Ultimate guide to Cornwall with kids

When you consider how much there is to do in Cornwall with kids, it’s no surprise that the region is one of the most popular places in the UK for a family holiday (and one of my own personal favourites) – and why a guide to Cornwall with kids might come in handy to help plan.

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From those gorgeous beaches to picturesque villages and glorious countryside, history galore whether you’re intrigued by castles, Arthurian legend or mines, plenty of chance to get outdoors, not to mention iconic spots like Land’s End and the Eden Project, you can go back again and again and still find somewhere new.

So I’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in Cornwall for families, including days out with kids in Cornwall, ideas for things to do in Cornwall with toddlers, rainy days out in Cornwall, as well as places to visit in Cornwall for free in my ultimate guide to Cornwall with kids.

Best things to do in Cornwall for families

If you’re not sure where to begin, check out some of my posts on the essentials you can’t miss – including my top things to do in Cornwall with kids.

If the weather isn’t the wonderful sun you were hoping for, I’ve also picked out the best things to do in Cornwall in the rain with kids, as well as the best beaches in Cornwall for kids when the weather’s great – whether you’re hoping to swim, make sandcastles or walk along the coast.

There are also budget ideas if you’re searching for the best free days out in Cornwall and if you’re venturing beyond the mainland to the beautiful islands off the coast, I’ve got a guide to the Isles of Scilly  with tips on things to do and see on the different islands.

Or keep scrolling for more ideas of family attractions and days out across the whole county.

Free days out in Cornwall

Travelling with kids isn’t always cheap, even on a UK staycation – although while the sun shines, you can spend plenty of time on the beach for the price of an ice cream and a bucket and spade.

Here are some of my favourite beaches if you’re looking to chill out on the sand but scroll down for more ideas.

But there are plenty of different free things to do in Cornwall, including some free attractions in Cornwall and cheap days out.

You can explore some of the smaller museums, including the Museum of Cornish Life in Helston, or the little Tintagel Toy Museum – ideal if you’re looking for free things to do in Cornwall in the rain too.

For more ideas of free things to do in Cornwall on a rainy day, the Falmouth Art Gallery has won an award for its family-friendliness, with changing exhibitions and over 1,700 artworks in the collection.

There are plenty of outdoor attractions as well, not to mention more walks than you can count on the South West Coast Path – there’s a section on the best walks in Cornwall for families so you can find a stretch near you.

In the northern part of the county, you can explore Bodmin Moor, including the Golitha Falls Nature Reserve which also has buggy-friendly footpaths, as well as stepping stones across the water.

And at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, right near the border with Devon, the 865 acres of country park are free to explore, with trails and wild deer to spot. The house and formal gardens do cost to enter.

If you’d rather cycle, there’s the famous Camel trail, as well as places to take your bikes at Lanhydrock and Cardinham Woods (although there is a charge for parking).

Or head to the farm: you can see some of the huge tanks, as well as the animals at Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm – full tours are paid, and chances are you’ll need a few extra pennies for more cider to take home.

Roskilly’s Ice Cream Farm is still entirely free to visit (let’s be realistic, you’ll want to buy at least one ice cream though but that still qualifies on a list of cheap days out in Cornwall) and you can explore the working dairy farm on the south coast near St Keverne.

Things to do in Cornwall in the rain

Whether you’re visiting in midsummer or out of season, it pays to be prepared for bad weather, but you’re still spoiled for choice if you’re wondering what to do in Cornwall when it rains.

I’ve pulled together a list of my top things to do in Cornwall when it rains but here are a few highlights to start you off.

The Eden Project’s two biomes won’t just keep you dry but will transport you to the Mediterranean and the rainforest.

Or for other indoor activities, Cornwall has some lovely family attractions where you can stay dry – Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay was one of my daughter’s favourites as a toddler, while nearby Pirate’s Quest Adventure Golf is another great option.

In Falmouth, you can head to the National Maritime Museum which often has activities as well as a variety of exhibitions.

On the opposite coast, young art-lovers can’t beat a trip to Tate St Ives.

There are also plenty of historic houses to explore in Cornwall, including Trerice, and the Tudor manor house of Cotehele.

Or head underground to the Carnglaze Caverns or to a genuine mine dating back to the 18th century at Geevor Tin Mine.

