When you think about how a lot there may be to do in Cornwall with youngsters, itโs no shock that the area is without doubt one of the hottest locations within the UK for a household vacation (and one in every of my very own private favourites) โ and why a information to Cornwall with youngsters would possibly turn out to be useful to assist plan.
comprises affiliate hyperlinks*
From these attractive seashores to picturesque villages and wonderful countryside, historical past galore whether or not youโre intrigued by castles, Arthurian legend or mines, loads of likelihood to get outside, to not point out iconic spots like Landโs Finish and the Eden Venture, you’ll be able to return many times and nonetheless discover someplace new.
So Iโve rounded up a number 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 free of charge in my final information to Cornwall with youngsters.
Greatest issues to do in Cornwall for households
In the event youโre unsure the place to start, try a few of my posts on the necessities you’ll be able toโt miss โ together with my high issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters.
If the climate isnโt the great solar you had been hoping for, Iโve additionally picked out the very best issues to do in Cornwall within the rain with youngsters,ย in addition to the very best seashores in Cornwall for teenagers when the climateโs nice โ whether or not youโre hoping to swim, make sandcastles or stroll alongside the coast.
There are additionally price range concepts in case youโre looking for the very best free days out in Cornwall and in case youโre venturing past the mainland to the attractive islands off the coast, Iโve obtained a information to the Isles of Scillyย with tips about issues to do and see on the completely different islands.
Or maintain scrolling for extra concepts of household sights and days out throughout the entire county.
Free days out in Cornwall
Travelling with youngsters isnโt all the time low-cost, even on a UK staycation โ though whereas the solar shines, you’ll be able to spend loads of time on the seashore for the worth of an ice cream and a bucket and spade.
Listed below are a few of my favorite seashores in case youโre trying to relax on the sandย 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 number of the smaller museums, together with the Museum of Cornish Life in Helston, or the little Tintagel Toy Museum โ excellent in case youโre 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 received an award for its family-friendliness, with altering exhibitions and over 1,700 artworks within the assortment.
There are many out of doors sights as nicely, to not point out extra walks than you’ll be able to rely on the South West Coast Path โ thereโs a piece on the very best walks in Cornwall for households so you’ll find a stretch close to you.
Within the northern a part of the county, you’ll be able to 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 the event youโd fairly cycle, thereโs 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’ll be able to see a number of the large tanks, in addition to the animals at Healeyโs Cornish Cyder Farm โ full excursions are paid, and chances are high youโll want a number of additional pennies for extra cider to take residence.
Roskillyโs Ice Cream Farm remains to be solely free to go to (letโs be reasonable, youโll wish to purchase no less than one ice cream although however that also qualifies on an inventory 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 youโre visiting in midsummer or out of season, it pays to be ready for dangerous climate, however youโre nonetheless spoiled for selection in case youโre questioning what to do in Cornwall when it rains.
Iโve pulled collectively an inventory of my high issues to do in Cornwall when it rains however listed below are a number of highlights to start out you off.
The Eden Ventureโs two biomes receivedโt simply maintain you dry however will transport you to the Mediterranean and the rainforest.
Or for different indoor actions, Cornwall has some pretty household sights the place you’ll be able to keep dry โ Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay was one in every of my daughterโs favourites as a toddler, whereas close by Pirateโs Quest Journey Golfย is one other nice choice.
In Falmouth, you’ll be able to head to the Nationwide Maritime Museum which regularly has actions in addition to a wide range of exhibitions.
On the other coast, younger art-lovers canโt 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 Cavernsย or to a real mine courting 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 โ the Bodmin & Wenford steam railwayย allows you to see a number of the countryside with out getting moist, or try the Lappa Valley steam railwayย if you’d like enjoyable issues to do within the rain in Cornwall with toddlers.
Outside actions in Cornwall
Cornwall has numerous lovely locations to get outdoors, with two coasts and lovely countryside โ try a number of the solutions in my free days out in Cornwall suggestions above.
For starters, youโve obtained countless selections if you wish to go strolling, with family-friendly stretches of the South West coast path, plus cycle trails together with the Camel Valley path and choices at Lanhydrock.
