North Cornwall is a fantastic destination for a family holiday; from beaches and outdoor activities to indoor adventures, there’s plenty of variety and a whole host of great ways to spend your time. Of course, the county as a whole is home to some brilliant attractions, but if you’re staying in North Cornwall with kids, you may not wish to travel far – at least not every day! Luckily, there’s plenty to do that’s in easy reach when that’s the case.
Whatever type of attraction you’re looking for, we’ve put together a guide to child-friendly days out and things to do in North Cornwall for families.
Cycle the Camel Trail
If you’re visiting North Cornwall with kids and looking to do something active, the Camel Trail makes for a fun and outdoorsy day out where all the family can enjoy the sights of the Cornish countryside. It’s an 18 mile, mostly traffic free, multi use trail that makes use of a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow.
The trail is suitable for walking or horseriding (and also for wheelchair users), but one of our favourite ways to take it in is by cycling. If you’re not bringing your own, there are bikes available to hire from the main towns along the route; and if 18 miles is too far for little legs, it can be separated into shorter sections (between each of the four locations mentioned above) for a more gentle ride.
Location: Padstow/Wadebridge/Bodmin
Car parking: Several car parks in Padstow and Wadebridge, as well as a small car park at the Wenfordbridge end of the Camel Trail
Suitable for: All ages
Open: All year round
Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay
Families with an interest in the creatures of the sea will love the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay, where a variety of exhibits allow visitors to see ocean life from different types of habitats around the world, including a section dedicated to Cornish waters! The ocean tunnel, where you can see stingrays and sharks swimming over your head, is particularly popular, and there are talks and feeding sessions throughout the day. While it’s not an especially large aquarium, it’s certainly an interesting day out for children and pre-teens, and also a great sensory experience for very little ones.
Location: Newquay
Car parking: No aquarium car park, but several car parks close by (St Georges Road, Tregunnel and Manor Road)
Suitable for: All ages; most suitable for children 0-13
Open: All year round
St Nectan’s Glen
For those looking to take in the natural world around them as a family, St Nectan’s Glen is an unspolit oasis where you can enjoy a woodland walk and find stunning waterfalls. The walk takes you along the edge of a river, surrounded by greenery and ancient woodland. There’s an educational element too, with a nature trail that has information boards where visitors can learn about the environment and the ancient woodland. For little ones, an activity booklet is available from any of the till points at the site.
Location: Trethevy
Car parking: Yes, pay and display car park (limited capacity)
Suitable for: All ages
Open: All year round, with summer and winter opening hours
Camel Creek Adventure Park
This family adventure park takes the legends of the area and turns them into engaging, entertaining experiences for children. Best suited to preteens and younger ages, Camel Creek is full of character meet and greets, rides, and even animals. There’s enough there to spend almost the whole day, with several places to get food and drink on site including burgers, sandwiches, sweet snacks and ice cream – but you can also bring a picnic to enjoy.
Location: Wadebridge
Car parking: Yes, large car park
Suitable for: Approximately ages 3-13
Open: All year round, but currently closed for refurbishment (opening March 2024)
Lanhydrock
No guide to North Cornwall attractions would be complete without a mention of the National Trust! This fantastic site is a late Victorian country house with garden and wooded estate set in almost 1000 acres of parkland. Lanhydrock House, a Jacobean mansion, and the beautiful gardens, which are particularly famed for magnolias, are open throughout the summer months only, but even outside of peak season the destination makes a great day out. The parkland is stunning and waiting to be explored, and there are cycle trails in the woodland that cater to a mix of abilities and ages, from family-friendly gentle rides to more adventurous mountain biking.
