
Cornwall with kids: 5 great outdoor family attractions
Do you know that warm, achy feeling you get when you’re totally pooped but have had the most wonderful time? We had that in buckets and spades as we drove home from our recent trip to Cornwall.
We were invited to review Trevella Holiday Park near Newquay and try out some of the great family attractions in the area. You can read my review of Trevella here but today I wanted to share some of the wonderful outdoor family attractions we visited with our two pre-schoolers.
We managed to cram quite a lot into our long weekend thanks to there being so much to do within an hour of the holiday park. We were blessed with crisp sunny spells for most of our three days so we gravitated towards the outdoor family activities on offer.
However, as it was the beginning of autumn, we didn’t escape the Great British weather altogether.
First, here’s some places we visited during our Cornwall weekend.
5 great outdoor family attractions in Cornwall
Newquay Zoo
This small but perfectly formed zoo is a bit of a gem and entertained our little animals for a good few hours. Walk though the entrance into the sub tropical gardens and you’d hardly know you were on the edge of an industrial estate.
There’s 130 different species to see at Newquay Zoo including ferocious lions, adorable penguins, inquisitive meerkats, and farm yard favourites.
The Village Farm, with goats, chickens and rabbits, is great for little ones who like closer encounters than the usual zoo enclosures allow.
Throughout the day there are talks and feeding times with zoo keepers. We caught what we had heard was the highlight of the day – lion feeding time. The roars of the three big cats as they chomped on their lunch sent shivers down my spine.
Tin Box Tot enjoyed the Tarzan Trail and Dragon Maze which can be found in-between the habitats. Meanwhile, Tin Box Baby’s highlight was the perfect view of Lemur Island from the baby changing table in a hut overlooking the lake. She couldn’t quite believe her eyes, while I struggled to keep her focussed on the task in hand!
Newquay Zoo, Newquay. Open every day except Christmas Day. No dogs allowed.
After an afternoon at the zoo we found our way to Trevella Park, just a few minutes down the road.
St Michael’s Mount
The next morning we got up early for the 45 minute drive south to the Cornish town of Marazion which overlooks St Michael’s Mount.
This was a National Trust attraction that Mr Tin Box was keen to check out as he’s seen it many times from the water – he’s in the Royal Navy – but never set foot there. I remember visiting during childhood holidays in Cornwall.
I also went to the French equivalent, Mont St Michel, as a kid. Memories of both have stuck with me so I loved the idea of taking my own children.
St Michael’s Mount is an amazing sight even on a windy autumn day with rain on the horizon. The island is home to 30 people who live in buildings dating back to the 12th Century. Perched on top is castle which is still occupied today.
We were able to walk out to the harbour and back along the causeway before the waves submerged it again. The Mount and Marazion beach made for a great backdrop for a few photos.
However, we had made a bit of a miscalculation when it came to exploring everything St Michael’s Mount has to offer. We rocked up on a Saturday – the day the castle and gardens are closed to the public.
Still, we arrived on the first day dogs were allowed on the beach after the summer season, so at least Tin Box Dog had a good run around. If you’d like to read more about a full visit to the Mount check out this blog post by Just Go Places.
After being blown around on the causeway and Marazion beach we made a beeline for land and lunch at Chapel Rock Cafe. We can highly recommend anything off its specials board to warm you up after a breezy stomp to the Mount.
St Michael’s Mount, Marazion. Opening times vary during the year and the castle and gardens are not open on Saturdays. Tide times are available in the National Trust car park at Marazion, where members park free. There’s a charge for other visitors. Dogs are not allowed in the castle or gardens and only on Marazion beach in the winter months.
Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm
Our next stop was somewhere we’d spotted on the road south – Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm in-between Truro and St Agnes. It was set up in the 1980s to revive the ancient tradition of cider-making in Cornwall. It now makes award-winning ciders, spirits, juices and jams.
There are several options for touring the farm and experiencing how it makes its produce. We opted for the full guided tour which included a fascinating walk through the history of cider-making in Cornwall, a tractor ride in the orchards, and a look around the modern factory.
Oh, and who could forget a very comprehensive cider and juice tasting session in the shop. We couldn’t help but come away with a bottle for later.
The Tin Box girls enjoyed meeting the farm animals and the tractor ride but were probably a bit too young for the full tour.
I’d suggest going for the ‘classic’ tour if you’re visiting with young kids as you still get to look around the museum and go on the tractor but there’s a little less of background about the modern day processes. The girls got a bit fidgety at that stage.
Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm, Truro. Open all year except Christmas and Boxing Day. Dogs on leads welcome.