And Cornall can be excellent for watersports, most famously browsing. You neednโt have tried earlier than with surf colleges dotted round Cornwall, a lot of which supply classes for youthful surfers as nicely.
Thereโs additionally bodyboarding and stand-up paddle boarding to strive across the coast, together with kayaking and sea kayaking, crusing plus the Retallack Resort aqua park at Padstow.
Issues to do in north Cornwall with youngsters
In the event youโre staying on Cornwallโs wilder north coast or exploring the countryside in north Cornwall, Iโve picked a number of the finest issues to do in north Cornwall with youngsters to start out 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 youโre staying in Padstow, for instance, youโre really nearer to Newquay than Bude, so itโs value trying out the subsequent part of my household Cornwall information as nicely.
Get outside
This a part of Cornwall is nice in case youโre trying to strive watersports โ Freewave Surf Academy in Bude specialises in classes for households, and thereโs bodyboarding and SUP on the record in addition to browsing.
In the event youโre visiting Cornwall with teenagers, you may additionally strive coasteering at Bude and Polzeath, close to Port Isaac, to get your coronary heart racing.
North Cornwall can be residence to the stunning Camel path with its cycle monitor and strolling routes on the disused railway line โ straightforward sufficient for teenagers to strive, as I keep in mind from my very own childhood holidays, and simple to discover in sections such because the five-mile journey from Wadebridge to Padstow.
One of many loveliest stretches of the South West coast path runs alongside the River Camel, and itโs an awesome one for teenagers โ the Sir John Betjeman stroll is simple going, passes the seashore and results in St Enodoc Church the place the poet laureate is buried.
There are family-friendly trails at Cardinham Woods too, together with the Julia Donaldson-inspired trails from the Forestry Fee but additionally 4 strolling trails, one in every of which is buggy-friendly in case youโre 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.
Thereโs geocaching to strive, you may stroll a part of the 60-mile Copper Path strolling route or select the better footpaths on the Golitha Falls Pure Reserve.
See the animals
Not removed from Port Isaac, higher often known as the setting for TV collection Doc Martin, Trevathan Farm is a working farm thatโs a beautiful time out in case youโre visiting Cornwall with toddlers or youthful youngsters.
In addition to animals to identify, thereโs fruit selecting in the summertime, plus pumpkin carving at Halloween โ 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 Centreย is residence to greater than 50 rescued birds of prey, together with owls, eagles and hawks, with common flying shows.
And the Screech Owl Wildlife Park has flying shows and owl talks, in addition to owl dealing with classes for teenagers aged 11+
The Tamar Otter Centre close to Launceston has now sadly closed
For an unforgettable wildlife expertise, head off to sea with Padstow Sealife Safaris โ you may spot seals, dolphins, porpoises, and even sunfish and basking sharks, together with birds galore.ย
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 โ and the place you’ll be able to see child lobsters, even undertake and identify them.
Go to a theme park
The previous Crealyโs Journey Park reopened in 2018 as Camel Creek Journey Park, simply south of Padstow.
Thereโs nonetheless a little bit of every thing together with rides, indoor and out of doors journey play โ so itโs an awesome choice for a wet day in north Cornwall with youngsters โ plus a 5D theatre to journey by time.
Flambards, the opposite theme park in Cornwall, closed in November 2024
Historical past and tradition
North Cornwall is without doubt one of the finest areas in Cornwall with youngsters who love historical past; you’ll be able to 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.
Fantastic Tintagel is someplace to not miss, itโs a genuinely magical setting and you may nonetheless cross to the clifftop ruins of Tintagel Fortress โ the dramatic website is the birthplace of King Arthur, in keeping with legend, with Merlinโs Cave seen on the seashore at low tide and a sculpture of the As soon as and Future King on the cliffs.
Whilst youโre there, cease in and uncover Tintagel Outdated Submit Workplace too โ initially a farmhouse courting 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’ll be able to see King Arthurโs Stone and, in keeping with legend, the fields the place Arthur and Mordred met for his or her final battle. Itโs additionally residence to Girl Falmouthโs Secret Backyard, an 18th century backyard thatโs at the moment being restored.
