Cornwall is full of incredible natural places and so putting together a list of the best places in Cornwall to visit with kids seemed like it was going to be easy. What was the hardest thing to do was to narrow it down.
So I chose some amazing natural hideaway spots that all sleep 5 or over for family glamping and then chose the best places in Cornwall to visit with kids that you can visit whilst staying in those!
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So here goes:
Roseland Valley Retreat from Unique Hideaways
Roseland Valley Retreat 9.2 miles NE of St Mawes is one of the most amazing glamping places I think I’ve seen. As well as there being a luxury log cabin that’s spacious, stylish and totally scrumptious, you get a super-duper safari tent for two as well. And there’s not one hot shower, but two (one indoors, one outside. This really is glamping with knobs on.
Several sandy beaches are just a few miles away, as is Pendennis Castle, St Mawes Castle, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the amazing Eden Project. Find out more about those places below.
Pendennis Castle
Another English Heritage day out in Cornwall.
The barracks at this Tudor fortification were manned for more than four centuries before it was finally decommissioned in the 1950s. Indeed the cliff top observation station and air raid shelter appear to have only recently been vacated by the troops stationed here during the Second World War. It’s an eeire and fascinating place that makes for a great day out with kids in South Cornwall.
You can read more about Pendennis Castle in this review
St Mawes Castle
St Mawes Castle in Cornwall, is managed by English Heritage.
It’s £5 for adults to get in and £3 for children over 5.
When they are done well Castles can be really fun for younger children but sometimes they can be a little sign heavy with not enough thought given to children.
St Mawes Castle is interesting to kids for a number of reasons, and it isn’t dependant on an extra activity!
You can read our 5 reasons why to visit St Mawes Castle. Yes it is to do with the cannons!
The Eden Project
The Eden Project is described on their website as “a unique education centre that runs transformational social and environmental programmes that change the way people think about the world. ” The entry fee helps them to continue the work they do.
We visited when our kids were (I think too young at 5) and you can see our review of the Eden Project here, but for balance I’m sharing another reviews of The Eden Project so you can make up your own mind. It isn’t a top rated attraction on Tripadvisor for nothing.
FAMILY DAY OUT: EDEN PROJECT, CORNWALL
Sandy Beaches
Cornwall; one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK where, if the weather is in your favour, can feel like part of the Mediterranean, has an endless amount of beaches to choose from. So whether you’re looking for a spot great for surfing, a family friendly white sanded beach perfect for playing with your children, or somewhere with nearby facilities and amenities, this article covers it all.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, located near St Austell and Mevagissey is Europe’s largest garden restoration project.
Why is it a restoration project? To understand that you need to understand a little of the garden’s past: a story filled with joy and sadness.
Originally encompassing the house and gardens, the Heligan Estate was all owned by the same family, the Tremayne family, for over 4oo years. During the 18th and 19th centuries the gardens thrived as a virtually self sufficient community. However, World War 1 had a devastating impact on the life of the garden as 9 of the outdoor staff lost their lives in battle. Jack Tremayne, the then owner, left Heligan saying he could “no longer live with the ghosts.” The house was rented out but the gardens became… lost.
For more on the Lost Gardens of Heligan read here.
The Little Cider House
The Little Cider House 5.5 miles North of Fowey is a gorgeous cabin with hot tub in Cornwall: Set in the most idyllic rural spot.
The amazing Eden Project (see above) is within easy reach, as are The Lost Gardens of Heligan (again above) and National Trust owned Lanhydrock, with its remarkable house and extensive parkland, wooded walks and cycle trails. There are also fabulous cycling opportunities nearby at the Camel Trail too.
The Camel Trail, Cornwall
The Camel Trail is a 17-mile traffic free route based on a historic railway track. The Padstow to Wadebridge line was opened in 1899 providing access from Waterloo via Okehampton and Launceston, but the section from Wadebridge to Poley’s Bridge is one of the oldest in the world and was opened in 1834. Initially it was intended to bring sea sand from the estuary to farms inland. Bodmin through to Wadebridge was connected to the mainline system and operated until 1967, whilst the line between Bodmin and Poley’s Bridge, which was only used for freight, was closed in 1984.
For more on the Camel Trail, Cornwall read here.
Lanhydrock
Lanhydrock’s children’s play area is brilliant to visit even if you don’t visit the rest of the estate or house. There is a great sand pit, slides and netting for climbing. The playground is also perfectly situated next to the cafe so parents can enjoy a coffee within sight of their children playing.
Mount View Sunrise Safari Tent
Mount View Sunrise Safari Tent is 2.2 miles North East of Penzance and is set in a stunning wildflower meadow in the Cornish countryside, it’s a spacious safari tent with breathtaking panoramic views out to sea and the iconic St Michael’s Mount.
St Michaels Mount
St Michaels Mount is accessed by the causeway at low tide or by boat for a small cost. There are subtropical gardens and medieval pathways to explore. Remember to pick up your trail quiz first. Be warned that the castle is up a steep climb, so get your baby carriers out if you plan to take small children with you.
Stephanie, from A Cornish Mum says: “We looked for the heart stone on the way up, it’s harder to spot than I’d imagined, and there are few fake ones dotted around to try to trick you. In Cornish legend, the heart belonged to Cormoran, a giant killed by Jack the Giant Killer who was a local. Apparently, if you listen hard enough you can still hear his heart beating”
Head over to Stephanie’s blog to discover why St Michaels Mount is a great family day out.
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens are only a ten-minute walk away from Mount View Sunrise Safari Tent. Here you can explore 22 acres of gardens and world-renowned art, discover the onsite shop stocked full of crafts from local creatives and refresh at the amazing restaurant.
Discover more great days out
Inspired to plan your next family day out? Why not read through my list of 100 National Trust days out with children for ideas right across the UK!
Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!
Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.