Crantock Beach
The following morning we packed up our gear and set off for a bit more sightseeing before it was time to go home. A short drive away was Crantock. This National Trust beach embodies everything I remember from my childhood holidays in Cornwall: soft sand, dunes and a shoreline that seems to roll on forever.
It was at this point that I gave myself a virtual pat on the back for bringing the girls’ buckets and spades despite it being October. They played around while Mr Tin Box threw the ball for Tin Box Dog.
The girls would have stayed all day, digging holes and moving around buckets of water, but after an hour we were starting to feel hungry and decided to move on for lunch.
Compton Beach, Newquay. National Trust members park for free, a fee applies to other visitors. Dogs welcome all year round.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
This place is nothing short of magical. It wasn’t our original destination for the afternoon (that was closed – we really should plan ahead more), but it’s somewhere I’ve wanted to visit since reading about My Travel Monkey’s trip there a couple of years ago.
The gardens are part of a 400-year-old estate that was once a thriving community created by the Tremayne family. After the First World War, during which many of the garden’s staff were killed, Heligan House was rented out and the surrounding gardens became ‘lost’.
In the 1990s they were found again and Europe’s largest garden restoration project began.
Today the 200 acre estate has been revived as a garden and farm using methods from a century ago.
We lucked in with our timing as we were there for the first weekend of Heligan’s harvest event programme. Throughout the gardens we found enormous displays of pumpkins, seasonal food tasting and crafts using all natural materials.
There was so much to do that I was disappointed we hadn’t set aside a whole day for Heligan. We still managed to see a lot in four hours. Here’s a full review of our visit to Heligan with children.
Our visit wouldn’t have been complete without crossing the Burma Rope Bridge in the Jungle. This is an area of sub-tropical gardens beyond Heligan House and the perfect place for the bridge across the valley.
It was quite a walk to get there but towards the end of the day we had the bridge pretty much to ourselves. It was the perfect end to our Cornish outdoor adventures.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell. Open all year round except Christmas Day, times vary with the season. Dogs on leads allowed.
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We were well kitted out for our weekend in Cornwall thanks to Go Outdoors. Here’s some of the winter range they sent us to show off:
- Tin Box Tot wore the snug Columbia Kids’ Fast Trek Hoodie at Newquay Zoo and Crantock Beach
- Tin Box Baby snuggled up in the super cosy Regatta Infant’s Pudgie Suit at St Micheal’s Mount
- Tin Box Baby donned the Hi Gear Hartwell Kids Pod Suit at St Micheal’s Mount – I want one in my size!
- I wore the Craghoppers Women’s Marissa GORE-TEX Interactive Jacket at St Micheal’s Mount
- Tin Box Baby wore the waterproof Hi Gear Hartwell Kids Pod Suit at Crantock Beach.
There’s sales on some of these items, so now’s the time to grab a bargain and wrap up warm!
Disclosure: We were given free entry to some of these attractions for the purposes of a review. Go Outdoors sent us the outdoor clothing featured in this post in exchange for a mention on my blog. All opinions are my own and those of my family.
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Wooow, I have always wanted to go to Cornwall. The Burma Rope Bridge Looks fantastic!
We’ve only been to Cornwall once- def need to go again.
We have another couple of trips planned. Now we live so close they can’t keep us away 🙂
We have yet to visit Cornwall but it’s on my wish list of places! It looks so family friendly.
Colette recently posted…Disney on Ice presents Frozen – Giveaway!
I’ve never been to Cornwall, I would love to go. Such a beautiful coast line, lots of history and so many hidden gems. Prefect for a UK getaway. Great post thank you for sharing x
Such a super adventure! Cornwall is a place I’ve heard so many good things about. I would love to go there one day!
Elizabeth recently posted…Homemade East Coast Style Donair Kebabs
It’s a lovely part of the world. I haven’t visited much since I was a kid, but having it all just a couple of hours down the road means we’ve got no excuse at all now 🙂
We’ve been to Cornwall so many times but never been on that Burma rope bridge. Guess we’ll just have to go back again won’t we?!
Jane Batt recently posted…How to do a Brittany Ferries Crossing in Luxury!
Yes! I’m glad I’ve provided you with a suitable excuse 🙂
Yum – a cider farm! I’d love to be one of the 30 people who live on St Michael’s Mount. It must be a really interesting way of life. Good tip about the castle being closed on a Saturday, as that’s not something I’d expect.
Nell (the Pigeon Pair and Me) recently posted…Our highlights of Brittany video
No, neither did we. Oh well, it’s an excuse for another visit 🙂
I have heard so much about the beaches and beauty of Cornwall – love that it offers something for all ages. Great list. Would love to try the cider! Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin
The cider tasting was fab. And I had no idea there would be so many types to try!
