I’ve misplaced observe of what number of instances I’ve been to Cornwall – first as a toddler on household holidays with my very own dad and mom, then with associates and now again once more with my very own daughter to rediscover all the very best issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters.
comprises affiliate hyperlinks*
And it doesn’t matter what time of 12 months I’ve been, or who I’ve been with, I’ve all the time had a superb time. The one disadvantage (for me in London) is that it’s such a protracted drive – however the truth I hold returning simply goes to point out how tempting it’s.
It’s famously family-friendly, so with so many locations to go to in Cornwall I can’t probably checklist each sight, attraction and day trip throughout the county – so listed below are my high 23 issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters to start out you off.
Take a look at my full information to Cornwall with youngsters for extra inspiration, in addition to my downloadable e book model of the information
Cornwall with youngsters: Points of interest with animals
Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay
Sharks, turtles and an enormous Pacific octopus are a number of 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.
Take a look at my evaluate of our go to with a toddler
You’ll be able to wander by means of the ocean tunnel, recognizing loggerhead turtles and reef sharks, in addition to seeing among the different uncommon inhabitants, together with pufferfish.
Set proper on the seafront, it’s good if you wish to staff the seaside 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.
For extra concepts on what to do in Cornwall within the rain with youngsters, try these options to keep away from the worst of the climate
Newquay Zoo
This award-winning zoo is residence to lots of of the world’s rarest and most enjoyable creatures, from creepy crawlies to large cats, in addition to exercise trails and a youngsters’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 if you happen to’re visiting Cornwall with a toddler, though at 13 acres, there’s nonetheless a lot to maintain everybody entertained on a day trip.
Paradise Park and JungleBarn, Hayle
The wildlife sanctuary is a chicken 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 too can hop onto the Jungle Specific Prepare, which takes you on a small route across the grounds and among the backyard.
There’s additionally an indoor play space, together with a toddler zone delicate play and jungle theme – tickets embrace an choice simply to take a look at Paradise Park, or for a ticket which covers Junglebarn play and the animals, which is really helpful for busy instances.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, Helston
Meet seals and sea lions at 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 occur all through the day (so you possibly can lastly discover out the distinction between a seal and a sea lion) plus a quiz path and pirate play space for youths.
The centre rehabilitates over 70 gray seal pups each season, in addition to being residence to others which want particular care. It’s even dog-friendly if you happen to’re travelling to Cornwall with the furry family members (so long as they’re saved on a lead).
Take a look at this publish from Suitcases and Sandcastles for extra on the seal sanctuary.
Cornwall with youngsters: Amusement and theme parks
Dairyland Farm World, Newquay
Calling itself an journey park, it’s a cross between a farm, a play centre and a mini museum, with a nature path thrown in – something from tractor rides to milking cows in addition to some Cornish historical past.
Mainly, Dairyland Farm World is small baby heaven. The largest choice is what to attempt first: take a pony journey, observe the wildlife path, leap on the trampoline, eye up the meerkats, pet the guinea pigs, stroll around the Cornish Life Museum or try the bug zone… to call just some choices.
And since there are a complete string of indoor actions, it’s a terrific choice on a wet day in Cornwall with youngsters too.
Camel Creek
Camel Creek is a good choice if you happen to’re in search of a theme park in Cornwall with a little bit of every little thing – indoor and outside play, animals, a 5D theatre, varied rides…
With light rides for little ones, together with a carousel, plus extra adventurous rollercoasters for barely greater thrill-seekers, it’s very best if you happen to’ve received youngsters of various ages.
There’s delicate play and the animal zones to discover too, so it’s one other nice choice if there are showers forecast. Open year-round, there are particular themed seasonal occasions too if you happen to’re visiting round Halloween or Christmas. Prebooking tickets is really helpful.
Camel Creek has changed Crealy’s Journey Park which was on this website though the sister theme park in Devon stays open
Flambards Theme Park, close to Helston
The family-friendly rollercoasters, play areas and actions at this theme park are good if you happen to’re in Cornwall with youthful youngsters – though having stated that, there’s additionally the Sky Swinger journey that’s one of many quickest of its sort in Europe, whizzing individuals spherical at as much as 70kph.
Extra sedately, you too can discover the indoor exhibitions together with a Victorian Village, with greater than 50 outlets from a candy store and toy retailer to a milliner’s and butcher’s, and a formidable 52,000 authentic objects on show.
You can too expertise Britain within the Blitz, a life-sized reproduction of a London road bombed through the Second World Battle, among the many indoor sights.
Plus there are outside and indoor play areas, an opportunity to go dinosaur recognizing, light rides such because the Western Mine Prepare, and extra adrenaline-fuelled enjoyable, in addition to a log flume.
Cornwall with youngsters: Household-friendly sights
The Eden Challenge, St Austell
This astonishing international backyard, tucked inside futuristic domed biomes, is residence to the world’s largest indoor rainforest in addition to interactive reveals, a sensory backyard and crops from across the globe.
It’s good for households too: in addition to transporting your self to the Mediterranean and into the rainforest, there are areas to play, areas to get palms on and artworks to intrigue alongside the best way.
Go to throughout faculty holidays and also you’ll usually discover particular exhibitions and further actions on the Eden Challenge too.
See my evaluate of a day trip on the Eden Challenge with a preschooler.
Pirate’s Quest Journey Golf, Newquay
Journey again 300 years to the Golden Age of piracy, within the residence of smugglers and buccaneers (and mermaids) with a household pleasant journey golf course with a twist.
