I’ve misplaced monitor of what number of instances I’ve been to Cornwall – first as a baby on household holidays with my very own mother and father, then with associates and now again once more with my very own daughter to rediscover all the most effective issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters.
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And it doesn’t matter what time of yr I’ve been, or who I’ve been with, I’ve all the time had a superb time. The one downside (for me in London) is that it’s such an extended drive – however the reality I preserve returning simply goes to point out how tempting it’s.
It’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 – listed below are my high 43 issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters to start out you off.
Try my full information to Cornwall with youngsters for extra inspiration, in addition to my downloadable e 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 you’ll discover in 40 completely different habitats, with talks and feeding at this pretty beachfront aquarium – one among my favorite issues to do in Newquay.
Try my assessment of our go to with a toddler
You possibly can wander by way 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, it’s excellent if you wish to workforce the seashore with the possibility to see beneath the waves – or if you end up in search of one thing to do on a wet day in Cornwall.
Newquay Zoo
This award-winning zoo is dwelling to a whole bunch of the world’s rarest and most enjoyable creatures, from creepy crawlies to large cats, in addition to exercise trails and a kids’s play space.
You might see armadillos to zebra, in addition to discovering the gardens – together with the beautiful Secret Backyard – earlier than being transported to the tropics and the south-east Asian jungle as you discover the completely different habitats.
It’s sufficiently small to not be too overwhelming for those who’re visiting Cornwall with a toddler, though at 13 acres, there’s nonetheless loads to maintain everybody entertained on a day trip.
Paradise Park and JungleBarn, Hayle
The wildlife sanctuary is a chook lover’s paradise, with over 130 species starting from native Cornish choughs to flamingos and toucans, plus purple pandas and cattle – don’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 Specific Practice, which takes you on a small route across the grounds and a few of the backyard.
There’s additionally an indoor play space, together with a toddler zone mushy play and jungle theme – tickets embody an possibility 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 instances.
Flicka Basis Donkey Sanctuary
In case your youngsters love animals, they’ll be in heaven at Flicka Basis Donkey Sanctuary simply exterior Falmouth, dwelling to greater than 100 rescued donkeys (and some ponies).
It’s free to enter and go searching, though donations are welcome to assist take care of the donkeys – plus there’s a really tempting cafe to go to as effectively.
Throughout the summer time, they’ll be out within the paddocks with paths to take you previous, whereas through the winter months you’ll be able to go to them of their barn. The sanctuary isn’t open day by day, so do verify earlier than you go to.
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 you’ll discover.
In addition to an interactive rockpool, there are talks and feeding instances which happen all through the day (so you’ll be able to 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 dwelling to others which want particular care. It’s even dog-friendly for those who’re travelling to Cornwall with the furry family members (so long as they’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 good possibility for those who’re in search of a theme park in Cornwall with a little bit of all the things – indoor and outside play, animals, a 5D theatre, numerous rides…
With mild rides for little ones, together with a carousel, plus extra adventurous rollercoasters for barely larger thrill-seekers, it’s excellent for those who’ve bought kids of various ages.
There’s mushy play and the animal zones to discover too, so it’s one other nice possibility if there are showers forecast. Open year-round, there are particular themed seasonal occasions too for those who’re visiting round Halloween or Christmas. Prebooking tickets is really helpful.
Camel Creek has changed Crealy’s Journey Park which was on this web site. Cornwall’s different theme park, Flambards, closed in November 2024, whereas Dairyland Farm Park has additionally closed
Base Camp, Portreath
Head to Gwel an Mor resort to take advantage of 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 fairly gentler enjoyable.
However there are additionally just a few extra thrills to seek out in case your youngsters need one thing past mushy play, together with 10 themed climbing partitions on the clip’n’climb part, appropriate for age 4 plus.
Pirate’s 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.
At Pirate’s Quest Journey Golf you’ll discover 12 holes winding by way 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 you’re in search of issues to do in Newquay within the rain.
Whereas the earlier interactive tour isn’t working any extra, youngsters nonetheless get treasure maps to seek for pirate booty, plus an opportunity to be taught extra about Cornwall’s myths and legends.
For extra concepts on what to do in Cornwall within the rain with youngsters, take a look at these solutions to keep away from the worst of the climate
Raze the Roof, Penryn
In case your youngsters need to burn off some power after sightseeing, Raze the Roof mushy play in Penryn is simply 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 secure area for the littest ones.