For extra legends, the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic at Boscastle isnโt far-off both. Undoubtedly a extra uncommon time out with youngsters in Cornwall, itโs a unusual approach to spend an hour or so.
Additional down the coast, the village of Port Isaac is filled with smuggling historical past โ the Golden Lion pub even has an outdated smuggling tunnel main all the way down to the seashore. Iโm a fan of Treasure Trails to discover with youngsters and thereโs a Treasure Hunt for the village.
Donโt 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’ll be able to poke across the servantsโ quarters and kitchens in addition to the householdโs 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 โ there are some guided excursions in summer season, however in any other case itโs a self-guided go to.
It’s also possible to spot bats in case youโre fortunate, and hunt for dragons outdoors on the Woodland Stroll and within the Enchanted Dell.
The Bodmin & Wenford Railway is a beautiful approach to discover the world, excellent in case youโre visiting north Cornwall with toddlers or in search of concepts for a wet day in Cornwall.
The steam trains comply with a 13-mile route, and there are sometimes themed occasions similar to Halloween and Santa trains to look out for.
Or older youngsters shall be fascinated by Bodmin Jail, supposedly one of the haunted locations in Britain. With a brand new immersive customer expertise, thereโs an opportunity to study the historical past of the jail as youโre 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 thereโs a lot to do in case youโre planning to go to Cornwall with a toddler as nicely.
Check out the part on north Cornwall (above) as nicely, as youโre not removed from Padstow and its sights too, for extra concepts of issues to do close to Newquay with youngsters.
Get outside
In the event youโre in search of issues to do outside in Newquay, there are seashores, seashores and extra seashores for starters. Fistral seashore is understood for its browsing, or you’ll be able to 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 withย Tolcarne Seashore, Watergate Bay, Lusty Glaze Seashore, Perranporth Seashore, Towan seashore within the city itself.
In the event youโre in search of dog-friendly seashores in Newquay, try this record.
If you would like greater than a spot to construct sandcastles, itโs implausible for watersports, together with bodyboarding and coasteering, plus extra surf colleges than you’ll be able to shake a board at. Take a look at Newquay Exercise Centre too for teenagers and household classes and actions.
On land, you may strive some biking โ a part of the Cornish Method cycle route runs to and from Newquay โ in addition to strolling. The South West Coast Path in West Cornwall consists of some family-friendly walks round Newquay.
See the animals
The Blue Reef aquarium sits proper on Towan seashore in Newquay so itโs excellent if it’s worthwhile to escape the showers โ though itโs all the time 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’ll be able to 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 Centreย is residence to greater than 50 rescued birds of prey, together with owls, eagles and hawks, with common flying shows.
And the Screech Owl Wildlife Park has flying shows and owl talks, in addition to owl dealing with classes for teenagers aged 11+.
Close to Padstow, Macdonalds Farm (previously Outdated Macdonalds Farm) has day go to choices, so you’ll be able to expertise a number 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 Crealyโs Journey Park reopened in 2018 as Camel Creek Journey Park, simply north of Newquay.
Thereโs nonetheless a little bit of every thing together with rides, indoor and out of doors journey play โ so itโs an awesome choice for a wet day in north Cornwall with youngsters โ plus a 5D theatre to journey by time.
Flambards, the opposite theme park in Cornwall, closed in November 2024
Historical past and tradition
In the event youโre in search of historic locations to go to in Newquay, thereโs a lot to tempt โ beginning with the sixteenth century manor home of Trerice, not far-off.
In addition to exploring the grounds, the home is one other excellent place 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 Cornwallโs cliff castles, additionally referred to as promontory forts, whose historical past goes again to the Iron Age: Trevelgue Head is without doubt one of the most spectacular. Also referred to as Porth Island, itโs straightforward to stroll to from Newquay with some spectacular views.
Different household sights in Newquay
Swashbuckle your means again to the 18th century atย Pirateโs Quest Journey Golf and also youโll be capable to uncover extra concerning the Golden Age of Piracy alongside the way in which.
Itโs an awesome choice in case youโre visiting Newquay within the rain with youngsters.
