The best family days out in Cornwall

Experience some of the most exciting, intriguing and family friendly days out in Cornwall, with something to entertain everyone.

For history-lovers, there’s plenty to see. At Bodmin Jail, learn what life was like as a prisoner in historic Cornwall and peer into the grisly Execution Shed: a restored Victorian hanging pit. Just down the road, experience the nostalgia of Bodmin and Wenford Railway. Travel by steam on Cornwall’s only full-size railway, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone era.

If you’re looking for excitement, the theme parks of Camel Creek at Wadebridge andFlambards at Helston are just the ticket, with rollercoasters, thrill rides and gentler fun for the little ones. Or get your adrenalin pumping at Hangloose at the Eden Project, where you can pick from one of nine heart-racing activities – including a world-famous zipline over the top of the biomes.

Next door is the Eden Project itself – a must on many Cornwall to-do lists. At this living theatre of plants and people, you can experience a rainforest in one biome and the Mediterranean in another. Not far away is The Lost Gardens of Heligan: another impressive site with a fascinating story. One of the most mysterious gardens in England, it was lost for decades before being rediscovered by chance.

Visiting with children? Ride a steam train into a hidden valley of adventure at Lappa Valley, near Newquay. And at Dairyland Farm World, discover all the fun of the farm, including tractor and pony rides, and feeding time with the animals. Let the kids run off steam and get some friendly competition underway at Cornwall Football Golf near St Austell; all ages will love this maddeningly addictive outdoor game.

If you’re keen to try a Cornish tipple or two, take a trip to Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm – home to the famous Cornish Rattler. Or if beer is more your thing, head over to the St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre to find out more about their 160-year history in brewing some of Cornwall’s most popular drinks.

Legendary Jamaica Inn, immortalised by Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name, is perched on wild and windswept Bodmin Moor. While being home to many of the author’s personal possessions, it also hosts an intriguing smuggling museum. And if that ignites your interest in all things maritime, wonder at Europe’s largest collection of shipwreck finds at Charlestown Shipwreck Treasure Museum.

Land’s End is famed for its unique location and spectacular views, but there’s also fun to be had at this family attraction. Enjoy the interactive entertainment before you embark on stunning coastal walks – and don’t forget to have your picture taken at the landmark sign!

Be curious and explore the best our beautiful county has to offer - read some of our other blogs to discover more places to visit. Uncover the stories behind some of our most beautiful gardens and houses, be excited at our fascinating attractions and theme parks, and learn and discover about Cornish heritage, culture and art. Find out what some of our attractions are doing to ensure conservation of important species, and what others are doing to raise awareness of plastic pollution and sustainability issues. There’s so much to discover!

Remember to check on each attraction's website to see whether they are open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many attractions will have changed their opening times, and all those who remain open during the pandemic will have safety measures in place for your wellbeing. Many attractions will require you to think ahead, plan your trip and book your ticket in advance.  

This article first appeared on the Best Days Out Cornwall website.