29 things to do in north Cornwall with kids
One of the things I love about a family holiday in Cornwall is that there’s so much variety packed into one county – discovering the wild coast of north Cornwall with kids, venturing down to pretty St Ives, a stay on the gentler south coast and the chance to explore the countryside too.
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But if I’m forced to decide, it’s the north coast which is my favourite: this is where I used to holiday as a child, it’s where my daughter had her first Cornish holiday in Newquay, and you can find free days out as well as things to do in north Cornwall in the rain. Well, this is the UK after all.
So I’ve rounded up some of my own highlights – including the northern part of the county and the north Cornwall coast – with this list of the best things to do in north Cornwall with kids.
Check out my complete guide to Cornwall with kids, as well as my downloadable ebook version of the guide for 99p
Strictly speaking, my tips venture beyond the official boundaries of north Cornwall: Newquay and Crantock are not technically north Cornwall but are on the north Cornish coast, for example.
I just couldn’t miss out the Eden Project either. It’s much closer to the south coast of Cornwall, but still only 20 to 30 minutes from Bodmin and Padstow so easy to fit into a family holiday in north Cornwall.
The ideas below are arranged in approximately geographical order if you want to work out which places to visit in north Cornwall near where you’re staying.
So whether you’re a purist when it comes to boundaries or are just looking for some great north Cornwall attractions for families, there should be plenty here to inspire – from north Cornwall family days out to child-friendly attractions, north Cornwall places to visit and wet-weather activities. Oh, and beaches of course!
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Best beaches in north Cornwall
It doesn’t matter which bit of Cornwall you visit, there are some fabulous beaches to be found – and so many little secret coves to discover as well.
I always love getting tips from locals on the best ones – one of my favourite travel hacks is staying with a local specialist company which can sort you out with somewhere lovely to stay as well as sharing secrets of where to go.
Cornish Horizons, part of the Original Cottages family, has some great tips for the best beaches in north Cornwall – their suggestions for beaches in Bude include Summerleaze beach with a sea pool, and Crooklets beach which has some great rock pools.
Both have restrictions from May to September if you’re looking for dog-friendly beaches in Bude though.
Further down the coast, Widemouth Bay has a long open stretch of sand and its own rockpools at low tide, and the southern end is dog-friendly year-round.
Treyarnon Bay between Newquay and Padstow is also great for rockpooling, and dogs are allowed year-round here too, while Crantock Beach near Newquay is a firm family favourite as well as a dog-friendly option too.
Along with giant sand dunes and caves to explore, there are easy rock pools for younger kids, some consistent surf, plus a kiosk selling ice cream.
Scroll down for ideas of some more of north Cornwall’s best beaches around Padstow and Newquay, as well as Bedruthan Steps.
Bude Sea Pool
If you’re not a fan of swimming in the sea, the sea pool at Summerleaze Beach is fantastic for families, with some shallow water – plus it’s free!
Watersports in Bude
Older kids will love the chance to try surfing, bodyboarding and stand up paddle boarding on the north Cornwall coast – Freewave Surf Academy specialises in lessons for families and groups, so it’s perfect for novices as well.
For more adventure, you can try coasteering as well, swimming through sea caves, visiting hidden beaches and getting your heart racing with a few leaps into the water – brilliant if you’re visiting Bude with teens.
Bude sits right near the border of Cornwall and Devon, so it’s easy to nip across into the neighbouring county too for more things to do with kids in Devon – the Milky Way Adventure Park isn’t far away.
Walk the South West coast path
Wherever you are in Cornwall, there are some beautiful places to get outside and go walking along the South West Coast path – and north Cornwall is no different, including several family-friendly walks.
Explore some of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Hartland stretch from just above Bude to the Cornish border is a true challenge but you could try this Bude Coast and Canal option.
The section from Widemouth Bay to Pentire Point is another challenging one – not least because it runs for 30 miles – but there are some unmissable views from Crackington Haven and the aptly named High Cliff, the highest in Cornwall.
Boscastle Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
Definitely one for older children rather than giving toddlers nightmares, the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic at Boscastle has around 3,000 exhibits making it the world’s largest collection of this kind, as well as its oldest.