There’s a Digital Actuality Area and Laser Tag as effectively for older youngsters too, excellent for a wet day in Cornwall with youngsters.
Cornwall with youngsters: Household-friendly sights
The Eden Venture, St Austell
This astonishing international backyard, tucked inside futuristic domed biomes, is dwelling to the world’s largest indoor rainforest in addition to interactive reveals, a sensory backyard and crops from across the globe.
It’s excellent 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 you’ll typically discover particular exhibitions and additional actions on the Eden Venture too.
See my assessment of a day trip on the Eden Venture with a preschooler.
Bodmin Jail, Bodmin
In case your youngsters take pleasure in all issues spooky, this 18th century jail is apparently probably the most haunted locations in Britain – so higher for older youngsters, who love their wet days spiced up with just a little shiver of fright than for youthful kids (it’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 Guide and Crown Jewels secure.
Guide tickets to Bodmin Jail and the Darkish Stroll with free cancellation right here
Cornwall with youngsters: Castles, historic homes and heritage websites
Pendennis Citadel, Falmouth
One of many mightiest fortresses constructed by Henry VIII to defend towards invasion, Pendennis Citadel looms on the headland simply exterior Falmouth.
You possibly can discover the citadel preserve on the English Heritage web site, in addition to gazing out on the views from the highest of the Tudor preserve, making an attempt household actions and exploring the previous buildings, together with exhibitions from the Victorian and First World Conflict eras.
There’s additionally mushy play and a ferry over to the close by citadel at St Mawes, if one isn’t sufficient!
Plan your go to for the proper day and you’ll even see weapons being fired, together with Tudor replicas in addition to Edwardian and Second World Conflict fashions which might have been used to guard the coast.
Tintagel Citadel, Tintagel
Dramatic and rugged, the clifftop ruins include legends galore, notably the story that it’s the birthplace of King Arthur – and also you’ll discover Merlin’s Cave close by.
Greatest with older kids who can handle the vertiginous steps, Tintagel Citadel is without doubt one of the most memorable citadel websites in Cornwall – even crossing the bridge is magical, whereas there’s a sculpture of the As soon as and Future King on the cliffs.
In the event you’re anxious that ruins aren’t going to seize your youngsters’ consideration, there’s additionally an exhibition to carry the citadel to life, tracing its historical past, the important thing figures who’ve been linked with it, and the way its legends have impressed them.
St Michael’s Mount
A go to to St Michael’s Mount is like moving into one other world, the place you’ll be able to stroll medieval paths, discover the citadel and uncover the village and harbour, together with guided excursions to be taught 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 dwelling – 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 yr, you’ll be able to discover just a little at no cost, however in any other case it’s paid.
At low tide you’ll be able to 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 dwelling to one of many loveliest seashores in Cornwall.
Lanhydrock, Bodmin
One in all a number of Nationwide Belief properties in Cornwall, Lanhydrock is a good possibility for a wet day with youngsters – in addition to the same old expansive grounds and outdoor actions (together with an journey playground), there are kids’s trails to discover inside the home as effectively.
Designed to allow you to expertise Victorian life, from the servants’ quarters and kitchens to the extra luxurious rooms the household lived in, you’ll be able to even take a peek contained in the nurseries.
Cotehele, close to Saltash
This Tudor manor home is one other nice possibility for day trip in Cornwall with youngsters – there’s a free kids’s path to observe by way of the rooms, with stickers to gather alongside the best way, and numerous actions happening all year long.
You might make postcards, impressed by the medieval manor’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 – watch flour being milled on Thursdays and Sundays.
Tintagel Previous Submit Workplace, Tintagel
First constructed over 600 years in the past, the unique farmhouse has been expanded and adjusted over the centuries as household after household lived inside its partitions.
Lastly remodeled into the village’s letter-receiving workplace, you’ll be able to 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 good place to discover on a wet day, with conventional video games to play in the home’s nice chamber and mice to identify round the home.
There’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 might attempt enjoying the normal Cornish sport of kayles, or exploring the knot backyard.
Cornwall mining heritage
Geevor Tin Mine, close to Penzance
One of many largest preserved mine websites within the nation, it’s the proper place to grasp Cornwall’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 through the yr.
