From coast to countryside, adventure parks to zoos, Cornwall is jam-packed full of exciting things to see and do making it perfect for days out with the kids and fun-filled short breaks.
You can pack the bags with a treaty picnic full of delicacies from one of the many great farm shops in Cornwall or you can treat yourself to a lunch out at a National Trust tea room during your day out to remember. Our recommendation? Wherever it is you’re headed, always keep the swimming costumes in the car just in case you drive past one of Cornwall’s many beautiful beaches and decide to pop in for a spot of wild swimming, which, incidentally, is another great day out in Cornwall!
Whether you’re in the mood for a theme park, a wildlife park, or a stunning sub-tropical garden, we’ve got something for everyone on our list of the best days out in Cornwall.
Eden Project
Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG
edenproject.com
When it comes to days out in Cornwall, there’s one big name that offers an utterly unique experience for the whole family: the Eden Project. Hidden away in a former clay pit near St Austell, this iconic day out provides endless entertainment from walks around the huge biomes to daring activities including the longest and fastest zipwire in England.
During your visit, you’ll be able to refuel at one of the many cafés and restaurants around the site, including the Med Terrace, which immediately transports you to the slopes of the Mediterranean for a truly special meal. You can also check out one of the two gift shops for an ethical memento or even a bottle (or two) of the much-loved Eden IPA.
Dogs are welcome in the outside gardens as well, making this a great shout for a dog-friendly day out in Cornwall. Our top tip for your visit to the Eden Project? Pack and dress for every climate as the rainforest biome can get very hot and humid, sometimes in stark contrast to the outside!
Read our full guide to the Eden Project to learn all there is to know about this amazing day out.
Tintagel Castle
Castle Rd, Tintagel PL34 0HE
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle
If there’s a historian in your group, then dedicating a day to the mystical history that surrounds Tintagel Castle is a must. This ancient castle combines fact with fiction - and a spectacular location - for a jaw-dropping trip that’s sure to spark the imagination of anyone who visits.
While the impressive bridge that joins the island to the mainland is certainly worthy of a photo or two, it’s the castle itself that draws the crowds. Intrinsically linked with the story of King Arthur, this atmospheric ruin really is the stuff of legends. Take a photo of the eerie statue of King Arthur, pop into the gift shop for a special souvenir, visit the Beach Café for a tasty snack or, explore further along the South West Coast Path to see more of north Cornwall’s rugged coast.
Newquay Zoo
Trenance Gardens, Newquay TR7 2NL
newquayzoo.org.uk
Not only is Newquay Zoo one of the best things to do in Newquay, but it’s one of the best days out in Cornwall, offering the perfect spot for a rainy day trip or a sunny walk on the wild side. There are currently around 130 species at Newquay Zoo from the well-dressed penguins to stylishly striped zebra. You can even get up close to some of the animals through the zoo’s exciting experience programme, which could see you interacting with penguins, lemurs and even the adorable red panda.
Cementing Newquay Zoo as a whole-day experience, you’ll find lots of other attractions to fill the hours with. Tucker the kids out at one of the outdoor play areas, swap the noises of the animal kingdom for some peace and quiet in the secret garden, or explore the world beneath your feet in the tropical house, where you’ll be introduced to some of the world’s creepiest crawlies!
There are lots of great cafés and snack outlets dotted around the zoo that will satiate even the mightiest hunger or you can bring your own tasty lunch to enjoy in one of the many picnic areas.
National Maritime Museum
Discovery Quay, Port Pendennis, Falmouth TR11 3QY
nmmc.co.uk
Here in Cornwall, we’re understandably more than obsessed with the sea, after all, it does surround us on three out of four sides! A visit to the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth is a great way to deepen your understanding and respect for the sea, with its rolling programme of exhibitions and constant displays walking you through Cornwall’s rich maritime history.
During your visit, you’ll see a remarkable variety of seafaring vessels from the ancient Inuit kayak to the more recent Mirror dinghy and everything in between! You’ll also learn all about the RNLI and the amazing work they do as well as sea safety to help keep you safe while enjoying the Cornish coast. Keep an eye out for the museum’s ever-changing roster of exhibitions as well, with previous showcases delving into the ‘Monsters of the Deep’ and the ‘Art of Tattoos’. Get a sneak peek of what you’ll see from the top of the lookout tower with our well-placed Falmouth webcam.
There is the lovely Waterside Café on-site if you fancy a pick me up while visiting, or you can wander into Falmouth to make the most of the many amazing eateries. It’s also worth checking out our list of the best things to do in Falmouth to really make the most of your visit to this vibrant harbourside town.
National Trust
With around 50 sites across Cornwall, we couldn’t just pick one National Trust property or garden for our list of the best days out in Cornwall. Spend a day strolling through the beautiful sub-tropical gardens at Glendurgan before whiling away the afternoon on the sheltered beach as the Helford river laps calmly along the shore or, for a more historical day out, why not visit the Victorian country house, garden and wooded estate at Lanhydrock. As with most of the National Trust properties, you’ll find plenty to occupy yourself with at Lanhydrock from its tempting café to the lovely wooded walks and cycle trails around the estate.
