The best family attractions in Cornwall from scenic open-top bus journeys to award-winning adventure parks
Cornwall might be best known for its show-stopping beaches and natural beauty – but there’s a whole host of family-friendly attractions, from theme parks and soft plays to historic jails and kid-friendly museums.
It’s a good idea to have some wet weather ideas up your sleeve, or if you simply want an alternative to exploring Cornwall’s golden sands and picturesque fishing villages.
We’ve asked Cornwall experts, holiday park staff and Sun readers who have holidayed here for their recommendations of the best family attractions in the county, located near your next £9.50 Holiday park. Here’s what they said…
Hop on a bus
Carol Harris, 72, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, stayed at Parkdean Resorts Lizard Point and her top tip is to take the double decker bus, which stops right outside the holiday park.
She said: “Taking the bus was an unexpected highlight. We took a double decker to Penzance for just £4 for an all-day ticket. The sea views from the top deck were brilliant – and, as passengers instead of driving, we both got to enjoy them.
“We jumped off at Marazion for St Michael’s Mount, which is beautiful. In Penzance we walked along the quay and got unlimited refills of coffee in Wetherspoons for £1.56.”
Cornwall expert and Sun travel writer Ellie Ross also recommends the Atlantic Coaster.
She said: “On a sunny day, children will also love the thrill of riding this open-top bus.
“It links Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay with Padstow, offering amazing views out to sea, and you can hop on and off as you please. It’s also a bargain – with single fares from £2.”
Take a boat
A short ferry ride can add a dose of excitement to a day out, especially for little ones.
You can hop on board the St Mawes Ferry from Falmouth, like Laraine Wells, 73, from Taunton in Somerset, did during her £9.50 Holiday to St Ives.
She said: “Falmouth is a great place to mooch about – there are loads of small, independent shops selling interesting things.
“You can also catch the ferry to St Mawes – it’s a nice boat trip over and St Mawes is a pretty fishing harbour that you can explore or just have a cup of tea in one of the cafes.”
Family tickets cost from £7.56 return for five people; under-threes travel free. You can take a (foldable) buggy on the ferry.
Toddler-friendly attractions
If you’ve got tots in tow, rainy day activities can be a challenge.
In which case, take a trip to Lappa Valley, a train-themed attraction set in beautiful countryside on the outskirts of Newquay.
As well as the steam engine that chugs you into the park from the car park, it features mini golf, outdoor play areas and indoor soft play (tip: check the train timetable before you arrive – they only run every 40 minutes in low season).
It was recommended by Dani Fillery, Owner and Guest Experience Manager at White Acres Holiday Park.
Dani also recommended Newquay Trampoline and Play Park, which has an under-twos area as well as huge soft play for older children (tip: rainy days are especially busy, so book online to avoid disappointment).
Meanwhile, Camel Creek is an adventure park that’s great for kids of all ages. Dani said: “There’s a huge indoor soft play where you can hide away if it rains. It’s reasonably priced, we’ve been going for years with my son who is now six.”
For older kids
Cornwall expert Ellie Ross said: “Located just off the A30, Bodmin Jail is a great option en route to or from Cornwall – or if you’re happy to head half an hour inland from your holiday park.
“The 18th-century prison has recently been redeveloped into an attraction and hotel, and is a great option for families with older children, offering educational tours for children up to the age of 16 (Key Stage 4).
“Highlights include an interactive walk back in time, offering a glimpse into life inside the historic jail.
“Or pop over to Falmouth, where the National Maritime Museum has loads of interactive exhibitions that will engage youngsters while teaching them about Cornwall’s seafaring past, from pirates to packet ships.
“Tickets – which last a year – cost £18 for adults and £9 for under-18s. Under-fives get in free.”