Perfect for a day in north Cornwall in the rain or for an unusual day out with kids – visits to the museum itself tend to last an hour or less.
Visit Tintagel
Best known for its links to King Arthur and the striking sculpture that stands on the cliffs, the wild scenery and ruins of Tintagel are somewhere which stick in the memory.
I remember visiting as a child – it’s a genuinely magical setting.
But that’s only the start of what there is to do. Visit the beach at low tide and you can explore Merlin’s Cave – check the tide tables before you go, and as you’ll be scrambling in low light, take a torch and don’t try this with toddlers.
Then there are centuries of history to discover at Tintagel Castle, along with its role in the legends of King Arthur.
Teetering on the headland, the two halves of the site are joined together again by a footbridge – you need a timed ticket to enter, and it’s essential to book these in advance, including for English Heritage members.
Click here to book
Tintagel Old Post Office is another great stop – originally a farmhouse, dating back over 600 years, the medieval building was later converted into the village’s letter-receiving office, with a history trail to explore and traditional crafts to try.
The Vale of Avalon, Slaughterbridge
Not far from the medieval town of Camelford – thought by some to be the site of Camelot – there’s more for King Arthur fans at the Vale of Avalon in Slaughterbridge (formerly the Arthurian Centre), around 10 minutes drive from Tintagel.
The 20 acre site surrounds King Arthur’s Stone, and the fields are the legendary spot where King Arthur and Mordred met for their last battle. You can discover more about the history and tales, as well as checking out the children’s quiz, trying brass rubbing and there’s even a play castle.
And for a more recent historic discovery, an 18th century garden rediscovered in 2005 is currently being restored – Lady Falmouth’s Secret Garden was uncovered during archaeological work and is gradually being brought back to life.
Trevathan Farm, Port Isaac
Port Isaac itself is best known as the setting for TV series Doc Martin – but unless you have any small fans, younger kids are likely to be more tempted by nearby Trevathan Farm.
There’s berry picking in the summer and pumpkin carving at Halloween, plus kids can burn off their energy at the adventure playground on this working farm.
Do take a wander around Port Isaac itself though – I love Treasure Trails for fun ways to explore with kids, and this Treasure Hunt version is perfect for exploring the twisty streets of a fishing village with smuggling history.
The Golden Lion pub even has an old smuggling tunnel which leads down onto the beach.
Check out Squeezy Belly alley too, one of the narrowest passageways in Britain – maybe before you check out the Port Isaac fudge shop and pasties!
Go coasteering at Polzeath
It’s not just Bude which is a hotspot for coasteering – Polzeath, just down the coast from Port Isaac, is another great place to explore the coastline, swimming, scrambling and leaping along the way.
You might even spot seals and dolphins in the area, and there’s more chance to try surfing here too.
There are several organisations which offer coasteering in Polzeath for kids: try Cornish Coasteering for ages 8+ or Era Adventures runs taster sessions for beginners, with a recommended age of 10+.
Discover mermaid legends near Rock
For a rather gentler alternative, head to the Camel Estuary and the beach at Daymer Bay with its unspoiled dunes.
Connected to Rock at low tide, you can sit on the sand and tell the tale of Doom Bar, the sand bar supposedly created by a mermaid in revenge and the cause of many shipwrecks.
Cycle the Camel trail
Another favourite from my own childhood holidays, the lovely Camel trail cycle track was created from a disused railway line.
The whole stretch is around 18 miles long – for a shorter taste, if you’re visiting north Cornwall with toddlers, there’s a five-mile section from Wadebridge to Padstow. Or you can also cover the 12-mile stretch to Bodmin.
You’ll find car parking along the route as well as places to hire bikes if you don’t have your own, including kids’ bikes, not to mention award-winning local vineyards.
Walk the Sir John Betjeman walk
This gorgeous stretch of the South West coast path runs along the River Camel, passing the golden dunes of the beaches and leading to tiny St Enodoc Church where the poet laureate is buried.
One of the easiest walks along the coast path in north Cornwall, it’s a lovely place to amble in the sun.
