Things to Do in Cornwall with Kids

Cornwall is one of the finest family holiday destinations in the UK — and with good reason. Over 400 beaches, world-famous attractions, steam railways, wildlife encounters, farm parks and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Britain combine to make it a place where children and adults are equally captivated. Whether you have toddlers who want to paddle in the shallows or teenagers who want to surf and explore, Cornwall has something genuinely special to offer.

This guide covers the very best things to do in Cornwall with children — the beaches, the big attractions and the hidden gems that make a Cornish family holiday so memorable.

The Best Beaches for Families in Cornwall

Cornwall has beaches to suit every kind of family — calm sheltered coves for toddlers, surf beaches for older children and teenagers, vast sand flats for running and kite flying, and rocky shores full of pools to explore at low tide.

Perranporth

Three miles of golden sand backed by dunes, with a reliable surf and a safe bathing area in the centre of the beach. The wide, flat sand at low tide is perfect for ball games and kite flying. Good facilities including cafés, surf hire and a surf school.

Carbis Bay, St Ives

A sheltered, south-facing bay with clear turquoise water and fine sand — one of the most beautiful beaches in England. The water is calm and relatively shallow, making it excellent for younger children. The St Ives branch railway line runs right to the beach, which is a treat in itself.

Sennen Cove

Just a mile from Land’s End, Sennen has a magnificent long beach with reliable surf and a surf school. The northern end is calmer and better for families with younger children. The view from the clifftop above the beach towards the Longships Lighthouse is spectacular.

Porthcurno

A small, impossibly beautiful cove of pale turquoise water and white sand, enclosed by dramatic granite cliffs. The Minack Theatre — an open-air theatre carved into the cliff above — overlooks the bay and is worth visiting in its own right. The beach is small so arrive early in summer.

Top Family Attractions in Cornwall

The Eden Project

The Eden Project near St Austell is one of the most extraordinary visitor attractions in Britain — two vast biomes built inside a former clay pit, housing the world’s largest rainforest in a building and a Mediterranean garden of incredible diversity. Children find the sheer scale of it awe-inspiring, and the story of how it was built is genuinely remarkable. Allow a full day and go on a weekday in summer if possible.

Newquay Zoo

Newquay Zoo is a compact but well-regarded zoo in the centre of Newquay, with meerkats, lemurs, otters, red pandas and a good range of animals in naturalistic enclosures. An excellent half-day attraction, particularly useful as a rainy day option when the beaches are less appealing.

Blue Reef Aquarium

The Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay has a good underwater tunnel, a seahorse sanctuary and a range of Cornish and tropical sea life. Particularly good for younger children — the combination of sharks overhead and brightly coloured fish is reliably captivating. A solid wet-weather option in the heart of Newquay.

Dairyland Farm Park

Dairyland Farm Park near Newquay is one of Cornwall’s most popular family attractions — a working dairy farm with an excellent visitor centre, daily milking demonstrations, farm animals, an indoor play barn and outdoor play areas. Children can meet the cows, feed the animals and explore at their own pace. A reliable all-weather choice.

Flambards Theme Park

Flambards near Helston is a traditional family theme park with rides, a Victorian village recreation, a wartime Britain experience and a science discovery centre. It’s been entertaining Cornish holidaymakers for decades and remains excellent value. Particularly good for mixed-age families as there’s something for every age group.

Steam Railways and Adventures

Lappa Valley Steam Railway

The Lappa Valley Steam Railway near Newquay is a narrow-gauge steam railway running through a beautiful wooded valley, with a boating lake, crazy golf and play areas at the far end. A wonderful half-day out for families with younger children who love trains — the combination of the steam journey and the activities at Lappa Valley makes it genuinely good value.

Bodmin and Wenford Railway

The Bodmin and Wenford Railway is a full-size heritage steam railway running through the beautiful Cornish countryside between Bodmin General and Boscarne Junction. Dogs are welcome on board and the steam locomotives are magnificent. A brilliant family day out that appeals to railway enthusiasts of all ages.

Rock Pooling and Wildlife

Some of the best family experiences in Cornwall cost nothing at all. Rock pooling at low tide along the south coast — particularly around the Lizard Peninsula and the Roseland — reveals an extraordinary world of crabs, anemones, blennies and starfish. All you need is a net, a bucket and a good tide table.

The walking and cycling routes in Cornwall page has ideas for family-friendly routes along the coast path and through the countryside — many sections are suitable for children on bikes or in buggies.

Seal watching is another highlight — grey seals are commonly spotted around the Cornish coast, particularly off the Lizard and around Hayle Estuary. The RSPB reserve at Hayle in winter is one of the best birdwatching sites in the south west.

Tintagel — Legends and Drama

Tintagel Castle on the north Cornwall coast is one of the most dramatically sited historic attractions in England — clifftop ruins with a legendary connection to King Arthur, linked by a new footbridge across a sea chasm. Children who have any interest in legends, myths or simply dramatic scenery will find it captivating. The walk down to Merlin’s Cave at low tide adds to the sense of adventure. English Heritage.

Land’s End

Land’s End — the most westerly point of mainland Britain — has a visitor attraction alongside the famous signpost, with indoor experiences, a 4D cinema and outdoor play. The clifftop location is spectacular and the sense of being at the very edge of Britain is something children find genuinely exciting. The coastal walk south towards Sennen is excellent for active families.

Where to Stay in Cornwall with Kids

Self-catering is the most popular choice for family holidays in Cornwall — the flexibility to manage mealtimes and bedtimes on your own schedule makes it far less stressful than a hotel. Cornwall has an outstanding range of family cottages, particularly along the south coast and in the area around Newquay.

Practical Tips for Cornwall with Kids

Check beach dog restrictions — many Cornish beaches restrict dogs between Easter and 1st October. If you’re bringing the family dog, check which beaches are open to dogs before you travel.

Check tide times — Cornwall’s tidal range is significant. A beach that’s enormous at low tide may almost disappear at high tide. Check tide times before heading out, particularly with young children on cove beaches.

Book the Eden Project in advance — the Eden Project can be very busy in summer. Online booking in advance is cheaper than paying on the door and saves queuing time.

Pack for all weathers — even in July and August, Cornwall can have rainy days. Having a wet weather plan (Newquay Zoo, Blue Reef Aquarium, Dairyland) means a rainy day doesn’t have to be a write-off.

Book early for summer — family-friendly cottages in Cornwall are among the fastest-selling in the UK. If you’re planning a July or August trip, the best properties can book out months in advance.

More to explore: Things to Do in Cornwall  |  South West England  |  Family Days Out  |  Holiday Cottages  |  More from the Blog