Things to do in Cornwall
Cornwall boasts over 300 miles of stunning coastline, featuring hidden coves, sandy beaches, and opportunities for activities like swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The coastal scenery is one of the region’s biggest attractions, making it a popular destination for family holidays. Cornwall offers a wide variety of things to do, from exciting attractions to relaxing coastal experiences. For those seeking family-friendly entertainment, holiday parks with activities are perfect for children or budget-conscious travelers. Alternatively, renting a self-catering cottage offers a more peaceful experience, with options ranging from cozy cottages to luxurious seaside retreats, ideal for exploring Cornwall’s charming fishing villages.
Newquay Zoo
Visitors to Newquay Zoo will enjoy a vibrant, immersive experience with over 130 species from around the world, including rare animals like lemurs, meerkats, and Sumatran tigers. The zoo’s beautifully landscaped enclosures, interactive exhibits, and animal feedings allow guests to get up close to wildlife, while its conservation efforts provide an educational backdrop that underscores the importance of preserving endangered species.
The Monkey Sanctuary
At the Monkey Sanctuary in Cornwall, visitors can enjoy getting up close to a variety of rescued primates, including capuchins, macaques, and squirrel monkeys, in naturalistic, spacious enclosures. The sanctuary’s focus on animal welfare and conservation offers a unique educational experience, where guests can learn about the monkeys’ stories and the important work being done to protect primate species.
Blue Reef Aquarium
Blue Reef Aquarium in Cornwall offers an exciting underwater journey, featuring a wide range of marine life from local waters and tropical seas. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, including a stunning ocean tank with sharks and rays, and enjoy unique experiences like feeding sessions and underwater tunnels that provide a close-up view of the vibrant sea creatures.
Bodmin & Wenford Railway
The Bodmin & Wenford Steam Railway is ideal for families, railway enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a nostalgic steam train experience. Visitors can experience Cornwall’s only full-size heritage railway with beautifully restored steam engines. It’s a great for a day out with activities, scenic rides, and engaging history. The train ride will let you enjoy the scenic countryside views as the train winds through the Cornish landscape. Occasionally there are special events such as “Santa Specials” or “Teddy Bear Picnics” designed for children. There are also refreshments, picnic areas, and space to relax. It’s a delightful mix of history, fun, and adventure for all ages!
Dairyland farm World
At Fairyland Farm World, children and parents will love the chance to meet and interact with friendly farm animals, including goats, rabbits, and ponies, in a charming, hands-on environment. The farm also features fun activities like tractor rides, a petting zoo, and fairy tale-themed play areas, making it a delightful and engaging experience for families.
The Eden Project
The Eden Project in Cornwall is a world-renowned eco-visitor attraction, home to stunning biomes that recreate diverse climates, from tropical rainforests to Mediterranean landscapes. Visitors can explore lush gardens, learn about sustainability and environmental conservation, and enjoy interactive exhibits, while outdoor gardens, art installations, and seasonal events offer something for everyone, making it a must-see destination for nature lovers and families..
The Eden Project aim is to ensure visitors come away with a better understanding of the environment. The biodomes are filled with plants, flora and fauna and are big enough to hold several football fields. One biodome contains a Mediterranean habitat and the other is the largest indoor rainforest in the world. Private tours are available for those who wish to find out more.
Outside there are 30 acres of gardens to explore and a stage with regular entertainments and activities for children such as den building. The Eden Project has continued to develop and enhance the attraction with additional things to do. Using the natural features of the site they now offer activities such as rock climbing and have 10 different routes that can be climbed. When the rock climbing stops during winter months, an ice rink is available. Each day between 12 – 2pm they have story telling for children in the Mediterranean biodome citrus grove. The eden cafe offers a very atmospheric venue to enjoy various gigs and performances. The Eden Project is a great place to visit that could be combined with other things to do such as the Lost Gardens of Heligan that are close by.
The lost gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are famous for their remarkable history and stunning landscapes. Once a grand Victorian estate, the gardens were abandoned after World War I and became overgrown for decades. They were rediscovered and restored in the 1990s, bringing their forgotten beauty back to life.
Key features include:
- The Jungle: A lush, subtropical valley with exotic plants, bamboo tunnels, and a unique microclimate.
- The Mud Maid and Giant’s Head: Iconic, moss-covered sculptures blending art and nature.
- The Pleasure Grounds and Productive Gardens: Showcasing traditional horticulture, fruit, and vegetable varieties.
- Wildlife Conservation: Home to rare species and habitats, including ponds and ancient woodlands.
The gardens are not just a visual feast but also a testament to restoration, offering a deep connection to history and nature.
Places to visit in Cornwall
The Minack Theatre – Porthcurno
The Minack Theatre sits on a dramatic rocky cliff-side location with fantastic panoramic views of the sea and cliffs. The Minack theatre runs from May to September presenting drama, musicals and opera. It is surrounded by sub-tropical gardens of succulent plants that thrive on the open cliffside providing an added dash of colour to the Minack all year round.
