One of many issues I really like a few household vacation in Cornwall is that there’s a lot selection packed into one county – discovering the wild coast of north Cornwall with youngsters, venturing all the way down to fairly St Ives, a keep on the gentler south coast and the possibility to discover the countryside too.
comprises affiliate hyperlinks*
But when I’m compelled to resolve, it’s the north coast which is my favorite: that is the place I used to vacation as a baby, it’s the place my daughter had her personal first Cornish vacation in Newquay, and you’ll find free days out in addition to issues to do in north Cornwall within the rain. Effectively, that is the UK in any case.
So I’ve rounded up a few of my very own highlights – together with the northern a part of the county and the north Cornwall coast – with this checklist of the most effective issues to do in north Cornwall with youngsters.
Take a look at my full information to Cornwall with youngsters, in addition to my downloadable e book model of the information
Strictly talking, my suggestions enterprise past the official boundaries of north Cornwall: Newquay and Crantock are usually not technically north Cornwall however are on the north Cornish coast, for instance.
I simply couldn’t miss out the Eden Venture both. It’s a lot nearer to the south coast of Cornwall, however nonetheless solely 20 to half-hour from Bodmin and Padstow really easy to suit right into a household vacation in north Cornwall.
The concepts beneath are organized in roughly geographical order if you wish to work out which locations to go to in north Cornwall close to the place you’re staying.
So whether or not you’re a purist in relation to boundaries or are simply in search of some nice north Cornwall sights for households, there must be a lot right here to encourage – from north Cornwall household days out to child-friendly sights, north Cornwall locations to go to and wet-weather actions. Oh, and seashores after all!
Finest seashores in north Cornwall
It doesn’t matter which little bit of Cornwall you go to, there are some fabulous seashores to be discovered – and so many little secret coves to find as effectively.
I all the time love getting suggestions from locals on the most effective ones – one among my favorite journey hacks is staying with a neighborhood specialist firm which may kind you out with someplace beautiful to remain in addition to sharing secrets and techniques of the place to go.
For 2 of the most effective seashores in north Cornwall, don’t miss out on a few seashores in Bude, together with Summerleaze seashore with a sea pool, and Crooklets seashore which has some nice rock swimming pools. Each have restrictions from Could to September in case you’re in search of dog-friendly seashores in Bude although.
Additional down the coast, Widemouth Bay has a protracted open stretch of sand and its personal rockpools at low tide, and the southern finish is dog-friendly year-round.
Treyarnon Bay between Newquay and Padstow can also be nice for rockpooling, and canines are allowed year-round right here too, whereas Crantock Seaside close to Newquay is a agency household favorite in addition to a dog-friendly possibility too.
Together with large sand dunes and caves to discover, there are straightforward rock swimming pools for youthful youngsters, some constant surf, plus a kiosk promoting ice cream.
Scroll down for concepts of some extra of north Cornwall’s finest seashores round Padstow and Newquay, in addition to Bedruthan Steps.
Bude Sea Pool
In case you’re not a fan of swimming within the sea, the ocean pool at Summerleaze Seaside is improbable for households, with some shallow water – plus Bude Sea Pool can also be free!
It’s open year-round, though most households will wish to persist with the summer time months when the water temperature reaches round 18C, and also you’re really helpful to swim at low tide.
Do keep in mind there are restricted amenities right here as effectively – it’s higher for assured swimmers and older youngsters somewhat than toddlers.
Watersports in Bude
Older youngsters will love the possibility to attempt browsing, bodyboarding and get up paddle boarding on the north Cornwall coast – Freewave Surf Academy specialises in classes for households and teams, so it’s good for novices as effectively.
For extra journey, you’ll be able to attempt coasteering as effectively, swimming via sea caves, visiting hidden seashores and getting your coronary heart racing with a couple of leaps into the water – sensible in case you’re visiting Bude with teenagers.
Bude sits proper close to the border of Cornwall and Devon, so it’s straightforward to nip throughout into the neighbouring county too for extra issues to do with youngsters in Devon – the Milky Method Journey Park isn’t distant.