Location: Bodmin
Car parking: Yes
Suitable for: All ages
Open: Lanhydrock House and garden open March – October; parkland and cycle trails open year-round
Bodmin and Wenford Railway
Children tend to be particularly enamoured with the idea of travelling on a steam train, and at this heritage railway you can do just that. Hop on board to enjoy the views and the ride through the Cornish countryside between Bodmin Parkway and Boscarne Junction; the journey of the full length of the track takes around 2 hours. Four-legged members of the family can also come along, as the railway is dog-friendly, providing they are kept to the floor rather than on laps, seats or tables.
Location: Bodmin
Car parking: Yes, at Bodmin General
Suitable for: All ages
Open: March – October each year, with some December specials
Cardinham Woods
A great low cost option for a family day out is to get out into the fresh air – something that Cornwall has plenty of! Cardinham Woods is nestled in a beautiful valley close to Bodmin Moor and makes for a fantastic outdoor woodland adventure, with nature walks, cycling trails and lovely viewpoints.
For children, don’t miss the Zog activity trail – just download the ‘Zog: A Forest Adventure’ app, and as you point it at the markers along the trail you can access challenges and collect golden stars. Those who wish to can also pick up a Zog trail activity pack for £4 from the ranger’s hut.
Location: Bodmin
Car parking: Yes
Suitable for: All ages
Open: Year round
Lappa Valley
Hailed by visitors as the perfect family day out, and aiming to be the best attraction for children under 10, Lappa Valley is a nostalgic world of play and trains. Your visit starts with a charming train ride on the Lappa Valley Steam Railway from the car park into the heart of the action, where you’ll find an adventure golf course, boating lake with swan pedalos, soft play and more. There’s a cafe and shop on site, so you can comfortably spend a day here enjoying all there is to see and do.
Location: Newquay
Car parking: Yes, free car parking at Benny Halt
Suitable for: Best for ages 2-10
Open: Year-round, but with limited days in winter and different train times from the car park at different times of year
Hit the beach
Cornwall is well known for its beaches, and the North coast especially has some of the best family friendly beaches you could hope for, so a day at the beach is always going to be one of the top things to do here. Some of the best beaches for families in North Cornwall are Fistral Beach, Watergate Bay, Holywell Bay, Perranporth beach, and Crantock Beach. Many have rock pools or shallow pools that are ideal for paddling, sand dunes to explore, and wonderful views of our beautiful coastline.
If you find yourself getting restless, you can always enjoy the same views while getting your legs moving by walking the South West Coast Path, which will take you between beaches and along stunning cliffs.
Location: North Cornish coast
Car parking: Varied – check individual beach to confirm
Suitable for: All ages
Open: All year round
Pirate’s Quest Adventure Golf
If you fancy enjoying some crazy golf in a brilliantly themed setting, Pirate’s Quest Adventure Golf, in Newquay, is fun for all the family. The sections of the course are themed around different swashbuckling topics, including a fantastic Davy Jones Locker section with glow in the dark golf balls. There is information about the area and pirates displayed throughout to keep you entertained between taking your turn, and visitors love that the course is well spaced out, allowing you to take it at your own pace and really enjoy the experience. Watch out for the real life pirate who walks around the course interacting with guests too!
Location: Newquay
Car parking: No dedicated car park, but several car parks close by in Newquay (Manor Road, Tregunnel Hill, Mount Wise)
Suitable for: All ages
Open: All year round
National Lobster Hatchery
Located on South Quay, Padstow, the National Lobster Hatchery is a marine conservation, research and education charity. It may not be enormous, but there is a wonderful mix of activities and information for both adults and children alongside the chance get close to lobster babies, pregnant mothers, giant lobsters and several other fascinating coastal creatures.
Young visitors can enjoy colouring and puzzle sheets, magnet fishing, and flaps to open along the way, while older children and adults learn about marine conservation and how the organisation works with the local fishing community.