Visit the National Lobster Hatchery
One of the quirkier things to do in north Cornwall with kids, the National Lobster Hatchery is a charity with a focus on conservation, research and education. But from a child’s point of view, it’s a place to see baby lobsters!
Set on South Quay in Padstow, you can see lobsters at the different stages of their life as well as other marine life, and you can even adopt one and track its progress via the website. Top tip: choose a less common name than ‘pinchy’ if you do – there are 630 at the last count!
There are more beautiful beaches and picturesque streets to wander – Padstow does get very busy in summer though – plus the ferry across to Rock here for a chance to tick off two places to go in north Cornwall in one day.
Camel Creek Adventure Park
Around 15 minutes south of Padstow, Camel Creek Adventure Park is the new family attraction on the site of the former Crealy’s Adventure Park. Reopened in 2018, there’s a bit of everything too.
You can meet meerkats and Shire Horses, there’s a 5D theatre to travel through time, as well as rides, plus indoor and outdoor adventure play so it’s another great option for a rainy day in north Cornwall with kids.
Old Macdonalds Farm
A little further down the coast, between Padstow and Newquay, Old Macdonalds Farm is a lovely day out with younger kids – as well as seeing the farm animals, there are plenty of opportunities to play [2021 EDIT: This is now only an option if you’re staying on the site]
Time your visit right and you can help bottle feed lambs and calves and all the activities are included, including pony rides, miniature train, tractors, trampolines and crazy golf.
Bedruthan Steps
The granite rocks on the beach at Bedruthan Steps were once the stepping stones for the giant Bedruthan according to legend – actually more likely made up by Victorians, but why spoil a good story?
Either way, the rock stacks are a dramatic sight, constantly changing as the waves wear away the softer rock (don’t think about paddling!)
Narrow steps lead down to the beach (currently closed), so it’s not ideal if you’re visiting north Cornwall with toddlers, plus you need to keep an eye on the tides so you’re not cut off. But the views are spectacular.
There’s a National Trust car park and café at the top too, plus occasional treasure hunts and a children’s quiz.
Newquay beaches
My daughter’s first visit to Cornwall took us to Newquay and there are good reasons why it’s so popular with families.
For starters, there are beaches galore – from surfing at famous Fistral beach to the summer donkey derby at Mawgan Porth and the dunes of Crantock.
Not to mention a whole string of other well-known coves: Tolcarne Beach, Watergate Bay, Lusty Glaze Beach, Perranporth Beach, Towan beach in the town itself with plenty of golden sand and great surf waves.
If you’re looking for dog-friendly beaches in Newquay, check out these options.
Newquay Zoo
More than a thousand different creatures live at this award-winning zoo, right from tiny creepy crawlies up to big cats.
There are also activity trails to entertain, as well as the animals, and a play area. It’s also small enough not to be too overwhelming if you’re visiting north Cornwall with a toddler.
Tickets must be prebooked.
Blue Reef aquarium, Newquay
This lovely aquarium is right on the seafront in Newquay – you can chill out on Towan beach then head indoors to discover what lives beneath the waves.
Plus a few more exotic creatures, including sharks, turtles and a giant Pacific octopus, along with other marine life in 40 different habitats.
Check out my review of a day out at Blue Reef aquarium in Newquay with a toddler
Pirate’s Quest, Newquay
Join buccaneers to swashbuckle your way around this fun family attraction, travelling 300 years back in time to the 18th century and the Golden Age of Piracy.
The hour-long interactive experience at Pirate’s Quest is full of pirate trivia – why do pirates wear eye patches and drink rum – with activities and booty to win on treasure hunts, plus story-telling.
And while a real pirate wouldn’t mind the rain, it’s also a great wet weather activity in north Cornwall with kids.
Trerice House, near Newquay
Just a little way inland from Newquay, this National Trust property includes the chance to dress up in Tudor costumes as well as try some traditional games in the great chamber of Trerice House.
You can also discover more about the family which lived in the 16th century manor over the years. If it’s a sunny day, wander the gardens and try a few games on the bowling green, or it’s another great option for a rainy day near Newquay.
Lappa Valley Steam railway, near Newquay
Not far from Trerice House and Newquay, Lappa Valley Steam railway is a great attraction for younger kids – there’s more than just for toddlers and pre-schoolers, but they’ll love the trains which run on the small railway.
