetheless value discovering, from the spot the place underwater cables got here ashore to Second World Battle tunnels, used for secret wartime communications, in addition to exhibitions on the best way we talk at this time.

There are actions, hands-on reveals and dressing up amongst different choices to entertain youngsters, in addition to common family-friendly exhibitions.

Tate St Ives, St Ives

The Cornwall department of the Tate gallery is true on the seaside (in case it’s essential flee from sudden rainstorms in St Ives) and has a diverse assortment of recent artwork and momentary exhibitions โ€“ decide up exercise packs from reception, observe the household trails and there are even urged video games to play as you discover.

In the event youโ€™re visiting with a child or toddlers, there are altering services and a mother or father and child room for breastfeeding on degree 3 (though youโ€™re welcome to breastfeed wherever within the gallery).

Not like a few of the different Tate galleries, there’s a cost for adults to enter, so itโ€™s not one of many locations to go to in Cornwall totally free, however youngsters donโ€™t must pay.

Image of a Cornish village with the words, Click to buy my ebook version of the complete guide to Cornwall with kids, only ยฃ2.50

Falmouth Artwork Gallery

The gallery has beforehand received an award for its family-friendliness, and there are common classes for teenagers on Saturdays plus Little Fingers classes for pre-schoolers on chosen dates โ€“ fairly other than the surprisingly diverse artwork assortment on this small museum.

Thereโ€™s additionally no entry cost, in the event youโ€™re in search of free issues to do in Cornwall within the rain.

Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro

The oldest and largest museum in Cornwall, the Royal Cornwall Museum is the countyโ€™s oldest and largest museum, set as much as showcase Cornish heritage and tradition from the traditional previous to the current.

Increasing since then to incorporate artwork and reveals from all over the world, together with an Egyptian mummy, there are additionally artwork shows, common momentary exhibitions, plus family-friendly occasions together with some geared toward pre-schoolers.

Itโ€™s additionally free for youngsters underneath 18, so perfect in the event youโ€™re in search of days out in Cornwall on a finances.

For extra concepts of free days out in Cornwall with youngsters, these concepts receivedโ€™t price you a penny.

Museum of Cornish Life, Helston

An awesome choice for a free time out in Cornwall with youngsters if itโ€™s raining, the Museum of Cornish Lifeย is a enjoyable method to study extra in regards to the countyโ€™s historical past.

Youโ€™ll discover all types of objects on show as an instance totally different sides of Cornish tradition, in addition to an enormous social historical past assortment, shows on inventor Henry Trengrouse, to not point outย every part from farming to toys to gardening to musical devices.

There are exercise sheets and dressing up for households in addition to occasional exercise trails.

The Shipwreck Museum, Charlestown

Take a step again into Cornwallโ€™s previous and the times of treasure and wreckers on the Shipwreck Museum in Charlestown.

Youโ€™ll discover over 8,000 artefacts from greater than 150 separate ships, together with objects from the Mary Rose and the Titanic. There are common particular occasions all through faculty holidays as effectively.

Edit: The museum is presently up on the market, so its future is unsure

Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle

The worldโ€™s oldest and largest assortment of witchcraft and magic, this isnโ€™t one for simply scared toddlers โ€“ however with round 3,000 reveals, thereโ€™s a lot to fascinate older youngsters who wish to uncover extra in regards to the historical past of magic.

Most visits final for lower than an hour, so donโ€™t plan to spend all day, however the museum is likely one of the most uncommon locations to shelter on a wet day in Cornwall.

Cornwall with youngsters: Getting outdoors

Hit the seaside

You possibly canโ€™t go to Cornwall and never go to the seaside. Nicely, you possibly can however you shouldnโ€™t. I like the wilder north coast however there are lovely stretches of sand alongside the south as effectively, whether or not youโ€™re making sandcastles and paddling with toddlers or bringing your personal surfboards and heading into the waves.

Whichever coast youโ€™re staying on, youโ€™ll be near an incredible family-friendly seaside in Cornwall, however Iโ€™ve picked out just a few of the perfect.