St Michaels Mount
St Michael’s Mount is reached by walking across a causeway at low tide or taking a short boat trip at high tide. If you take a tour of St Michaels Mount you will be rewarded with dazzling views from the castle turrets. The island has a small community and occasionally has live music on the village green. You can also enjoy fresh local food in the Island Cafe or the Sail Loft Restaurant although it does get very busy.
The Scilly Islands
The Scilly Islands are 45 miles from the coast of Cornwall and can be reached by helicopter, light aircraft, or passenger ship and they are a great location for a day trip. The islands rarely have frost or snow. On the sheltered side of the island of Tresco, there are sub-tropical gardens to visit. The place is quiet and beautiful, with white sandy beaches, a golf course and activities such as surfing, sailing, diving, boat trips, island tours and treks.
Lands End
Lands End is the most south-westerly point of mainland Britain. Visitors who came to enjoy holidays in Cornwall often came to enjoy the great views, visit the shop, have their photo taken by the famous signpost (that used to be free) and say they had been there.
Lands end has added attractions such as a 4D Cinema, Arthurs Quest – that uses the latest interactive technology and special effects to conjure a magically scary world, an Air-Sea Rescue motion-simulator experience, End-to-end (that retells some of the epic journeys people have made from Lands end to John o’ Groats) and an animal attractions called Greeb farm with rabbits, sheep, pigs, etc.
Lappa Valley Steam Railway
At Lappa Valley Railway, visitors can enjoy a range of fun activities, including:
- Train Rides: Take a scenic journey on narrow-gauge steam and diesel trains through beautiful Cornish countryside.
- Play Areas: Children can explore the outdoor play areas, perfect for a fun and active break.
- Mini-Golf: Enjoy a round of mini-golf with family or friends.
- Pedal Boats: Take a relaxing ride on pedal boats along the river.
- Heritage Railway: Learn about the history of Cornwall’s railway through restored locomotives and carriages.
Tintagel
Discover the legendary Tintagel Castle, a dramatic cliffside fortress steeped in Arthurian legend and breathtaking views. Explore the ruins of this historic castle, believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur, and wander along the rugged coastline with stunning panoramic vistas. Whether you’re captivated by history, mythology, or simply seeking natural beauty, Tintagel offers a truly unforgettable experience. Don’t miss the chance to visit the nearby Merlin’s Cave and enjoy a magical journey into Cornwall’s rich heritage and scenic landscapes.
National Seal Sanctuary
National Seal Sanctuary is a busy rescue centre in Gweek with resident Grey Seals, Common Seals, Fur Seals, Patagonian & California Sea Lions, Penguins, Otters, Goats, Sheep and Ponies. The sanctuary provides a meaningful and enjoyable experience while supporting vital conservation work and offers: Seal encounters, educational experiences, and local nature trails, interactive displays and a children’s play area.
The Monkey Sanctuary
The Monkey Sanctuary is one of the popular things to do in Cornwall. The Monkey Sanctuary cares for around 40 monkeys that need support. You will meet some of the monkeys and experienced keepers available all day to explain all about these beautiful animals and the work that goes into caring for them.
Cycling, Walking and Riding
Cornwall offers stunning landscapes perfect for walking, cycling, and horse riding. Here’s a brief guide to some of the best routes and places:
Walking
- South West Coast Path: Iconic coastal trails with breathtaking views, from rugged cliffs to golden beaches. Popular sections include Land’s End, St Ives to Zennor, and Tintagel.
- Bodmin Moor: Explore the dramatic wilderness with trails to landmarks like Brown Willy and Rough Tor.
- The Camel Trail: A flat, scenic route along the Camel Estuary, ideal for casual walkers.
Cycling
- The Camel Trail: A family-friendly, mostly traffic-free path stretching from Padstow to Bodmin, with estuary and woodland views.
- Mineral Tramways Trail: Discover Cornwall’s mining heritage on this network of routes connecting Portreath and Devoran.
- Cardinham Woods: Offers various trails, including challenging mountain bike routes in a peaceful forest setting.
Riding
- Cornish Riding Holidays (Redruth): Explore bridleways and beaches on horseback, with lessons for all levels.
- Perranporth Beach: Enjoy riding along the vast sandy shoreline, especially at low tide.
- Bodmin Moor: Perfect for more adventurous riders, with expansive trails across wild moorland.
Each activity allows you to experience Cornwall’s unique mix of coastline, countryside, and history.
Cornish Coastal Path
The coastal path is 630 miles long and includes some of the most spectacular coastline in the uk.
Camel Trail
The Camel route follows a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. The final part of this route winding alongside the spectacular Camel Estuary.