There’s nothing like a holiday in Cornwall. One of the Celtic Nations, this unique region boasts its own distinctly different culture, heritage and history – as well as beautiful Cornish countryside, world-class hiking trails and the stunning Cornish coastline.
Here, you can stroll through quaint villages, try a Cornish cream tea, and enjoy fun for all the family. Of course, lots of visitors also flock to Cornwall for its beaches, which offer a variety of water sports facilities and some of the best surfing spots in Europe – as well as cute cafes and restaurants nearby. And let’s not forget the region’s ties to the legendary King Arthur!
What attractions shouldn’t you miss on your trip? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Read on to learn all about the top days out in Cornwall.
The National Maritime Museum Cornwall
If you’re looking for a family attraction and you’re interested in learning all about the sea’s role in Cornwall’s rich history, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth is for you. Learn about seafaring and fishing in days past, explore sea animals and plants from along the Cornish coast, race model ships, and check out a treasure trove of boats from the National Small Boat Collection.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan in South Cornwall offers over 200 acres of breathtaking scenery, including various garden types that you can explore – like recreations of the estate’s Victorian gardens and a human-made ‘jungle.’ You can even take a peek at some rare breed farm animals on the Lost Gardens of Heligan farm!
Remarkably, these lovely gardens were forgotten for decades following World War One, but in the 1990s a restoration project began, making them the popular attraction they have become today.
Fistral Beach
Located in Newquay, Fistral Beach is a golden, sandy beach that’s popular for surfing – in fact, it’s often described as the best surfing spot in the country.
Tintagel Castle
Fans of King Arthur’s legends will know Tintagel Castle as the place where Arthur was, according to some, conceived and born. But the now-ruined castle on the rugged North Cornwall coast has plenty of fascinating real-life stories to tell as well – going back to ancient Roman artefacts from before the current defensive castle was built in the 13th century.
Newquay Zoo
Here’s another great day out for all the family – Newquay Zoo, where you can see over a thousand animals from across the globe. Take a look at lions, pandas, meerkats, wallabies and penguins, to name just a few. At Newquay Zoo, you can also enjoy outdoor play areas and some beautiful gardens.
Bodmin Jail
Is one of Cornwell’s most popular tourist destinations really a jail? Yes! Built in the late 18th century, Bodmin Jail was one of Britain’s first modern jails – it was designed with comparatively better conditions with the goal of reforming inmates. Today, visitors to the jail can try a spine-chilling ‘dark walk’ experience that recreates historical conditions there.
As a bonus, Bodmin Jail is partially dog-friendly – pups aren’t allowed in the ‘dark walk’ because it may be frightening to them, but they’re welcome in the rest of the attraction.
Bodmin Moor and the Jamaica Inn
After your time at Bodmin Jail, why not unwind with a hike through the stunning moorland scenery of Bodmin Moor? The moor is officially a National Landscape – a term now used to refer to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Don’t forget to stop by the Jamaica Inn, which describes itself as ‘Cornwall’s most famous smuggling inn.’
Bodmin and Wenford Railway
How should you get to Bodmin and Bodmin Moor? How about a steam train? With Bodmin and Wenford Railway, you can enjoy a magical journey through Cornwall’s beautiful scenery on a real steam locomotive.
The Camel Trail
Prefer travelling under your own steam? Then how about cycling to Bodmin from Padstow via a trail? The Camel Trail offers 17 miles of flat and traffic-free trail that’s great for runners or hikers as well as cyclists. Along the way, you can enjoy tranquil riverside scenery.
Porthmeor Beach
If you’re around West Cornwall, Porthmeor Beach in St Ives is a great family-friendly destination with all the classic charm of the British seaside. And it’s great for surfing, too! Like many beaches in Cornwall, it’s patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months.
The Eden Project
Located in St Austell, South Cornwall, the Eden Project offers undoubtedly one of the most unusual days out in Cornwall! In just one immersive attraction, you can see flora from around the world within sheltered biomes and outdoor gardens. See Mediterranean plants in the Mediterranean Biome, experience the heat and humidity of the rainforest in the Rainforest Biome, or explore the Invisible Worlds exhibition. Families will love the Eden Project’s many child-friendly activities and exhibits, including the outdoor play area.
Porfell Wildlife Park
If you’re in South East Cornwall, don’t miss Porfell Wildlife Park and Sanctuary. It’s home to a range of animals including primates, reptiles and birds. You can even feed meerkats and meet owls up close. This is a great attraction for the whole family – and there’s free entry for under-3s.
Polzeath Beach
Polzeath Beach on the North Cornish coast is another sandy beach that’s popular, family-friendly and good for surfing. Quieter than some other beaches, it’s a smaller spot that boasts lovely scenery and clean waters.
The South West Coast Path and Lantic Bay
The South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest National Trail, offering breathtaking views and great hikes along a full circuit of Cornwall’s coastline – covering the entire north coast and south coast of Cornwall.
If you’re hiking along the south Cornwall coast, consider planning a stop at Lantic Bay, a sandy and shingle beach. It’s not directly accessible by car, but you can reach it by taking the South West Coast Path from Polruan to Polperro. Lantic Bay’s peaceful, remote location makes it a true Cornish gem – just be aware there are no lifeguards or other conveniences common at busier beaches.
Stithians Lake
Stithians Lake in West Cornwall is an inland watersports centre known for its high winds – which makes it perfect for windsurfing! Paddleboarding is another popular activity, and you can also take a scenic walk or bike ride around the lake.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary in South Cornwall does just what it says on the tin. It’s a place where injured and orphaned seals from the Devon and Cornish coastline are rescued and rehabilitated. Here, you can see the seals have breakfast, play ‘keeper for the day,’ or even take a VIP tour with a classic Cornish cream tea!
