With its long and sandy beaches, year-round sunshine, and endless attractions and activities for holiday makers to enjoy, it’s no wonder that Cornwall is the most popular holiday destination in the UK. And with most of the country opting for staycation holidays, the county is currently packed full of tourists! So, if you have a family holiday planned in Cornwall this summer and you’re on the hunt for family days out and attractions, look no further! After asking our community and visiting some spots ourselves, we’ve listed ten of the best family days out in Cornwall…
Newquay Zoo, Newquay
With dozens of different animals across 13 acres, you’re in for a really wild time at Newquay Zoo. The zoo is one of Cornwall’s most exciting visitor attractions, it’s a place to explore, discover and get in touch with your inner animal. They’re a registered charity and part of a worldwide network of zoos which cares for and breeds rare species. So by visiting Newquay Zoo, you’re helping the team continue their important work for wildlife. Visit rain or shine, Newquay Zoo is a fun filled adventure for all of the family!
https://www.newquayzoo.org.uk/
Camel Creek, Tredinnick
Camel Creek Family Theme Park is a haven of family-friendly rides, giant play areas and animal encounters. It’s an award winning, vibrant and welcoming visitor destination all year-round, uniquely interpreting the legends of the area and famous for delivering great adventures and days out for the whole family.
With wild rides, new attractions and masses of indoor entertainment, Camel Creek is a must for adventurers of all ages. And animal lovers shouldn’t leave without meeting the region’s cutest furry friends or gentlest ‘Shire’ giants; who all live at Camel Creek. For maximum value, they offer free return from 24th March to the end of October. Plus, you’ll save up to 10% too if you book online the day before you visit!
Pirate’s Quest, Newquay
Embark on a swashbucklin’ voyage with real live buccaneers at Cornwall’s new Pirate’s Quest. Journey back in time with your Pirate Captain, 300 years, to the Golden Age of Piracy for story-telling and adventure. This immersive walkthrough experience combines talented theatrical actors, amazing special effects and detailed 360° sets in an authentic, atmospheric adventure transporting visitors back 300 years.
The hour-long experience will allow you and your crewmates to explore a series of different scenes while accompanied by a LIVE Pirate Performer who will tell you everything you need to know about being a buccaneer, including why pirates wore eye patches and why they drank rum. Adults enter for £10.95, children pay £7.95 and Under 3’s go free!
https://www.piratesquest.co.uk/
St Michael’s Mount, Marazion
Explore the amazing island world of St Michael’s Mount and discover legend, myth and over a thousand years of incredible history. Stroll across the causeway where a legendary giant once walked. Follow the footsteps of pilgrims. Boat hop to an island where modern life meets layers of history. Discover a medieval castle, a sub-tropical paradise and a close-knit island community. Delve into the history of a fortress, a priory, a harbour and a home to the St Aubyn family and thirty islanders.
Stray from the mainland on foot or by boat and get up close to the beguiling beauty of the castle-topped isle standing proud in Mount’s Bay. Head ashore for a family outing, a tour of the castle or a garden visit. Scale the fairy tale turrets for dazzling views. Tuck into fresh local food in the Island Café or the Sail Loft Restaurant!
https://www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk/
Land’s End, Sennen
Land’s End is one of Britain’s best loved landmarks, famous for its unique location and beautiful scenery, cliff top trails, breathtaking views, pay-as-you-go family attractions, shopping village, restaurant and cafés. Stay for a fabulous short break, discover a beautiful coastal landscape, and enjoy fantastic family attractions and seasonal events!
