Cornwall's rugged coastline, mythical legends, and sun-drenched beaches create a magical playground for families. But with so many incredible options, planning the perfect trip can feel overwhelming, leaving you wondering where to even begin. Forget endless searching and decision fatigue; we've curated the definitive list of unforgettable family days out in Cornwall, packed with practical tips to make your holiday seamless and spectacular.
Whether you're wrangling toddlers enchanted by rock pools or entertaining discerning teens seeking adventure, this guide will help you craft cherished memories against the backdrop of England's most enchanting county. We'll explore everything from world-famous eco-parks and thrilling theme parks to ancient castles steeped in Arthurian folklore, ensuring every day of your Cornish adventure is packed with wonder. This is more than just a list; it’s your roadmap to a perfect family holiday.
Each entry is designed to give you all the information you need at a glance, from opening times and accessibility to nearby cafes perfect for a pasty pit-stop. For those embarking on a self-drive holiday, perhaps as part of a BTOURS multi-day itinerary, these destinations can become landmark moments in your journey. Planning logistics is key to a stress-free trip, so for more comprehensive advice on everything from packing to managing expectations, our ultimate guide to traveling with kids can be an invaluable resource. Now, let’s dive into the best experiences Cornwall has to offer.
1. Visit Cornwall: Your Official Starting Point for County-Wide Adventures
Before diving into specific destinations, the smartest first step for planning your Cornish family adventure is to consult the experts. Think of the Visit Cornwall website as your master key to the county. As the official tourist board, it’s a comprehensive and trustworthy hub for discovering the full spectrum of family-friendly attractions, pristine beaches, and local events happening during your visit. It’s the perfect launchpad for sketching out your itinerary and comparing everything on offer.
This platform is invaluable for getting a bird's-eye view of your options, helping you piece together the perfect family days out in Cornwall. Whether you’re planning a standalone trip or integrating Cornish highlights into a broader exploration, like a multi-day journey through the region, this site allows you to map potential destinations and weigh up what appeals most to your family’s interests.
Why It’s Great for Family Planning
The true power of Visit Cornwall lies in its sheer breadth and official status. You’re not just getting a random blog's opinion; you're accessing up-to-date, verified information directly from the Destination Management Organisation (DMO). This means you'll find everything from the big-ticket attractions like the Eden Project to hidden coves and smaller, local museums that might otherwise fly under the radar.
The user experience is clean and geared towards discovery. The interface allows you to filter attractions by interest (e.g., 'Family Fun', 'Gardens', 'History & Heritage') and by region, which is essential for planning a logical self-drive route. This ensures you’re not criss-crossing the county and wasting precious holiday time in the car.
Key Features and Practical Tips
| Feature | How to Use It for Family Planning |
|---|---|
| Events Calendar | Filter by your travel dates to discover local festivals, farmers' markets, or special exhibitions that could become a surprise highlight of your trip. |
| Town & Village Guides | Research your base camp. Find out which towns have the best amenities for families, from playgrounds to easy-access eateries. |
| Themed Itineraries | Use their pre-built itineraries like "Dog-Friendly Cornwall" or "Accessible Cornwall" for inspiration and practical advice tailored to your needs. |
| Family Fun Section | This editorialised section is a goldmine, often featuring articles like "Top 10 Things to Do on a Rainy Day" or "School Holiday Ideas." |
Pro Tip: Use the "What's Nearby" feature on an attraction’s page to cluster your activities. If you’re visiting St Michael’s Mount, the site will suggest nearby beaches, cafes, and smaller points of interest, helping you build a full and efficient day out. While the site links out to operators for bookings rather than selling tickets directly, this ensures you get the most accurate pricing and availability from the source. The official nature of the platform makes it an indispensable tool for crafting a truly memorable Cornish holiday.