Stroll the South West coast path
Wherever you’re in Cornwall, there are some lovely locations to get exterior and go strolling alongside the South West Coast path – and north Cornwall is not any totally different, together with a number of family-friendly walks.
Discover among the Cornwall Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence – the Hartland stretch from simply above Bude to the Cornish border is a real problem however you can do this Bude Coast and Canal possibility.
The part from Widemouth Bay to Pentire Level is one other difficult one – not least as a result of it runs for 30 miles – however there are some unmissable views from Crackington Haven and the aptly named Excessive Cliff, the very best in Cornwall.
Boscastle Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
Positively one for older youngsters somewhat than giving toddlers nightmares, the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic at Boscastle has round 3,000 displays making it the world’s largest assortment of this type, in addition to its oldest.
Excellent for a day in north Cornwall within the rain or for an uncommon day trip with youngsters – visits to the museum itself are inclined to final an hour or much less.
Go to Tintagel
Finest identified for its hyperlinks to King Arthur and the putting sculpture that stands on the cliffs, the wild surroundings and ruins of Tintagel are someplace which stick within the reminiscence. I bear in mind visiting as a baby – it’s a genuinely magical setting.
However that’s solely the beginning of what there may be to do. Go to the seashore at low tide and you’ll discover Merlin’s Cave – examine the tide tables earlier than you go, and as you’ll be scrambling in low gentle, take a torch and don’t do this with toddlers.
Then there are centuries of historical past to find at Tintagel Fort, together with its position within the legends of King Arthur.
Teetering on the headland, the 2 halves of the location are joined collectively once more by a footbridge – you want a timed ticket to enter, and it’s finest to ebook these upfront, together with for English Heritage members. Some walk-up tickets could also be out there on the day, significantly within the afternoon, but it surely’s widespread so higher secure than sorry at peak occasions.
Tintagel Outdated Put up Workplace is one other nice cease – initially a farmhouse, courting again over 600 years, the medieval constructing was later transformed into the village’s letter-receiving workplace, with a historical past path to discover and conventional crafts to attempt.
The Vale of Avalon, Slaughterbridge
Not removed from the medieval city of Camelford – thought by some to be the location of Camelot – there’s extra for King Arthur followers on the Vale of Avalon in Slaughterbridge (previously the Arthurian Centre), round 10 minutes drive from Tintagel.
The 20 acre web site surrounds King Arthur’s Stone, and the fields are the legendary spot the place King Arthur and Mordred met for his or her final battle. You possibly can uncover extra in regards to the historical past and tales, in addition to trying out the kids’s quiz, attempting brass rubbing and there’s even a play fort.
And for a newer historic discovery, an 18th century backyard rediscovered in 2005 is presently being restored – Girl Falmouth’s Secret Backyard was uncovered throughout archaeological work and is steadily being introduced again to life.
Trevathan Farm, Port Isaac
Port Isaac itself is finest generally known as the setting for TV sequence Doc Martin – however except you may have any small followers, youthful youngsters are more likely to be extra tempted by close by Trevathan Farm.
There’s berry selecting in the summertime and pumpkin carving at Halloween, plus youngsters can burn off their vitality on the journey playground on this working farm.
Do take a wander round Port Isaac itself although – I really like Treasure Trails for enjoyable methods to discover with youngsters, and this Treasure Hunt model is ideal for exploring the twisty streets of a fishing village with smuggling historical past.
The Golden Lion pub even has an previous smuggling tunnel which leads down onto the seashore – one of many quirkiest issues to identify in North Cornwall for households.
Take a look at Squeezy Stomach alley too, one of many narrowest passageways in Britain – possibly earlier than you take a look at the Port Isaac fudge store and pasties!
Go coasteering at Polzeath
It’s not simply Bude which is a hotspot for coasteering – Polzeath, simply down the coast from Port Isaac, is one other excellent spot to discover the shoreline, swimming, scrambling and leaping alongside the best way.
You would possibly even spot seals and dolphins within the space, and there’s extra likelihood to attempt browsing right here too.
There are a number of organisations which provide coasteering in Polzeath for teenagers: attempt Cornish Coasteering for ages 8+ or Period Adventures runs taster classes for newbies, with a really helpful age of 10+.
