Household holidays aren’t at all times low-cost, even in case you keep within the UK. However even one of the vital widespread elements of the nation for household holidays, yow will discover loads of free issues to do in Cornwall with children.
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Whether or not you’re heading to the coast or exploring inland, Cornwall is one in all my favorite locations to vacation – and even higher, yow will discover a string of locations to go to in Cornwall without cost, all throughout the county.
From the Camel Valley to Falmouth and Penzance, listed below are my prime issues to do in Cornwall with children which received’t price a penny.
Try my full information to Cornwall with children, in addition to my downloadable e-book model of the information
Hit the seashore
You’ll be able to’t go to Cornwall and never go to the seashore. Nicely, you may however you shouldn’t. I really like the wilder north coast however there are lovely stretches of sand alongside the south as nicely, 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 one of the best.
In North Cornwall, head to the extensive open sands of Crantock Seaside, backed by dunes, and beforehand voted Britain’s greatest seashore.
Each Fistral Seaside and Polzeath Seaside are nice for surfers, together with younger learners, however there’s lots to maintain households pleased even in case you’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 attainable to slot in a few seashores right into a single day.
In the event you’re staying round St Ives, there’s a selection of attractive seashores in and across the city – Porthmeor seashore is one in all my favourites however there’s Porthminster and Porthgwidden and close by Carbis Bay as nicely.
Porthcurno seashore is well one of the vital uncommon with the Minack Theatre perched excessive above it and a few superb turquoise water.
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 unimaginable turquoise waters.
Praa Sands is one other good possibility in case you’re mixing points of interest 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.
On the south coast, Kynance Cove has been voted one of the best on the planet, well-known for its rock stacks, wildlife and caves in addition to the prospect 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 case you’re staying round Looe, East Looe seashore has extra calm, shallow water for youthful children in addition to rockpools too.
However that’s solely a style of among the greatest, with round 400 seashores in Cornwall to strive.
Try my submit on among the greatest seashores in Cornwall for extra concepts, together with dog-friendly seashores in Cornwall
Bude Sea Pool
In the event you’re not a fan of swimming within the sea, the ocean pool at Summerleaze Seaside is unbelievable for households, with some shallow water – plus Bude Sea Pool can also be free!
It’s open year-round, though most households will wish to keep on with the summer time months when the water temperature reaches round 18C, and also you’re advisable to swim at low tide.
Do keep in mind there are restricted amenities right here as nicely – it’s higher for assured swimmers and older children slightly than toddlers.
Go rockpooling
It’s not all about buckets and spades both – the shoreline has some nice rock swimming pools to research, with crabs and lobsters among the many winkles and anemones and heading out to see into the swimming pools is at all times among the many most enjoyable issues to do without cost in Cornwall.
Preserve a watch out for lengthy skinny pipefish, clear prawns and cushion stars – coin-sized sea stars (or starfish) which frequently disguise amongst the weeds. In the event you do transfer stones, at all times exchange them, and don’t contact the creatures.
Treyarnon Bay between Newquay and Padstow has some giant shallow rocks swimming pools, which is a good child-friendly possibility if you would like concepts of free issues to do close to Newquay, whereas additional up the coast, Greenaway Seaside close to Polzeath is ideal for older children.
On the south coast, there are some nice rockpooling choices close to Falmouth, together with Fort Seaside and Hannafore Seaside close to Looe. The Cornwall Wildlife Belief additionally runs rockpool safaris and rockpool rambles all year long, in addition to seashore clear ups.
Try these tips about rockpooling from the Pure Historical past Museum, with recommendation on every part you want in addition to how to not injury the marine life
The Camel path
The disused railway line is now an ideal cycle observe or strolling route taking you thru the Camel Valley, from Padstow on the coast previous pretty little villages (and to the world’s winery when you have a couple of pennies to spend).
There’s round 18 miles to discover if you would like a correct journey however for a neater time out in Cornwall with toddlers, strive the 5 mile part from Wadebridge to Padstow, or enterprise additional on to Bodmin for a 12 mile stretch of the route.
