If you and the kids are looking to get your summer fix of sunshine and sandcastles, look no further than the wholesome coasts of Cornwall. This family-favourite never fails to delight holidaymakers, year after year, whichever part of the county you visit. Whether you’re headed there with your little ones in tow for a week of seashell collecting, or you’re looking to entertain some tweens on Cornwall’s surf-ready waves, there are plenty of things to do and see along this famously picturesque coast. While you’re spending quality time with your nearest and dearest, be sure to unwind in the perfect family-friendly hotel, and explore the culinary gems that await you.
Delight Animal Lovers in Newquay
For families with curious kids who are spellbound by the wonders of nature, Newquay is the destination for you. Cornwall’s only zoo is situated just a short stroll from Newquay’s town centre in the Trenance Leisure Park, which also offers a range of other activities including crazy golf, a miniature railway, a boating lake and free play parks. Newquay town centre is also home to the Blue Reef Aquarium, which is running a ‘Weird Creatures Trail’ throughout the summer. Or, even better, see marine life out in the wild on one of the Newquay Sea Safaris. You could see seals, dolphins, basking sharks and all sorts of sea birds.
For lunch, check out The Fish House Fistral, a little bistro nestled within the International Surf Centre. It’s dog-friendly until 4:30pm, and as the name suggests, you’ll be choosing from a menu that champions locally sourced fish from the nearby Newquay Harbour. Looking out over the sandy expanse of Fistral Beach, the terrace is the perfect spectating spot to watch the goings on below – and that includes surfing lessons. The Fish House is partnered with family-friendly Fins Surf School, which offers lessons to all ages and abilities. Kick back with a glass of wine on the terrace while you watch the kids hit the waves, or book the whole family in for a group session.
Once the youngsters are tired out from surfing, let yourselves get swept away on a Lappa Valley train ride. After a magical journey into the heart of the Cornish countryside, 35-acres of woodland fun, indoor soft play and outdoor adventures await you.
Explore the Sandy Shores of St Ives
Sometimes a breath of fresh air is just what the doctor ordered, and the golden beaches of St Ives offer that in abundance. Porthgwidden Beach, a small and sheltered sun trap, and Porthminster Beach, which boasts shallow waters at low tide, plenty of space for ball games, and soft sand that was destined for castles, are just a couple of the best family beaches in St Ives.
Once those tummies start rumbling, head over to Porthminster Beach Café for a spot of lunch accompanied by panoramic views towards St Ives Bay. In this vibrant restaurant, which marries classic European dishes with Asian and Mediterranean influences, adults can enjoy foraged coastal ingredients and fresh seafood, as well as produce from the on-site kitchen garden, while youngsters can choose from the dedicated children’s menu. There’s also the option to order smaller versions of many of the dishes from the main menu.
What’s a seaside holiday without a spot of crabbing? After lunch, head to the harbour in the centre of town to marvel at Smeaton’s Pier, where myriad crabs await you below the old pier wall. The pier itself has a fascinating history dating back to the eighteenth century, and features two lighthouses.
Once you’re ready for a break from the sand, older children may enjoy a mooch around the Tate St Ives Gallery which overlooks Porthmeor Beach (and is free for under 18s). Meanwhile little ones can be entertained by the Family Activity Trail in the Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Gardens just five minutes down the road. Pick up a pack at the front desk, which includes a sketchbook and simple art materials to help children make the most out of the visit.
Don Your Walking Shoes in Penzance
The best way to see all of the seaside jewels in Cornwall’s crown is to grab your boots and cover as much ground as you can! The Penzance Town Trail covers all the must-sees: this includes the sub-tropical Morrab Gardens, the promenade which will take you past the Art Deco masterpiece that is the Jubilee Pool, and St John’s Hall, where there is a farmer’s market every Friday.
A 20-minute stroll down the coast from Morrab Gardens, which bloom with foliage from all over the world, brings you to the Tolcarne Inn. Perfect for families with canine companions in tow, this dog-friendly pub is the ideal stop-off for everyone to rest their legs after a long walk. Enjoy the 300-year-old building’s cosy interior, or bask in the sunshine on the terrace while you peruse the small plates on the lunch menu. Or, if you’re after a more substantial evening meal, why not go for a full three-course dinner with an accompanying wine from a list specially selected to complement seafood. While you will see plenty of fish and shellfish on offer here, there are also vegetarian options and dishes that can be adapted for children.