2. Eden Project: Secure Your Tickets for a Global Garden Adventure
The Eden Project is one of Cornwall's most iconic attractions, and its official website is the essential gateway to planning your visit. This isn’t just a destination; it's a world-renowned educational charity and a spectacular day out housed within giant, futuristic biomes. The website is your direct line for securing tickets, understanding what’s on, and making the most of a visit that blends nature, science, and art into an unforgettable experience.
Navigating the site is the first step in your journey to the world’s largest indoor rainforest. It’s here you’ll find the best prices and guaranteed entry, which is crucial as this is one of the most popular family days out in Cornwall. Whether you're planning a single-day visit or incorporating it into a wider self-drive itinerary, like an 8-day taste of England tour, booking in advance via the official platform is the most efficient approach.
Why It’s Great for Family Planning
The Eden Project website excels in clarity and value. The timed entry system allows families to plan their day with precision, avoiding the uncertainty of turning up and facing long queues, especially during school holidays. By booking directly, you access the best available prices, often with a discount for purchasing in advance compared to on-the-day rates.
A standout feature is that standard admission tickets are automatically converted into an Annual Pass at no extra cost. This incredible value proposition transforms a single day out into a year's worth of return visits, making it a fantastic option for local families or frequent visitors to Cornwall. The user interface is straightforward, clearly displaying availability for specific dates and timeslots, which takes the stress out of planning.
Key Features and Practical Tips
| Feature | How to Use It for Family Planning |
|---|---|
| Timed Entry Booking | Select your arrival slot online to guarantee entry. This is vital during peak season when popular times sell out quickly. |
| Annual Pass Upgrade | Your day ticket automatically becomes a pass for the year. Remember to bring photo ID on return visits to validate it. |
| "What's On" Section | Check this before booking to see seasonal events like ice skating in winter, summer concerts, or special kids' activities during school breaks. |
| Locals' Pass | If you live in Cornwall or Devon, look for the annual Locals' Pass offer for heavily discounted entry for you and your family. |
Pro Tip: Look out for "extras" when booking. Some special events or activities, such as the Hangloose Adventure activities (zip wire, giant swing), require a separate ticket. The website makes it clear what is included with general admission and what needs to be booked in addition, allowing you to budget and plan your family's perfect level of adventure.
3. National Trust – Cornwall: A Treasure Trove of Heritage and Nature
For families who love to mix stunning landscapes with a touch of history, the National Trust's Cornwall portal is an essential planning resource. It curates dozens of the county's most cherished places, from dramatic clifftop engine houses and grand country estates to subtropical gardens and secluded coves. This platform isn't just a list; it's a gateway to well-managed, family-focused experiences that are both educational and incredibly fun.
This website acts as a central hub, allowing you to explore a huge variety of potential family days out in Cornwall all under one trusted banner. Whether you fancy exploring the sprawling grounds of Lanhydrock on a cycle trail, discovering the theatrical magic of the Minack Theatre's coastal setting, or hunting for pixie houses in the woods at Godolphin, the National Trust provides a reliable and enriching framework for your adventures. A single membership can often grant access to multiple sites, making it a cost-effective option for a longer holiday.
Why It’s Great for Family Planning
The real value of the National Trust website lies in its consistency and commitment to family-friendly facilities. You can arrive at a property confident that you will find excellent amenities like clean toilets, baby-changing facilities, and quality cafés serving locally sourced food. This reliability removes much of the stress from planning a day out with children.
The user experience is superb, with a dedicated family-friendly filter that instantly narrows down the best spots for your crew. Each property page provides comprehensive details on accessibility, parking, and specific child-focused activities, such as play trails and seasonal events like Easter egg hunts or Christmas light trails. This level of detail allows you to plan with precision, ensuring the chosen destination is a perfect fit for your family's needs and energy levels.