Not removed from Newquay itself, Lappa Valley Steam railway is a implausible choice for youthful youngsters too: with extra than simply trains, there are nature trails, a path maze and youngstersโs 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 youโre in straightforward exploring distance of Penzance, Landโs Finish and the South Cornwall coast, so itโs value trying out these sections too.
To start out you off, Iโve picked a few of my favorite issues to do in St Ives with youngsters as nicely.
Get outside
Like a lot of Cornwall, youโve obtained a string of attractive seashores to select from in St Ives and close by, together with three which couldnโt be simpler to get to from the city.
Porthgwidden Seashore has brightly colored seashore huts and rocks to discover, Porthmeor Seashore close to Tate St Ives for browsing and sand, plus Porthminster Seashore for paddling and extra sandcastles.
There are restrictions on visiting the principle seashores with canines in the course of the summer season months, however you’ll find some dog-friendly seashores in St Ives too.
Itโs additionally an awesome space if you wish to get lively โ Blue Flag seashore Carbis Bay is a mile east of St Ives alongside the South West Coast path, so nice motivation for a stroll, plus there are extra concepts for family-friendly strolling routes round St Ives.
In the event you donโt wish to wander too far, take a stroll alongside Smeatons Pier as nicely: itโs a working pier with fishing boats crusing from the harbour and the occasional seal altering its luck, plus youโll get nice views of St Ives itself.
Or there are numerous surf colleges in St Ives โ providing different watersports as nicely, and with choices for household classes, together with St Ives Surf Faculty on Porthmeor seashore.
See the animals
The seas round St Ives are an awesome place to identify seals โ together with journeys out to Seal Island, simply off the coast. Hold a watch out for basking sharks, sunfish and dolphins too.
In any other case, you’ll be able to usually see seals at Godrevy Head โ in case youโre visiting St Ives in winter, there are larger numbers for a cold-weather bonus.ย Head to Mutton Cove at Godrevy Level and look down from the cliffs to the seashore to see them.
Otherwise youโll discover extraย 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.
It’s also possible to meet the animals at Feadon Farm on the coast north of St Ives, not removed from Portreath. In addition to cattle, you’ll be able to see foxes and owls, in addition to studying extra about native wildlife.
Learn our assessment 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 itโs free for teenagers.
For some native historical past, head to theย little St Ives Museum, which has displays on native fishing, farming and mining, in addition to exercise sheets for teenagers โ spot the cats and kittens within the show circumstances.ย
And just some miles from St Ives itselfย liesย Chysauster historical village, a Romano-British settlement initially occupied nearly 2,000 years in the past whose stone-walled courtyard homes are solely discovered on this a part of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
It’s also possible to see the Iron Age fort of Fortress An Dinas close to Nancledra โ 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’ll be able to simply go to from St Ives or from south Cornwall, together with the Lizard and the coast stretching in direction of Falmouth, so itโs value trying out the sections earlier than and after this for extra concepts of what there may be to do within the space
Get outside
As one in every of Cornwallโs 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 youโre getting outside, youโll be heading out of Penzance itself.
There are countless 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 Landโs Finish.
Thereโs way over simply the well-known signal โ scroll all the way down to examine extra of the household sights at Landโs Finish โ however youโve additionally obtained miles of dramatic coast to wander round, in addition to straightforward family-friendly walks on the South West Coast Path.
The Cornish Method cycle path additionally begins from Landโs Finish with a traffic-free part.
It’s also possible to discover one of the uncommon spots within the UK on the Minack Theatre. This dramatic theatre is constructed on the facet of the cliff, with great views out to the waves โ you’ll be able to e book to go to in the course of the day, however there are additionally performances together with storytelling classes geared toward households.
Porthcurno Seashore has some nice views wanting again as much as the theatre too, one in every of my favorite seashores in Cornwall with youngsters โ canines are allowed too, besides throughout July and August.
Or not removed from Penzance itself, head to Tanglewood Wild Backyard โ 9 acres of untamed gardens together with woodland and 9 ponds. Itโs an ideal place to spy wildlife or simply take pleasure in being out in nature.
In distinction Tremeheere Sculpture Gardens, set in a sheltered valley, are residence to subtropical vegetation in addition to modern artworks โ however nonetheless family-friendly.