Any Poldark followers will recognise Wheal Leisure in the event that they do enterprise out for a brief stroll alongside the cliffs – plus there’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 Cornwall’s industrial and mining historical past, Wheal Martyn Clay Works at St Austell is one other various, with family-friendly interactive reveals on the UK’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 – together with an opportunity to pan for gold your self.
There’s dressing up for little ones, who can remodel themselves right into a tin miller or bal maiden, as a part of the Tolgus Mill interactive exhibition, plus you’ll be able to see how rock was smashed into items earlier than the tin ore was eliminated.
With unique artefacts, you’ll be able to be taught extra in regards to the individuals who labored within the mines, in addition to a few of the different machines used to separate the precious metallic out from the rock to be bought. 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 – for extra free issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters, take a look at 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 – you’ll be able to 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, it’s all the time 10C, so pack a jumper for those who’re visiting on a heat summer time’s day – or benefit from the heat on chillier ones! There’s additionally a woodland stroll with a kids’s path.
See the mines at Botallack
Earlier than tourism, Cornwall’s wealth got here from mining, and the coast and countryside continues to be plagued by the stays of those mines.
And when you can’t go down into Botallack mine in contrast to these at Geevor close by, it’s an ideal place to be taught just a little extra about this facet of Cornish historical past in addition to having fun with the dramatic clifftop surroundings.
The mine’s tunnels prolong half a mile underneath the ocean, and it’s thought that round 20,000 tonnes of copper have been mined, together with tin and (unexpectedly) arsenic.
At this time, you’ll be able to 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 previous 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 nation’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 function the ocean performs in life in Cornwall (particularly when the climate is just too dangerous to really be out on the waves), you’ll hear tales of the ocean and seafarers by way of the centuries, in addition to non permanent exhibitions, starting from the Vikings to Titanic.
There are additionally storytelling classes for teenagers, interactive reveals and the possibility to move into the basement Tidal Zone to look out into the waters of the harbour throughout your go to.
Try my assessment of our day on the Nationwide Maritime Museum with a toddler.
PK Porthcurno: Museum of World Communications (Porthcurno Telegraph Museum) close to Penzance
As soon as Britain’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 dwelling to the world’s largest telegraph station.
And whereas know-how has moved on, the fascinating tales at the museum are nonetheless value discovering, from the spot the place underwater cables got here ashore to Second World Conflict tunnels, used for secret wartime communications, in addition to exhibitions on the best way we talk at the moment.
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 correct on the seashore (in case it’s essential flee from sudden rainstorms in St Ives) and has a diverse assortment of recent artwork and non permanent exhibitions – decide up exercise packs from reception, observe the household trails and there are even prompt video games to play as you discover.
In the event you’re visiting with a child or toddlers, there are altering services and a father or mother and child room for breastfeeding on degree 3 (though you’re welcome to breastfeed anyplace within the gallery).
Not like a few of the different Tate galleries, there’s a cost for adults to enter, so it’s not one of many locations to go to in Cornwall at no cost, however youngsters don’t must pay.
Falmouth Artwork Gallery
The gallery has beforehand gained 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 – fairly aside from the surprisingly diverse artwork assortment on this small museum.
There’s additionally no entry cost, for those who’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 county’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 non permanent exhibitions, plus family-friendly occasions together with some aimed toward pre-schoolers.
It’s additionally free for kids underneath 18, so excellent for those who’re in search of days out in Cornwall on a finances.
For extra concepts of free days out in Cornwall with youngsters, these concepts gained’t price you a penny.
Museum of Cornish Life, Helston
An excellent possibility for a free day trip in Cornwall with youngsters if it’s raining, the Museum of Cornish Life is a enjoyable technique to be taught extra in regards to the county’s historical past.
You’ll discover all types of objects on show as an example completely different sides of Cornish tradition, in addition to a giant social historical past assortment, shows on inventor Henry Trengrouse, to not point out all the things 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 Cornwall’s previous and the times of treasure and wreckers on the Shipwreck Museum in Charlestown.
You’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 world’s oldest and largest assortment of witchcraft and magic, this isn’t one for simply scared toddlers – however with round 3,000 reveals, there’s loads to fascinate older kids who need to uncover extra in regards to the historical past of magic.
Most visits final for lower than an hour, so don’t plan to spend all day, however the museum is without doubt one of the most uncommon locations to shelter on a wet day in Cornwall.