Key Features and Practical Tips
| Feature | How to Use It for Family Planning |
|---|---|
| Family-Friendly Filter | Instantly discover properties with dedicated play areas, children's trails, and events designed specifically for younger visitors. |
| Membership Option | If you plan to visit three or more properties, buying a family membership online beforehand can offer significant savings on entry and parking fees. |
| Detailed Property Guides | Check the "Facilities and Access" tab for each location to find crucial info on buggy-friendly paths, highchair availability, and picnic spots. |
| Seasonal Events Listings | Plan your visit around special events. Many properties host outdoor theatre, craft workshops, and guided wildlife walks during school holidays. |
Pro Tip: Use the website's map view to see which properties are clustered together. You could easily combine a morning exploring the historic house and gardens at Trelissick with an afternoon ferry ride across the Fal River, or visit the Levant Mine and Beam Engine before taking a scenic coastal walk to nearby Botallack, both part of Cornwall's mining heritage. Pre-booking is often recommended, especially for popular sites during peak season, so always check the property's main page before you travel.
4. English Heritage – Cornwall: Step Back into History
For families captivated by myth, legend, and dramatic history, the English Heritage website is your digital gateway to Cornwall’s most iconic strongholds. This platform is the official source for booking tickets to legendary sites like Tintagel Castle, the formidable Pendennis Castle, and its coastal counterpart, St Mawes. It’s an essential tool for weaving educational and awe-inspiring historical experiences into your holiday, bringing centuries of stories to life for all ages.
The website serves as a practical hub for planning these specific visits, offering everything from timed-entry tickets to family membership options. It allows you to secure your spot and often save money, turning a simple visit into one of the most memorable family days out in Cornwall. By booking in advance, you can bypass queues and guarantee entry to sites that are steeped in the county's rich and rugged past.
Why It’s Great for Family Planning
The English Heritage platform excels in making history accessible and engaging for families. You’re not just booking a ticket; you're gaining access to a well-organised day out. The site clearly details which locations offer family-friendly trails, seasonal events like knight-training workshops, and activities designed to capture children's imaginations. This focus on interactive history sets it apart from a standard ticketing website.
The user interface is straightforward, providing live availability and clear information on opening times, accessibility, and facilities at each castle. This is particularly crucial for parents planning around nap times, pushchair access, and the all-important café and toilet stops. The ability to purchase a membership directly through the site can also offer significant value, often granting free entry for children and access to over 400 sites nationwide.
Key Features and Practical Tips
| Feature | How to Use It for Family Planning |
|---|---|
| Advance Online Booking | Secure your timed entry slot for popular sites like Tintagel. Booking by midnight the day before can often provide a discount on the walk-up price. |
| Family-Friendly Events | Check the "Events" tab for the specific castle you plan to visit. This is where you’ll find details on hands-on history activities during school holidays. |
| Membership Options | If visiting more than one site, do the maths. A family membership could pay for itself quickly and grants free entry for up to six accompanying children. |
| Site Facilities Information | Each castle's page has a detailed "Plan Your Visit" section. Use this to check for baby changing facilities, café menus, and accessibility notes before you go. |
Pro Tip: For coastal castles like Tintagel or St Mawes, always check the website on the morning of your visit for any weather-related updates or closures, especially outside of peak summer months. Also, note that while advance booking is recommended, some popular time slots can sell out weeks in advance, so book early for the best choice. This platform is your most reliable resource for integrating England’s epic history into your Cornish adventure.
5. Camel Creek Family Theme Park: Rides, Animals, and All-Weather Fun
For a day packed with classic theme park excitement tailored specifically for younger families, the Camel Creek website is your go-to booking portal. Located near Wadebridge, this attraction is a brilliant mix of gentle rides, animal encounters, and extensive indoor and outdoor play zones, making it a dependable choice regardless of the Cornish weather. Its website is the central hub for securing tickets, checking seasonal opening times, and discovering special events.
