One of many issues I really like a few household vacation in Cornwall is that there’s a lot selection packed into one county – discovering the wild coast of north Cornwall with youngsters, venturing right down to fairly St Ives, a keep on the gentler south coast and the prospect to discover the countryside too.
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But when I’m pressured to determine, it’s the north coast which is my favorite: that is the place I used to vacation as a toddler, it’s the place my daughter had her personal first Cornish vacation in Newquay, and you will discover free days out in addition to issues to do in north Cornwall within the rain. Effectively, that is the UK in any case.
So I’ve rounded up a few of my very own highlights – together with the northern a part of the county and the north Cornwall coast – with this checklist of one of the best issues to do in north Cornwall with youngsters.
Try my full information to Cornwall with youngsters, in addition to my downloadable book model of the information
Strictly talking, my suggestions enterprise past the official boundaries of north Cornwall: Newquay and Crantock will not be technically north Cornwall however are on the north Cornish coast, for instance.
I simply couldn’t miss out the Eden Challenge both. It’s a lot nearer to the south coast of Cornwall, however nonetheless solely 20 to half-hour from Bodmin and Padstow really easy to suit right into a household vacation in north Cornwall.
The concepts under are organized in roughly geographical order if you wish to work out which locations to go to in north Cornwall close to the place you’re staying.
So whether or not you’re a purist with regards to boundaries or are simply on the lookout for some nice north Cornwall points of interest for households, there ought to be loads right here to encourage – from north Cornwall household days out to child-friendly points of interest, north Cornwall locations to go to and wet-weather actions. Oh, and seashores in fact!
Greatest seashores in north Cornwall
It doesn’t matter which little bit of Cornwall you go to, there are some fabulous seashores to be discovered – and so many little secret coves to find as properly.
I at all times love getting suggestions from locals on one of the best ones – considered one of my favorite journey hacks is staying with a neighborhood specialist firm which might kind you out with someplace beautiful to remain in addition to sharing secrets and techniques of the place to go.
For 2 of one of the best seashores in north Cornwall, don’t miss out on a few seashores in Bude, together with Summerleaze seaside with a sea pool, and Crooklets seaside which has some nice rock swimming pools. Each have restrictions from Might to September if you happen to’re on the lookout for dog-friendly seashores in Bude although.
Additional down the coast, Widemouth Bay has an extended open stretch of sand and its personal rockpools at low tide, and the southern finish is dog-friendly year-round.
Treyarnon Bay between Newquay and Padstow can also be nice for rockpooling, and canines are allowed year-round right here too, whereas Crantock Seaside close to Newquay is a agency household favorite in addition to a dog-friendly possibility too.
Together with large sand dunes and caves to discover, there are straightforward rock swimming pools for youthful youngsters, some constant surf, plus a kiosk promoting ice cream.
Scroll down for concepts of some extra of north Cornwall’s finest seashores round Padstow and Newquay, in addition to Bedruthan Steps.
Bude Sea Pool
In the event you’re not a fan of swimming within the sea, the ocean pool at Summerleaze Seaside is incredible 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 stick with the summer season months when the water temperature reaches round 18C, and also you’re really helpful to swim at low tide.
Do keep in mind there are restricted amenities right here as properly – it’s higher for assured swimmers and older youngsters moderately than toddlers.
Watersports in Bude
Older youngsters will love the prospect to attempt browsing, bodyboarding and rise up paddle boarding on the north Cornwall coast – Freewave Surf Academy specialises in classes for households and teams, so it’s excellent for novices as properly.
For extra journey, you possibly can attempt coasteering as properly, swimming by means of sea caves, visiting hidden seashores and getting your coronary heart racing with just a few leaps into the water – sensible if you happen to’re visiting Bude with teenagers.
Bude sits proper close to the border of Cornwall and Devon, so it’s straightforward to nip throughout into the neighbouring county too for extra issues to do with youngsters in Devon – the Milky Approach Journey Park isn’t distant.
