For a day of trails, puzzles and magical experiences we can recommend a visit to the Hidden Valley Discovery Park in Launceston, Cornwall.
It was recommended to me a while ago (thank you to whoever that was). But we didn’t think much more about it until we spotted it was within half an hour of our campsite at staying at Roadford Lake in West Devon.
It was such a fun place to spend three hours on one of the hottest days in August. And it’s dog-friendly, so Tin Box Dog could join us too.
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What is the Hidden Valley Discovery Park?
The Hidden Valley a family-run attraction that’s big on challenges, from adventure trails where you solve riddles and pick up clues, to a maze and mansion full of curious rooms and electronic mission boards.
There’s also gardens, a miniature railway, model railway and a village of hobbit houses where you can hear the residents chattering inside. These were a particular hit with Tin Box Tot who thought they were super cute.
You can bring a picnic and sit on tables in the shade of the trees or buy food from the restaurant.
Find more outdoor attractions and things to do in Cornwall.
What age is the Hidden Valley for?
Our girls were aged five and seven when we visited the Hidden Valley Discovery Park and I think under 10s is the perfect age.
The Indiana Trail was perfectly pitched at their age. Even the route was their size. Mr Tin Box and I had trouble keeping up as they ducked and dived through the low trees to follow the path.
Having said that, there were older children and teens here too. The Sherlock Trail is for older children and looked like it needed a few more code breaking skills. The six puzzles in the Forbidden Mansion were definitely better suited to teens and adults.
There’s also a quiz sheet for the Mansion. The family who went in ahead of us were on their second trip around as they wanted to complete the missions and then the quiz sheet.
Despite some of the activities in the Mansion being removed for COVID safety, there were still some really fun features, like an Alice in Wonderland style/optical illusion corridor and upside down room.
Back in reception you can find out your results from the trails and Mansion – ideal for competitive siblings (and parents).
Family facilities
The toilets here are the nicest attraction loos I think I’ve ever seen. I don’t usually take pictures of toilets during days out but these ones looked more like they should be in a posh hotel. They were also very clean.
It’s also worth mentioning all the main pathways are level for pushchairs and there’s a playground to entertain young kids between the other activities. It would be more difficult to push a chair around parts of the activity trails that weave between trees.
Is the Hidden Valley Adventure Park dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on a lead. They can go everywhere outdoors and ride the train, but they can’t go in the Forbidden Mansion. There are plenty of lovely gardens for them to have a good sniff.
Where is the Hidden Valley in Cornwall?
You can get to the Hidden Valley Discovery Park from the A30 near Launceston. This makes it easily accessible from West and North Devon as well as North Cornwall.
Read more tips for visiting and family holidays in Cornwall.
Prices
When we visited in 2020, adult tickets cost £11.50, children (aged four to 15-years-old) cost £10.50 and dogs cost 50p. All the latest prices are available on the attraction website.
Find more days out in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in my big round up of 101 UK attractions for families.
Hidden Valley Discovery Park review
We loved the Hidden Valley Discovery Park – it is a really unique attraction and great family fun.
We spent three hours exploring the trails, maze, hobbit village and Mansion, so thought we got good value. It’s even better that it’s a dog-friendly day out in Cornwall making it easy for holidaying families to visit with their pet.
Find out more about visiting visit the Hidden Valley website.
Visiting Cornwall with kids and a pet? Here’s more of our favourite things to do in Cornwall with a dog.
Looking for family and dog-friendly days out in Cornwall? Why not save this post about the Hidden Valley Discovery Park on Pinterest.