There are additionally locations to park alongside the path (and bike rent, together with children bikes in case you haven’t packed your personal.)
Lanhydrock cycle trails
The paths across the Nationwide Belief property of Lanhydrock are free (in case you carry your personal bikes) with completely different problem ranges, together with ones appropriate for trailers and tagalongs.
The inexperienced path is best for youthful children, solely a mile and a half lengthy and appropriate for trailers and tagalongs – good in case you simply desire a half hour cycle earlier than hitting the journey playground.
There are additionally 4 completely different blue trails (reasonable problem) for a bit extra of a take a look at, whereas older children and youths will love the purple path and the talents space, to spice up your confidence and practise among the trickier off-road path abilities you’ll want.
In the event you’re a Nationwide Belief member, you may cease in at Lanhydrock with out spending an additional penny – in addition to the opposite Nationwide Belief properties in Cornwall.
Stroll the coast
The South West Coast Path stretches for 300 miles round this a part of the UK – greater than sufficient to search out just a few good free 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 unsure the place to start out, the web site permits you to refine your search by problem and theme, in addition to location, so in case you’re in search of a simple, household strolling route, it’ll present you one of the best locations to amble.
How a couple of seashore stroll at Crantock, a stroll to Pendennis Fort and even heading from Penzance to Marazion, to not point out numerous choices which are lower than a mile lengthy.
In the event you’re already an English Heritage member, you may cease in at Pendennis citadel with out an additional cost – or any of the opposite English Heritage properties in Cornwall.
You too can stroll from Sennen Cove to Lands Finish (or from the village of Sennen itself) to see the views right here – though it’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 O’Groats) and there’s an ideal path across the cliffs right here too.
Cardinham Woods
House to the Forestry Fee’s family-friendly actions, such among 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 until you’re a discovery move holder, at £4 for 2 hours or £7 for the entire day (paybyphone is on the market in case you didn’t carry cash).
Not 100% free, admittedly however nonetheless nice in case you’re in search of low-cost days out in Cornwall.
See the mines at Botallack
Earlier than tourism, Cornwall’s wealth got here from mining, and the coast and countryside continues to be affected by the stays of those mines.
And whilst you can’t go down into Botallack mine in contrast to these at Geevor close by (paid!), it’s an ideal place to study a bit extra about this aspect of Cornish historical past in addition to having fun with the dramatic clifftop surroundings.
The mine’s tunnels prolong half a mile below the ocean, and it’s thought that round 20,000 tonnes of copper have been mined, together with tin and (unexpectedly) arsenic.
In the present day, you may 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 info and homes the customer centre and cafe.
Sadly you may not study extra about Cornwall’s mining heritage at Heartlands, which was among the finest free days out in Cornwall with children, closed in 2024
Mount Edgcumbe Nation Park
The previous dwelling of Earls, the home and formal gardens do price to enter, however there’s 865 acres of nation park with loads of walks to discover.
Strive the tree path or the panorama stroll which takes you to among the greatest viewpoints across the grounds.
In the event you don’t fancy following a selected route, you may merely wander by the river and spot wild deer too.
Uncover Merlin’s cave
Tintagel’s gorgeous setting and legendary historical past makes it one in all my favorite locations to go to in Cornwall, however you needn’t fork out for the citadel ruins to get a style of King Arthur.
Head all the way down to the seashore (at low tide) and you’ll discover Merlin’s cave – there’s scrambling concerned, so this one is healthier with older children than infants or toddlers.
Test the tide tables earlier than you go, as you may’t get in whereas the tide is in. And do pack a torch…
Stroll to St Michael’s Mount
You’ll want a robust will and a good funds to not discover the entire of St Michael’s Mount, however in case you’re decided to not spend any cash, the stroll throughout the causeway (verify the tides!) is unbelievable as you attain this island neighborhood.
In the event you go to between October 1 and April 30, entry to the harbour and village is free for everybody throughout opening hours, however there’s often a cost at different instances (until you’re a Nationwide Belief member).