Stroll the South West coast path
Wherever you might be in Cornwall, there are some lovely locations to get exterior and go strolling alongside the South West Coast path – and north Cornwall is not any totally different, together with a number of family-friendly walks.
Discover among the Cornwall Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence – the Hartland stretch from simply above Bude to the Cornish border is a real problem however you may do this Bude Coast and Canal possibility.
The part from Widemouth Bay to Pentire Level is one other difficult one – not least as a result of it runs for 30 miles – however there are some unmissable views from Crackington Haven and the aptly named Excessive Cliff, the very best in Cornwall.
Boscastle Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
Positively one for older youngsters moderately than giving toddlers nightmares, the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic at Boscastle has round 3,000 reveals making it the world’s largest assortment of this sort, in addition to its oldest.
Excellent for a day in north Cornwall within the rain or for an uncommon time out with youngsters – visits to the museum itself are inclined to final an hour or much less.
Go to Tintagel
Greatest identified for its hyperlinks to King Arthur and the hanging sculpture that stands on the cliffs, the wild surroundings and ruins of Tintagel are someplace which stick within the reminiscence. I keep in mind visiting as a toddler – it’s a genuinely magical setting.
However that’s solely the beginning of what there’s to do. Go to the seaside at low tide and you may discover Merlin’s Cave – examine the tide tables earlier than you go, and as you’ll be scrambling in low mild, take a torch and don’t do this with toddlers.
Then there are centuries of historical past to find at Tintagel Fort, together with its function within the legends of King Arthur.
Teetering on the headland, the 2 halves of the positioning are joined collectively once more by a footbridge – you want a timed ticket to enter, and it’s finest to ebook these prematurely, together with for English Heritage members. Some walk-up tickets could also be obtainable on the day, significantly within the afternoon, nevertheless it’s fashionable so higher secure than sorry at peak instances.
Tintagel Previous Publish Workplace is one other nice cease – initially a farmhouse, relationship again over 600 years, the medieval constructing was later transformed into the village’s letter-receiving workplace, with a historical past path to discover and conventional crafts to attempt.
The Vale of Avalon, Slaughterbridge
Not removed from the medieval city of Camelford – thought by some to be the positioning of Camelot – there’s extra for King Arthur followers on the Vale of Avalon in Slaughterbridge (previously the Arthurian Centre), round 10 minutes drive from Tintagel.
The 20 acre website surrounds King Arthur’s Stone, and the fields are the legendary spot the place King Arthur and Mordred met for his or her final battle. You may uncover extra in regards to the historical past and tales, in addition to testing the youngsters’s quiz, making an attempt brass rubbing and there’s even a play fort.
And for a newer historic discovery, an 18th century backyard rediscovered in 2005 is at present being restored – Girl Falmouth’s Secret Backyard was uncovered throughout archaeological work and is steadily being introduced again to life.
Trevathan Farm, Port Isaac
Port Isaac itself is finest referred to as the setting for TV sequence Doc Martin – however until you’ve any small followers, youthful youngsters are more likely to be extra tempted by close by Trevathan Farm.
There’s berry choosing in the summertime and pumpkin carving at Halloween, plus youngsters can burn off their power on the journey playground on this working farm.
Do take a wander round Port Isaac itself although – I really like Treasure Trails for enjoyable methods to discover with youngsters, and this Treasure Hunt model is ideal for exploring the twisty streets of a fishing village with smuggling historical past.
The Golden Lion pub even has an outdated smuggling tunnel which leads down onto the seaside – one of many quirkiest issues to identify in North Cornwall for households.
Try Squeezy Stomach alley too, one of many narrowest passageways in Britain – possibly earlier than you try the Port Isaac fudge store and pasties!
Go coasteering at Polzeath
It’s not simply Bude which is a hotspot for coasteering – Polzeath, simply down the coast from Port Isaac, is one other great spot to discover the shoreline, swimming, scrambling and leaping alongside the way in which.