You can still explore undercover as well, at one of the historic railways in Cornwall – the Bodmin & Wenford steam railway lets you see some of the countryside without getting wet, or check out the Lappa Valley steam railway if you want fun things to do in the rain in Cornwall with toddlers.

Outdoor activities in Cornwall

Cornwall has countless beautiful places to get outside, with two coasts and gorgeous countryside – check out some of the suggestions in my free days out in Cornwall tips above.

For starters, you’ve got endless choices if you want to go walking, with family-friendly stretches of the South West coast path, plus cycle trails including the Camel Valley trail and options at Lanhydrock.

And Cornall is also perfect for watersports, most famously surfing. You needn’t have tried before with surf schools dotted around Cornwall, many of which offer lessons for younger surfers as well.

There’s also bodyboarding and stand-up paddle boarding to try around the coast, along with kayaking and sea kayaking, sailing plus the Retallack Resort aqua park at Padstow.

Things to do in north Cornwall with kids

If you’re staying on Cornwall’s wilder north coast or exploring the countryside in north Cornwall, I’ve picked some of the best things to do in north Cornwall with kids to start you off.

Officially north Cornwall covers the stretch down to Padstow and inland to Bodmin, including Wadebridge, Launceston, Lanhydrock, Camelford and Tintagel, among other highlights.

But if you’re staying in Padstow, for example, you’re actually closer to Newquay than Bude, so it’s worth checking out the next section of my family Cornwall guide as well.

Get outdoors

This part of Cornwall is great if you’re looking to try watersports – Freewave Surf Academy in Bude specialises in lessons for families, and there’s bodyboarding and SUP on the list as well as surfing.

If you’re visiting Cornwall with teens, you could also try coasteering at Bude and Polzeath, near Port Isaac, to get your heart racing.

North Cornwall is also home to the lovely Camel trail with its cycle track and walking routes on the disused railway line – easy enough for kids to try, as I remember from my own childhood holidays, and easy to explore in sections such as the five-mile ride from Wadebridge to Padstow.

One of the loveliest stretches of the South West coast path runs along the River Camel, and it’s a great one for kids – the Sir John Betjeman walk is easy going, passes the beach and leads to St Enodoc Church where the poet laureate is buried.

There are family-friendly trails at Cardinham Woods too, including the Julia Donaldson-inspired trails from the Forestry Commission but also four walking trails, one of which is buggy-friendly if you’re visiting Cornwall with a baby, and three cycle trails.

Or discover the countryside around Bodmin Moor, one of the wildest parts of Cornwall, with Bronze Age and Neolithic cairns and stone circles and its own store of ghost tales and legends.

There’s geocaching to try, you could walk part of the 60-mile Copper Trail walking route or choose the easier footpaths at the Golitha Falls Natural Reserve.

See the animals

Not far from Port Isaac, better known as the setting for TV series Doc Martin, Trevathan Farm is a working farm that’s a lovely day out if you’re visiting Cornwall with toddlers or younger kids.

As well as animals to spot, there’s fruit picking in the summer, plus pumpkin carving at Halloween – not to mention an adventure playground.

For more of a thrill, head inland to see birds of prey with two days out that can be reached from Padstow and Newquay. The Cornish Birds of Prey Centre is home to more than 50 rescued birds of prey, including owls, eagles and hawks, with regular flying displays.

And the Screech Owl Wildlife Park has flying displays and owl talks, as well as owl handling sessions for kids aged 11+

The Tamar Otter Centre near Launceston has now sadly closed

For an unforgettable wildlife experience, head off to sea with Padstow Sealife Safaris – you could spot seals, dolphins, porpoises, and even sunfish and basking sharks, along with birds galore. 

There are trips suitable for children under five as well as older ones, although toddlers are unlikely to have the attention span for a two-hour cruise.

One of the quirkiest things to do in north Cornwall with kids is visit the National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow, a charity which focuses on conversation – and where you can see baby lobsters, even adopt and name them.

Visit a theme park

The former Crealy’s Adventure Park reopened in 2018 as Camel Creek Adventure Park, just south of Padstow.

There’s still a bit of everything including rides, indoor and outdoor adventure play – so it’s a great option for a rainy day in north Cornwall with kids – plus a 5D theatre to travel through time.