Camel Creek Adventure Park
Looking for a family attraction with loads to do? Try Camel Creek Adventure Park, a theme park with more than 40 rides and attractions, including soft play and animal interaction experiences.
Watergate Bay
Nestled on the North Cornwall coast, Watergate Bay is a wide, sandy beach that’s dog-friendly and great for families. Its high waves attract surfers, and the cliffs of the dramatic coastline nearby make it a gorgeous spot for photos.
Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay
Learn all about the flora and fauna of the Cornish coast at the Newquay Blue Reef Aquarium, where you can also get to know sea turtles, octopuses, sharks and more!
Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm
At Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, you can learn all about the process of cyder making! What’s even better is that some parts of the farm are free to enter. You can also visit some farm animals, take a tractor ride and more! A bonus – most parts of Healeys Cyder Farm are dog-friendly as long as your dog remains leashed.
Pendennis Castle and St Mawes Castle
Pendennis Castle and St Mawes Castle are two historic castles built in the Tudor Age on opposite sides of the Fal estuary. Both St Mawes Castle and Pendennis Castle were built by Henry VIII as coastal fortresses, designed to protect Cornwall from attack by sea.
Paradise Park
Paradise Park is a popular wildlife sanctuary that stands out because of its focus on exotic birds. This attraction boasts an astonishing 130 species of birds, ranging from penguins to macaws to flamingos, and it’s got lots of animals too. Rainy weather? No worries, because Paradise Park also has a large indoor ‘JungleBarn’ children’s play area.
St Michael’s Mount and Mount’s Bay
St Michael’s Mount in West Cornwall is a tidal island – which means it’s accessible at low tide by a causeway. The peak is topped by a medieval castle and gardens.
There’s heaps of history and legend associated with this gorgeous site, including the famous fairy tale of Jack the Giant-Killer! But today, St Michael’s Mount is a National Trust property, which means it offers free entry for National Trust members.
To the eastern side of Mount’s Bay, you’ll find Kynance Cove, a stunning beach with distinctive rugged rocks and bright blue water.
Pentewan Valley Trail
Another great destination for cyclists is the Pentewan Valley Trail. Since it’s just three and a half miles long and mainly flat, it’s great for all skill levels. Plus, you’ll get beautiful views along this South Cornwall valley.
Top tip – if you start cycling the trail at St Austell, you can go to Pentewan and take the Cornish Way cycle path to the Lost Gardens of Heligan!
Penzance and Penzance Harbour
Cornwall has so many charming towns and villages that it would be impossible to list them all! But we’ll mention Penzance in West Cornwall as a great location year-round that’s also close to other key spots like Land’s End, St Michael’s Mount, Porthmeor Beach and more. Take a stroll through the town centre to visit gift shops or art galleries, or hop on a ferry boat trip to St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly.
Launceston Castle
The partially ruined Launceston Castle in North Cornwall’s Tamar Valley originated almost a thousand years ago. Visitors can walk through the historic castle and learn about its rich history as a fortress and jail, as well as the town’s significance as the ‘gateway to Cornwall.’ It’s dog-friendly too!
Sennen Cove
If you’re hiking the South West Coast Path or visiting the popular town of Land’s End, you’ll probably come across the beautiful sandy beach of Sennen Cove in the far west of Cornwall. Like many other Cornish beaches, Sennen Cove is great for surfing thanks to its powerful waves.
Geevor Tin Mine
Geevor Tin Mine is a genuine former mine, closed in 1990, that now hosts tours and educational experiences. Learn about Cornwall’s rich mining heritage by taking a walking tour of the underground mine, exploring the hard rock museum and more.
If you’d like to see a former tin mine but you’re holidaying a bit farther up the north coast of Cornwall, try Wheal Coates near St Agnes, a scenic spot where you can explore mine ruins.
The Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery
The Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, formerly known as the Royal Cornwall Museum, explores the Duchy’s history, plant life and minerals, as well as some aspects of ancient history. The museum has reinvented and renamed itself thanks to its new art gallery, which focuses on Cornish art.
Minack Theatre
Close to Land’s End in south Cornwall, the Minack Theatre is a beautiful outdoor theatre located on a coastal clifftop – so the background of each performance is a gorgeous view of the sea. It’s a great attraction for families because of its outdoor performances and child-friendly storytelling. Take a look to see what’s on during your visit!
PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications
The PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications on the south Cornwall coast is a specialist museum with strong roots in Cornish history. This Porthcurno telegraph museum covers a wide history of telegraphy and communications in Cornwall, including World War II’s secret Porthcurno Telegraph Station and the first fibre optic cable that stretched under the Atlantic Ocean.
Relax after your days out in Cornwall with kate & tom’s
As you can see, there are so many attractions in Cornwall that are fascinatingly unique – whether that’s because of their connections to history and legend, their geographical features, or their famous beauty.
When you visit Cornwall, you’ll want a special holiday cottage to head home to after a long day of exploring. What’s better than a soak in a hot tub after a long hike, a bit of splashing in the pool after roaming some castles, or a relaxing movie night in a cinema room after a day out with the kids?
You can get all of this and more with a holiday cottage from kate & tom’s. All of our holiday rentals are uniquely luxurious, with gorgeous interiors and exteriors and those extra features that make your days out in Cornwall truly special. We’ve also got plenty of dog-friendly cottages so that your furry friends can come along too!
So, whether you’re visiting Tintagel Castle on a half-term trip with family, surfing at Fistral Beach on a relaxing getaway with pals, or taking a boat trip from Land’s End on a weekend holiday, choose a gorgeous Cornwall holiday home from kate & tom’s that can host your large group of friends or family together for one fabulous trip. And if you’ve got questions, we’re here to help year-round. Just reach out to us at [email protected].
