Places to visit in Cornwall with kids – AD

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The UK has so much to offer for families in terms of fantastic places to visit and holiday with the kids. Here I’m going to be showing you the best places to visit in Cornwall with kids. I’ve included beaches, seaside towns and fantastic family days out. There really is plenty for all the family to enjoy when you visit Cornwall. Don’t forget to check out all my recommendations for UK family days out and holidays here.

Visit the beaches

Let’s get the most obvious one out of the way first. You will be spoilt for choice for beaches to visit in Cornwall and let’s face it, if the weather is nice, there is no better place to be with kids. In fact, even if the weather is less than perfect, the beach makes a great family place to visit. If you need a little inspiration, then you’ll love my post filled with Beach activities for children (there’s something for all weathers).

There are 300+ beaches in Cornwall and many are blue flag beaches too. There are small coves, large sandy stretches of beaches, dog-friendly beaches and beaches that are good for water sports too.

The best beaches to visit will obviously depend on where in Cornwall you are staying as there are so many gorgeous ones. Find out about all the beaches in Cornwall here.

Learn to surf

As I mentioned above, Cornwall has some great beaches for water sports. Newquay particularly has lots of surf schools where you can even have family surfing lessons or many also have school holiday kids clubs.

Explore the beautiful seaside towns

As well as the beaches, there are many beautiful seaside and harbour towns to explore in Cornwall too. You could visit Padstow, Bude, Port Isaac, St Ives and many more. You’ll love wandering the narrow lanes, shopping in the little shops and stopping for ice cream or cake in one of the many cafes.

Visit The Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan have so much to offer for families. The adventure playground is fantastic. Kids will also love the jungle where you will find the longest Burmese rope bridges in Britain. The farm is also home to lots of rare breed animals too. Find out when they are open, admission prices and how to get here on their website.

Visit a National Trust

We love family National Trust membership (find out Why you’ll love the National Trust for kids here). As well as lots of coastal car parks in Cornwall, there are many National Trust properties and gardens in Cornwall to choose from and many have great facilities and events for families. If you’re visiting in the school holidays, don’t forget to check if they have any family events on. If you are members they are free or low cost days out.

Glendurgan Garden often has family trails and has pram-friendly routes, a maze and a sheltered beach too.

You might also like to consider Lanhydrock, Godolphin and Trengwainton Garden. Find more ideas over on the National Trust’s website.

St Michael’s Mount is another National Trust in Cornwall. St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island with a castle, shops and cafes to explore. It’s a really unique place to visit. Find out more about planning your visit here.

Cycle the Camel Trail

The Camel Trail is a disused railway line that you can now cycle along. It’s 17 miles long and runs from Padstow to Wenford bridge driers. There are car parks and various points that you can join the trail so that you don’t need to cycle the full length.

Visit Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay

The perfect place to visit on a rainy day. There are 40 themed areas and an underwater tunnel to explore. Kids will have loads of fun as well as learning about our oceans and the creatures that inhabit them. Book your tickets here.

Visit Newquay Zoo

This is a fantastic small zoo in Cornwall. With play areas and plenty of animals to see. It’s also set in beautiful sub-tropical gardens. So much to see and do for all the family. Find out more and book here.

Tintagel Castle

This is another fantastic castle to visit with your family when you are in Cornwall. There’s something about a castle that really brings out a child’s imagination. This one is managed by the English Heritage. It is situated on a clifftop though so it is worth exploring the website and reading about the steps and rugged landscape before deciding if it is right for your children. Read more here.

Visit a theme park

What kid doesn’t love a theme park? If you want a day of adrenalin filled fun, then look no further than Flambards or Camel Creek Adventure Park. Both of them have plenty of rides and other attractions to explore too.

Visit the Eden Project

I’ve been intrigued by the Eden Project since it was first built. I love the idea of exploring all the rainforest biomes and exploring all the plants. It’s such a unique day out, I can’t think of anywhere else quite like it. Find out more here.

Where to stay

Wondering where to stay in Cornwall? I don’t think you can beat self-catering for family holidays. The freedom to come and go when you please, no need to worry about your kids disturbing the other guests and lots of home comforts.

For the best selection on self-catering accommodation in Cornwall, check out Aspects holidays.

Seasonal places to visit in Cornwall

If you are in Cornwall near Christmas, then find out where to see Santa in Cornwall here.