UK staycation destinations don’t come much better than Cornwall in the South West of England. I visited as a kid and have been several times for caravan, self-catering and holiday park breaks since becoming a parent myself. In this post I’m sharing what I think are some of the best holiday parks in Cornwall and why you should book them for your next family break.
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Our best holiday parks in Cornwall for families
When we are looking for a holiday park we have a wish list of facilities and things to do to keep the whole family happy. Our children love holiday parks with swimming pools and flumes, while it’s the ones with plenty to do nearby that Mr Tin Box and I favour.
Of course, the perfect combination often depends on the type of holiday we want. And if you are anything like me that can range from a quiet break in the countryside to a fun-packed fortnight by the sea depending our mood.
Accommodation and budget also plays a large part in the decision. You might be looking for somewhere you can pitch your own tent, lounge in a luxury cottage or something in-between.
The good news is that holiday parks in Cornwall come in all shapes and sizes.
If you have your own caravan then check out my guide to touring caravan sites in Cornwall.
Whatever your requirements I’m certain you’ll one of the family holiday parks in Cornwall listed below worth booking.
Read our detailed reviews and quick reference guides
Below I’ve included a quick reference guide for each Cornwall holiday park and resort, so you can see at a glance whether it’s for you. This includes the type of accommodation, location, things to do and onsite facilities.
I have also shared links to our more detailed reviews about some of these destinations, so you can take a deep dive before committing your holiday deposit.
So, without further ado, here are some of the best holiday parks in Cornwall for families:
Here’s where to find these Cornwall holiday parks
Perran Sands at Perranporth
If you are looking for a Cornwall holiday park next to the beach then Perran Sands Holiday Park in Perranporth is a great choice.
This Haven holiday park and has direct access to Perran Sands and Penhale Beach on the North Cornwall Coast.
There are mobile homes on the cliff top and a campsite set further back in sand dunes. The holiday park facilities are excellent and include restaurants, takeaways, bookable activities, an entertainment complex and swimming pools with flumes.
Read about our stay at Perran Sands Holiday Park.
A snapshot of Perran Sands Holiday Park
Outfits allowed: Caravans | Motorhomes | Trailer Tents | Tents
Onsite: Campsite shower block with parent and baby room | Dogs allowed | Play area | Access to beach | Free Wifi at central amenities | Indoor and outdoor swimming pools | Laundry | Family activities
Things to do close by: Camel Creek | Healey’s Cyder Farm | Perranporth Beach
Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay
We have stayed at Hendra twice and can highly recommend it as a base for family holidays in Cornwall.
The site is independently run and comes with plenty of things for the whole family to do whatever the weather. It’s also just a few minutes’ drive from Newquay’s amazing beaches.
Bring your own tent, camper or caravan or book to stay in one of several grades of accommodation onsite.
Read our review of Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay.
A snapshot of Hendra Holiday Park
Accommodation and pitch options: mobile homes | glamping pods | touring caravan, motorhome and camping pitches
Onsite: Live entertainment | Kids club | Soft play | Supermarket | Bar | Restaurants | Indoor Swimming pool | Outdoor swimming pool | Playground | Arcade | Dogs allowed
Things to do close by: beaches | Trerice National Trust | Newquay Zoo | Bedruthan Steps | Camel Creek Adventure Park | Pirates Quest Newquay
Find out more and book Hendra Holiday Park.
Looe Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
This is a members only Caravan and Motorhome Club site with sea views and a heated outdoor pool open in the summer months.
It’s a great option if you are looking for a quieter base for your holiday and are happy to make your own entertainment onsite and exploring the south coast of Cornwall.
Read about our holiday while staying at Looe Caravan and Motorhome Club site.
A snapshot of Looe Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
Accommodation and pitch options: touring caravan and motorhome pitches
Onsite: Mini golf | Tennis court | Heated outdoor swimming pool | Playground | Dogs allowed
Things to do close by: beaches | The Eden Project | Coast path walks
Find out more and book Looe Caravan and Motorhome Club Site.
Bosinver Farm Cottages near St Austell
This collection of luxury cottages in a valley near St Austell comes with its own farm and forest school. It’s perfect for families with young children as they are invited to feed the farm animals most days.
Bosinver also has a toasty warm indoor swimming pool and soft play barn.
The interior of each cottage has been individually designed with flare. You’ll feel like you’re holidaying in an interior design magazine.
Read our full review of Bosinver Farm Cottages.
Snapshot of Bosinver Farm Cottages
Accommodation: cottages
On site: Shop | Indoor swimming pool | Gym | Tennis Court | Games room | Playground | Adventure trail | Soft play | Forest school | Farm | Dogs allowed
Things to do close by: The Eden Project | beaches | The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Find out more and book Bosinver Farm Cottages.
Seaview Gorran Haven Holiday Park at Boswinger
If you are looking for campsites near the sea this Cornwall holiday park is in a beautiful coastal location. It has several beaches and sheltered coves a short walk away – just be warned that the stomp back up the hill is steep.
There’s lots of room dedicated to family activities and games on site, as well as communal barbecues in the large sports field.
Take a look at our review of Seaview Gorran Haven at Boswinger.
A snapshot of Seaview Gorran Haven
Accommodation and pitch options: mobile homes | caravan and motorhome pitches
Onsite: Cafe | Shop | Heated outdoor swimming pool | Tennis courts | Football pitch | Playground | Dogs allowed
Things to do close by: beaches | The Eden Project | The Lost Gardens of Heligan | Pendennis Castle
Find out more and book Seaview Gorran Haven Holiday Park.