The platform clearly lays out everything you need to plan one of the most action-packed family days out in Cornwall. It’s particularly useful for families with younger children who might not be ready for bigger thrill rides, offering a perfect balance of excitement and age-appropriate fun. Booking online is straightforward and often comes with perks, such as free return visit offers, making it a great value addition to a multi-day Cornwall itinerary.
Why It’s Great for Family Planning
The Camel Creek website excels by being a one-stop-shop for a guaranteed day of fun. Unlike broader tourism sites, it provides hyper-specific details about the park itself, from height restrictions on rides to the daily schedule of character meet-and-greets. This level of detail allows parents to manage expectations and plan their day with military precision, ensuring maximum enjoyment for the little ones.
Its primary advantage is its focus on all-weather entertainment. The site prominently features its huge indoor play areas, reassuring parents that a rainy forecast won't ruin their plans. This makes it an essential bookmark for any family visiting Cornwall, especially outside of the peak summer months. It's an ideal destination to include when planning a self-drive tour of the region, offering a complete change of pace from beach days and coastal walks.
Key Features and Practical Tips
| Feature | How to Use It for Family Planning |
|---|---|
| Online Ticket Booking | Always book in advance online to secure the best price. Check for "free return" offers, which often require you to validate your ticket before leaving the park. |
| Opening Times Calendar | Crucial for planning as the park's opening days and hours are seasonal. Check this first to ensure it aligns with your holiday dates. |
| Events Page | Look out for character appearance days (like Peppa Pig or PAW Patrol) or seasonal festivals (like Halloween or Christmas) that can make the visit extra special. |
| Park Map Download | Download the map before you go. This helps you plan a route around the park, prioritising must-do rides and locating toilets and food outlets easily. |
Pro Tip: Before booking, check the "Rides & Attractions" section. Some rides are seasonal or may operate on a timed schedule. Knowing this in advance helps you structure your day and avoid disappointment. Also, look at the on-site accommodation options; a short break here could be a fantastic, self-contained family adventure.
6. Day Out With The Kids – VIP Pass
For families planning to visit multiple paid attractions, the cost can quickly add up. This is where a strategic approach to discounts becomes essential, and the Day Out With The Kids VIP Pass is a powerful tool in your planning arsenal. It’s a UK-wide membership programme that offers a wide array of deals, such as 'kids go free' offers, 2-for-1 entry, and percentage discounts at participating venues across the country, including many in Cornwall.
This platform is specifically designed for families looking to maximise their budget without compromising on fun. By investing in a membership, you can unlock savings that could potentially cover the cost of the pass after just one or two visits. It’s an ideal resource for anyone putting together a packed itinerary of family days out in Cornwall and wanting to make their holiday budget stretch further.
Why It’s Great for Family Planning
The primary benefit of the VIP Pass is its direct focus on family-oriented savings. While general discount sites exist, this one is curated specifically for parents and carers. You won't have to sift through irrelevant offers to find deals on zoos, farm parks, museums, and adventure parks. The brand is well-known and trusted by families, providing confidence that the offers are legitimate and valuable.
The potential for significant savings is the main draw. If you plan to visit several major Cornish attractions like a wildlife sanctuary and an indoor play centre, the discounts can quickly accumulate, effectively giving you an extra activity for free. The membership covers the whole household, so you only need one pass for the entire family, making it simple and cost-effective.
Key Features and Practical Tips
| Feature | How to Use It for Family Planning |
|---|---|
| Membership Tiers | Choose between a monthly or annual subscription. New users can often take advantage of a £1 trial for 30 days to test the service and see the available Cornish deals. |
| App & Website Access | Browse offers on the go via their mobile app or plan from home on the website. You can filter by location to see exactly which attractions have deals in Cornwall. |
| Variety of Offers | Look for different types of discounts, from 'kids go free' to percentage-off deals. This helps you choose the best value offer depending on your family's size and age. |
| Regularly Updated Deals | Offers are refreshed periodically, so it's worth checking back close to your travel dates to see if new Cornish attractions have been added. |
Pro Tip: Before committing to the annual pass, use the £1 trial to scout the specific deals available for your Cornwall trip. Make a list of the attractions you plan to visit and calculate the potential savings to ensure the membership pays for itself. Remember that offers are behind a paywall, so the trial is the best way to assess the value for your specific itinerary.