Ah you’ve brought back my childhood memories (Crantock Beach), memories of when my son was little (Newquay Zoo) plus you’ve tempted me with the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Beautiful Cornwall.
#mondayescapes
Trish @ Mum’s Gone To recently posted…Review of a Woodland Retreat at Fell End Holiday Park
It is a stunning place. If absolutely pushed I think the Lost Gardens of Heligan were my favourite place. It was a lovely way to end our weekend
I’d love to visit St Michael’s #mondayescapes
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) recently posted…My favourite bridges around Europe
It’s is a fantastic sight!
Great list Claire, we are down in January and will be trying some of these.
Mini Travellers recently posted…Travel Tips: Proof of Excuse Selfie!
Fantastic! You’re going to have a great time. Just check what’s open before you go anywhere as things tend to close down for the winter here in the deepest South West!
Oh yes I know that feeling and it is a real UK one for me – I loved your Cornwall pics, you have made me want to go back – it’s been at least 8 years!
Penny Alexander recently posted…Review Part 1 – Universal Orlando Resort, travel with Virgin Holidays and Arrival at Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Wow! Definitely time to revise then 🙂
I love coming on breaks to Cornwall – In fact playing on being there for NYE! This has given me plenty of ideas fro my next visit! #mondayescapes
theCuriousPixie recently posted…Tredwell’s – Lunching in Seven dials, Covent Garden
That will be brilliant. We’re there over Christmas but will be heading home to Devon for NYE. Make sure you check what’s open first at the time of year. Lots of things close down for the winter months.
So many places to visit in Cornwall! St Michael’s Mount and Crantock Beach would be high on my list. I went to taste cider not long time ago and it is a nice activity. #MondayEscapes
The coastline in Cornwall is stunning. We could have spent so much longer soaking it up
This looks wonderful. Such gorgeous collection of photos. I have never been to cornwall before, must go sometime. It looks amazing xx
Susan Mann recently posted…Party Time And Kitty Time – Our Weekly Photos Week 44
It is wonderful, as is Devon. Definitely worth a trip if you’re heading south any time.
I love Heligan, it’s one of my favourite gardens anywhere. I’ve missed not going to Cornwall this year, we usually try and visit every other year but I do get a bit fed up with the M5!
Christine (A family day) recently posted…Our Scotland adventure: Trips100 Family Adventure competition
I know what you mean! It puts me off going north. Just think of the end of your journey! 😉
WE have never been to Cornwall is is definitely on our list, I am thinking summer time as I know the boys would love the surfing x
Sarah Christie recently posted…A Postcard From Cameron Lodges, Day 2
Ah, yes. It’ a top spot of that. Newquay and Crantock are perfect for surfing!
My boys would love the tractor ride at Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm and rope bridge at Heligan! #MondayEscapes
Bumble Bee Mum recently posted…Collecting Magic From Stamps to Wand – Harry Potter Themed Exhibit @ Singapore Philatelic Museum
They were a lot of fun, particularly the bridge. I have some vert amusing video that I need to put together 🙂
I really need to visit Cornwall! Not made it yet but that really needs to change. Love your ideas, such great family days out-and of course we love anything outdoors, even more so if there’s cider involved! #mondayescapes
I know! Cider is definitely the fruity icing on the outdoor cake 🙂
What a gorgeous place Cornwall is. I’ve only been once when I was a teenager but have fond memories and would love to return. Shame im so far away up in the frozen north in Newcastle!!
Cornwall was a place I only had a lot of childhood memories about until recently when we moved to Devon. But, likewise, there’s a lot of places I’d like to see in the north too!
I LOVE Cornwall, but we don’t get to go as much as we’d like as it is a long way from Yorkshire!! There is loads to do here for kids, but I haven’t been to the cider farm yet so that is definitely on the list for next time!!
Jo Addison recently posted…Everything You Need To Know About Duinrell Holiday Park For Toddlers
Highly recommend popping into Healeys if only for the tasting 🙂
Great post! We didn’t make it to The Lost Gardens of Heligan last time we were in Cornwall but I’ll definitely make time next time we visit. It sounds amazing! The bridge looks fantastic – my girls will love it. For older children we thoroughly recommend The Adrenaline Quarry in Cornwall. We reviews the amazing zip wire experience which entails you jumping off a 40ft cliff & whizzing over a lake! My 7 yr old loved it. Love your blog btw great content & fab inspiration for families.
Thanks Mags, that’s fab to hear! There’s such a range of things for different age groups in Cornwall. We could easily go back every year and graduate up through the attractions 🙂