There are also nature trails, a toddler path maze, woodland railway and children’s rides plus some indoor play.
Bodmin Moor
The wildest part of Cornwall, Bodmin Moor is a fascinating place to roam, with Bronze Age and Neolithic cairns and stone circles and its own store of ghost tales and legends.
For a less spooky option, you can go geocaching on the moor as well as following part of the Copper Trail, a 60-mile walking route.
Or another favourite if you don’t fancy venturing too far off the beaten track is to head to the Golitha Falls Natural Reserve. Footpaths, including one buggy-friendly path, lead through the valley along the riverside.
Older kids will love clambering over tree trunks and hopping from stepping stone to stepping stone on the way to the falls. Apparently it’s home to piskies too.
There’s free parking, so it’s a great option for a cheap day out in north Cornwall.
Cardinham Woods
Not far from Bodmin Moor, the woods are Cornwall’s place to find the Forestry Commission’s family trails including those inspired by Julia Donaldson’s books, such as the Zog activity trail.
But whenever you visit, there are four different walking trails to explore – one of which is buggy friendly – plus three cycle trails, a play area and café.
The only charge is for parking (unless you’re a discovery pass holder) and any special trail activities so it’s another fun option for cheap things to see in north Cornwall.
Bodmin Jail
Reputedly one of the most haunted places in Britain, Bodmin jail is reopening in October 2020 with a brand new immersive visitor experience including a ‘Dark Walk’ and overhaul of the existing attraction.
Telling the history of the jail over six levels, with sights, sounds and smells of life in the 18th century, you can step into the cold cells, to imagine a sentence of hard labour ahead.
Harsh punishments and an execution pit mean this isn’t one for younger kids but it’s one of the most memorable north Cornwall days out with kids.
Bodmin and Wenford Railway
Cornwall’s only full-size railway still operated by steam locomotives, it’s a perfect option for train-obsessed little ones (and some bigger ones).
Chuffing along the 13-mile round trip route of the Bodmin and Wenford Railway makes for a very fun way to explore the countryside too.
There are also special themed events during school holidays, such as Halloween and Santa trains – and the chance to have a proper Cornish cream tea.
Lanhydrock
Not far from Bodmin itself, the National Trust property of Lanhydrock is designed to let you explore Victorian life, wandering through the house from the servants’ quarters and kitchens to the family’s more luxurious rooms.
Children have trails to follow inside the house, and you can even have a peek into the nurseries along the way to compare to their own bedrooms.
Outdoors there are bike trails to explore including an easy green trail that’s suitable for younger kids and bikes with tagalongs as well as trickier routes for older kids, plus the usual expansive grounds to roam around and an adventure playground.
Carnglaze Caverns
The three underground caves making up Carnglaze Caverns are on the south edge of Bodmin Moor, a former slate mine which is now a mining heritage attraction.
Your self-guided visit (although there are some guided tours in high season) explains more about the miner’s work and why providing slate was so important, before ending at the spectacular underground lake.
The caves are now home to five species of bats, while outside you can hunt for faeries and dragons on the Woodland Walk and in the Enchanted Dell on the hillside.
There’s a children’s trail to help you spot some of the fairy inhabitants, while the walk takes around 25 minutes – in late spring it’s perfect to see bluebells, and you might also be lucky enough to spot deer or a fox.
The Eden Project
The award-winning attraction is instantly recognisable – the worked out china clay pit has been transformed with two famous biomes, one concealing the Mediterranean, the other the heat of the rainforest.
There are storytelling sessions for kids and other activities, exhibitions, and even soft play. If the weather’s good, there are paths to wander outdoors too and plenty to do at the Eden Project in the rain if not.
Check out my review of our day at the Eden Project with a three-year-old.
For more ideas of things to do in Cornwall, check out my top 20 and my ultimate guide to Cornwall with kids
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN NORTH CORNWALL WITH KIDS
Disclosure: Compiled in association with Cornish Horizons – all opinions and suggested names for lobsters are my own. Contains affiliate links: any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission.
Blue Reef image copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy Depositphotos
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