Cornwall Attractions: Prices, Contacts & Offers

Bodelva, near St Austell · Best for: All ages

Giant rainforest and Mediterranean biomes in a former clay pit, with play areas, a canopy walkway and seasonal events. Plan a full day.

Near Mevagissey · Best for: All ages

Restored Victorian gardens with a jungle valley, rope bridge, farm animals and woodland trails. Wear wellies after rain.

Newquay · Best for: Under-12s especially

A compact zoo set in sub-tropical gardens, with keeper talks through the day. Easy to do in half a day.

Hayle · Best for: Under-10s especially

Wildlife sanctuary known for its birds, with red pandas, otters, an indoor play barn and flying displays in season.

Gweek, near Helston · Best for: All ages

Rescue centre on the Helford River caring for injured seal pups, with resident seals, sea lions and otters. Check feeding times.

St Newlyn East, near Newquay · Best for: Under-10s especially

Steam and miniature railways through a wooded valley, with boating, play areas and an old mine engine house.

Bodmin · Best for: All ages

Heritage steam trains through the Fowey valley. Check the timetable, as services don't run every day.

Marazion · Best for: All ages

Tidal island with a castle and gardens (priced separately or together). Walk the causeway at low tide or take a boat at high tide, and check opening days before you go.

Tintagel · Best for: 6+ (lots of steps)

Clifftop castle ruins linked to King Arthur, reached by a footbridge. Tickets are timed, so book ahead. Free for English Heritage members.

Falmouth · Best for: All ages

Tudor artillery fort on a headland, with a keep to explore and events in the school holidays. Free for English Heritage members.

Porthcurno · Best for: All ages for daytime visits

Open-air theatre carved into the cliffs above Porthcurno. Visit by day or book an evening show, and bring a cushion and blanket.

Towan Beach, Newquay · Best for: Under-10s especially

Tropical and local sea life, with an underwater tunnel. A good couple of hours with small children. Check opening hours before you go.

Pendeen · Best for: 7+ for the underground tour

Preserved tin mine with a guided trip into an 18th-century tunnel, plus the mill buildings and a museum. Closed on Saturdays.

Falmouth · Best for: All ages

Boats hang from the ceiling of the main hall, and there's a lookout tower and an underwater window onto the harbour.

St Ives · Best for: Older children and adults

Modern and contemporary art above Porthmeor Beach. Free for under-18s. Book timed tickets in summer.

Truro · Best for: All ages

Formerly the Royal Cornwall Museum, reopened in 2025 after a refurbishment. Covers Cornish history, minerals and art. Under-18s go free.

Truro · Best for: All ages

Gothic Revival cathedral in the city centre. Free to visit, with donations welcome.

Par Moor Road, St Austell · Best for: All ages

One of Cornwall's biggest indoor markets, with around 100 independent stalls and a food hall under one roof. Market days are usually Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, but check before you go.

Par Moor Road, St Austell · Best for: Toddlers to young teens

Big indoor and outdoor play centre with soft play, trampolines, roller skating, mini golf and climbing, plus a large area for under-2s. Book family tickets ahead in the school holidays.

Near Rock, north coast · Best for: All ages

Gentle surf for beginners, rock pools at both ends, lifeguards in season, and parking right behind the beach.

St Ives · Best for: All ages

Sheltered, calm water a short walk from St Ives station, so you can leave the car at St Erth.

St Ives Bay · Best for: All ages

Miles of sand, lifeguards in season and seals below the clifftop at Godrevy. National Trust car park, free for members.

Near Newquay · Best for: All ages

Huge at low tide, with room for cricket, kites and sandcastles, plus watersports hire.

The Lizard · Best for: 8+ (steep path)

Stunning at low tide but cut off at high tide, with a steep path down. National Trust car park, free for members.

Padstow – Wadebridge – Bodmin · Best for: All ages

Flat, traffic-free cycle path along the Camel estuary on an old railway line. Bike hire (including child seats and trailers) is available in Padstow and Wadebridge.