A view down onto the sand of Crantock beach, one of my top family beaches in Cornwall if you're visiting north Cornwall with kids

In North Cornwall, head to the huge open sands of Crantock Seaside, backed by dunes, and beforehand voted Britainโ€™s finest seaside.

Each Fistral Seaside and Polzeath Seaside are nice for surfers, together with younger newbies, however thereโ€™s a lot to maintain households completely happy even in the event youโ€™re not choosing up a board.

Or take pleasure in a whopping three miles of sand at Perranporth seaside, or your decide of seven totally different coves at The Seven Bays, linked by coastal paths so itโ€™s doable to slot in a few seashores right into a single day.

In the event youโ€™re staying round St Ives, thereโ€™s a selection of attractive seashores in and across the city โ€“ Porthmeor seaside is one in every of my favourites however thereโ€™s Porthminster and Porthgwidden and close by Carbis Bay as effectively.

Porthcurno seaside is definitely one of the vital uncommon with the Minack Theatre perched excessive above it and a few superb turquoise water.

View across the cliffs to turquoise sea and golden sand of Porthcurno beach - one of the best beaches and best free days out in Cornwall with kids

Or Whitesands Bay, not removed from Sennen Cove, probably the most westerly level in England, has some great white sands (because the title suggests!) with extra of these unbelievable turquoise waters.

Praa Sands is one other good choice in the event youโ€™re mixing sights and seaside, not removed from Penzance, St Michaelโ€™s Mount, and the Lizard Peninsula, with 1.5 miles of seaside and water thatโ€™s shallow sufficient even for little ones.

For a bit extra journey by the ocean, Kernow Coasteering has newbie classes, that are good for youthful youngsters and households (in addition to commonplace classes in the event youโ€™ve received teenagers who’re coasteering followers) at Praa Sands

On the south coast, Kynance Cove has been voted the perfect on the planet, well-known for its rock stacks, wildlife and caves in addition to the possibility to paddle.

Falmouth has its personal selection of seashores too. Gyllyngvase (aka Gylly) Seaside is simply 10 minutes from the city centre, with rock swimming pools in addition to watersports and loads of house to make sandcastles.

Or in the event youโ€™re staying round Looe, East Looe seaside has extra calm, shallow water for youthful youngsters in addition to rockpools too.

However thatโ€™s solely a style of a few of the finest, with round 400 seashores in Cornwall to attempt.

Try my high picks of the perfect family-friendly seashores in Cornwall

Landโ€™s Finish

Thereโ€™s way over simply the well-known signal at Landโ€™s Finish, with a string of different sights to find when youโ€™ve wandered the clifftop paths and looking to the ocean, plus getting your picture taken on the iconic signpost.ย 

White sign at Land's End with the blue sea in the background - the best things to do with kids in Cornwall

Smaller youngsters will love The Grand Expertise from Aardman Animations, following on from profitable the Shaun the Sheep Expertise, together with experimenting in Wallace and Gromitโ€™s inventing workshop and assembly the characters.

Thereโ€™s additionally aย 4D cinema, interactive walk-through expertise Arthurโ€™s Quest, and an exhibition on individuals whoโ€™ve walked from right here to John Oโ€™Groats.

In the event youโ€™re impressed, youโ€™ve additionally received miles of dramatic coast to wander round, in addition to simple family-friendly walks on the South West Coast Path, whereas theย Cornish Means cycle pathย additionally begins from Landโ€™s Finish with a traffic-free part.

Stroll the coast

The South West Coast Path stretches for 300 miles round this a part of the UK โ€“ greater than sufficient to search out just a few good locations to go to in Cornwall, from dramatic cliffs to conventional fishing villages and wandering previous some extra of these great seashores.