Another firm favourite – and Cornish icon – is the magnificent and instantly recognisable St Michael’s Mount. Consisting of a medieval church, castle, stunning garden, and living community, this historic landmark is as interesting as it is beautiful. In fact, it’s first on our list of unbelievably beautiful places to visit in Cornwall! There are many other great National Trust properties to visit across Cornwall, so why not have a browse and create your own to-visit list.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
B3273, Pentewan, Saint Austell PL26 6EN
heligan.com
A partner attraction to Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan offers another magical day out amidst nature, history and just a little dash of wonder. Swallowed by brambles since the start of WW1, The Lost Gardens of Heligan were found once more in 1990, becoming Europe’s largest garden restoration project.
Today, you’ll find 200 acres of enchanting woodlands, gardens and groves, each with their own atmospheric twist on the natural world. Children will love the wild displays and hidden statues while plant-lovers will marvel at the incredible diversity on display throughout the borders and almost jungle-like gardens. After you’ve thoroughly investigated every twist and turn, a visit to the kitchen and bakery at Heligan is ideal for a delicious refuel where you can discuss your favourite find.
Land's End
Land's End, Sennen TR19 7AA
landsend-landmark.co.uk
Famous for its iconic signpost, Land’s End is situated at the most westerly point of the Cornish peninsula. One of the UK’s best-loved and well-known landmarks, it’s often on the bucket list when visiting Cornwall. In addition to the renowned signpost and breathtaking views, visitors can enjoy seeing the animals at the farmstead, a 4D film experience, adventure golf, a selection of shops, a play area and more.
During the summer, as evening sets in, visitors will be treated to ‘Magic in the Skies’, a remarkable fireworks and drone lights display that illuminates the sky above the rocky headland.
Lappa Valley
St Newlyn East, Newquay TR8 5LX
lappavalley.co.uk
Promising hours of fun for the whole family, Lappa Valley is an exciting railway themed attraction in a secret world accessed only by train (from the car park). After boarding the train, you’ll be transported through beautiful countryside to the main park area. Here, families can enjoy a further two railways, adventure golf, a boating lake with swan pedalos, an outdoor adventure playground, beautiful woodland walks, and a large indoor soft play with cafe. As their motto goes ‘pay once, play all day’, so you can expect endless fun without the costs mounting up.
Paradise Park
16 Trelissick Road, Hayle TR27 4HB
paradisepark.org.uk
Paradise Park in Hayle first opened in 1973, and over the years has become a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike. Home to over 1000 animals, the park has more than 130 species of birds, from all over the world. The park gives visitors the chance to admire these incredible winged creatures, whilst also supporting the amazing conservation, breeding and rewilding efforts that happen behind the scenes. In addition to the hundreds of feathered friends, the park is also home to otters, a red panda, farm animals (food can be purchased to feed the goats and sheep), and a pet corner. Perhaps the highlight of the day is getting the opportunity to watch the mesmerising flying displays!
Families will also love the large soft play centre, The Jungle Barn, which adds an additional element of fun for families with young children – rainbow slides, swinging ropes, ball pools and more await! There are also two cafes (one is inside The Jungle Barn), two outdoor play areas, a circular train ride, and a shop for those all important souvenirs.
Camel Creek Family Adventure Park
Tredinnick, Wadebridge PL27 7RA
camelcreek.co.uk
Located near Wadebridge, Camel Creek Family Adventure Park really does have it all: thrilling rides, gentle rides, adventure playgrounds, indoor soft play areas, cafes, water rides, 5D cinema, animals, and more! You’ll be in for a jam-packed day that’ll not only please the kids, but the grownups too! There’s so much to see and do that you may even decide to return for a second day.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Gweek, TR12 6UG
sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org
Situated in a serene spot overlooking the estuary in Gweek, at the head of the Helford River, The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is a wonderful place for a day out in Cornwall. Home to resident seals who require ongoing care, along with rescued seals and seal pups awaiting release, the sanctuary is a lifeline for marine life in need of help. A visit to the sanctuary isn’t just a fun day out; you’ll be supporting the tireless work carried out at the sanctuary. Not only do you get to observe the seals, but you get the chance to learn all about these incredible mammals and everything the team does to ensure they are well looked after, and in most cases released back into their natural environment. A highlight has to be watching the seals at feeding time! Visitors will also be able to see the resident puffins, beacers, farm animals and goats. In addition, there’s a cafe and a fantastic play area that the kids will love! We are proud to support the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
Camel Trail
If you’re looking for a scenic day out in Cornwall you can’t get much more tranquil than the Camel Trail, which follows a lovely stretch of north Cornwall between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge, and Padstow.
While the whole route is 18 miles and perhaps a little more than a day trip, you can easily break it up into smaller chunks, especially if you have little ones coming along. One of the prettiest stretches lies between Wadebridge and Padstow, which is a much more manageable 5.5 miles and enjoys stunning estuary views along the way. It’s also high on our list of the best things to do in Wadebridge.
You can hire bikes in Wadebridge and stop for a well-deserved ice cream and a Cornish pasty in Padstow, where you can enjoy your spoils by the water’s edge. It’s a lovely flat route that’s suitable for everyone including walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and wheel-chair users so why not bring the whole family along this lovely Cornish route.
Check out our guide to the best off-road cycle trails in Cornwall to extend your biking holiday even further?
There really are endless options for great days out in Cornwall, so why not use this list as a bit of inspiration as you build your ideal holiday itinerary. Check out our stunning cottages in Cornwall to find the perfect base for your Cornish excursions. You can also take a look at our fantastic short breaks in Cornwall, which provide a perfectly bite-sized Cornish holiday.