Cornwall isn’t just a pretty place. It is a wonderful destination for a family holiday in the UK, for those looking to relax or even those looking to explore. For a little inspiration to get you in the Cornish mood, we have put together a collection of family-friendly attractions worth adding to your itinerary list, if you are considering a holiday in Cornwall…
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
A magical and mysterious estate with 200 acres of gardens to run around and explore. As The Lost Garden of Heligan would say “it is the best natural playground ever!” There is much to explore from variety of gardens to farm animals and wildlife roaming on the Estate, so there really is something for the whole family. They have a Burmese Rope Bridge which is considered one of the longest in Britain and also a play adventure park for the little ones to let off a little steam. If you plan to The Lost Gardens of Heligan, don’t forget to look out for Diggory, the resident scarecrow.
Lappa Valley
A wonderful day out for the whole family, take a nostalgic steam train ride through the Cornish countryside to Lappa Valley’s secret valley, full of fun and adventure. This really is great for those families with kiddies, and adults, who LOVE trains as the railway is one of the oldest railway tracks in Cornwall, and you can meet the fleet of steam engines that live here with their own story and history behind them. Within the secret valley, there are a number of activities including a crazy golf course, a boating lake, outdoor and indoor play, woodland walks all within the 35 acres site.
The Eden Project
Worth adding to the itinerary is the Eden Project, an educational charity and a eco-attraction with huge Biomes housing the largest rainforest in captivity and contemporary gardens. There is a great Canopy walkway across the Biome within the rainforest, and here you will also find a Weather Maker section with rope bridge and an immersive exhibit, where you can shelter from a tropical rainstorm. The outdoor gardens are great places for the kids to play and let off steam, with play logs and the the spiral gardens.
Flambards
With indoor and outdoor fun for all! Amazing day out with fun rides and an indoor immersive attraction. The theme park has a large selection of rides for all, from a thrill seeker choice such as sky force, flying high above the park or a slower pace classic tea cup ride for the smaller kids. Numerous family attractions here including the Dino Express where you can spot life-sized dinosaurs. For raining or hot days, inside attractions include an immersive experience and a victorian village where visitors are able to experience what it was like in a victorian Britain.
Newquay Zoo
Who doesn’t love animal or two? Newquay zoo is home to over 1000 of the worlds rarest and endangered animals set amongst 13 acres of tropical gardens. They are open daily from 10am and recommend families give themselves at least 3-4 hours at the zoo. The work they do to breed and and care for endangered species is all paid for by your visit. There is an African Savanna exhibit with black wildebeest, antelope and zebras roaming around. Also is the Gems Of The Jungle exhibit with south east Asia’s most threatened song birds and that’s not all… There are cheeky meerkats, red pandas, African lion, penguins and many more. There is also a village farm, very popular with the younger kids with goats, pigs, ducks and rabbits.
Camel Creek Adventure Park
Another great day out for the whole family, a fun packed day with lots to do! Lots of rides and attractions throughout the park. There are four different areas within the park, Swampy and Dina land, Thunder Canyon (both full of fun rides) Kiddies Kingdom (great for the little ones) and then Creative Creek (fab for those families who love animals). A selection of restaurants and shops onsite, you may even spot a few characters roaming around!
Seal Sanctuary
A wonderful place where seals and other marine animals are in need of help and have been found around our shores. The Seal Sanctuary’s aim is to get the animals back to full health so they then can be released back into the wild. However, sometimes this is not possible and if this is the case, they have a forever home at the Sanctuary. You can meet all these marine animals by visiting the Seal sanctuary, There are underwater viewing points at certain areas of the sanctuary, Southern Sea Lion Pool, the Seal Rescue Centre and at Penguin Beach – yes they have penguins!
Dairyland Farm Park
A kids adventure park with animals and various play areas. There are animals to meet greet and even a chance to feed. Meerkats, goats and donkeys. There is much to do inside and out with kiddies play areas that include slides, climbing nets, ball pits and assault courses. For the younger children there are ride on tractors, Wendy house and much more to keep them happy. There is an amazing nature trail for those looking to explore some woodlands and lakes, with plenty of wildlife to spot!
We have a wonderful collection of family-friendly accommodations in Cornwall; from self-catering cottages on a farm-stay to child-friendly suites in a hotel. Check them out here