You’ll be able to wander across the village and picture what life is like for the 30 islanders who nonetheless name it dwelling – be a part of one of many free guided excursions to find extra of the historical past in addition to the households who reside on the Mount.
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 may 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 among 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 Woman of the Lake supposedly gave Excalibur to Merlin.
In the event you do wish 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 – not free nevertheless it’s only some kilos per individual, so enjoyable with older children (or followers of Daphne Du Maurier’s novel Jamaica Inn).
As a enjoyable bonus, you can even go to the village of Minions whilst 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 children will love stepping stones and clambering over tree trunks on the way in which to the falls. Don’t overlook to be careful for the piskies which reside there…
There’s free parking and also you’ll typically discover a trailer promoting BBQ meals, though in case you do carry your personal provisions, it’s one so as to add to the record of fully free days out in Cornwall.
Falmouth Artwork Gallery
This gallery has received an award for its family-friendliness, with choices for all ages together with craft periods, child portray and sensory play – very best without cost actions in Cornwall with youthful children.
There are additionally repeatedly altering exhibitions, together with ones which can attraction to children, equivalent to Alice in Wonderland.
However no matter else is on, you’ll discover greater than 1,700 artworks within the assortment to find, so it’s additionally one to recollect in case you want concepts of free issues to do in Cornwall on a wet day.
Museum of Cornish Life, Helston
An amazing possibility for a free days out in Cornwall with children if it’s raining, the Museum of Cornish Life is a enjoyable solution to study extra in regards to the county’s historical past.
You’ll discover all types of objects on show for instance completely different sides of Cornish tradition, in addition to a giant social historical past assortment, shows on inventor Henry Trengrouse, to not point out 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.
There are extra free museums to go to in Cornwall with children, together with the Tintagel Toy Museum and little Penryn Museum. The Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro can also be free for teenagers, however adults to must pay – though it’s nonetheless an affordable time out at £7.50 for an annual move.
Flicka Basis Donkey Sanctuary
In case your children love animals, they’ll be in heaven at Flicka Basis Donkey Sanctuary simply outdoors 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 nicely.
In the course of the summer time, they’ll be out within the paddocks with paths to take you previous, whereas throughout the winter months you may go to them of their barn. The sanctuary isn’t open day by day, so do verify earlier than you go to.
Spot camels
It’s not simply the Camel valley that you would be able to discover, there’s even a herd of the humped beasts to search out at Cornish Camels.
House to Bactrian camels in addition to cows and sheep, observe the free farm path that allows you to wander previous and camel spot.
The Camel Centre is definitely a marriage venue, however has vacation lodging as nicely, and you’ll park to discover Goonhilly Downs Nature Reserve in addition to eyeing up the animals.
Strive some cider
Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm is a good place to go to in case you’re concerned with how among the county’s conventional food and drinks is made – and there’s lots for teenagers.
You’ll be able to look some areas round without cost, together with an opportunity to see the animals and spot the six new tanks which every maintain an enormous 100,000 litres of freshly pressed apple juice simply ready to be fermented. Look out for the cider tanks too, together with with a large rattle snake on.
In the event you do need the total expertise, there are family-friendly guided excursions to study extra, though these are paid – solely below fives are free.
The store itself is free to enter… however realistically, you’ll wish to take dwelling among the jam and cider!
Have an ice cream
Visiting Roskilly’s Ice Cream Farm is one other on the record of the issues to do in Cornwall without cost – you may wander across the farm to fulfill the animals, watch cows being milked, take pleasure in some pretty walks and see the ice cream (plus yoghurt and fudge) being made. And check out just a few samples.
Though if do you escape with out shopping for a single ice cream, I salute you! Even with a cone all spherical, a go to right here nonetheless qualifies while you’re after low-cost issues to do in Cornwall.
For much more concepts of the place to go to throughout a household vacation to Cornwall and issues to do with children in Cornwall, try my final information to Cornwall with children, plus my prime issues to do in Cornwall with children and issues to do in Cornwall within the rain
*First revealed 2016. Up to date 2024*
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