Since our toddler was born we have travelled to a few places from France to New Zealand but never really explored our own country other than West Sussex. although I have fond memories of my childhood holidays to Cornwall, my husband is more worldly travelled than I and was a little sceptical about the UK providing a holiday to inspire but inspire Cornwall did!
It can be fun even if it’s not sunny!
We concentrated on the top half of Cornwall which offers a wonderful array of toddler-friendly beaches, parks and family attractions to suit all tastes and budgets. All do-able from where ever you stay in the north of this lovely county. When we travelled to Cornwall Freddie was 2 yrs 8 months at the time and would recommend it for all ages. We can’t wait to go back.
Our pick to Toddle to…
1. Beaches galore…
Depending where you are staying you will find wonderful family friendly beaches and rock pools to play on/in from Rock and Padstow on the north coast to Whitsand Bay and Looe on the South East coast
2. Lovely seaside towns…
Dotted along the coast-line where you can grab a pasty or ice cream (depending on the weather) and enjoy the fantastic views. Try Padstow and take a walk along the beach cliff alternatively park in Rock and take the small boat across to Padstow or explore other seaside towns and enjoy a bit of history.
3. Bodmin Moor…
Explore the Moor and it’s stunning views with streams, rocky outcrops, wild ponies and lots of safe space to enjoy.
4. Carnglaze Caves
These caves are a fun way to explore underground and have their own lake, the acoustics are great for little voices! There is also a woodland walk dotted with fairies and elves, far too many to count but a great challenge for children! Beware the woodland walk is steep and winding so not for faint hearted parents with little ones and definitely not pushchair friendly. Our two year old loved it but you have been warned!! http://www.carnglaze.com/
5. Lappa Valley Railway.
Three different train rides to hop on and off in an old mine site with play areas, boating, picnic space,
cafe etc. Great day out especially for little ones obsessed with steam trains like our chap. www.lappavalley.co.uk
6. Old Macdonalds Farm
A small family run farm park. Young children especially will enjoy the freedom of a visit to Old MacDonald’s Farm. Pony rides, miniature train ride, play areas and farm animals. Cafe. www.oldmacdonalds.co.uk
7. Crealy Adventure Park
Whatever the weather at Cornwall’s largest theme park, the fun never stops with hours of awesome indoor play. Lose yourself in the Dragon’s Lair with mini mazes, aerial walkways and breathtaking drop slides, creep through the shadows in the haunted house and especially for young explorers, you’ve your own special playhouse. Farm Animals. www.crealy.co.uk/cornwall
8. Blue Reef Aquarium
Take the ultimate undersea safari at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay. Enjoy close encounters with everything from tropical sharks to enchanting seahorses! www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk
9. Springfields Fun Park & Pony Centre
An action packed day with acres of space to run and play. Pony rides. www.springfieldsponycentre.co.uk
10. Dairyland Farm World
A great hands on experience to stroke, feed, cuddle and ride some of DairyLand’s friendly farm animals. Hours of fun inside and out. www.dairylandfarmworld.com
11. Newquay Waterworld Tropical Fun Pool
where you can have loads of fun shooting the water cannon, wrestling with a crocodile, riding the flumes & kiddies slides, but beware of the spitting snakes or water tipper which may catch you unawares. 25m Swimming Pool: where you can practice your swimming & diving skills. Splash on down today! www.newquaywaterworld.co.uk
12. Oasis Fun Pool
Featuring the fast and furious high speed aqua whiz flume, the exciting wet & wild 265ft super flume, and the suitable for all gentle fun slide! A river rapid ride to take your breath away, and geyser for a real soaking, then get drenched under the giant tap, fountains and waterfalls too! www.oasishendra.co.uk
13. The Monkey Sanctuary
Set in beautiful woodland overlooking the picturesque Cornish Coast, we
have been offering a safe home to monkeys in need since 1964. Much more than just monkeys, it’s a great day out for the whole family, and you can rest
assured that all income goes to support out charitable work. www.monkeysanctuary.org
For a selection of child-friendly holiday properties in North Cornwall visit Holiday Tots where you will find individual holiday cottages, farm-stays and luxury Eco lodges – perfect bases to explore from… or the official Tourist Board for Cornwall website where you will find details of what’s on as well as some lovely holiday accommodation http://www.visitcornwall.com/