7. Viator: The Activity Marketplace for Curated Cornish Experiences
If you prefer a more structured approach or want to book unique, guided experiences, Viator acts as a vast digital marketplace for tours and activities across Cornwall. Think of it as an online emporium where you can browse and book everything from private guided tours of Tintagel and St Michael’s Mount to thrilling coasteering adventures and boat trips along the coast. It’s perfect for families who want to hand over the logistics to an expert for a day.
This platform is particularly useful for finding niche activities that might be harder to discover on your own, or for securing tickets to popular attractions in advance. Whether you're looking for a hassle-free full-day tour that includes transport or a specific two-hour surf lesson, Viator aggregates options from numerous local operators, making it easy to compare and find the perfect family days out in Cornwall that require a bit more organisation. It’s also a fantastic resource for those on a wider UK tour, allowing you to book Cornish excursions as part of a larger itinerary, such as a comprehensive journey through Britain by train.
Why It’s Great for Family Planning
The biggest advantage of Viator is the sheer choice and the power of user reviews. You’re not just reading a tour operator’s official description; you’re seeing feedback, photos, and ratings from other families who have already experienced the activity. This social proof is invaluable for gauging whether a particular trip is genuinely suitable for your children's ages and interests.
The platform simplifies booking complex or multi-stop tours. Instead of coordinating with multiple venues, you can book a single package that might include transport, entry fees, and a guide. This is a massive time-saver, especially for families who want to maximise their holiday time without the stress of planning every detail. Instant booking and mobile tickets also mean you can often make last-minute plans on the go.
Key Features and Practical Tips
| Feature | How to Use It for Family Planning |
|---|---|
| User Reviews & Photos | Scrutinise reviews that mention children. Look for comments on tour guide engagement, pacing, and overall suitability for younger attention spans. |
| 'Family-Friendly' Filter | Use this filter to immediately narrow down the vast number of listings to those specifically marked as appropriate for families, saving you significant browsing time. |
| 'Reserve Now & Pay Later' | For many activities, you can secure your spot without paying upfront, offering flexibility if your plans are still taking shape. |
| Inclusions & Exclusions | Carefully read what is included (e.g., hotel pickup, lunch, tickets) to understand the total value and avoid unexpected costs on the day. |
Pro Tip: Pay close attention to the cancellation policy for each individual tour operator listed on Viator. As it’s a marketplace, policies can vary significantly. Some offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which is ideal for family travel where plans can change unexpectedly. Always check the specific terms of the third-party provider before you confirm your booking.