St Ives Holiday Village review
This John Fowler Holiday Park is located in 100 acres of woodland not far from the pretty village of St Ives in Cornwall.
There’s lots of activities and facilities onsite for families, as well as a range of self-catering accommodation options so you could even bring the grandparents!
Read our review of St Ives Holiday Village.
A snapshot of St Ives Holiday Village
Accommodation options: lodges | chalets | cottages
Onsite: Live entertainment | Kids club | Supermarket | Bar | Indoor Swimming pool | Pool games | Football coaching |Playground | Arcade | Dogs allowed
Things to do close by: beaches | Flambards | St Michael’s Mount | Tintagel | Lands End | Geevor Tin Mine | Cornish Seal Sanctuary | The Minack Theatre
Find out more and book St Ives Holiday Village.
Trevella Holiday Park in Crantock
This quiet holiday park is in a superb location in Cornwall. It’s close to what we think is one of Cornwall’s best beaches, Crantock, and within easy reach of lots of other popular family attractions.
It makes for a top base for family holidays in Cornwall whether you want to explore or chill out.
Read about our stay at Trevella Holiday Park in Crantock.
A snapshot of Trevella Holiday Park
Accommodation and pitch options: lodges | mobile homes | touring and camping pitches | glamping
Onsite: Outdoor swimming pool | Playground | Fishing lakes | Shop | Bar | Dogs allowed
Things to do close by: beaches | Healeys Cornish Cider Farm | Newquay Zoo | St Michael’s Mount | Newquay attractions
Find out more and book a holiday at Trevella Holiday Park.
Pentewan Sands review
If you are looking for a campsite on the beach then Pentewan Sands is the best holiday park in Cornwall for you.
The touring pitches are just a few steps away from the golden sand. This is absolutely ideal for families with young kids who can be making sand castles within minutes of leaving their pitch.
The site has a range of other accommodation options and lots of entertainment for families.
Read this Pentewan Sands review.
A snapshot of Pentewan Sands
Accommodation and pitch options: touring and camping pitches | mobile homes
Onsite: Live entertainment | Kids club | Bar | Playground | Private beach | Indoor swimming pool | Soft play | Arcade | Tennis courts | Bike hire | Water sports | Restaurants | Supermarket | Dogs allowed
Things to do close by: The Lost Gardens of Heligan | Shipwreak & Heritage Centre Charlestown | Cardinham Woods | The Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Here’s some more ideas for things to do in St Austell.
Find out more and book your holiday at Pentewan Sands.
The Valley Cornwall near Truro
If you want to book a dog-friendly holiday with a touch of luxury then The Valley is definitely one of the best holiday parks in Cornwall. The cottages are excellent and the onsite facilities are perfect for a family holiday.
Our kids loved the swimming pool, while Mr Tin Box and I enjoyed the great accommodation. We all had a wonderful time exploring more of Cornwall, which was so easy to do from this luxurious little hideaway.
Read our full review of The Valley Cornwall.
A snapshot of The Valley Cornwall
Accommodation options: cottages
Onsite: Bar | Restaurant | Exercise classes | Indoor swimming pool | Outdoor swimming pool | Playground | Games room | Dogs allowed
Things to do close by: Trelissick | Mining Trails | Land’s End | The Minack Theatre | Lizard Point Lighthouse
Find out more and book a holiday at The Valley Cornwall.
Waterside Resort near Bodmin
If you are looking for luxury lodges with hot tubs and lots of activities on site then Waterside Resort is a great Cornwall holiday park for families. I think it’s particularly well suited for families with older kids and teens who enjoy lots of physical activities.
The onsite restaurant serves wonderful food with locally sourced ingredients and the leisure facilities are ideal for gym goers.
The lodges can accommodate up to eight people or you could stay in a couple with friends.
Read our full Waterside Resort review.
A snapshot of Waterside Resort
Accommodation and pitch options: lodges | country house
Onsite: Live entertainment | Indoor swimming pool | Shop | Bar | Restaurant | Health Centre | Playground | Segway | Fishing lake | Bike hire | Tennis courts | Foot golf | Boating | Games room
Things to do close by: Lanhaydrock | Camel Trail | Bodmin & Wenford Steam Railway | Cardinham Woods
Find out more and book a holiday at Waterside Resort.
The Point at Polzeath
Somewhere else that offers families a brilliant range of outdoor and indoor activities is The Point at Polzeath.
This self-catering resort is not far from the surfing haven of Polzeath and its accommodation sleeps up to eight people.
Read this review of The Point at Polzeath.
A snapshot of The Point at Polzeath
Accommodation options: apartments | cottages
Onsite: Restaurant | Bar | Health club | Golf course | Tennis | Football pitch | Indoor swimming pool | Spa | Dogs allowed
Things to do close by: Surfing | Paddle boarding lessons | Coast walks | Newquay attractions
Find out more and book a break at The Point at Polzeath.
Family holidays in Cornwall
Looking for more places to stay in Cornwall? Take a look at these ideas and reviews:
- More self-catering holidays in Cornwall
- Touring caravan sites in Cornwall
- Sands Resort and Spa in Newquay
- The Esplanade Hotel in Newquay
And if that’s not enough check out our complete Cornwall family holiday guide.
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sarwar
Friday 5th of February 2021
hi claire hall simply amazed how beautifully you described the holiday park. I was lucky to be at St Ives in Cornwall a few years ago. hope I would be there again. thanks for your post.
Claire Hall - Tin Box Traveller
Sunday 7th of February 2021
You are welcome Sarwar. I'm glad you enjoyed the post.