For extra unique vegetation, Trengwainton Backyard has walled gardens to guard a few of its extra uncommon species, in addition to magnolias and rhododendrons. Wander the wooded paths for viewsย out to the ocean and uncover a kitchen backyard constructed โ fairly unexpectedly โ to the scale of Noahโs Ark.
See the animals
Youโll must journey from Penzance in case youโre in search of animal sights โ the closest are theย 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 youโre trying to uncover some Cornish historical past. A go to to St Michaelโs Mount is like entering into one other world.
You’ll be able to stroll medieval paths, discover the fort and uncover the village and harbour, together with free excursions to study extra about life on this little island โ at low tide you’ll be able to even stroll throughout the causeway (following within the footsteps of giants, so legend says) or boats run from Marazion.
One among Cornwallโs largest preserved mine websites can be not removed from Penzance โย Geevor Tin Mine was as soon as a real mine courting again to the 18th century, and you may nonetheless discover each the museum and head underground.
Different household sights in and round Penzance
One among Cornwallโs extra uncommon museums, theย Museum of International Communications in Porthcurno is an interesting have a look at a slice of British โ and world โ historical past.
With telegraph cables stretching below the ocean from Porthcurno to the cities of the Empire, this quiet spot was as soon as Britainโs communications centre.
The well-known signpost at Landโs Finish is what everybody associates with this level on the finish of England (that and really lengthy walks to John OโGroats) however there are many different household sights right here.
Thereโs the walk-through expertise Arthurโs Quest, Aardman Presents: A Grand Expertise, with a number of the best-loved characters from Wallace and Gromit to Shaun the Sheep, plus a 4D cinema, Greeb Farm, a restored farmstead thatโs residence to a string of animals.
Issues to do in South Cornwall with youngsters
In the event youโre staying on the Lizard Peninsula or round Falmouth, Iโve grouped collectively a number of the finest issues to do in South Cornwall with youngsters into this part โ in case youโre in search of the world across the Eden Venture, maintain scrolling to take a look at my suggestions for South East Cornwall for teenagers.
Alternatively, you’ll find concepts for issues to do close to Penzance and Landโs Finish within the part above.
Get outside
In the event you have a look at a map of Cornwallโs south coast, the very first thing that strikes you is simply how inexperienced it’s โ from the Lizard Peninsula to the Roseland Heritage coast, you may stroll till your legs are worn out with out working out of selections.
For fairly much less exhausting choices, you may strive the stroll round Argal Reservoir, not removed from Falmouth, or discover the grounds and woodland walks round Tressilick close to Truro.
There are additionally family-friendly walks on the South West Coast Path beginning not removed from Falmouth, whereasย the Bissoe Path will take you the entire means throughout Cornwall from the south coast to the north, close to Portruth.
For someplace to walk and marvel, head to Trebah Backyard the place 4 miles of footpaths lead you thru lovely gardens all the way down to a personal seashore.
There are seashores galore alongside the south Cornwall coast as nicely โ Gyllingvase (or Gylly) seashore in Falmouth was one in every of our favourites after we visited. Or on the Lizard peninsula itself, lovely Kynance Cove is one in every of my favourites.
Each have restrictions from Could to September in case youโre 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 โ you can even spot different wildlife, together with otters and penguins, in addition to the interactive rockpool.
Historical past and tradition
Falmouth artwork gallery has received an award for its family-friendliness, with household actions together with choices for preschoolers, alongside the altering exhibitions โ and greater than 1,700 artworks for little artwork lovers to discover.
In the event youโre in search of historical past,ย Pendennis Fortress is unbeatable โ looming on the headland simply outdoors Falmouth, it was constructed by Henry VIII to defend towards invasion, and you may benefit from the views from the highest of the Tudor maintain, strive actions and discover the outdated buildings.
Different South Cornwall sights for households
Falmouth is residence to theย Nationwide Maritime Museum Cornwall, beforehand voted one of many nationโs most family-friendly museums, wanting on the nationโs seafaring historical past and its boating heroes.
Take a look at my assessment of our day on the museum, together with a number of the everlasting shows and a brief Viking exhibition โ unmissable in case youโre in search of issues to do in Falmouth with youngsters.