Cornwall with youngsters: Getting exterior
Hit the seashore
You possibly can’t go to Cornwall and never go to the seashore. Effectively, you’ll be able to however you shouldn’t. I really like the wilder north coast however there are stunning stretches of sand alongside the south as effectively, whether or not you’re making sandcastles and paddling with toddlers or bringing your personal surfboards and heading into the waves.
Whichever coast you’re staying on, you’ll be near an ideal family-friendly seashore in Cornwall, however I’ve picked out just a few of the most effective.
In North Cornwall, head to the large open sands of Crantock Seashore, backed by dunes, and beforehand voted Britain’s finest seashore.
Each Fistral Seashore and Polzeath Seashore are nice for surfers, together with younger inexperienced persons, however there’s loads to maintain households completely satisfied even for those who’re not choosing up a board.
Or take pleasure in a whopping three miles of sand at Perranporth seashore, or your decide of seven completely different coves at The Seven Bays, linked by coastal paths so it’s potential to slot in a few seashores right into a single day.
In the event you’re staying round St Ives, there’s a alternative of attractive seashores in and across the city – Porthmeor seashore is one among my favourites however there’s Porthminster and Porthgwidden and close by Carbis Bay as effectively.
Porthcurno seashore is definitely probably the most uncommon with the Minack Theatre perched excessive above it and a few wonderful turquoise water.
Or Whitesands Bay, not removed from Sennen Cove, essentially the most westerly level in England, has some great white sands (because the identify suggests!) with extra of these unimaginable turquoise waters.
Praa Sands is one other good possibility for those who’re mixing sights and seaside, not removed from Penzance, St Michael’s Mount, and the Lizard Peninsula, with 1.5 miles of seashore and water that’s shallow sufficient even for little ones.
For a bit extra journey by the ocean, Kernow Coasteering has newbie classes, that are excellent for youthful youngsters and households (in addition to commonplace classes for those who’ve bought teenagers who’re coasteering followers) at Praa Sands
On the south coast, Kynance Cove has been voted the most effective on the planet, well-known for its rock stacks, wildlife and caves in addition to the possibility to paddle.
Falmouth has its personal alternative of seashores too. Gyllyngvase (aka Gylly) Seashore is simply 10 minutes from the city centre, with rock swimming pools in addition to watersports and loads of area to make sandcastles.
Or for those who’re staying round Looe, East Looe seashore has extra calm, shallow water for youthful youngsters in addition to rockpools too.
However that’s solely a style of a few of the finest, with round 400 seashores in Cornwall to attempt.
Try my high picks of the most effective family-friendly seashores in Cornwall
Land’s Finish
There’s way over simply the well-known signal at Land’s Finish, with a string of different sights to find when you’ve wandered the clifftop paths and searching to the ocean, plus getting your picture taken on the iconic signpost.
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 Gromit’s inventing workshop and assembly the characters.
There’s additionally a 4D cinema, interactive walk-through expertise Arthur’s Quest, and an exhibition on individuals who’ve walked from right here to John O’Groats.
In the event you’re impressed, you’ve additionally bought miles of dramatic coast to wander round, in addition to straightforward family-friendly walks on the South West Coast Path, whereas the Cornish Method cycle path additionally begins from Land’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 – greater than sufficient to seek 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.
In the event you’re undecided the place to start out, the web site permits you to refine your search by problem and theme, in addition to location, so for those who’re in search of a straightforward, household strolling route, it’ll present you the most effective locations to amble.
How a few seashore stroll at Crantock, a stroll to Pendennis Citadel and even heading from Penzance to Marazion, to not point out a number of choices which can be lower than a mile lengthy.
You may also stroll from Sennen Cove to Lands Finish (or from the village of Sennen itself) to see the views right here – though it’s value realizing you need to pay to have a photograph taken with the well-known signpost. Lizard Level is essentially the most southerly level of mainland Britain (although Lands Finish is furthest from John O’Groats) and there’s an ideal path across the cliffs right here too.
The Misplaced Gardens of Heligan, St Austell
The Misplaced Gardens of Heligan have a narrative as fascinating as their evocative identify – hidden till 30 years in the past, they’ve since been restored to their full glory together with walks and magical gardens for teenagers.
Look out for The Jungle and a few of the sculptures, together with the Large’s Head (which my daughter declared was a buried troll head) and Mud Maid, however with 200 acres to discover, there’s lots 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 may also discover probably the most uncommon spots within the UK on the Minack Theatre.