At Pirate’s Quest Journey Golf you’ll discover 12 holes winding by means of the streets of 18th century Cornwall, in addition to an opportunity to discover caves, uncover native legends, seek for a mermaid and pose within the shares (in addition to attempting 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.
Bodmin Jail, Bodmin
In case your youngsters get pleasure from all issues spooky, this 18th century jail is apparently one of many 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 youngsters (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 saved the Domesday Ebook and Crown Jewels protected.
Cornwall with youngsters: Castles and heritage
Pendennis Fort, Falmouth
One of many mightiest fortresses constructed by Henry VIII to defend towards invasion, Pendennis Fort looms on the headland simply outdoors Falmouth.
You’ll be able to discover the fort hold on the English Heritage website, in addition to gazing out on the views from the highest of the Tudor hold, attempting household actions and exploring the previous buildings, together with exhibitions from the Victorian and First World Battle eras.
There’s additionally delicate play and a ferry over to the close by fort at St Mawes, if one isn’t sufficient!
Plan your go to for the best day and you’ll even see weapons being fired, together with Tudor replicas in addition to Edwardian and Second World Battle fashions which might have been used to guard the coast.
Tintagel Fort, Tintagel
Dramatic and rugged, the clifftop ruins include legends galore, significantly the story that it’s the birthplace of King Arthur – and also you’ll discover Merlin’s Cave close by.
Greatest with older youngsters who can handle the vertiginous steps, Tintagel Fort is among the most memorable fort 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 frightened that ruins aren’t going to seize your youngsters’ consideration, there’s additionally an exhibition to carry the fort 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 entering into one other world, the place you possibly can stroll medieval paths, discover the fort and uncover the village and harbour, together with free 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 residence – the excursions additionally share extra of its historical past in addition to tales in regards to the households who reside on the Mount.
At low tide you possibly can stroll throughout the causeway to achieve the island (following within the footsteps of giants, so legend says) or hop on a ship to hurry over from Marazion, additionally residence to one of many loveliest seashores in Cornwall.
Geevor Tin Mine, close to Penzance
One of many largest preserved mine websites within the nation, it’s the proper place to know 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 12 months.
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 components 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 different, with family-friendly interactive reveals on the UK’s solely china clay mining museum
Cornwall with youngsters: Museums
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 proper place to know the position the ocean performs in life in Cornwall (particularly when the climate is just too unhealthy to really be out on the waves), you’ll hear tales of the ocean and seafarers by means of the centuries, in addition to non permanent exhibitions, starting from the Vikings to Titanic.
There are additionally storytelling classes for youths, interactive reveals and the possibility to go into the basement Tidal Zone to look out into the waters of the harbour throughout your go to.
Take a look at my evaluate 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 beneath the ocean to the cities of the Empire, the little Cornish village of Porthcurno was as soon as residence to the world’s largest telegraph station.
And whereas expertise has moved on, the fascinating tales at the museum are nonetheless price discovering, from the spot the place underwater cables got here ashore to Second World Battle tunnels, used for secret wartime communications, in addition to exhibitions on the best way we talk at this time.
There are actions, hands-on reveals and dressing up amongst different choices to entertain youngsters, in addition to common family-friendly exhibitions.
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 geared toward pre-schoolers.
It’s additionally free for kids beneath 18, so very best if you happen to’re in search of days out in Cornwall on a funds.
For extra concepts of free days out in Cornwall with youngsters, these concepts gained’t value you a penny.
Cornwall with youngsters: Getting open air
Land’s Finish – and Shaun the sheep
There’s excess of 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 photograph 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 received 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.
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 youths.
Look out for The Jungle and among 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 can too discover some of the uncommon spots within the UK on the Minack Theatre.
This dramatic theatre is constructed on the aspect of the cliff, with great views out to the waves – you possibly can e-book to go to through the day, however there are additionally performances together with storytelling classes geared 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.
Lappa Valley Steam Railway, St Newlyn East
Toddlers and preschoolers specifically will love attending to go on the small railway that’s run by means of the conservation space at Lappa Valley Steam Railway, though there’s extra to find right here than trains alone.
Inside, there are nature trails and youngsters’s rides, a toddler path maze plus indoor play carriages and a woodland railway. Or you possibly can actually have a go at loopy golf whilst 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 observe alongside the river Camel – it’s straightforward to discover smaller sections of the Camel Path too if you happen to don’t fancy the whole 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 aren’t any surprising hills to deal with.
With loads of possibilities to cease for a relaxation within the villages alongside the route, it’s a beautiful day trip on bikes or if you happen to’re in search of family-friendly walks in Cornwall.
Browsing
The county is famed for its browsing (and seashores) however it’s undoubtedly not only for adults. Surf colleges just like the SSS Surf Faculty has classes from age six, or from 5 at Harlyn Surf Faculty whereas Discovery Surf Faculty and St Ives Surf Faculty have varied baby and household choices.
And don’t miss the chocolate tart at Porthmeor Seashore Cafe if you happen to’ve been battling the waves in St Ives!
Take a look at my full information to Cornwall with youngsters, in addition to my downloadable e book model of the information. Or discover extra concepts of the very best free issues to do in Cornwall with youngsters, the very best seashores in Cornwall, plus inspiration for what to do in Cornwall within the rain.
*First printed 2015, final up to date 2023*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN CORNWALL WITH KIDS
Disclosure: comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee.
Photographs: St Michael’s Mount/Land’s Finish courtesy Depositphoto, Camel Creek courtesy Camel Creek theme park, all different copyright MummyTravels/Cathy Winston