Path running along the north Cornwall coast with the sea to one side and green scenery ahead - walking the South West Coast Path is one of the best free things to do in Cornwall

In the event youโ€™re unsure the place to begin, the web site allows you to refine your search by issue and theme, in addition to location, so in the event youโ€™re in search of a simple, household strolling route, itโ€™ll present you the perfect locations to amble.

How a couple of seaside stroll at Crantock, a stroll to Pendennis Fort and even heading from Penzance to Marazion, to not point out plenty of choices which can be lower than a mile lengthy.

You can too stroll from Sennen Cove to Lands Finish (or from the village of Sennen itself) to see the views right here โ€“ though itโ€™s value figuring out it’s important to pay to have a photograph taken with the well-known signpost. Lizard Level is probably the most southerly level of mainland Britain (although Lands Finish is furthest from John Oโ€™Groats) and thereโ€™s an incredible path across the cliffs right here too.

The Misplaced Gardens of Heligan, St Austell

Theย Misplaced Gardens of Heliganย have a narrative as fascinating as their evocative title โ€“ hidden till 30 years in the past, theyโ€™ve since been restored to their full glory together with walks and magical gardens for teenagers.

Buried giant or troll head in the grounds of the Lost Gardens of Heligan - unmissable if you're visiting Cornwall with kids

Look out for The Jungle and a few of the sculptures, together with the Largeโ€™s Head (which my daughter declared was a buried troll head) and Mud Maid, however with 200 acres to discover, thereโ€™s plenty to maintain youngsters entertained.

Save a while to go to the Uncommon Breeds Farm and the Misplaced Adventures play space, plus there are particular seasonal occasions all year long too.

The Minack Theatre, Penzance

You can too discover one of the vital uncommon spots within the UK on theย Minack Theatre.

This dramatic theatre is constructed on the aspect of the cliff, with great views out to the waves โ€“ you possibly can ebook to go to in the course of 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 favoriteย seashores in Cornwall with youngsters, so itโ€™s simple to mix sightseeing with sunbathing.

A view down to the Minack Theatre in Cornwall and the sea below

The Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Bodmin

Chuffing alongside a 13-mile route in a steam practice is at all times a winner for train-obsessed little ones (and larger ones), and sheltered within the carriages, itโ€™s additionally an excellent choice to discover the countryside when itโ€™s raining in Cornwall.

In addition to particular themed occasions throughout faculty holidays, corresponding to Halloween and Santa trains, you can even have cream teas aboard. Canine are welcome too.

Lappa Valley Steam Railway, St Newlyn East

Toddlers and preschoolers specifically will love attending to go on the small railway thatโ€™s run via the conservation space at Lappa Valley Steam Railway, though thereโ€™s extra to find right here than trains alone.

There are nature trails and kidsโ€™s rides, a toddler path maze plus indoor play carriages and a woodland railway. Or you possibly can also have a go at loopy golf when youโ€™re visiting so itโ€™s a enjoyable time out in Cornwall for the entire household.

The Camel Path

An 18-mile cycle and strolling path linking Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin, this follows an outdated railway observe alongside the river Camel โ€“ itโ€™s simple to discover smaller sections of the Camel Path too in the event you donโ€™t fancy the whole path.

The five-mile stretch from Wadebridge to Padstow is an ideal simple introduction to the Camel path for youthful youngsters to attempt, and the disused railway line means there aren’t any surprising hills to sort out.

With loads of possibilities to cease for a relaxation within the villages alongside the route, itโ€™s a beautiful time out on bikes or in the event youโ€™re in search of family-friendly walks in Cornwall.

Two smiling kids and two adults on bikes under the trees - cycling is one of the best things to do in Cornwall for free with kids

Lanhydrock cycle trails

The paths across the Nationwide Belief property of Lanhydrock are free (in the event you convey your personal bikes) with totally different issue ranges, together with ones appropriate for trailers and tagalongs.

The inexperienced path is best for youthful youngsters, solely a mile and a half lengthy and appropriate for trailers and tagalongs โ€“ good in the event you simply desire a half hour cycle earlier than hitting the journey playground.