You would possibly even spot seals and dolphins within the space, and there’s extra probability to attempt browsing right here too.
There are a number of organisations which provide coasteering in Polzeath for teenagers: attempt Cornish Coasteering for ages 8+ or Period Adventures runs taster classes for rookies, with a really helpful age of 10+.
Uncover mermaid legends close to Rock
For a moderately gentler different, head to the Camel Estuary and the seaside at Daymer Bay with its unspoiled dunes.
Related to Rock at low tide, you possibly can sit on the sand and inform the story of Doom Bar, the sand bar supposedly created by a mermaid in revenge and the reason for many shipwrecks.
Cycle the Camel path
One other favorite from my very own childhood holidays, the beautiful Camel path cycle observe was created from a disused railway line.
The entire stretch is round 18 miles lengthy – for a shorter style, if you happen to’re visiting north Cornwall with toddlers, there’s a five-mile part from Wadebridge to Padstow. Or you too can cowl the 12-mile stretch to Bodmin.
You’ll discover automotive parking alongside the route in addition to locations to rent bikes if you happen to don’t have your individual, together with youngsters’ bikes, to not point out award-winning native vineyards.
Stroll the Sir John Betjeman stroll
This beautiful stretch of the South West coast path runs alongside the River Camel, passing the golden dunes of the seashores and resulting in tiny St Enodoc Church the place the poet laureate is buried.
One of many best walks alongside the coast path in north Cornwall, it’s a beautiful place to amble within the solar.
Go to the Nationwide Lobster Hatchery
One of many quirkier issues to do in north Cornwall with youngsters, the Nationwide Lobster Hatchery is a charity with a give attention to conservation, analysis and schooling. However from a toddler’s perspective, it’s a spot to see child lobsters!
Set on South Quay in Padstow, you possibly can see lobsters on the totally different levels of their life in addition to different marine life, and you may even undertake one and observe its progress by way of the web site. High tip: select a much less frequent identify than ‘pinchy’ if you happen to do – there are 630 on the final rely!
There are extra lovely seashores and picturesque streets to wander – Padstow does get very busy in summer season although – plus the ferry throughout to Rock right here for an opportunity to tick off two locations to go in north Cornwall in in the future.
Camel Creek Journey Park
Round quarter-hour south of Padstow, Camel Creek Journey Park is about on the positioning of the previous Crealy’s Journey Park. Reopened in 2018, there’s a little bit of every little thing too – indoor and out of doors play, animals, a 5D theatre, numerous rides…
With light rides for little ones, together with a carousel, plus extra adventurous rollercoasters for barely greater thrill-seekers, it’s preferrred if you happen to’ve acquired youngsters of various ages.
You may meet meerkats and Shire Horses, plus indoor mushy play and out of doors journey play so it’s one other nice possibility for a wet day in north Cornwall with youngsters.
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.
Previous Macdonalds Farm
Slightly additional down the coast, between Padstow and Newquay, Previous Macdonalds Farm is a beautiful time out with youthful youngsters – in addition to seeing the cattle, there are many alternatives to play, and you may keep on website or flip up for a day go to.
With particular animal expertise in addition to an ordinary go to (could have to be prebooked, additional charge applies), there are additionally particular occasions in the course of the yr. Time your go to proper and you may assist bottle feed lambs and calves.
Bedruthan Steps
The granite rocks on the seaside at Bedruthan Steps had been as soon as the stepping stones for the enormous Bedruthan in keeping with legend – truly extra seemingly made up by Victorians, however why spoil a great story?
Both approach, the rock stacks are a dramatic sight, continually altering because the waves put on away the softer rock (don’t take into consideration paddling!)
There’s (at present no entry to the seaside due to rock falls (though the slender steps lead down had been by no means preferrred if you happen to’re visiting north Cornwall with toddlers) however the views are spectacular.