Whether it happens to be storm-watching over Longships Lighthouse, admiring the breath-taking views from the First and Last Point or having a picture taken at the famous signpost, for centuries Land’s End has been a place of real discovery. Follow the same path walked by early nineteenth-century visitors who travelled on foot or horseback to complete the final stage of their journeys to Penn-an-Wlas (Land’s End in Cornish).
https://landsend-landmark.co.uk/
The Eden Project, Bodelva
With a worldwide reputation, and recognised by the British Travel Awards as the Best UK Leisure Attraction five years running, Eden barely needs an introduction, but this epic destination definitely deserves a day of your undivided attention. More than just a huge, tropical garden, Eden is a gateway into the relationships between plants and people, and a fascinating insight into the story of mankind’s dependence on plant life. Not only a mind-blowing visitor attraction, Eden is also fast-becoming a unique resource for education and knowledge towards a sustainable future.
Experience the sights, smells and scale of the rainforests in the Rainforest Biome – the world’s largest greenhouse – and discover the tropical plants that are used to produce everyday products. Travel to South Africa and California, as you amble amongst the orange and lemon trees, olive groves and gnarled vines of the Mediterranean Biome, and in the 30-acre Outdoor Garden see hemp, sunflowers and other plants that could change your future, flourishing under the Cornish sun.
Flambards, Helston
Flambards Theme Park in Helston is the perfect destination for an unforgettable family day out with its fun mix of rides, indoor attractions and entertainment. From thrill seekers to those who prefer a gentler pace, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Take a spin on the Hornet Rollercoaster, check out the amazing views from the top of SkyRaker – the drop, twisting ride, brave the Thunderbolt and prepare to get wet on the Colorado River log flume and feel the G-Force on the ‘Sky-Force’ and whizz high above the Park, on this adrenaline-packed ride.
Traditional fun is guaranteed on the Carousel and its colourful horses and there’s plenty of rides and play for little ones. Spot life-sized dinosaurs on an adventure in Jurassic journey, visit the Dino-Nursery to see the latest arrivals and join the dino-dig to unearth fossils!
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek
Bring the family for a day at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary and learn about the team’s work to ensure the safety and wellbeing of seals around Cornwall’s coastline. Based in Gweek, commanding panoramic views of the Helford River, the sanctuary is dedicated to seal rescue, rehabilitation and release, as well as raising awareness of how plastic pollution has affected marine life in Cornwall, and also provides a forever home to animals needing permanent specialist care from their team of experts.
Meet the rescued seal pups going through rehabilitation during pup season in the winter, before being returned to the wild. See and hear about the resident animals and learn about their stories. Explore woodland walks with your four- legged friends, and get a bite at the café!
https://sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org/en/
Screech Owl Sanctuary, Saint Columb
The Screech Owl Sanctuary was founded in 1990 and is situated in mid Cornwall on the edge of the Goss Moor nature reserve near Indian Queens. The team hold one of the largest collection of owls in the south west with over 40 different species from all over the world, and deal with all rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured owls in the county, and where possible return the owls to their former locations.
The team at Screech provide education to both adults and children and provide the opportunity of close encounters with a range of beautiful and majestic birds. The sanctuary has been involved in many conservation projects of endangered species and at certain times of the year visitors can see baby owls. On site are several other animals including Emus, Meerkats, Alpacas, Pygmy Goats and Shetland Ponies. So there is so much to see and experience for friends and family looking for an alternative day out in Cornwall!
https://screechowlsanctuary.co.uk/
Bodmin Jail, Bodmin
Bodmin Jail is an experience for the family, or for the daring who want to discover the paranormal. The Jail is steeped in both social and architectural history, and offers guests an amazing insight into Cornish penal life over the centuries. Discover life behind bars as an 18th Century prisoner in the heart of Cornwall. Explore the many cells and features that make your visit to the Jail a fun and educational adventure, and just a little bit scary!
Visitors can wander through the depths of the Jail and browse creative exhibits depicting penal life in Victorian Cornwall. Be sure to visit the Execution Shed; a fully restored Victorian hanging pit – the only hanging pit in the UK and the site of the last man executed in Cornwall. Marvel at the building’s unique design, architecture, and engineering; from the inspired heating and cooling systems constructed to keep the Jail environment comfortable.
