Filling your holiday days with littles in tow can feel a bit overwhelming, we hear you. So, to help you out, we’ve been out exploring and found some of the very best baby and toddler friendly things to do in Cornwall. From organised events to big attractions to Cornwall’s incredible natural beauty, there’s something to keep absolutely everyone entertained!
Rockpooling
Booby’s Bay and Constantine Bay at low tide are our faves. There’s so much to explore and Booby’s Bay has a coffee van in the car park (you’re welcome). If you’re feeling energetic, it’s just one mile up the coast path to Trevose Lighthouse too. Who doesn’t love a lighthouse?!
Camel Trail Cycling
This accommodates everyone! If you’re feeling strong then go for the full 18 miles from Bodmin but the most popular route is the Wadebridge to Padstow. Make sure you pre book bike hire especially for trailers or tag along bikes. Its 5 miles each way to Padstow with a few great fun stop offs for entertainment. From bird watching and slate drawing to the hot chocolate stop half-way. Grab lunch in Padstow, drop a crab net in the harbour, have an ice cream (watching out for greedy seagulls) and then pedal home. It’s a sure-fire way to exhaust all!
We use Bridge Bike hire in Wadebridge which is literally at the start of the trail section.
Sea Safari with Wavehunters
If you want something slightly more adventurous then a short sea safari is ace for the littles. It’s 90mins long and there’s plenty to see. Not to mention who doesn’t love a boat ride on a rib. Andy and his team are great too.
Lost Gardens of Heligan
This is a great outdoor activity day. Heligan is full of adventure, different garden areas to explore and play areas. Make sure to plan a full day here as whether you take a picnic or grab something from their various eateries you really want to make the most of it. We love taking a picnic to have near the adventure playground after exhausting all the gardens. Not to mention you can grab an ice cream and while away an hour whilst the kids are playing. Take a rug with you!!
Gweek Seal Sanctuary
If you would like to see seals in the wild then the Wavehunters sea safari or a walk up to Polyjoke beach can be good options. But for the kids Gweek Seal Sanctuary is fab. With underwater viewing areas, seals galore and also the penguins it makes for a great excursion. It’s a bit of a drive from us but another lovely place to explore is Trebah Garden which has great activities for kids including their adventure playground. Great to take a picnic or stop off on the way at our fave Bango Kitchen to take with you.
Polzeath to Daymer Bay
A lovely little walk is from Polzeath (park right on the beach) around the coast to Daymer Bay. It takes about 30mins each way and with beaches at either end it provides a good aim for everyone. There are loos, cafes on both beaches too. If you have planned in advance book a table at the Cracking Crab for lunch or an early dinner too.
Tate St Ives
Who doesn’t love a train ride? Parking in St Ives can be tricky but a great way is to take the train from Bodmin Parkway (10mins away from Glynn Barton Cottages) down to St Ives. You get to see the coast in all its glory and it takes 1 ½ hours if you get the fast train. A great time to have lunch or head off early and have a picnic breakfast on the train. It’s a 10min walk from the station to the gallery. Check out their Story Space workshops for the kids which run everyday during the holidays or on Wednesdays and weekends during term time. You can always while away the afternoon at Porthmeor beach which has a lovely café before jumping back on the train.
Lappa Valley
This is a great rainy day activity as well as when its lovely and sunny. The reason being they have a fab new soft play called The Engine Shed which is fab. Lots of mini train rides to go on, playground, woodlands walks, a lake to boat on and you can also introduce the kids to crazy golf. If you are anything like our family, the golf gets quite competitive!!!
We researched hard so part 2 is coming up soon!! In the meantime if you’ve got any questions, drop us a message over on Facebook or Instagram. If you just can’t wait to get away on your hols, we’ve got a special offer on til the end of June – find out more here.