There’s a Nationwide Belief automotive park and café on the prime too, and a few beautiful walks, plus occasional additional actions like treasure hunts to attempt.
Newquay seashores
My daughter’s first go to to Cornwall took us to Newquay and there are good the explanation why it’s so fashionable with households.
For starters, there are seashores galore – from browsing at well-known Fistral seaside to the summer season donkey derby at Mawgan Porth and the dunes of Crantock.
To not point out a complete string of different well-known coves: Tolcarne Seaside, Watergate Bay, Lusty Glaze Seaside, Perranporth Seaside, Towan seaside within the city itself with loads of golden sand and nice surf waves.
In the event you’re on the lookout for dog-friendly seashores in Newquay, try these choices.
Newquay Zoo
This award-winning zoo is dwelling to a whole lot of the world’s rarest and most fun creatures, from creepy crawlies to massive cats, in addition to exercise trails and a youngsters’s play space.
You could possibly 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 totally different habitats.
It’s sufficiently small to not be too overwhelming if you happen to’re visiting north Cornwall with a toddler, though at 13 acres, there’s nonetheless loads to maintain everybody entertained on a time out.
Blue Reef aquarium, Newquay
This beautiful aquarium is correct on the seafront in Newquay – you possibly can relax on Towan seaside then head indoors to find what lives beneath the waves.
Sharks, turtles and an enormous Pacific octopus are just a few of the creatures you’ll discover in 40 totally different habitats, with talks and feeding at this beautiful beachfront aquarium – considered one of my favorite issues to do in Newquay.
You may 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 excellent if you wish to workforce the seaside with the prospect to see beneath the waves – or if you end up on the lookout for one thing to do on a wet day in Cornwall.
Try my evaluate of a time out at Blue Reef aquarium in Newquay with a toddler
Pirate’s Quest Journey Golf, Newquay
Journey again 300 years to the Golden Age of piracy, within the dwelling 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 making an attempt for a yo ho gap in a single!)
The swashbuckling course is indoors too, in case you’re on the lookout for 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.
Trerice Home, close to Newquay
Just a bit approach inland from Newquay, this Nationwide Belief property consists of the prospect to decorate up in Tudor costumes in addition to attempt some conventional video games within the nice chamber of Trerice Home.
You can too uncover extra in regards to the household which lived within the sixteenth century manor through the years. If it’s a sunny day, wander the gardens and take a look at just a few video games on the bowling inexperienced, or it’s one other nice possibility for a wet day close to Newquay.
Lappa Valley Steam railway, close to Newquay
Not removed from Trerice Home and Newquay, Lappa Valley Steam railway is a superb attraction for youthful youngsters – there’s extra than simply for toddlers and pre-schoolers, however they’ll love the trains which run on the small railway.
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 also have a go at loopy golf whilst you’re visiting so it’s a enjoyable time out in Cornwall for the entire household.
Bodmin Moor
The wildest a part of Cornwall, Bodmin Moor is a captivating place to roam, with Bronze Age and Neolithic cairns and stone circles and its personal retailer of ghost tales and legends.
For a much less spooky possibility, you possibly can go geocaching on the moor in addition to following a part of the Copper Path, a 60-mile strolling route.
Or one other favorite if you happen to don’t fancy venturing too far off the overwhelmed observe is to go to the Golitha Falls Pure Reserve. Footpaths, together with one buggy-friendly path, lead by means of the valley alongside the riverside.
Older youngsters will love clambering over tree trunks and hopping from stepping stone to stepping stone on the way in which to the falls. Apparently it’s dwelling to piskies too.
There’s free parking, so it’s an important possibility for an inexpensive time out in north Cornwall.
Cardinham Woods
Not removed from Bodmin Moor, the woods are Cornwall’s place to seek out the Forestry Fee’s household trails together with these impressed by Julia Donaldson’s books, such because the Gruffalo twenty fifth anniversary exercise path.
