Cornwall has been one of the most popular holiday destinations in the entire UK for decades. With its combination of warmer weather, beaches, historical sites, and beautiful countryside it’s not hard to see why tourists continue to flock to the county.

While Cornwall has its reputation as a surfers’ haven there are plenty of activities throughout the county that are suitable for all ages and abilities on family breaks UK. Whether your family leans more towards adventure and adrenaline or relaxation and history, you can find plenty of entertainment in Cornwall.

So, let’s take a look at just a few of the things you can do in Cornwall on your next family break.  Here are 10 things to do on your next family holiday to Cornwall.

1. Enjoy some beaches

It wouldn’t be a trip to Cornwall if you didn’t take the chance to enjoy at least one of its many stunning beaches. Up and down the coast you can find a range of beaches, from rocky coves to long expanses of smooth sand.

For the surfing-minded, the surf capital of Fistral Beach in Newquay is a must-visit. While beaches such as Porthcurno and Godrevy are excellent for a day of lounging in the sun and building sandcastles.  If you visit Godrevy, be sure to walk along the coastal path to see if you can spot some seals in Cornwall.  They are best seen during the winter months, with January being the best month usually, but you might get lucky!

My favourite beaches in Cornwall include Watergate, Holywell, Lantic Bay and Whipsiderry.

Whipsiderry Beach in Newquay Cornwall UK

2. Take to the sea

Rather than simply sticking to the shoreline you could head out onto the waves to enjoy some of Cornwall’s scenery from a different angle. Various towns around the county have boat tours on offer, which offer a range of experiences from wildlife watching to fishing.  For a traditional fishing village that is popular and offers many boat trips, visit Mevagissey.

A more athletic and adventurous option is to try out paddleboarding. Make some epic memories as your family learns to brave the waves and paddle their way around parts of the majestic Cornish coast!

Other popular watersports in Cornwall are surfing, kayaking and bodyboarding.  Some places, such as some surf shops in Perranporth, hire out wooden bodyboards for free to reduce the negative impact of polystyrene bodyboards on the ocean and planet.

My son surfing at Fistral Beach in Newquay

3. Explore St Michael’s Mount

Sitting prominently in the bay across from Penzance, St Michael’s Mount is a location bound to capture the imagination of the kids. Make the journey across the cobbled causeway by foot at low tide or cross by boat once the tide comes in.

Topped by a medieval castle and subtropical gardens, it’s an excellent place to spend a day exploring. Between the historical halls of the castle and the breathtaking views, your family can make some magical memories on the island.

If you’re a National Trust member then book a free ticket online.  Not a member yet?  It’s a great way to save money in Cornwall on parking, gardens and manor houses. You can even save money on a National Trust membership with cashback! Use my link to see the latest cashback savings at National Trust: https://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/victoriasully/national-trust

4. Visit the Eden Project

An educational and exciting family-friendly attraction is the Eden Project, located near St Austell. This iconic, world-renowned botanical project houses impressive ecosystems within its bubble-like domes. 

Wander through a tropical rainforest biome and a Mediterranean landscape biome and learn more about sustainability and conservation. It’s beautiful and a source of sneaky education for the family, with a range of interactive exhibits and activities suitable for children.

They also have lots of delicious food on offer, including many vegan options, and amazing gift shops!

5. Wander Tintagel Castle

Another location to spark the imagination, and impress any fans of history and legend, are the ruins of Tintagel Castle. Sitting atop the cliffs overlooking the fierce Atlantic Sea, the remains of this medieval castle are an imposing sight.

With its connection to the legend of King Arthur – and an impressive statue to take pictures with – Tintagel makes for a great family day trip. There’s even a rocky beach below the castle, just watch out for the steepness of some of the terrain around the ruins and castle grounds.

6. Cycle at Lanhydrock

Another fabulous National Trust location is Lanhydrock House and cycle trails.  You don’t have to pay to visit the house, as anyone can visit the surrounding grounds, woodlands and cycle trails for free.  Well, with a parking charge if you use the pay-and-display car park.  

The woodlands have amazing purpose built cycle trails for all abilities, including a family cycle trail.  Find out more in my Lanhydrock review with lots of photos!

Lanhydrock Map

7. Visit Cornwall’s Beautiful Gardens

I’ve already mentioned some of Cornwall’s amazing gardens in this blog post, but there are numerous visitor gardens throughout Cornwall, so you’ll be sure to find one near where your staying or a reasonable drive away.  Here are 9 more gardens in Cornwall that I recommend:

• Penjerrick Garden

• Glendurgan Garden

• Trenance Rose Garden

• Trelissick

• The Lost Gardens of Heligan

• Trerice Manor & Gardens

• Trebah Gardens

• Pinetum Gardens

• Minack Theatre

Maze at Glendurgan Garden in Cornwall

8. Walk the South West Coast Path in Cornwall

If your family loves to hike and be with nature, then peel yourself away from the beaches and trek along the South West Coast path that can be found along the entire coastline of Cornwall.  Be prepared for the most stunning views of Cornwall from up high, panoramic views of the beaches, incredible rock formations, coastal wildflowers and plenty of bird and wildlife spotting.

9. Slip n Slide

If you’ve been to Newquay in recent years, then you may have driven past a Slip n Slide in one of the nearby farmer’s fields!  Recently located nearer to Wadebridge as you head out from Newquay, these amazing water slides are set up in the summer season and can be booked online for one of the most fun-filled hours of family fun you’ll ever have!

Slip n Slide near Newquay and Wadebridge in Cornwall

10. Flambards Theme Park

For a dose of thrills and history under one roof, head to Flambards Theme Park! This family-friendly favourite offers a winning combination of exciting rides, like the Hornet Rollercoaster and the Sky Force, alongside fascinating indoor exhibits.  Explore a life-sized Victorian village and step back in time, or experience the sights and sounds of Britain in the Blitz. With something for all ages and interests, Flambards is a guaranteed fun day out, rain or shine!

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for ways to entertain the family on your break to Cornwall there are even more options than those we’ve covered here. So, make sure you do some research ahead of time to fill your holiday with experiences to remember. Check out my Cornwall blog for more inspiration!