There are additionally 4 totally different blue trails (average issue) for a bit extra of a check, whereas older youngsters and youths will love the purple path and the abilities space, to spice up your confidence and practise a few of the trickier off-road path expertise youโ€™ll want.

Cardinham Woods

House to the Forestry Feeโ€™s family-friendly actions, such a few of the exercise trails impressed by Julia Donaldsonbooks, there are additionally 4 strolling trails to discover at Cardinham Woods together with three cycle trails.

In the event youโ€™re visiting Cornwall with a child or toddler, one of many strolling trails is buggy pleasant, plus thereโ€™s a play space and cafe.

There’s a cost for parking except youโ€™re a discovery cross holder, at ยฃ4 for 2 hours or ยฃ7 for the entire day (paybyphone is accessible in the event you didnโ€™t convey cash). Nice in the event youโ€™re in search of low-cost days out in Cornwall.

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, in addition to as soon as being a hang-out of smugglers.

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, donโ€™t miss a go to to Dozmary Pool the place the Woman of the Lake supposedly gave Excalibur to Merlin.

In the event you do wish to discover out extra about Cornwallโ€™s smuggling historical past, together with how Bodmin Moor was on the coronary heart of it, head to Jamaica Inn which has a small smuggling museum inside โ€“ just a few kilos per individual, so itโ€™s a enjoyable choice with older youngsters (or followers of Daphne Du Maurierโ€™s novel Jamaica Inn).

As a enjoyable bonus, you can even go to the village of Minions when youโ€™re at Bodmin Moor โ€“ not named for the little yellow characters from Despicable Me, however the village has positively embraced them!

Water cascading down under the trees at Golitha Falls - a visit is one of the great free things to do in Cornwall with kids

Golitha Falls

The Golitha Falls Nature Reserve is one other magical spot thatโ€™s a part of Bodmin Moor, with footpaths main via the valley alongside the riverside.

One path is buggy-friendly, however older youngsters will love stepping stones and clambering over tree trunks on the best way to the falls. Donโ€™t neglect to be careful for the piskies which dwell thereโ€ฆ

Thereโ€™s free parking and also youโ€™ll usually discover a trailer promoting BBQ meals, though in the event you do convey your personal provisions, itโ€™s one other one so as to add to the checklist of utterly free days out in Cornwall.

Browsing

The county is famed for its browsing (and seashores) however itโ€™s positively not only for adults. Surf faculties just like the SSS Surf Faculty has classes from age six, or from 5 at Harlyn Surf Faculty whereas Discovery Surf Faculty and St Ives Surf Facultyย have varied little one and household choices.

View across Fistral beach, Newquay, one of Cornwall's most popular for surfers - one of my top things to do in Cornwall with kids

And donโ€™t miss the chocolate tart at Porthmeor Seaside Cafe in the event youโ€™ve been battling the waves in St Ives!

Or in the event you donโ€™t fancy braving the ocean, head to Retallack close to Padstow, which has Cornwallโ€™s solely FlowRider โ€“ good waves, regardless of the climate, which are perfect for youthful surfers hoping to hone their expertise. Appropriate for age 8+.

Try my full information to Cornwall with youngsters, in addition to my downloadable book model of the information. Or discover extra concepts of the perfectย free issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters, the perfect seashores in Cornwall, plus inspiration for what to do in Cornwall within the rain.

*First revealed 2015, final up to date 2024*

PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN CORNWALL WITH KIDS

My top things to do in Cornwall with kids - some of the country's best family-friendly attractions including places for a family day outโ€ฆ

Disclosure: This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks โ€“ any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee

Photographs: Donkey/St Michaelโ€™s Mount/Cotehele/Botallack/Crantock/Porthcurno/Coast path/Landโ€™s Finish/Minack Theatre/youngsters on bikes/Golitha Falls courtesy Depositphoto, Camel Creek courtesy Camel Creek theme park, Misplaced Gardens courtesy AdobeStock, all different copyright MummyTravels

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