Truro, Cornwallโs county city, can be residence to theย Royal Cornwall Museum which follows Cornish tradition and historical past from the traditional previous to the current โ plus you’ll be able to see an Egyptian mummy. Free for teenagers.
Issues to do in south-east Cornwall with youngsters
One among Cornwallโs most well-known sights, the Eden Venture, is ready on this generally missed a part of Cornwall, however you can even discover attractive spots likeย Mevagissey, Polperro and Fowey on this space.
Relying the place within the county youโre staying, itโs value trying out the opposite sections too, together with north Cornwall โ whereas itโs the south coast, Mevagissey is lower than an hour from Newquay and Fowey is lower than half an hour from Bodmin.
Get outside
The previous residence of Earls, there are 865 acres at Mount Edgcumbe nation park with walks galore โ in addition to the possibility to discover the formal gardens within the grounds of the home.
There are completely different trails to comply with or you’ll be able to wander by the river, the place itโs potential to identify wild deer.
Or the Misplaced Gardens of Heligan have a narrative as fascinating as their evocative identify โ hidden till 30 years in the past, theyโve since been restored to their full glory together with walks and magical gardens for teenagers.
Look out for The Jungle and the buried troll head (or probably an enormousโs head), however with 200 acres to discover, thereโs plenty 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, residence to meerkats and cattle, plus an opportunity to carry a number of the animals and feed others.
Or littleย Mevagissey Aquarium is right to study extra about native marine life. Set in an outdated RNLI lifeboat home, itโs additionally free to enter.
In the event youโre craving extra animals, Newquay Zoo is just round 45 minutes from Mevagissey.
Historical past and tradition
Restormel Fortress could also be ruined nevertheless itโs nonetheless a outstanding place to discover โ constructed within the thirteenth century, itโs been visited by royalty and you may nonetheless get a way of the unique grandeur.
Strolling the partitions across the within the maintain to get some unimaginable views.
Youโre additionally near Nationwide Belief property Lanhydrock, in direction of Bodmin, the place you’ll be able to discover Victorian life together with a have a look atย the servantsโ quarters and kitchens.
Different household sights in south east Cornwall
No record of issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters could be full with no point out of theย Eden Venture โ with its iconic biomes, you’ll be able to step into the Mediterranean or the rainforest and itโs implausible to discover even with youthful youngsters.
There are actions and extra to discover past the biomes as nicely, though the indoor sights are excellent in case youโre visiting Cornwall within the rain with youngsters.
Learn my assessment of a day on the Eden Venture with a toddler
Issues to do within the Isles of Scilly with youngsters
One of the crucial lovely locations within the UK, the Isles of Scilly are merely magical โ formally a part of Cornwall, they’re a spot aside the place you’ll be able toโt assist however calm down (particularly once youโre by seashores which might 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, the very 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 โ attempting to spherical up all of the choices could be worthy of a e book, however Iโve picked out a number of highlights of lodging for Cornwall seashore holidays with youngsters.
Self-catering in Cornwall
There are cottage firms specialising in Cornwall alone, in addition to others with a tempting decide of self-catering lodging. Take a look at Sykes Cottages and holidaycottages.co.uk for some nice choices.
We additionally stayed at Gwel An Mor in one in every of their luxurious lodges โ they’ve varied completely different sizes and elegance which go well with households, and itโs excellent to discover the coast round St Ives.
Household lodges in Cornwall
Cornwall can be an awesome place in case youโre in search of family-friendly lodges โ sadly the Sands Resort in Newquay, among the finest lodges with toddlers in Cornwall, has now closed.
On the other coast, we additionally stayed at St Michaelโs resort in Falmouth โ whereas it doesnโt have the identical choices for preschoolers, it was nonetheless very family-friendly.
Or you’ll be able to try a number of the lodges out there on reserving.com, together with ones with free cancellation in case of last-minute adjustments to plans!
The most effective household seashores in Cornwall
In the event youโre in search of a vacation with countless possibilities to get out onto the sand, youโll be in heaven โ whittling down the very best seashores in Cornwall, even attempting to make a shortlist for the very best household seashore in Cornwall is hard.
