Explore Cornwall's Best Family Days Out

Attractions in Cornwall

So much to fit in with hundreds of stunning sandy beaches, surf lessons, family days out including your pets, incredible coast path walks to art classes in st ives, why not do a boat trip to spot the local wildlife seals, dolphins or try your luck fishing or crabbing off one of the many harbour walls. Here are just a few….

Minack Theatre – one of the best attractions in Cornwall

The Minack Theatre is known as one of the best attractions in Cornwall for a reason and upon arrival, it’s easy to see why. A place like no other, Minack is a living theatre in every sense. Its dramatic setting and the remarkable woman who built it are equally inspiring.

Perched on the rugged cliffs of South-West Cornwall the Minack is one of the most spectacular theatre venues in the world. Over a quarter of a million people each year flock here to enjoy the stunning ocean views and experience the magic of live performance in this iconic space.

Each year, over 200 live performances are staged at Minack, including plays, musicals, opera, music and childrens events. Bring a blanket and picnic for the most memorable experience.

National Lobster Hatchery – the best family attraction in Padstow

If you are looking for something a bit different to do, why not visit the award-winning Visitor Centre in Padstow? It’s great fun for all the family and when you’ve been, you’ll see why it’s known as one of the best attractions in Cornwall. You will have the chance to all learn about lobsters, local marine life and also find out about the pioneering marine conservation work they undertake in order to enhance the wild lobster population in our seas.

Did you know you can even adopt a baby lobster – Makes the perfect ethical and sustainable gift for loved ones!

The National Lobster Hatchery is a registered Charity. Your visit will help them to continue and advance their important work to help sustain the vulnerable lobster populations and safeguard the fishing industry and the many livelihoods and coastal communities it supports.

Paradise Park – top Cornwall holiday wildlife attraction

Your family will love a day in Paradise on your Cornwall holiday and with so much to see, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best attractions in Cornwall. This Award-winning wildlife sanctuary offers so much for all the family.

Situated in Hayle on Cornwall’s north coast, five miles from the holiday resort of St Ives and seventeen miles from Land’s End.
You’ll meet amazing wildlife, including stunningly colourful birds including many rare and beautiful parrots, Humboldt’s penguins, Caribbean flamingos, Red-billed Cornish choughs, Golden and Bald eagles, kookaburras, hornbills, cranes and so many more.

A dedicated team of Zoo Keepers care for over 1,200 birds plus, beautiful Red pandas, rare Red squirrels and playful Asian otters there is a wonderful selection to see. Many species are in conservation breeding schemes.

Tate St Ives – inspiring art attractions in Cornwall

The transformation of Tate St Ives has earned it the prestigious award for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2018.

The gallery celebrates the international legacy of modern artists associated with this beautiful old fishing town.

The dynamic spirit of this artists’ community, famed as a centre for abstract art from the mid-twentieth century, is reflected in a vibrant programme of exhibitions, displays and events, embracing the best of international modern and contemporary art.

Lappa Valley Steam Railway – Newquay

Set in the Lappa Valley this looks a fun place to visit. There are three separate miniature railways, protected areas where wildlife thrives, boating lake, maze, crazy golf, play areas, woodland walks and nature trials and 9 hole golf course.

St Michaels Mount – Penzance

St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island joined to the mainland by a cobbled causeway. Each year, thousands of visitors from across the globe come for its rich history, natural beauty, subtropical gardens and, of course, iconic castle.

Access to the island is ruled by the tides. This means getting across and back is an experience in itself. You may find yourself gliding into the historic harbour on a small ferryboat. Then returning to shore across the ancient causeway, the sea lapping at its edges.

Healey’s Cornish Cider Farm – Penhallow

The Cyder Farm is home to Cornish Rattler and the Cornish Scrumpy Co Ltd. Offers free entry, free parking, free tasting, chance to ‘watch us work’, farm animals and tractor rides.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan – Pentewan, St. Austell

At the Lost Gardens there’s a network of magical gardens, woodland walks and farmland brimming with interest and intrigue; and with over 200 acres – enough room to tire the most energetic little legs!

Porthcurno

Porthcurno for stunning beaches and close to the famous Minack Theatre a must see! With soft white sand, and a stream down one side that is great for children to paddle in, it’s no wonder Porthcurno Beach is popular amongst families. Porthcurno’s south-facing direction and flanked by high headlands provides a natural shelter from the wind and weather, which gives the beach its own near-microclimate.

Bringing the dog and looking for a dog friendly day out? Why not check out our guide to dog friendly days out in Cornwall.

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