Use your last burst of hiker’s energy to amble back to your hotel for the night, a charmingly colourful Georgian Inn called the Artist Residence Cornwall, which is most quickly reached via a steep cobbled hill. Furry family members can stay here too upon request, and children two years and under stay for free when using a cot. For teens wanting their own space, interconnecting rooms are available, meanwhile the Cottage sleeps up to six guests and two dogs, so it’s perfect for bigger families. A lively place to stay and the holder of One Michelin Key, this modern hotel also opens its garden doors throughout the summer months for all the family to enjoy.
Take a Moment for Yourself in Falmouth
While quality time spent with the kids is precious beyond compare, sometimes a little time alone is just what parents need to rejuvenate on holiday. A short ferry-ride away from Falmouth is St Mawes, which is home to the One Michelin Key Hotel Tresanton. Here, not only are children of any age welcome, but it’s a veritable paradise for youngsters; there’s a playroom, children’s garden and three family suites, one of which is kitted out with two built-in bunk beds and a generously sized television set into the wall. Staff will gladly arrange babysitting within the hotel if you let them know in advance, leaving you to have a few golden hours to yourself.
With the knowledge that your little ones are in safe hands at the hotel, why not head back across the ferry for a romantic evening in CULTURE? Awarded Falmouth’s first Michelin Green Star in 2023, this sustainably minded restaurant sources its ingredients from its very doorstep, with its furthest farm just one and half hours away. For dinner, you’ll be met with the Journey Menu, a delicious 7 course set menu inspired by nature, landscapes and the experiences of the chef owner.
Having rejoined the children the following morning, rested and rejuvenated, why not visit one of the two main beaches in St Mawes before heading back across the ferry to see more of what Falmouth has to offer? You’ll fall in love with the quaint cobbled streets, which are largely pedestrianised, and you can delve even deeper into the past with a trip to Pendennis Castle, a formidable fortress built by Henry VIII.
Discover New Treasures in Looe
If, like many families, you find yourself returning to your favourite parts of Cornwall year after year, you may think you’ve seen it all. Heading out on a Treasure Trail is a great way to get off the beaten track and help you make new discoveries in a well-trodden area. While you see the familiar town and seafront in a new light on the Looe Trail, you’ll also be working as a team to solve a fun detective mystery. Will you be able to figure out the clues?
All that investigating can work up quite an appetite, so be sure to make a pit stop at the Sardine Factory in West Looe. Boasting a Bib Gourmand for its excellent value cooking, this quirky eatery is on the first floor of an old sardine factory, a Grade II listed building which was restored in 2018. You’ll find a range of freshly caught seafood sourced from the Looe market opposite on the extensive menu, and there’s a separate menu for the ‘Little Sprats’ too.
To finish off the day, why not book onto a guided beaver tour with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, which take place on evenings throughout the summer. Suitable for children aged eight and above, the walks take place at dusk (start times range from 6:30pm to 8pm depending on the month) when the beavers are most active, making the tour perfect for older children looking for a last thrill before bed.
Address Book
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden: Barnoon Hill, Saint Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1ADBlue Reef Aquarium: Blue Reef Aquarium, Towan Promenade, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1DU
Cornwall Beaver Project Guided Walk: Woodland Valley Farm, Ladock, Truro, Cornwall, TR2 4PT
Fins Surf School: 1 Beacon Rd, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1HH
Jubilee Pool: Battery Road, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4FF
Lappa Valley: St Newlyn East, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 5LX
Looe Treasure Trail: Milpool, Looe, Cornwall, PL13 2AE
Morrab Gardens: Morrab Rd, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 4HD
Newquay Sea Safaris: Newquay Harbour, Sharks Head Kiosk 1, South Quay, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1HR
Pendennis Castle: Castle Dr, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4LP
Porthgwidden Beach, Saint Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1PL
Porthminster Beach: Warren, Saint Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2EA
Smeaton’s Pier: Saint Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1PS
St John’s Hall: Alverton St, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 2QW
Tate St Ives: Porthmeor Beach, Saint Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1TG
Trenance Gardens and Leisure Park: Trenance Park, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2LZ
Top image : © Lana2011/iStock