Flambards, the other theme park in Cornwall, closed in November 2024

History and culture

North Cornwall is one of the best areas in Cornwall with kids who love history; you can travel back in time wandering the streets of little villages, discover the legends of King Arthur, find smugglers, not to mention recent history.

Wonderful Tintagel is somewhere not to miss, it’s a genuinely magical setting and you can still cross to the clifftop ruins of Tintagel Castle – the dramatic site is the birthplace of King Arthur, according to legend, with Merlin’s Cave visible on the beach at low tide and a sculpture of the Once and Future King on the cliffs.

While you’re there, stop in and discover Tintagel Old Post Office too – originally a farmhouse dating back over 600 years, it was later converted into a letter-receiving office with activities for kids.

For fans of King Arthur, make time for a visit to the Vale of Avalon in Slaughterbridge (formerly the Arthurian Centre) as well, around 10 minutes from Tintagel and not far from Camelford, with its medieval origins.

Here you can see King Arthur’s Stone and, according to legend, the fields where Arthur and Mordred met for their last battle. It’s also home to Lady Falmouth’s Secret Garden, an 18th century garden that’s currently being restored.

For more legends, the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic at Boscastle isn’t far away either. Definitely a more unusual day out with kids in Cornwall, it’s a quirky way to spend an hour or so.

Further down the coast, the village of Port Isaac is packed with smuggling history – the Golden Lion pub even has an old smuggling tunnel leading down to the beach. I’m a fan of Treasure Trails to explore with kids and there’s a Treasure Hunt for the village.

Don’t miss Squeezy Belly Alley too, one of the narrowest passageways in Britain.

And for more recent history, explore some Victorian life at National Trust property Lanhydrock, where you can poke around the servants’ quarters and kitchens as well as the family’s more luxurious rooms and the nursery.

Other North Cornwall family attractions

Check out the Bodmin area for some other great family attractions. The Carnglaze Caverns are on the south edge of Bodmin Moor, and the former slate mine is now a mini heritage attracftion – there are some guided tours in summer, but otherwise it’s a self-guided visit.

You can also spot bats if you’re lucky, and hunt for dragons outside on the Woodland Walk and in the Enchanted Dell.

The Bodmin & Wenford Railway is a lovely way to explore the area, perfect if you’re visiting north Cornwall with toddlers or looking for ideas for a rainy day in Cornwall.

The steam trains follow a 13-mile route, and there are often themed events such as Halloween and Santa trains to look out for.

Or older kids will be fascinated by Bodmin Jail, supposedly one of the most haunted places in Britain. With a new immersive visitor experience, there’s a chance to learn the history of the jail as you’re transported back to the 18th century.

Things to do in Newquay with kids

Famous for its surfing, Newquay is also one of the first places in Cornwall that I visited with my daughter, so there’s plenty to do if you’re planning to visit Cornwall with a toddler as well.

Take a look at the section on north Cornwall (above) as well, as you’re not far from Padstow and its attractions too, for more ideas of things to do near Newquay with kids.

Get outdoors

If you’re looking for things to do outdoors in Newquay, there are beaches, beaches and more beaches for starters. Fistral beach is known for its surfing, or you can explore the wilder dunes of Crantock, and spot donkeys at Mawgan Porth.

Not to mention countless other well-known coves (and less well-known stretches of sand) including Tolcarne Beach, Watergate Bay, Lusty Glaze Beach, Perranporth Beach, Towan beach in the town itself.

If you’re looking for dog-friendly beaches in Newquay, check out this list.

If you want more than a spot to build sandcastles, it’s fantastic for watersports, including bodyboarding and coasteering, plus more surf schools than you can shake a board at. Check out Newquay Activity Centre too for kids and family lessons and activities.

On land, you could try some cycling – part of the Cornish Way cycle route runs to and from Newquay – as well as walking. The South West Coast Path in West Cornwall includes some family-friendly walks around Newquay.

See the animals

The Blue Reef aquarium sits right on Towan beach in Newquay so it’s perfect if you need to escape the showers – although it’s always high on my list of what to do in Newquay with kids, whatever the weather.

There are 40 different habitats inside the aquarium, including creatures you can spot off the Cornish coast as well as those from more exotic seas, including turtles, caiman and pufferfish.

Read what we thought of a day at Blue Reef aquarium in Newquay with a toddler

And more than a thousand different creatures live at Newquay Zoo, from tiny creepy crawlies up to big cats, as well activity trails and play areas.

For more of a thrill, head inland to see birds of prey with two days out that can be reached from Padstow and Newquay. The Cornish Birds of Prey Centre is home to more than 50 rescued birds of prey, including owls, eagles and hawks, with regular flying displays.

And the Screech Owl Wildlife Park has flying displays and owl talks, as well as owl handling sessions for kids aged 11+.

Near Padstow, Macdonalds Farm (formerly Old Macdonalds Farm) has day visit options, so you can experience some of the play areas and meet the animals.

EDIT: Dairyland Farm World has sadly closed as of November 2024

Visit a theme park

The former Crealy’s Adventure Park reopened in 2018 as Camel Creek Adventure Park, just north of Newquay.

There’s still a bit of everything including rides, indoor and outdoor adventure play – so it’s a great option for a rainy day in north Cornwall with kids – plus a 5D theatre to travel through time.

Flambards, the other theme park in Cornwall, closed in November 2024

History and culture

If you’re looking for historic places to visit in Newquay, there’s plenty to tempt – starting with the 16th century manor house of Trerice, not far away.

As well as exploring the grounds, the house is another great place to visit on a rainy day in Newquay, including activities and crafts for kids, and Tudor costumes.

Or discover one of Cornwall’s cliff castles, also called promontory forts, whose history goes back to the Iron Age: Trevelgue Head is one of the most impressive. Also known as Porth Island, it’s easy to walk to from Newquay with some spectacular views.

Other family attractions in Newquay

Swashbuckle your way back to the 18th century at Pirate’s Quest Adventure Golf and you’ll be able to discover more about the Golden Age of Piracy along the way.

It’s a great option if you’re visiting Newquay in the rain with kids.

Not far from Newquay itself, Lappa Valley Steam railway is a fantastic option for younger kids too: with more than just trains, there are nature trails, a path maze and children’s rides.

Things to do in St Ives with kids

Another of the most popular places to visit in Cornwall with kids, St Ives and the nearby West Cornwall coast has some great days out and attractions, plus you’re in easy exploring distance of Penzance, Land’s End and the South Cornwall coast, so it’s worth checking out those sections too.

To start you off, I’ve picked some of my favourite things to do in St Ives with kids as well.

Get outdoors

Like much of Cornwall, you’ve got a string of gorgeous beaches to choose from in St Ives and nearby, including three which couldn’t be easier to get to from the town.

Porthgwidden Beach has brightly coloured beach huts and rocks to explore, Porthmeor Beach near Tate St Ives for surfing and sand, plus Porthminster Beach for paddling and more sandcastles.

There are restrictions on visiting the main beaches with dogs during the summer months, but you can find some dog-friendly beaches in St Ives too.

It’s also a great area if you want to get active – Blue Flag beach Carbis Bay is a mile east of St Ives along the South West Coast path, so great motivation for a walk, plus there are more ideas for family-friendly walking routes around St Ives.

If you don’t want to wander too far, take a stroll along Smeatons Pier as well: it’s a working pier with fishing boats sailing from the harbour and the occasional seal changing its luck, plus you’ll get great views of St Ives itself.

Or there are various surf schools in St Ives – offering other watersports as well, and with options for family lessons, including St Ives Surf School on Porthmeor beach.

See the animals

The seas around St Ives are a great place to spot seals – including trips out to Seal Island, just off the coast. Keep an eye out for basking sharks, sunfish and dolphins too.

Otherwise, you can often see seals at Godrevy Head – if you’re visiting St Ives in winter, there are bigger numbers for a cold-weather bonus. Head to Mutton Cove at Godrevy Point and look down from the cliffs to the beach to see them.

Or you’ll find more things to do around St Ives, including Paradise Park and Jungle Barn in Hayle, with over 130 species of bird, from local Cornish choughs to flamingos, as well as red pandas and farm animals.

History and culture

One of the biggest cultural attractions is Tate St Ives, the Cornish branch of the collection of art galleries, with modern art and temporary exhibitions running. There are also family trails and it’s free for kids.

For some local history, head to the little St Ives Museum, which has exhibits on local fishing, farming and mining, as well as activity sheets for kids – spot the cats and kittens in the display cases. 

And just a few miles from St Ives itself lies Chysauster ancient village, a Romano-British settlement originally occupied almost 2,000 years ago whose stone-walled courtyard houses are only found in this part of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

You can also see the Iron Age fort of Castle An Dinas near Nancledra – not to be confused with Castle An Dinas in north Cornwall, closer to Bodmin!

Things to do around Penzance with kids

This part of Cornwall is one you can easily visit from St Ives or from south Cornwall, including the Lizard and the coast stretching towards Falmouth, so it’s worth checking out the sections before and after this for more ideas of what there is to do in the area

Get outdoors

As one of Cornwall’s biggest towns, Penzance is a great base to explore this part of the county, including the westernmost point of England, but realistically if you’re getting outdoors, you’ll be heading out of Penzance itself.

There are endless picturesque fishing villages to explore, including the famously named Mousehole (pronounced more like Mowzel), but the most famous spot to walk to has to be Land’s End.

There’s far more than just the famous sign – scroll down to read about more of the family attractions at Land’s End – but you’ve also got miles of dramatic coast to wander around, as well as easy family-friendly walks on the South West Coast Path.

The Cornish Way cycle trail also starts from Land’s End with a traffic-free section.

You can also explore one of the most unusual spots in the UK at the Minack Theatre. This dramatic theatre is built on the side of the cliff, with wonderful views out to the waves – you can book to visit during the day, but there are also performances including storytelling sessions aimed at families.

Porthcurno Beach has some great views looking back up to the theatre too, one of my favourite beaches in Cornwall with kids – dogs are allowed too, except during July and August.

Or not far from Penzance itself, head to Tanglewood Wild Garden – nine acres of wild gardens including woodland and nine ponds. It’s a perfect place to spy wildlife or just enjoy being out in nature.

In contrast Tremeheere Sculpture Gardens, set in a sheltered valley, are home to subtropical plants as well as contemporary artworks – but still family-friendly.

For more exotic plants, Trengwainton Garden has walled gardens to protect some of its more unusual species, as well as magnolias and rhododendrons. Wander the wooded paths for views  out to the sea and discover a kitchen garden built – rather unexpectedly – to the dimensions of Noah’s Ark.

See the animals

You’ll need to travel from Penzance if you’re looking for animal attractions – the closest are the Paradise Park and Jungle Barn in Hayle, near St Ives, and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek, near Helston.

History and culture

The area around Penzance is perfect if you’re looking to discover some Cornish history. A visit to St Michael’s Mount is like stepping into another world.

You can walk medieval paths, explore the castle and discover the village and harbour, including free tours to learn more about life on this little island – at low tide you can even walk across the causeway (following in the footsteps of giants, so legend says) or boats run from Marazion.

One of Cornwall’s largest preserved mine sites is also not far from Penzance – Geevor Tin Mine was once a genuine mine dating back to the 18th century, and you can still explore both the museum and head underground.

Other family attractions in and around Penzance

One of Cornwall’s more unusual museums, the Museum of Global Communications in Porthcurno is a fascinating look at a slice of British – and world – history.

With telegraph cables stretching under the sea from Porthcurno to the cities of the Empire, this quiet spot was once Britain’s communications centre.

The famous signpost at Land’s End is what everyone associates with this point at the end of England (that and very long walks to John O’Groats) but there are plenty of other family attractions here.

There’s the walk-through experience Arthur’s Quest, Aardman Presents: A Grand Experience, with some of the best-loved characters from Wallace and Gromit to Shaun the Sheep, plus a 4D cinema, Greeb Farm, a restored farmstead that’s home to a string of animals.

Things to do in South Cornwall with kids

If you’re staying on the Lizard Peninsula or around Falmouth, I’ve grouped together some of the best things to do in South Cornwall with kids into this section – if you’re looking for the area around the Eden Project, keep scrolling to check out my tips for South East Cornwall for kids.

Alternatively, you can find ideas for things to do near Penzance and Land’s End in the section above.

Get outdoors

If you look at a map of Cornwall’s south coast, the first thing that strikes you is just how green it is – from the Lizard Peninsula to the Roseland Heritage coast, you could walk until your legs are worn out without running out of choices.

For rather less exhausting options, you could try the stroll around Argal Reservoir, not far from Falmouth, or explore the grounds and woodland walks around Tressilick near Truro.

There are also family-friendly walks on the South West Coast Path starting not far from Falmouth, while the Bissoe Trail will take you the whole way across Cornwall from the south coast to the north, near Portruth.

For somewhere to stroll and marvel, head to Trebah Garden where four miles of footpaths lead you through beautiful gardens down to a private beach.

There are beaches galore along the south Cornwall coast as well – Gyllingvase (or Gylly) beach in Falmouth was one of our favourites when we visited. Or on the Lizard peninsula itself, beautiful Kynance Cove is one of my favourites.

Both have restrictions from May to September if you’re visiting with dogs, but are dog-friendly at other times.

See the animals

Meet seals and sea lions at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, less than half an hour from Falmouth – you can also spot other wildlife, including otters and penguins, as well as the interactive rockpool.

History and culture

Falmouth art gallery has won an award for its family-friendliness, with family activities including options for preschoolers, alongside the changing exhibitions – and more than 1,700 artworks for little art lovers to explore.

If you’re looking for history, Pendennis Castle is unbeatable – looming on the headland just outside Falmouth, it was built by Henry VIII to defend against invasion, and you can enjoy the views from the top of the Tudor keep, try activities and explore the old buildings.

Other South Cornwall attractions for families

Falmouth is home to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, previously voted one of the country’s most family-friendly museums, looking at the nation’s seafaring history and its boating heroes.

Check out my review of our day at the museum, including some of the permanent displays and a temporary exhibition – unmissable if you’re looking for things to do in Falmouth with kids.

Truro, Cornwall’s county town, is also home to the Royal Cornwall Museum which follows Cornish culture and history from the ancient past to the present – plus you can see an Egyptian mummy. Free for kids.

Things to do in south-east Cornwall with kids

One of Cornwall’s most famous attractions, the Eden Project, is set in this sometimes overlooked part of Cornwall, but you can also find gorgeous spots like Mevagissey, Polperro and Fowey in this area.

Depending where in the county you’re staying, it’s worth checking out the other sections too, including north Cornwall – while it’s the south coast, Mevagissey is less than an hour from Newquay and Fowey is less than half an hour from Bodmin.

Get outdoors

The former home of Earls, there are 865 acres at Mount Edgcumbe country park with walks galore – as well as the chance to explore the formal gardens in the grounds of the house.

There are different trails to follow or you can wander by the river, where it’s possible to spot wild deer.

Or the Lost Gardens of Heligan have a story as fascinating as their evocative name – hidden until 30 years ago, they’ve since been restored to their full glory including walks and magical gardens for kids.

Look out for The Jungle and the buried troll head (or possibly a giant’s head), but with 200 acres to explore, there’s masses to keep kids entertained.

There are also some fun family walks on the South West Coast Path in south east Cornwall, including stretches near Fowey and Portmellon.

See the animals

Porfell Wildlife Park is a lovely place to explore with younger kids, home to meerkats and farm animals, plus a chance to hold some of the animals and feed others.

Or little Mevagissey Aquarium is ideal to learn more about local marine life. Set in an old RNLI lifeboat house, it’s also free to enter.

If you’re craving more animals, Newquay Zoo is only around 45 minutes from Mevagissey.

History and culture

Restormel Castle may be ruined but it’s still a remarkable place to explore – built in the 13th century, it’s been visited by royalty and you can still get a sense of the original grandeur.

Walking the walls around the inside of the keep to get some incredible views.

You’re also close to National Trust property Lanhydrock, towards Bodmin, where you can explore Victorian life including a look at the servants’ quarters and kitchens.

Other family attractions in south east Cornwall

No list of things to do in Cornwall with kids would be complete without a mention of the Eden Project – with its iconic biomes, you can step into the Mediterranean or the rainforest and it’s fantastic to explore even with younger kids.

There are activities and more to explore beyond the biomes as well, although the indoor attractions are perfect if you’re visiting Cornwall in the rain with kids.

Read my review of a day at the Eden Project with a toddler

Things to do in the Isles of Scilly with kids

One of the most beautiful places in the UK, the Isles of Scilly are simply magical – officially part of Cornwall, they are a place apart where you can’t help but relax (especially when you’re by beaches which could have come straight from the Caribbean).

Check out my guide to the Isles of Scilly with kids for more ideas of things to do, the best beaches and where to stay.

Where to stay in Cornwall for families

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to great places to stay in Cornwall with kids – trying to round up all the options would be worthy of a book, but I’ve picked out a few highlights of accommodation for Cornwall beach holidays with kids.

Self-catering in Cornwall

There are cottage companies specialising in Cornwall alone, as well as others with a tempting pick of self-catering accommodation. Check out Sykes Cottages and holidaycottages.co.uk for some great options.

Family hotels in Cornwall

Cornwall is also a great place if you’re looking for family-friendly hotels – sadly the Sands Hotel in Newquay, one of the best hotels with toddlers in Cornwall, has now closed.

On the opposite coast, we also stayed at St Michael’s hotel in Falmouth – while it doesn’t have the same offerings for preschoolers, it was still very family-friendly.

Or you can check out some of the hotels available on booking.com, including ones with free cancellation in case of last-minute changes to plans!

The best family beaches in Cornwall

If you’re looking for a holiday with endless chances to get out onto the sand, you’ll be in heaven – whittling down the best beaches in Cornwall, even trying to make a shortlist for the best family beach in Cornwall is tricky.

Depending whether you fancy surfing or rockpooling, relaxing in the sun or building sandcastles, gentle paddling or finding somewhere to enjoy practically alone, there’s a Cornish beach to suit.

So here are some of my top picks to start off, including some of my favourite beaches in Cornwall with kids.

Scroll down for more ideas on beach activities for kids, my favourite beach towels and activity books.

Best beaches in north Cornwall

There are some great beaches around Bude – Summerleaze beach has a sea pool with shallow water that’s great for younger swimmers.

At low tide, you can find rockpools in Widemouth Bay, as well as a long open stretch of sand, with part of the beach dog-friendly year-round. For more rockpooling, head to Crooklets beach.

Or further still down the coast at Padstow, Harlyn Bay beach is another long open sandy beach with some rockpools, while Porthcothan Bay has dunes at the back if you tire of the sand. Both are dog-friendly year-round.

Dunes line Daymer Bay beach too, another dog-friendly option, plus there are mermaid legends to tell – the sand bar was supposedly created by one in revenge in the legend of Doom Bar.

Bedruthan Steps was another dramatic favourite with its own legend – the granite rocks on the beach were once the stepping stones for the giant Bedruthan – but it’s currently closed after a rock fall.

Best Newquay beaches

The coast around Newquay has some of Cornwall’s best known beaches – from Towan beach in the town itself with its golden sand, to Porth beach which is good if you’re looking to swim.

I love the dunes of Crantock as well and wide open Holywell Bay, or the two-mile stretch of sand at Watergate Bay.

For younger kids, sheltered Mawgan Porth is a great spot with lots of golden sand and Lusty Glaze is also protected by high cliffs.

If you fancy a more active time by the waves, the surf of Fistral beach is famous, while Tolcarne beach is good for family surfing and boogie boarding, as well as swimming. There are also rock pools at low tide.

Great Western beach is another Newquay beach that’s good for families, as well as surfers, with its own rock pools at low tide – it has picked up a Blue Flag awards before now.

For the best dog-friendly beaches in Newquay, check out this list.

The best St Ives beaches

You barely need to leave St Ives itself for beautiful beaches – Porthmeor beach is a fantastic one for families, with long stretches of golden sand, a great surf school with lessons for kids, and a lovely cafe too.

Porthminster Beach is another favourite for families in St Ives, especially with younger kids, as you can paddle at low tide. Porthgwidden Beach is smaller but has some fun rocks to climb on as well as more sand for sandcastles.

Just up the coast, Carbis Bay beach has won a Blue Flag award and has some lovely safe bathing off the golden sands. Or Hayle Towans beach is great if you’re looking to escape the crowds – stroll by the dunes and spot the sand yachts and kit buggies making the most of the winds off the ocean.

There are fewer dog-friendly beaches in St Ives if you’re visiting during the summer months – check the restrictions and those which do allow dogs.

Best beaches near Penzance

If you’re staying south of St Ives and exploring around Land’s End and Penzance, Porthcurno beach is one of the most eye-catching in Cornwall, with views up to the Minack Theatre.

For more great views, Marazion beach looks out to St Michael’s Mount – deservedly winning awards for its loveliness. Or if you’re after surf, Sennen Cove beach is the most westerly surf spot in the country.

Find more dog-friendly beaches near Penzance here.

Best beaches in south Cornwall

A short walk from the town centre, Gyllyngvase beach – or Gylly beach – is perfect for families looking for the best beach in Falmouth, with lots of golden sand and various activities. It’s also dog-friendly.

Or head a little way further to Swanpool beach, on the edge of the nature reserve, where you can also hire kayaks or check out the crazy golf nearby.

Further north up the Roseland Heritage coast, Carne beach is lovely for swimming with its wide sheltered bay.

Best beaches in south east Cornwall

On Cornwall’s south coast, you’ll find more gorgeous beaches within easy reach of Mevagissey, Fowey and Polperro, as well as St Austell.

Porthpean beach has some lovely stretches of sand and it’s popular with families, although it can be steep going down for younger kids. Pentewan Beach and Gorran Haven beach near Mevagissey are both good sandy spots with kids as well. 

Dogs are allowed on Gorran Haven beach but must be kept on a lead.

For watersports, try Polkerris beach or if you want to get away from other sunseekers, unspoiled Lantic Bay is ideal – it’s quite a walk down though.

Best rockpooling in Cornwall

Check out the beaches above as there are some great options to mix rockpooling and sunbathing all around Cornwall, including Carne Beach on the Roseland coast, Crooklets beach near Bude and Harlyn Bay near Padstow

But if it’s finding sea creatures that you’re most fascinated by, here is some of the best Cornwall rockpooling: look out for crabs and lobsters among the winkles and anemones, not to mention pipefish, prawns and cushion stars – tiny seastars.

Treyarnon Bay, just south of Padstow has some huge rock pools at low tide or Hannafore Beach at West Looe is another haven for rock pools – you can access them via a concrete path too. 

At Falmouth, Castle Beach is the best spot for rockpooling, although you won’t find much sand. And down on the Lizard, Kennack Sands is another good place to discover Cornwall’s marine life – if your kids are captivated, it’s also a popular spot for scuba diving!

As ever, don’t touch the creatures in the pools and if you move stones, always replace them afterwards.

Planning a trip to Cornwall for families

Unless you’re local, there’s no chance of visiting Cornwall without a car journey to reach your destination – about the only drawback for me!

For some more of my best motorway stop-offs in the UK, check out this post: there’s also plenty to discover on the way with ideas in my ultimate guide to Devon, as well as options if you’re travelling along the Great West Way, not to mention historic houses such as Stourhead in Wiltshire, a mini city break in Salisbury and Stonehenge.

If you’re looking for ways to survive the road trip with kids, these are my top ideas on how to entertain them along the way, as well as how to make the journey go more smoothly.

If they don’t get car sick, check out the pocket sized I Spy books which include I Spy on a car journey to keep them occupied during the drive.

Audiobooks are another favourite of ours, and are ideal if reading or staring at tablets does cause car sickness. We’re signed up to Audible which has an amazing range of child-friendly audio books, including the Harry Potter series and How To Train Your Dragon, but this collection of Roald Dahl audiobooks on CD is another great buy, as is the complete Paddington collection.

Don’t forget your bucket, spade and net too – although there’s more to sandcastles and rockpooling with these ideas of beach activities for kids too.

You can see some of my other travel essentials to pack, including my favourite hammam towels and SPF, on this list, as well as this I Spy at the Seaside book and an I Spy at the Seaside activity book.

Cornwall guide books to buy

Footprint guides has a book of ideas for Cornwall with kids while this Wild Guide: Devon, Cornwall and the South West has great suggestions to find the less explored side of the country.

For more ways to get outdoors, Cornwall – 40 Coast and Country Walks includes everything from easy strolls if you’re visiting Cornwall with a baby or toddler, to more challenging hikes.

Find even more tips on things to do in Cornwall with kids in Lonely Planet’s Devon and Cornwall guide or the Rough Guide to Devon and Cornwall

And if you are combining a trip to Cornwall with a visit to neighbouring Devon, here are my top things to do in Devon with kids, as well as free things to do in Devon and ideas of what to do in Devon in the rain.

To buy a PDF version of this post to keep, click here to visit my online store

*First published 2020, last updated 2026*

PIN FOR LATER: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CORNWALL FOR FAMILIES

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