7 Top Family Attractions in Cornwall England

The Top 7 Cornish Locations To Visit With Your Family

Cornwall is one of the most frequently visited areas in England throughout the summer months, and it’s easy to see why. In 2014 alone, over 14 million people visited for at least a day. To put it into perspective that’s almost a fifth of the entire UK population! There’s plenty to do in Cornwall too – it’s not all fields and beaches.

We’ve compiled a list of 7 great Cornish towns and places that are well worth visiting – whether you’ll be travelling alone, with friends, a partner or with the whole family on a summer holiday.

For those of you that aren’t too familiar, Cornwall is probably the warmest (and sometimes the wettest) area of the country, found in the South West of England. Bordering the Celtic Sea from the North and West, and the English Channel on the South, Cornwall has a rich history and is an excellent place to visit.

There’s plenty that visitors can indulge in, from the fresh seafood that is available all year round, to swimming and surfing in the crystal-clear waters, or walking amongst the winding footpaths between picturesque ruins.  Because of the beautiful sites that can be found in Cornwall, it happens to a favourite film location for several popular films and Television shows. Some of the most notable films that have been shot here include; the 1945 blockbuster ‘Johnny Frenchman,’ ‘Stray Dogs’ (1971), ‘Saving Grace'(2000) and the more recent ‘Summer in February’ (2013), among many others.

Cornwall offers spectacular and panoramic sights and scenes, and if you’re considering a getaway, this should be your number one choice. You don’t have to take my word for it though, check Cornwall out for yourself. Here are some of the best places to visit.

1. St. Loy

Located on the South-West coast of Cornwall, this is a great holidaying spot that features a beach combined with rocky boulders and a valley.  The wooded valley is the route to the beach and offers a great hike with lots of fresh air, perfect for families who enjoy the outdoors.

The Logan Rock area that goes through Lizard Point, provides the best path which also passes monuments and the woodlands. This stretch is 9km long, and it begins at a path on the South-West, and ends near the Lamona Coves Hotel.  At the end of the forest, lies the world-famous Cornwall Coves that consist of relatively uniform rocks and boulders and are quite breath-taking.

2. Newquay Zoo

Located on the northern side of Cornwall, Newquay Zoo is one of the best zoos in Britain and boasts over 130 different species.  Also, around 1000 of the world’s most rare and endangered animals have found a home and haven at this zoo. The zoo allows visitors to hand- feed some of the species that are found here for a small price.

For a small fee, visitors can also partake in being a zookeeper for a day. There’s great options for those that wish to have a one-on-one interaction with the animals.

If you’re visiting with the kids, there are numerous activities for your bundles of joy including a Tarzan trail, play area, dragon trail and face painting. The Newquay Zoo is open all year round so if you’re visiting in the colder months it’s something worth considering.

3. Botallack Mine
Cornwall is known for its tin mining economy activity, and remnants of this activity can be found in the abandoned mines, such as Botallack.  Located between St. Just and the village known as Pendeen, these abandoned mines showcase the industrial past that once thrived here.

Since featuring in the TV hit series Poldark in 2015, the mines have become a big hit with tourists, and allow access to a very informative stroll through the Cornish Mining World Heritage site.  The site houses weather-beaten stone engine houses that are located near the surface, and one can explore the Bottallack Count House which used to house mine workers and their respective captains.

4. Cawsand and Kingsand

These are two villages that were once used by all kinds of smugglers back in the day. This part of Cornwall is fondly referred to as the ‘forgotten corner of Cornwall.”  The two villages offer an out of the beaten way kind of scenery for the visitor who has an adventurous fetish.

Here, one will find lots of fishermen who supply the local eateries with fresh produce. It makes Cawsand and Kingsand a great destination to indulge your taste buds with classic dishes that are exclusive to Cornwall, such as the best tasting Rane crabs and Looe scallops.

5. The Eden Project
This has been dubbed as the largest rainforest in captivity – and it’s no surprise – as the domes that are found here are architectural wonders.  Located near St. Austell, one of the Biomes found here has a man-made waterfall which is a must-see when you visit Cornwall. The plant life is simply amazing and forms the backdrop of the stunning gardens and creates a lovely ambiance which is quite unique.

During the summer, there are a lot of outside activities which include exhibits and rock concerts.  Throughout the winter, ice skating takes place in this superb location, ensuring the Eden Project is open and enjoyable all year.

6. St. Ives

St. Ives is surrounded by golden sandy beaches and has a great art history and offers a breath-taking film set location.  Described as a typical British seaside town, St. Ives has lived up to that reputation until now, giving the town a traditional and cultural feel to it.

Despite being a small town, St. Ives has inspired world-renowned artists including Barbara Hepworth, and for art lovers, there is an entire gallery that exclusively showcases her work here.  The best traditional tea rooms can also be found here, and they serve delicious Cornish cream teas. For an all-inclusive old fashioned family fun day, this is a great place to visit and make some great memories.

7. Polzeath
If you enjoy surfing and riding the waves, Polzeath – a coastal town located near Wadebridge – is the place for you.  Surfing is not the only activity here though, as some trails and tracks are ideal for cycling. You can enjoy the magnificent countryside if you take the Camel trail. It goes along a railway track that is not in use anymore. The Camel trail is 17 miles from Bodmin all the way to Padstow.

For those who would like to take it easier, there is a path which cuts across Greenaway beach to Daymer Bay, and provides a pleasant setting for a family or romantic walk.  The waves that are found here are smaller in size, making the conditions ideal for swimming and windsurfing.

Whether it is for extreme sports such as shark fishing, or a quiet countryside getaway, Cornwall has it all and is a great destination for you as an individual, for a couple or the entire family.  When that time for your holiday arrives, choose Cornwall as your destination of choice to make fond memories and spend quality time with the people who are dear to you. Cornwall welcomes you and promises to live up to your expectations.

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About The Author:  Words by Mike, who currently writes some of the outdoors guides at Planet Camping. Mike has holidayed in Cornwall several times and cannot recommend it enough, particularly when the UK gets the occasional few weeks of summer sun!
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Image Sources:  Pixabay and Geograph.org.uk creative commons