Uncover mermaid legends close to Rock
For a somewhat gentler various, head to the Camel Estuary and the seashore at Daymer Bay with its unspoiled dunes.
Related to Rock at low tide, you’ll be able to sit on the sand and inform the story of Doom Bar, the sand bar supposedly created by a mermaid in revenge and the reason for many shipwrecks.
Cycle the Camel path
One other favorite from my very own childhood holidays, the beautiful Camel path cycle observe was created from a disused railway line.
The entire stretch is round 18 miles lengthy – for a shorter style, in case you’re visiting north Cornwall with toddlers, there’s a five-mile part from Wadebridge to Padstow. Or you may as well cowl the 12-mile stretch to Bodmin.
You’ll discover automotive parking alongside the route in addition to locations to rent bikes in case you don’t have your individual, together with youngsters’ bikes, to not point out award-winning native vineyards.
Stroll the Sir John Betjeman stroll
This beautiful stretch of the South West coast path runs alongside the River Camel, passing the golden dunes of the seashores and resulting in tiny St Enodoc Church the place the poet laureate is buried.
One of many best walks alongside the coast path in north Cornwall, it’s a stunning place to amble within the solar.
Go to the Nationwide Lobster Hatchery
One of many quirkier issues to do in north Cornwall with youngsters, the Nationwide Lobster Hatchery is a charity with a concentrate on conservation, analysis and training. However from a baby’s viewpoint, it’s a spot to see child lobsters!
Set on South Quay in Padstow, you’ll be able to see lobsters on the totally different levels of their life in addition to different marine life, and you’ll even undertake one and observe its progress through the web site. Prime tip: select a much less widespread identify than ‘pinchy’ in case you do – there are 630 on the final depend!
There are extra lovely seashores and picturesque streets to wander – Padstow does get very busy in summer time although – plus the ferry throughout to Rock right here for an opportunity to tick off two locations to go in north Cornwall in sooner or later.
Camel Creek Journey Park
Round quarter-hour south of Padstow, Camel Creek Journey Park is about on the location of the previous Crealy’s Journey Park. Reopened in 2018, there’s a little bit of all the things too – indoor and outside play, animals, a 5D theatre, varied rides…
With mild rides for little ones, together with a carousel, plus extra adventurous rollercoasters for barely greater thrill-seekers, it’s ideally suited in case you’ve bought youngsters of various ages.
You possibly can meet meerkats and Shire Horses, plus indoor mushy play and outside journey play so it’s one other nice possibility for a wet day in north Cornwall with youngsters.
Open year-round, there are particular themed seasonal occasions too in case you’re visiting round Halloween or Christmas. Prebooking tickets is really helpful.
Outdated Macdonalds Farm
Slightly additional down the coast, between Padstow and Newquay, Outdated Macdonalds Farm is a stunning day trip with youthful youngsters – in addition to seeing the cattle, there are many alternatives to play, and you’ll keep on web site or flip up for a day go to.
With particular animal expertise in addition to a typical go to (could have to be prebooked, additional charge applies), there are additionally particular occasions throughout the yr. Time your go to proper and you’ll assist bottle feed lambs and calves.
Bedruthan Steps
The granite rocks on the seashore at Bedruthan Steps had been as soon as the stepping stones for the enormous Bedruthan in keeping with legend – really extra probably made up by Victorians, however why spoil a very good story?
Both method, the rock stacks are a dramatic sight, consistently altering because the waves put on away the softer rock (don’t take into consideration paddling!)
There’s (presently no entry to the seashore due to rock falls (though the slim steps lead down had been by no means ideally suited in case you’re visiting north Cornwall with toddlers) however the views are spectacular.
There’s a Nationwide Belief automotive park and café on the high too, and a few beautiful walks, plus occasional additional actions like treasure hunts to attempt.
Newquay seashores
My daughter’s first go to to Cornwall took us to Newquay and there are good explanation why it’s so widespread with households.
For starters, there are seashores galore – from browsing at well-known Fistral seashore to the summer time donkey derby at Mawgan Porth and the dunes of Crantock.