7-Point Comparison: Family Days Out in Cornwall
| Item | Implementation complexity | Resource requirements | Expected outcomes | Ideal use cases | Key advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visit Cornwall | Low — browse site and follow outbound booking links | Minimal (web access; time to compare; bookings made with operators) | County‑wide overview, editorial guides and links to book with operators | Early trip research, comparing options across Cornwall | Official DMO content, broad coverage, family filters and itineraries |
| Eden Project | Medium — timed entry and optional add‑ons to book online | Ticket cost (advance discounts), possible parking and extra seasonal charges | Timed entry to biomes, regular family programming and membership options | Immersive educational family visit and seasonal events | Clear availability, advance discounts, frequent family programming |
| National Trust – Cornwall | Low–Medium — pay per site or use membership; some pre‑booking | Membership fee or per‑site charges; variable parking/event costs | Access to many properties with family facilities and child activities | Visiting multiple heritage/nature sites across Cornwall | Great membership value, strong family amenities, wide estate network |
| English Heritage – Cornwall | Medium — online advance booking and site time slots | Ticket or membership; may require tide/weather planning for coastal sites | Access to historic castles/sites, family trails; savings with advance booking | Castle and heritage‑focused family outings and educational trips | Extensive membership benefits (400+ sites), reliable site info, child concessions |
| Camel Creek Family Theme Park | Low–Medium — buy day tickets/passes; check seasonal opening calendar | Admission fees; optional on‑site camping/glamping; seasonal availability | Theme‑park experience with indoor/outdoor rides, events and promotions | Younger families seeking rides, indoor play and short breaks | All‑weather attractions, frequent family promotions, multi‑visit passes |
| Day Out With The Kids – VIP Pass | Low — subscribe to access and redeem offers | Subscription fee (trial available); time to plan redemptions | Discounted or free child offers at participating attractions | Families planning multiple paid activities seeking savings | Wide range of deals, household coverage, potential quick payback |
| Viator (Cornwall) | Low — instant online booking with mobile tickets | Pay‑per‑activity; review operator terms and cancellation policies | Immediate bookings for tours/activities with operator fulfilment | Last‑minute bookings, guided/coordinated tours and transport‑included days | Large selection, user reviews, easy booking for curated tours |
Crafting Your Perfect Cornish Story
Cornwall is more than just a destination; it's a sprawling, sun-drenched playground where family stories are written in the sand, whispered on the coastal winds, and etched into the ancient stones of castles. We've journeyed through a landscape rich with possibilities, from the breathtaking biomes of the Eden Project to the thrilling rides at Camel Creek Family Theme Park. Each tool and destination offers a unique thread to weave into your family's holiday tapestry.
The true magic of planning your family days out in Cornwall lies not in choosing one 'perfect' attraction, but in curating a blend of experiences that resonates with every member of your crew. It’s about creating a rhythm for your holiday that balances exhilarating adventure with moments of quiet discovery.
Weaving Your Itinerary: A Practical Guide
As you move from inspiration to action, the key is to match the right tool to your family’s unique travel style. Think of these resources not as a checklist to be completed, but as a palette of colours from which to paint your ideal Cornish adventure.
To help you decide, consider these key questions:
- Who are you travelling with? A family with toddlers will find the gentle attractions at Camel Creek or the accessible pathways of a National Trust garden more suitable, whereas a group with adventurous teens might prefer coasteering adventures booked via Viator or exploring the dramatic clifftops managed by English Heritage.
- What is your holiday's primary theme? If your family are history buffs, the English Heritage and National Trust passes offer incredible value, unlocking centuries of stories. For nature lovers and budding environmentalists, the Eden Project is an unmissable, world-class experience.
- How much structure do you need? For those who love meticulous planning, the official Visit Cornwall site is your central hub for logistics. If you prefer spontaneous discovery with a safety net of discounts, the 'Day Out With The Kids' VIP Pass provides fantastic flexibility and value.
Ultimately, the best family days out in Cornwall are those that feel effortless and authentic to you. Perhaps you’ll start your day exploring the majestic ruins of Tintagel Castle, feel the weight of history, and then spend the afternoon building sandcastles on a nearby beach, powered by a traditional Cornish pasty. Or maybe you'll immerse yourselves in the tropical heat of an Eden Project biome before retreating to the cool tranquillity of a National Trust woodland walk.
The secret is to use these tools to build a framework, not a rigid schedule. Allow for spontaneity. Let a sunny forecast guide you to the coast or a rainy afternoon lead you to a fascinating museum. This flexibility is where the most cherished memories are often made, turning a simple holiday into a grand adventure.
Ready to transform these day-trip ideas into an unforgettable journey through the heart of England? The expert planners at BTOURS specialise in creating bespoke self-drive itineraries that seamlessly connect the wonders of Cornwall with the rest of the country's treasures. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on making memories.
Explore our customisable England tours and start crafting your family's next great adventure today!