Location: Padstow
Car parking: Several car parks in Padstow; closest to the National Lobster Hatchery is the council-run Railway Car Park
Suitable for: All ages
Open: All year round
Hidden Valley
Sure to keep young children, teens, and parents alike entertained and engaged, Hidden Valley is a puzzle park based near Launceston. If you’re new to the expression ‘puzzle park’, just think of a brilliant activity-based attraction full of participation and detective work. Hidden Valley features outside puzzle trails (including The Muddlers Mystery Trail which is designed especially for small children) as well as indoor puzzles in their enchanting Forbidden Mansion.
The puzzles are genuine brainteasers that account for different ages, and change annually. There’s also a play area, gardens and a maze – and dogs are welcome on the outside trails (but not in the Forbidden Mansion or on the train), so don’t need to be left in your accommodation! A delightfully unique experience for all the family and one not to be missed.
Location: Tredidon, Launceston
Car parking: Yes
Suitable for: All ages
Open: March – September each year
Surfing and watersports
It would be remiss of us not to suggest some water-based activities for holidaying in Cornwall. Whether they’re young children or teenagers and whether they’re brand new to watersports or have tried it before, the North Cornwall beaches have a whole host of brilliant places to enjoy surfing, SUP and other activities.
One of our favourites is Bude Surfing Experience, which runs daily 2.5 hour group surfing sessions for all ages and abilities. As well as older children, children under 8 years are very welcome to join these session (but must be accompanied by a non-surfing adult). They also offer SUP lessons and hire. Plus, their great location on Summerleaze Beach (one of the best family beaches on the North coast) means you can also take a dip in Bude tidal pool!
Location: Various locations along the North Cornish coast
Car parking: Yes
Suitable for: Mixed depending on activity
Open: All year round, but can be changeable according to weather
Bodmin Jail Attraction
This landmark historical site, first built in 1779, becomes a pathway to the past with its 2 hour tours, although it would be more accurate to call them immersive experiences. It’s best suited to families with older children, as it has the potential to be scary at times for very young ones or cause them to feel restless. For children who enjoy learning, it’s an unforgettable experience; either self-guided or with a guide, you traverse the fascinating history of Georgian and Victorian crime and punishment, with lots to keep you engaged along the way.
Location: Bodmin
Car parking: Yes
Suitable for: Older children, best suited for age 8+ (Has the potential to be too dark for younger children)
Open: All year round
Tintagel Castle and village
The village of Tintagel might be most famous for its links to King Arthur, but a visit isn’t just for history buffs – the magic of the location makes a great day out for families too. Visit Tintagel Castle to immerse yourself in history and myth, where you can walk across a spectacular footbridge that looks over the dramatic coastline, as well as explore the outcrop the castle sits on. A wander down to the beach to explore Merlin’s Cave is also well worth doing, as is spending some time in the village itself.
Location: Tintagel
Car parking: No car park at the museum, but a council owned car park in the village
Suitable for: Ages 6+ but better suited to older children
Open: April-October each year
Macdonald’s Farm
If you’re looking for a relaxed location in which to spend a few hours with the kids, Macdonald’s Farm, near Padstow, is a lovely choice. This playground and animal attraction allows children to get close with alpacas, rabbits, goats and other farmyard animals, as well as providing family fun in the form of table tennis, pool and a toddler area. It’s incredibly budget-friendly with a donation entry charge of £3 for adults and £2 for children – and they also offer animal events throughout the season for an additional charge.
Location: Porthcothan Bay, Padstow
Car parking: Yes
Suitable for: All ages; best suited to age 0-12
Open: April – October each year
Newquay Zoo
With hundreds of animals to see in amongst their 13 acres of sub-tropical gardens, Newquay Zoo makes for an action-packed day out that can be enjoyed by all ages. As well as spotting animals from all over the world, from armadillos to zebras, the zoo is home to outdoor play areas for burning off steam and pretty, tranquil gardens for a moment of calm. Don’t miss Gems of the Jungle, their free flying bird exhibit, and look out for ranger talks throughout the day where you can learn more about the animals. If you’re visiting during Easter, over the festive period or close to another seasonal occasion, you might find that they’re also holding special events.
Location: Newquay
Car parking: Council owned car park nearby
Suitable for: All ages
Open: All year round
Location: Various locations along the North Cornish coast
Car parking: Yes
Suitable for: Mixed depending on activity
Open: All year round, but can be changeable according to weather
Head to a skatepark
If there’s a keen skater in your midst, they needn’t forego their favourite hobby on your family holiday; there are several skateparks in the area where they can get a skate in. A particularly impressive option is Concrete Waves, Newquay’s Skatepark, which features areas suitable for a variety of wheeled sports and a wide spectrum of age groups.
Padstow also has its own skatepark that is ideal for beginners and children, as does Wadebridge, whose skatepark is well situated close to the Camel Trail.
Location: Various (Newquay Skatepark: TR7 2LZ, Padstow Skatepark: PL28 8EB, Wadebridge Skatepark: PL27 7BX)
Car parking: Depends on location
Suitable for: Approximately ages 8+
Open: All year round
Try Coasteering
For those prone to a little thrillseeking on holiday, families with children over 10 might find coasteering right up their street! This exhilirating experience will see you explore the rocky North Cornish coastline in a mix of climbing, jumping and swimming and is a great option for trying something a little different in the area. There are several providers in North Cornwall along different stretches of the waterfront – coasteering in Polzeath is particularly diverse while providing plenty of options for families and children to take part.
Location: Various North Cornwall coastal spots
Car parking: Most will have nearby car parks
Suitable for: Ages 10+
Open: All year round, but can be changeable according to weather
Boscastle Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
For children fascinated by all things magic, the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in the North Cornish village of Boscastle makes a worthwhile morning or afternoon out (plus, you can explore the picturesque harbour and local walks while you’re there!). This independent museum is brimming with artefacts and items relating to sorcery and spellmaking, so while it may not be suited to very young children or those with short attention spans, older children interested in the world of witches and wizards tend to be enraptured by their visit.
Location: Boscastle
Car parking: No car park at the museum, but a council owned car park in the village
Suitable for: Ages 6+ but better suited to older children
Open: April-October each year
The Tide Climbing Centre
Having increased in popularity in recent years, visiting one of the climbing or bouldering centres in the area is a fun and active way to spend your family time. Seven miles from Wadebridge you’ll find The Tide Climbing Centre, North Cornwall’s own family friendly climbing gym that offers a range of opportunities to get involved. There are day passes available if you and your family are already keen climbers, but for those new to it, a 60 minute taster session will offer you an introduction to the activity as well as quality time together.
Location: Near Wadebridge
Car parking: Yes
Suitable for: Ages 4+
Open: All year round
Dairyland Farm Park
Dairyland Farm Park is one of several friendly attractions with a multitude of animals and amusements. Well-suited to families with young children, there are several play areas, including fantastic soft play in The Bull Pen, their colourful indoor play zone with fun slides and even a ball pit. There’s also the opportunity to bottle feed baby animals, explore a wildlife trail and farmyard, and take a pony ride. The Cornish Life Museum, also on site, offers an insight into life in the area in days gone by.
Location: Newquay
Car parking: Yes
Suitable for: Best suited to children 0-10 years old
Open: All year round, but days and times vary
Horse and pony trekking
This area of the South West boasts some of the best horse riding in the country, and even if you’ve never set foot on a horse, it needn’t stop you experiencing it for yourself. Hallagenna Riding in St Breward, Bodmin, offers horse and pony trekking for beginners that is particularly suited to families, catering for children as young as 5 years old. Choose from a half hour or hour long trek and discover stunning moorland scenery away from busy roads while being escorted by experienced staff at a gentle pace. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially if you are visiting during the school holidays!
Location: Bodmin Moor
Car parking: Yes
Suitable for: Ages 5+
Open: All year round
Feeling ready for your next family day out in North Cornwall? If you’re planning a holiday to the area and are looking for holiday properties in Cornwall, we can help.