To not point out an entire string of different well-known coves: Tolcarne Seaside, Watergate Bay, Lusty Glaze Seaside, Perranporth Seaside, Towan seashore within the city itself with loads of golden sand and nice surf waves.
In case you’re in search of dog-friendly seashores in Newquay, take a look at these choices.
Newquay Zoo
This award-winning zoo is dwelling to a whole lot of the world’s rarest and most enjoyable creatures, from creepy crawlies to large cats, in addition to exercise trails and a youngsters’s play space.
You may see armadillos to zebra, in addition to discovering the gardens – together with the beautiful Secret Backyard – earlier than being transported to the tropics and the south-east Asian jungle as you discover the totally different habitats.
It’s sufficiently small to not be too overwhelming in case you’re visiting north Cornwall with a toddler, though at 13 acres, there’s nonetheless a lot to maintain everybody entertained on a day trip.
Blue Reef aquarium, Newquay
This beautiful aquarium is true on the seafront in Newquay – you’ll be able to sit back on Towan seashore then head indoors to find what lives beneath the waves.
Sharks, turtles and an enormous Pacific octopus are a couple of of the creatures you’ll discover in 40 totally different habitats, with talks and feeding at this beautiful beachfront aquarium – one among my favorite issues to do in Newquay.
You possibly can wander via the ocean tunnel, recognizing loggerhead turtles and reef sharks, in addition to seeing among the different uncommon inhabitants, together with pufferfish.
Set proper on the seafront, it’s good if you wish to staff the seashore with the possibility to see beneath the waves – or if you end up in search of one thing to do on a wet day in Cornwall.
Take a look at my assessment of a day trip at Blue Reef aquarium in Newquay with a toddler
Pirate’s Quest Journey Golf, Newquay
Journey again 300 years to the Golden Age of piracy, within the dwelling of smugglers and buccaneers (and mermaids) with a household pleasant journey golf course with a twist.
At Pirate’s Quest Journey Golf you’ll discover 12 holes winding via the streets of 18th century Cornwall, in addition to an opportunity to discover caves, uncover native legends, seek for a mermaid and pose within the shares (in addition to attempting for a yo ho gap in a single!)
The swashbuckling course is indoors too, in case you’re in search of issues to do in Newquay within the rain.
Whereas the earlier interactive tour isn’t working any extra, youngsters nonetheless get treasure maps to seek for pirate booty, plus an opportunity to study extra about Cornwall’s myths and legends.
Trerice Home, close to Newquay
Just a bit method inland from Newquay, this Nationwide Belief property contains the possibility to decorate up in Tudor costumes in addition to attempt some conventional video games within the nice chamber of Trerice Home.
You may also uncover extra in regards to the household which lived within the sixteenth century manor through the years. If it’s a sunny day, wander the gardens and check out a couple of video games on the bowling inexperienced, or it’s one other nice possibility for a wet day close to Newquay.
Lappa Valley Steam railway, close to Newquay
Not removed from Trerice Home and Newquay, Lappa Valley Steam railway is a good attraction for youthful youngsters – there’s extra than simply for toddlers and pre-schoolers, however they’ll love the trains which run on the small railway.
Inside, there are nature trails and youngsters’s rides, a toddler path maze plus indoor play carriages and a woodland railway. Or you’ll be able to actually have a go at loopy golf whilst you’re visiting so it’s a enjoyable day trip in Cornwall for the entire household.
Bodmin Moor
The wildest a part of Cornwall, Bodmin Moor is an enchanting place to roam, with Bronze Age and Neolithic cairns and stone circles and its personal retailer of ghost tales and legends.
For a much less spooky possibility, you’ll be able to go geocaching on the moor in addition to following a part of the Copper Path, a 60-mile strolling route.
Or one other favorite in case you don’t fancy venturing too far off the overwhelmed observe is to go to the Golitha Falls Pure Reserve. Footpaths, together with one buggy-friendly path, lead via the valley alongside the riverside.
Older youngsters will love clambering over tree trunks and hopping from stepping stone to stepping stone on the best way to the falls. Apparently it’s dwelling to piskies too.
There’s free parking, so it’s a terrific possibility for an inexpensive day trip in north Cornwall.