Relying whether or not you fancy browsing or rockpooling, enjoyable within the solar or constructing sandcastles, light paddling or discovering someplace to take pleasure in virtually alone, thereโs a Cornish seashore to go well with.
So listed below are a few of my high picks to start out off, together with six of my favorite seashores in Cornwall with youngsters.
Scroll down for extra concepts on seashore actions for teenagers, my favorite seashore towels and exercise books.
Greatest seashores in north Cornwall
There are some nice seashores round Bude โ Summerleaze seashore has a sea pool with shallow water thatโs nice for youthful swimmers.
At low tide, you’ll find rockpools in Widemouth Bay, in addition to a protracted open stretch of sand, with a part of the seashore dog-friendly year-round. For extra rockpooling, head to Crooklets seashore.
Or additional nonetheless down the coast at Padstow, Harlyn Bay seashore is one other lengthy open sandy seashore with some rockpools, whereas Porthcothan Bay has dunes on the again in case you tire of the sand. Each are dog-friendly year-round.
Dunes line Daymer Bay seashore too, one other dog-friendly choice, plus there are mermaid legends to inform โ 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 โ the granite rocks on the seashore had been as soon as the stepping stones for the large Bedruthan โ nevertheless itโs at the moment closed after a rock fall.
Greatest Newquay seashores
The coast round Newquay has a few of Cornwallโs finest recognized seashores โ from Towan seashore within the city itself with its golden sand, to Porth seashore which is nice in case youโre trying to swim.
I really like the dunes of Crantock as nicely and vast open Holywell Bay, or the two-mile stretch of sand at Watergate Bay.
For youthful youngsters, sheltered Mawgan Porth is a superb spot with a lot of golden sand and Lusty Glaze can be protected by excessive cliffs.
In the event you fancy a extra lively time by the waves, the surf of Fistral seashore is known, whereas Tolcarne seashore is nice for household browsing and boogie boarding, in addition to swimming. There are additionally rock swimming pools at low tide.
Nice Western seashore is one other Newquay seashore thatโs good for households, in addition to surfers, with its personal rock swimming pools at low tide โ it has picked up a Blue Flag awards prior to now.
For the very best dog-friendly seashores in Newquay, try this record.
The most effective St Ives seashores
You barely want to depart St Ives itself for lovely seashores โ Porthmeor seashore is a implausible one for households, with lengthy stretches of golden sand, an awesome surf college with classes for teenagers, and a beautiful cafe too.
Porthminster Seashore is one other favorite for households in St Ives, particularly with youthful youngsters, as you’ll be able to paddle at low tide. Porthgwidden Seashore is smaller however has some enjoyable rocks to climb on in addition to extra sand for sandcastles.
Simply up the coast, Carbis Bay seashore has received a Blue Flag award and has some pretty protected bathing off the golden sands. Or Hayle Towans seashore is nice in case youโre trying to escape the crowds โ stroll by the dunes and spot the sand yachts and equipment buggies taking advantage of the winds off the ocean.
There are fewer dog-friendly seashores in St Ives in case youโre visiting in the course of the summer season months โ verify the restrictions and people which do enable canines.
Greatest seashores close to Penzance
In the event youโre staying south of St Ives and exploring round Landโs Finish and Penzance, Porthcurno seashore is without doubt one of the most eye-catching in Cornwall, with views as much as the Minack Theatre.
For extra nice views, Marazion seashore appears out to St Michaelโs Mount โ deservedly profitable awards for its loveliness. Or in case youโre after surf, Sennen Cove seashore is probably the most westerly surf spot within the nation.
Discover extra dog-friendly seashores close to Penzance right here.
Greatest seashores in south Cornwall
A brief stroll from the city centre, Gyllyngvase seashore โ or Gylly seashore โ is ideal for households in search of the very best seashore in Falmouth, with a lot of golden sand and varied actions. Itโs additionally dog-friendly.
Or head just a little means additional to Swanpool seashore, on the sting of the character reserve, the place you can even rent kayaks or try the loopy golf close by.
Additional north up the Roseland Heritage coast, Carne seashore is gorgeous for swimming with its vast sheltered bay.