However everytime you go to, there are 4 totally different strolling trails to discover – considered one of which is buggy pleasant – plus three cycle trails, a play space and café.
The one cost is for parking (until you’re a discovery cross holder) and any particular path actions so it’s one other enjoyable possibility for affordable issues to see in north Cornwall.
Bodmin Jail
Apparently one of the haunted locations in Britain, Bodmin jail reopened just a few years in the past with a model new immersive customer expertise together with a ‘Darkish Stroll’ and overhaul of the prevailing attraction.
Telling the historical past of the 18th century jail over six ranges, with sights, sounds and smells of life within the 18th century, you possibly can step into the chilly cells, to think about a sentence of arduous labour forward. Much less gruesomely, the jail has additionally stored the Domesday Ebook and Crown Jewels secure.
Harsh punishments and an execution pit imply this isn’t one for youthful youngsters (though you possibly can keep away from one or two of the scarier sections) nevertheless it’s one of the memorable north Cornwall days out with youngsters.
Higher for older youngsters, who love their wet days spiced up with a bit of shiver of fright than for youthful youngsters (it’s not buggy-friendly both).
Bodmin and Wenford Railway
Cornwall’s solely full-size railway nonetheless operated by steam locomotives, it’s an ideal possibility for train-obsessed little ones (and a few greater ones).
Chuffing alongside the 13-mile spherical journey route of the Bodmin and Wenford Railway makes for a really enjoyable option to discover the countryside too.
There are additionally particular themed occasions throughout college holidays, akin to Halloween and Santa trains – and the prospect to have a correct Cornish cream tea.
Lanhydrock
Not removed from Bodmin itself, the Nationwide Belief property of Lanhydrock is designed to allow you to discover Victorian life, wandering by means of the home from the servants’ quarters and kitchens to the household’s extra luxurious rooms.
Youngsters have trails to comply with inside the home, and you may also have a peek into the nurseries alongside the way in which to match to their very own bedrooms.
Outside there are bike trails to discover together with a straightforward inexperienced path that’s appropriate for youthful youngsters and bikes with tagalongs in addition to trickier routes for older youngsters, plus the standard expansive grounds to roam round and an journey playground.
Carnglaze Caverns
The three underground caves making up Carnglaze Caverns are on the south fringe of Bodmin Moor, a former slate mine which is now a mining heritage attraction.
Your self-guided go to (though there are some guided excursions in excessive season) explains extra in regards to the miner’s work and why offering slate was so essential, earlier than ending on the spectacular underground lake.
The caves at the moment are dwelling to 5 species of bats, whereas exterior you possibly can hunt for faeries and dragons on the Woodland Stroll and within the Enchanted Dell on the hillside.
There’s a youngsters’s path that will help you spot among the fairy inhabitants, whereas the stroll takes round 25 minutes – in late spring it’s excellent to see bluebells, and you may additionally be fortunate sufficient to identify deer or a fox.
The Eden Challenge
The award-winning attraction is immediately recognisable – the labored out china clay pit has been reworked with two well-known biomes, one concealing the Mediterranean, the opposite the warmth of the rainforest.
Try my evaluate of our day on the Eden Challenge with a three-year-old.
This astonishing international backyard, tucked inside futuristic domed biomes, is dwelling to the world’s largest indoor rainforest in addition to interactive reveals, a sensory backyard and vegetation from across the globe.
There are storytelling classes for teenagers and different actions, exhibitions, and even mushy play. If the climate’s good, there are paths to wander outside too and lots to do on the Eden Challenge within the rain if not.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Cornwall, try my prime picks and my final information to Cornwall with youngsters
*First revealed 2020, final up to date 2024*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN NORTH CORNWALL WITH KIDS
Disclosure: Incorporates affiliate hyperlinks: any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions and advised names for lobsters are my very own.
Blue Reef picture copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy Depositphotos