Cardinham Woods
Not removed from Bodmin Moor, the woods are Cornwall’s place to search out the Forestry Fee’s household trails together with these impressed by Julia Donaldson’s books, such because the Gruffalo twenty fifth anniversary exercise path.
However everytime you go to, there are 4 totally different strolling trails to discover – one among which is buggy pleasant – plus three cycle trails, a play space and café.
The one cost is for parking (except you’re a discovery cross holder) and any particular path actions so it’s one other enjoyable possibility for affordable issues to see in north Cornwall.
Bodmin Jail
Seemingly some of the haunted locations in Britain, Bodmin jail reopened a couple of years in the past with a model new immersive customer expertise together with a ‘Darkish Stroll’ and overhaul of the present attraction.
Telling the historical past of the 18th century jail over six ranges, with sights, sounds and smells of life within the 18th century, you’ll be able to step into the chilly cells, to think about a sentence of arduous labour forward. Much less gruesomely, the jail has additionally saved the Domesday E-book and Crown Jewels secure.
Harsh punishments and an execution pit imply this isn’t one for youthful youngsters (though you’ll be able to keep away from one or two of the scarier sections) but it surely’s some of the memorable north Cornwall days out with youngsters.
Higher for older youngsters, who love their wet days spiced up with somewhat shiver of fright than for youthful youngsters (it’s not buggy-friendly both).
Bodmin and Wenford Railway
Cornwall’s solely full-size railway nonetheless operated by steam locomotives, it’s an ideal possibility for train-obsessed little ones (and a few greater ones).
Chuffing alongside the 13-mile spherical journey route of the Bodmin and Wenford Railway makes for a really enjoyable option to discover the countryside too.
There are additionally particular themed occasions throughout faculty holidays, akin to Halloween and Santa trains – and the possibility to have a correct Cornish cream tea.
Lanhydrock
Not removed from Bodmin itself, the Nationwide Belief property of Lanhydrock is designed to allow you to discover Victorian life, wandering via the home from the servants’ quarters and kitchens to the household’s extra luxurious rooms.
Youngsters have trails to observe inside the home, and you’ll actually have a peek into the nurseries alongside the best way to check to their very own bedrooms.
Open air there are bike trails to discover together with a simple inexperienced path that’s appropriate for youthful youngsters and bikes with tagalongs in addition to trickier routes for older youngsters, plus the standard expansive grounds to roam round and an journey playground.
Carnglaze Caverns
The three underground caves making up Carnglaze Caverns are on the south fringe of Bodmin Moor, a former slate mine which is now a mining heritage attraction.
Your self-guided go to (though there are some guided excursions in excessive season) explains extra in regards to the miner’s work and why offering slate was so essential, earlier than ending on the spectacular underground lake.
The caves are actually dwelling to 5 species of bats, whereas exterior you’ll be able to hunt for faeries and dragons on the Woodland Stroll and within the Enchanted Dell on the hillside.
There’s a youngsters’s path that will help you spot among the fairy inhabitants, whereas the stroll takes round 25 minutes – in late spring it’s good to see bluebells, and you may additionally be fortunate sufficient to identify deer or a fox.
The Eden Venture
The award-winning attraction is immediately recognisable – the labored out china clay pit has been remodeled with two well-known biomes, one concealing the Mediterranean, the opposite the warmth of the rainforest.
Take a look at my assessment of our day on the Eden Venture with a three-year-old.
This astonishing world backyard, tucked inside futuristic domed biomes, is dwelling to the world’s largest indoor rainforest in addition to interactive displays, a sensory backyard and crops from across the globe.
There are storytelling classes for teenagers and different actions, exhibitions, and even mushy play. If the climate’s good, there are paths to wander outside too and many to do on the Eden Venture within the rain if not.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Cornwall, take a look at my high picks and my final information to Cornwall with youngsters
*First revealed 2020, final up to date 2024*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN NORTH CORNWALL WITH KIDS
Disclosure: Incorporates affiliate hyperlinks: any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. All opinions and steered names for lobsters are my very own.
Blue Reef picture copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy Depositphotos
LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER