Cornwall with Kids
Sun, surf, and cream teas - the complete family guide to England favourite holiday destination
Cornwall has a special magic that captures children imaginations. Where else can you hunt for pirates in fishing villages, bodyboard Atlantic waves, explore smugglers caves, and finish the day with a cream tea overlooking a turquoise bay? From the Eden Project tropical biomes to seal-watching boat trips, Cornwall offers experiences that become treasured family memories. Yes, it gets busy in summer and the roads can test your patience, but the rewards are worth every mile of the A30.
Best Beaches for Families
Cornwall has over 300 beaches, but not all are suitable for families with young children. Some have dangerous currents, others require steep cliff walks to access. Here are the best family-friendly options across the county.
North Coast Beaches
- Harlyn Bay - Sheltered from Atlantic swells, perfect for toddlers and nervous swimmers. Rock pools at low tide keep kids entertained for hours
- Polzeath - The classic family surf beach. Gentle waves, surf schools, and a lovely village with cafes and shops
- Fistral Beach, Newquay - Excellent for older kids wanting to learn surfing. Can be rough for little ones but has great facilities
- Perranporth - Three miles of golden sand with dunes for exploring. The beach cafe serves excellent fish and chips
- Watergate Bay - Wide open space, good surf, and the famous Jamie Oliver Fifteen restaurant overlooks the beach
Beach Timing
North coast beaches are best in the morning before afternoon onshore winds pick up. Arrive early in summer to secure parking - popular beaches like Polzeath fill up by 10am in August.
South Coast Beaches
- Gyllyngvase, Falmouth - Town beach with calm water, cafes, and toilets. Perfect for families who want amenities nearby
- Porthminster, St Ives - Stunning setting with Caribbean-blue water (if not Caribbean temperatures). Train station right above for car-free access
- Maenporth - Hidden gem near Falmouth with gentle waves and a good beach cafe. Kayak hire available
- Pentewan - Part of a holiday park but beach is open to all. Very calm water, perfect for inflatables and paddling
- Readymoney Cove, Fowey - Tiny but picturesque. Clear water for snorkelling and castle ruins to explore
North vs South
North coast beaches have bigger waves and better surfing but can be cold and rough. South coast beaches are calmer and warmer but smaller. Plan north coast days for good weather, keep south coast beaches as backup options.
Must-Visit Family Attractions
The Eden Project
The famous biomes are genuinely impressive, housing rainforest and Mediterranean environments in giant geodesic domes built in a former clay pit. Children love the tropical heat, spotting exotic plants and the occasional bird flying freely. The outdoor gardens are equally engaging, with rope bridges, sculptures, and in summer, a splash pad area.
Allow at least four hours, ideally a full day. The rainforest biome gets very hot and humid - perfect on a cold day, challenging in summer. Bring water bottles and be prepared to remove layers. The restaurants are decent but expensive; consider packing a picnic.
Save on Eden
Book tickets online in advance for significant savings. Annual membership pays for itself in two visits and gives year-round access. Arriving by bike, bus, or walking earns a discount - there is a cycle trail from St Austell station.
Newquay Zoo
A compact but excellent zoo with lions, penguins, red pandas, and tropical house. The size is perfect for younger children who tire quickly. Keeper talks and feeding times add educational value. The adventure playground is one of the best attached to any UK attraction.
National Maritime Museum, Falmouth
Do not let the word museum put you off. This is hands-on, interactive, and fascinating for children. Climb the lookout tower, explore real boats, and learn about underwater exploration. The harbour views alone are worth the visit.
Lappa Valley Steam Railway
A charming narrow-gauge railway that children adore. The journey itself is the attraction, winding through countryside to reach a play area, maze, and miniature railway. Perfect for a half-day trip or rainy morning activity.
Flambards
A traditional theme park near Helston with rides suitable for all ages. Nothing too extreme, making it perfect for families with a mix of ages. The Victorian village and wartime exhibitions add variety beyond the rides.
Attraction Strategy
Cornwall attractions are spread across the county. Plan geographically - do not drive from Newquay to Falmouth and back in one day. Base yourself in different areas to minimise driving, or accept longer stays in each location.
Surfing and Water Sports
Cornwall is the UK surfing capital, and learning to surf is a rite of passage for children visiting. Most kids aged five and above can have a go, with wetsuit and board hire included in lesson prices.
- Fistral Beach Surf School - The original and still excellent. Professional instruction on a classic surf beach
- Harlyn Surf School - Better for younger or nervous children thanks to smaller waves
- Wavehunters, Polzeath - Family-run school with patient instructors who specialise in beginners
- Sennen Surfing Centre - Beautiful setting near Land End, less crowded than Newquay area
Beyond surfing, try coasteering (jumping, swimming, and exploring sea caves - typically ages eight and above), kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding on calmer south coast waters. Falmouth has excellent kayak hire from the harbour beaches.
Wetsuit Essentials
Cornish sea temperature rarely exceeds 17C even in August. Wetsuits are essential, not optional. Most surf schools provide them, but for regular beach visits, renting or buying a cheap wetsuit makes swimming much more enjoyable for children.
Food and Cream Teas
Cornwall takes food seriously, and family-friendly does not mean compromising on quality. Fish and chips by the harbour, pasties from proper bakeries, and the all-important cream tea debate await.
The Cream Tea Controversy
Cornwall and Devon have fought for centuries over the correct way to construct a cream tea. The Cornish way: jam first, then clotted cream on top. The Devon way: cream first, then jam. In Cornwall, do it the Cornish way unless you want disapproving looks from locals.
Best Cream Teas
Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm near Truro combines a farm tour with excellent cream teas. Children can see cider being made (and sample apple juice) before the scones arrive. Booking recommended in summer.
Pasties
A proper Cornish pasty is a thing of beauty - crimped along the side (not the top), filled with beef, potato, swede, and onion, and substantial enough for a full lunch. For children, many bakeries do smaller sizes or alternative fillings like cheese and onion.
- Ann Pasty, The Lizard - Worth the drive to Britain most southerly point
- Philps Bakery - Multiple locations, consistently excellent, locals choice
- Warrens Bakery - The oldest, dating to 1860. Good for picnic supplies
- Chough Bakery, Padstow - Tourist central but genuinely good pasties
Fish and Chips
Harbour towns offer the best fish and chips, often with the chance to watch fishing boats landing the morning catch. Padstow, St Ives, and Porthleven all have excellent chippies with harbourside seating.
Where to Stay
- Perranporth area - Central location, great beach on doorstep, good for first-time visitors
- Falmouth - Excellent base for south coast exploring with year-round facilities
- Padstow/Rock area - Foodie heaven, beautiful estuary, but expensive and busy
- St Ives - Stunning but parking nightmares. Stay here and leave the car
- The Lizard - Quieter, more dramatic landscape, fewer tourists
- Bude - North Cornwall surfing hub, good value compared to further south
Self-catering cottages offer the best value and flexibility for families. Look for properties with gardens - outdoor space is precious after beach days. Many farms offer converted barn accommodation with space to run around and sometimes animals to meet.
Booking Timing
Peak summer weeks in popular areas book up 12 months ahead for the best cottages. September offers better availability, lower prices, and often the warmest sea temperatures of the year as the ocean has had all summer to heat up.
Rainy Day Activities
Cornwall weather can be unpredictable. When the Atlantic clouds roll in, you need backup plans.
- Eden Project - The biomes are covered, making it ideal for wet weather
- National Maritime Museum - Indoor exploration keeps everyone entertained
- Kidzworld, St Austell - Large soft play centre when you need to let energy out
- Truro - Cornwall only city has shops, cafes, and the cathedral to explore
- Cinema - Newquay, Truro, and Falmouth all have cinemas for rainy afternoons
- Bodmin Jail - Spooky history for older children, with excellent immersive exhibits
Weather Patterns
Cornish weather often improves throughout the day. A grey morning frequently clears by afternoon. Check the forecast hourly rather than writing off the whole day based on the morning outlook.
Practical Tips
- Travel timing - The A30 and A38 are notorious for summer traffic. Travel Friday night or very early Saturday to avoid the worst
- Parking - Beach car parks fill early and cost 5-10 pounds per day. Budget for it or stay within walking distance
- Sun and wind - Even cloudy days can burn. The sea breeze disguises the sun strength. Apply factor 50 generously
- Tides - Check tide times daily. Some beaches disappear at high tide, and rock pools only appear at low tide
- Booking ahead - Popular restaurants, especially in Padstow and St Ives, need reservations. Book dinner before you arrive
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