This dramatic theatre is constructed on the facet of the cliff, with great views out to the waves – you’ll be able to guide to go to through the day, however there are additionally performances together with storytelling classes aimed toward households.
Porthcurno Seashore has some nice views trying again as much as the theatre too, one among my favorite seashores in Cornwall with youngsters, so it’s straightforward to mix sightseeing with sunbathing.
The Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Bodmin
Chuffing alongside a 13-mile route in a steam practice is all the time a winner for train-obsessed little ones (and larger ones), and sheltered within the carriages, it’s additionally choice to discover the countryside when it’s raining in Cornwall.
In addition to particular themed occasions throughout faculty holidays, reminiscent of Halloween and Santa trains, you can even have cream teas aboard. Canines are welcome too.
Lappa Valley Steam Railway, St Newlyn East
Toddlers and preschoolers particularly will love attending to go on the small railway that’s run by way of the conservation space at Lappa Valley Steam Railway, though there’s extra to find right here than trains alone.
There are nature trails and kids’s rides, a toddler path maze plus indoor play carriages and a woodland railway. Or you’ll be able to also have a go at loopy golf when you’re visiting so it’s a enjoyable day trip in Cornwall for the entire household.
The Camel Path
An 18-mile cycle and strolling path linking Padstow, Wadebridge and Bodmin, this follows an previous railway monitor alongside the river Camel – it’s straightforward to discover smaller sections of the Camel Path too for those who don’t fancy the entire path.
The five-mile stretch from Wadebridge to Padstow is an ideal straightforward introduction to the Camel path for youthful youngsters to attempt, and the disused railway line means there are not any sudden hills to sort out.
With loads of probabilities to cease for a relaxation within the villages alongside the route, it’s a beautiful day trip on bikes or for those who’re in search of family-friendly walks in Cornwall.
Lanhydrock cycle trails
The paths across the Nationwide Belief property of Lanhydrock are free (for those who carry your personal bikes) with completely different problem 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 – excellent for those who simply need a half hour cycle earlier than hitting the journey playground.
There are additionally 4 completely different blue trails (average problem) for a bit extra of a take a look at, whereas older youngsters and teenagers will love the purple path and the abilities space, to spice up your confidence and practise a few of the trickier off-road path abilities you’ll want.
Cardinham Woods
House to the Forestry Fee’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 you’re visiting Cornwall with a child or toddler, one of many strolling trails is buggy pleasant, plus there’s a play space and cafe.
There’s a cost for parking except you’re a discovery cross holder, at £4 for 2 hours or £7 for the entire day (paybyphone is on the market for those who didn’t carry cash). Nice for those who’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 possibility, you’ll be able to 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, don’t miss a go to to Dozmary Pool the place the Girl of the Lake supposedly gave Excalibur to Merlin.
In the event you do need to discover out extra about Cornwall’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 – just a few kilos per individual, so it’s a enjoyable possibility with older youngsters (or followers of Daphne Du Maurier’s novel Jamaica Inn).
As a enjoyable bonus, you can even go to the village of Minions when you’re at Bodmin Moor – not named for the little yellow characters from Despicable Me, however the village has positively embraced them!
Golitha Falls
The Golitha Falls Nature Reserve is one other magical spot that’s a part of Bodmin Moor, with footpaths main by way of 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. Don’t overlook to be careful for the piskies which dwell there…
There’s free parking and also you’ll typically discover a trailer promoting BBQ meals, though for those who do carry your personal provisions, it’s one other one so as to add to the listing of utterly free days out in Cornwall.
Browsing
The county is famed for its browsing (and seashores) nevertheless it’s positively not only for adults. Surf colleges just like the SSS Surf College has classes from age six, or from 5 at Harlyn Surf College whereas Discovery Surf College and St Ives Surf College have numerous little one and household choices.
And don’t miss the chocolate tart at Porthmeor Seashore Cafe for those who’ve been battling the waves in St Ives!
Or for those who don’t fancy braving the ocean, head to Retallack close to Padstow, which has Cornwall’s solely FlowRider – excellent waves, regardless of the climate, which are perfect for youthful surfers hoping to hone their abilities. Appropriate for age 8+.
Try my full information to Cornwall with youngsters, in addition to my downloadable e book model of the information. Or discover extra concepts of the most effective free issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters, the most effective 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
Disclosure: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Photographs: Donkey/St Michael’s Mount/Cotehele/Botallack/Crantock/Porthcurno/Coast path/Land’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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