It’s common knowledge that Cornwall is the UK’s favourite destination for holiday makers; with surfers, families, walkers, and so many more heading for the sunny county… especially in this age of staycations! But what about visiting Cornwall outside of the summer, perhaps on a blustery autumn day? Well, if you’ve planned an autumn getaway with your family in Kernow, you’ll be delighted to hear that there is so much to do, rain or shine! We’ve gathered our top ten autumn family days out in Cornwall… enjoy!
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 this autumn, because Newquay Zoo is a fun filled adventure for all of the family!
https://www.newquayzoo.org.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 this autumn! 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 this autumn 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!
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.
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/
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!
Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro
This museum was founded by The Royal Institution of Cornwall in 1818 to promote excellence in science and art and to forward the world-leading industries that Cornwall was known for. In over 200 years The Royal Institution of Cornwall has established the museum, along with the Courtney Library, and a programme of lectures to further its original goal.
The museum’s mission is to provide a welcoming, dynamic and lively cultural hub centred around their collections, that inspires people to explore, thrive and have fun. They are a charity that does not receive regular funding, so public support through donations and visitor income is vital to the museum’s success.
https://www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk/visiting-us
Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, Near Truro
Deep in the heart of the Cornish countryside, Healeys have been making the most of their orchards for over 30 years. Whether it’s getting to the core of great flavour or thinking outside the box, the team know what it takes to make apples special.
Optional tours and experiences take you on a Cyder making journey – from apple to Cyder! Take a tractor ride through their Orchards, and sample at least 20 varieties of Cyder, wine and preserves.
Tate, St Ives
Tate St Ives features work by iconic 20th century artists who lived and worked in the town, including Alfred Wallis, Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth, demonstrating the role of St Ives in the story of modern art. This is combined with a programme of large-scale seasonal shows, exhibited in their new extension. The current show in this series is Haegue Yang: Strange Attractors, which brings together new and existing works spanning installation, sculpture, drawing, collage and painting. The exhibition runs until 26th September 2021 and is the artists largest UK show to date.
https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives
Falmouth Art Gallery, Falmouth
The award winning Falmouth Art Gallery is family friendly and free. The gallery has a vibrant and ambitious exhibitions programme and usually stages thematic shows featuring selected works from the gallery’s collection hung alongside loans from artists, museum collections and private lenders. This means that the three exhibition rooms are constantly changing and there is always something new and exciting to enjoy!
The gallery cares for an outstanding collection of over 2000 artworks that includes 19th and 20th century master painting, British Impressionist paintings, the RCPS Tuke Collection, contemporary prints, photography, automata and a children’s illustration archive. All works can be viewed on the gallery’s website. Most of the collection is housed in the art stores so if you wish to see a work that is not on display please ask at the desk for a store visit.
