Glynn Barton News - Luxury self catering family holidays Cornwall

When is the BEST time to visit Cornwall

Whether it’s a family friendly holiday or a child friendly short break we have all typed into Google…. When is the best time to visit Cornwall!

When you’re planning a family holiday there are always so many things to consider, where to stay, what to do, kids activities- both inside and out (we know the weather isn’t always perfect😊) and the biggest factor of all…. It’s a family holiday which means wherever you go, everyone needs to be able to relax. Parents need pampering too. It might be a spa day, parents night out or even just a little quiet time. At Glynn Barton we have a lovely team of babysitters who can help out on this one.

Check out the below for our ideas on when to visit Cornwall and things to do in Cornwall. We are a bit of an adventure family, we wear shorts nearly all year round and love exploring Cornwall. P.S there is so much we are going to have to do it in instalments!

Spring- February, March, April, May

Weather- Progressively warming up with sunny days stretching longer. Can be wet though so pack those wellies! The last few years have brought us great luck with weather over the February half term. And yes I have been in the sea in Feb!

This is one of our favourite times of the year. The sun starts to peep through and Cornwall is nice and quiet. All of Cornwall’s top attractions begin their seasonal events so that’s a great starting point for things to do in Cornwall. Use our Glynn Barton “Hit List” for the must visit spots.

Our favourite walk for this time of year is the Lerryn to St Winnow circular walk.

Check the tides so you get the beauty of the river- even a dip at high tide if you are feeling brave- otherwise it’s a bit muddy at lower tide! It’s a 3-4 hour walk so take a picnic and enjoy the scenery along the way. It’s a great kids activity as there is so much to look at. The boys (6 and 4 years old) spent ages paddling in the river and collecting stones. Plus the little shop in Lerryn at the end does amazing ice creams! Lerryn is also a great place for paddle boarding, kayaking and picnicking in the Summer with parking right down by the river.

Soak up some Easter events at the lost Gardens of Heligan and of course join in the Glynn Barton Easter egg hunt which will have you hunting for the golden egg.

Screech Owl Sanctuary is a fab toddler friendly activity. Full of wildlife to get up close and personal with as well as watching the Owl flying displays. For the older kids (12 +) book in for a Meerkat experience- best thing EVER!

Beach wise head down to Talland Bay for a paddle in the rock pool and a hot chocolate in the café. If the kids are anything like ours, they just love the beach, building dams and collecting anything and everything.

Summer in Cornwall- June, July, August

Weather- Long, sunny days with the odd rain shower scattered about- although they tend to be shortlived!

This is peak tourist season in the South West but don’t be put off by that. Yes it might mean that you need to book ahead for some of Cornwall’s Top attractions such as Eden Project, Tintagel Castle or events at the Minack Theatre but, we have lots of beaches for when the sun is shining. Beaches like Harlyn Bay and Polzeath have loads of parking right on the beach with the all important loo facilities.

Make sure to book a surf lesson with Wavehunters and if you fancy a go too, book the kids into a Wild Warriors session. They run a fab beach, bush craft and adventure style club.

There are lots of kids activities and family friendly days out. From Adrenalin Quarry for the aqua park, Zipline and Giant Swing to the Giant slip n slide at St Endellion near Polzeath beach.

If its raining, we are lucky to have soft play, an indoor pool, outdoor Hot Tub and a fab games barn all on site. If you need a day out then hit up the Plymouth Aquarium or the Falmouth National Maritime Museum.

Need a walk? There are a couple of options here which are both North Coast walks. Try the Trevone to Padstow walk, pick up lunch in Padstow and then take the short cut back to Trevone across the headland. Or try out the Polzeath to Port Isaac walk and take in Epphaven, Doyden Castle and Port Quinn. Be warned this is not for the faint hearted and is a 4 hour walk, but if you need an older kids activity this is great. It has SPECTACULAR scenery. You will need to take the bus back from Port Isaac to Polzeath.

Get a fresh fish delivery from 3 Jays shellfish who will deliver fresh lobster and crab to your door. So fresh you might find them wandering around the lawn!

Autumn in Cornwall- September, October, November

September is still warm as toast but October starts to bring the cooler weather. The winds start to show from mid October which is perfect for flying a kite! Cornwall starts to quieten down as schools go back. Don’t get me wrong, it can still be busy as the weather is still fab but it’s a great time to soak up all Cornwall has to offer.

Par Beach is the best place for flying a kite. The beach gets the south westerly winds and is a long sandy stretch. Nip around to Polkerris beach after for a hot Chocolate at the Rashleigh Inn.

For kids who are over the toddler threshold then head on over to Tree Surfers at the Tamar Trails adventure centre. There are lots of cycling and walking trails but swinging from the tree is great fun. If you have older kids then check out the seniors course. A great activity for the kids.

Top of the list will always be a spot of crabbing down at the harbour in Fowey. With shops, cafes and ice cream parlours galore there is something for everyone. Not to mention the stroll along the esplanade to Readymoney Cove for a paddle. Keep your eyes out for the peaky holes in the wall. A great family friendly place to visit with lots of toddler friendly activities.

One of the loveliest woodland walks is the National Trust, Lanhydrock Respryn Bridge walk. It takes about 1 hour and is a circular walk. Park at Respryn Bridge and start the walk along the river. Finish up with a cuppa and a play in the park for the kids.  Great kids activities for little legs. They also have great cycling trails.

Winter in Cornwall- December, January

Mild but can be on the windy side! Crisp and Clear days.

Fancy a bracing walk in the fresh air? Bodmin Moor has some excellent walks including the Cheesewring but our fave for December is up in the hills walking Roughtor and Brown Willy. A lovely walk straight from Roughtor Car Park to the top and then if you’re feeling keen head on over to Brown Willy. There are plenty of sheltered spots for a picnic/ hot chocolate stop along the way and the walking is easy going even for little legs. Its bracing and invigorating, but wrap up warm!

Christmas at Eden is truly magical- make sure to book the ice skating or a visit to Santa. Definitely book in a visit to Charlestown to the Shipwreck museum and Tunnel of Lights and finally head on over to the National Trust’s Saltram House for the Christmas lights.

Some of these we haven’t touched on above but definitely check them out:

Glynn Barton’s Hit List

The Eden Project

Tintagel Castle

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Lanhydrock House

Saltram House

Adrenalin Quarry

Tree Surfers

Trelissick House & Gardens 

XX See you in Cornwall XX

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“A hit with the families” – recent press for Glynn Barton

Young happy family having fun while chasing in autumn day at the park. Copy space.

Family fun in Cornwall this Winter