Greatest seashores in south east Cornwall
On Cornwallโs south coast, youโll discover extra attractive seashores inside straightforward attain of Mevagissey, Fowey and Polperro, in addition to St Austell.
Porthpean seashore has some pretty stretches of sand and itโs in style with households, though it may be steep happening for youthful youngsters. Pentewan Seashore and Gorran Haven seashore close to Mevagissey are each good sandy spots with youngsters as nicely.ย
Canine are allowed on Gorran Haven seashore however have to be saved on a lead.
For watersports, strive Polkerris seashore or if you wish to get away from different sunseekers, unspoiled Lantic Bay is right โ itโs fairly a stroll down although.
Greatest 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 Seashore on the Roseland coast, Crooklets seashore close to Bude and Harlyn Bay close to Padstow
But when itโs discovering sea creatures that you simplyโre most fascinated by, right here is a number 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 โ tiny seastars.
Treyarnon Bay, simply south of Padstow has some large rock swimming pools at low tide or Hannafore Seashore at West Looe is one other haven for rock swimming pools โ you’ll be able to entry them through a concrete path too.ย
At Falmouth, Fortress Seashore is the very best spot for rockpooling, though you receivedโt discover a lot sand. And down on the Lizard, Kennack Sands is one other good place to find Cornwallโs marine life โ in case your youngsters are captivated, itโs additionally a preferred spot for scuba diving!
As ever, donโt contact the creatures within the swimming pools and in case you transfer stones, all the time change them afterwards.
Planning a visit to Cornwall for households
Until youโre native, thereโs no likelihood of visiting Cornwall with no automotive journey to succeed in your vacation spot โ about the one downside for me!
For some extra of my finestย motorway stop-offs within the UK, try this put up: thereโs additionally a lot to find on the way in which with concepts in my final information to Devon, in addition to choices in case youโre travelling alongside theย Nice West Method, to not point out historic homes similar to Stourhead in Wiltshire, a mini metropolis break in Salisbury and Stonehenge.
In the event youโre in search of methods to outlive the highway journey with youngsters, these are my high concepts on find out how to entertain them alongside the way in which, in addition to find out how to make the journey go extra easily.
In the event that they donโt get automotive sick, try the pocket sized I Spy books which embody I Spy on a automotive journeyย to maintain them occupied in the course of the drive.
Audiobooks are one other favorite of ours, and are excellent if studying or gazing tablets does trigger automotive illness. Weโre signed as much as Audible which has a tremendous vary of child-friendly audio books, together with the Harry Potter collection and How To Prepare Your Dragon, however this assortment of Roald Dahl audiobooksย on CD is one other nice purchase, as is the entireย Paddington assortment.
Donโt overlook your bucket, spade and web too โ though thereโs extra to sandcastles and rockpooling with these concepts of seashore actions for teenagersย 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 e book and an I Spy on the Seaside exercise e book.
Cornwall information books to purchase
Footprint guides has a e book of concepts forย Cornwall with youngstersย whereas thisย Wild Information: Devon, Cornwall and the South Westย has nice solutions to search out the much less explored facet of the nation.
For extra methods to get outside, Cornwall โ 40 Coast and Nation Walksย consists of every thing from straightforward strolls to tougher hikes. Or there are 50 concepts of buggy-friendly walks throughout the UK inย Stunning Buggy Walks which is right for visiting Cornwall with a child or toddler.
Discover much more tips about issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters in Lonely Planetโs Devon and Cornwall informationย or theย Tough Information to Devon and Cornwall
And in case you are combining a visit to Cornwall with a go to to neighbouring Devon, listed below are my high 30 issues to do in Devon with youngsters, in addition toย free issues to do in Devon and concepts of what to do inย Devon within the rain.
To purchase a PDF model of this put up to maintain, click on right here to go to my on-line retailer
*First revealed 2020, final up to date 2024*
PIN FOR LATER: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CORNWALL FOR FAMILIES
Disclosure: This put up comprises some affiliate hyperlinks โ any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee.
Photographs courtesy Depositphotos/Adobe Inventory or copyright MummyTravels
LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER
ย