Explore Cornwall's Best Family Days Out

Minack Theatre – one of the best attractions in Cornwall

The Minack Theatre is known as one of the best attractions in Cornwall for a reason and upon arrival, it’s easy to see why. A place like no other, Minack is a living theatre in every sense. Its dramatic setting and the remarkable woman who built it are equally inspiring.

Perched on the rugged cliffs of South-West Cornwall the Minack is one of the most spectacular theatre venues in the world. Over a quarter of a million people each year flock here to enjoy the stunning ocean views and experience the magic of live performance in this iconic space.

Each year, over 200 live performances are staged at Minack, including plays, musicals, opera, music and childrens events. Bring a blanket and picnic for the most memorable experience.

Dairyland Farm Park – a family fun attraction near Newquay, Cornwall

There is so much to do here, outside and in, with children’s activities, a huge undercover play area; The Bull Pen, with climbing nets, slides and ball pools. Outside there’s trampolines, assault courses, a play area for smaller children, mini ride on tractors & JCB’s, Wendy House, Tarzan House, Aerial Ride and even a Maypole swing.

Then for the adults, visit a bygone age in the Cornish Heritage Centre and educate the children how life and work used to be, which sits next to the alternative energy centre. There is also a Milking Museum, a recycling display and Newquay’s Old Cornwall Society gallery.

A tranquil nature trail rolls down through the valley with woodland walks to lakes filled with wildlife from fish to swans, but for those not up to walking there is a Hayride daily from 1pm.

This is still a working farm and the centrepiece of the attraction remains the unique daily milking session (around 3.45pm) when the cows step aboard a merry-go-round milking machine and are milked to a rousing musical accompaniment.

National Lobster Hatchery – the best family attraction in Padstow

If you are looking for something a bit different to do, why not visit the award-winning Visitor Centre in Padstow? It’s great fun for all the family and when you’ve been, you’ll see why it’s known as one of the best attractions in Cornwall. You will have the chance to all learn about lobsters, local marine life and also find out about the pioneering marine conservation work they undertake in order to enhance the wild lobster population in our seas.

Did you know you can even adopt a baby lobster – Makes the perfect ethical and sustainable gift for loved ones!

The National Lobster Hatchery is a registered Charity. Your visit will help them to continue and advance their important work to help sustain the vulnerable lobster populations and safeguard the fishing industry and the many livelihoods and coastal communities it supports.

Paradise Park – top Cornwall holiday wildlife attraction

Your family will love a day in Paradise on your Cornwall holiday and with so much to see, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best attractions in Cornwall. This Award-winning wildlife sanctuary offers so much for all the family.

Situated in Hayle on Cornwall’s north coast, five miles from the holiday resort of St Ives and seventeen miles from Land’s End.
You’ll meet amazing wildlife, including stunningly colourful birds including many rare and beautiful parrots, Humboldt’s penguins, Caribbean flamingos, Red-billed Cornish choughs, Golden and Bald eagles, kookaburras, hornbills, cranes and so many more.

A dedicated team of Zoo Keepers care for over 1,200 birds plus, beautiful Red pandas, rare Red squirrels and playful Asian otters there is a wonderful selection to see. Many species are in conservation breeding schemes.

National Maritime Museum – award-winning museum in Falmouth

A voyage of discovery; National Maritime Museum Cornwall is home to 15 galleries, over five floors: exploring the influence of the sea on history and culture.

Falmouth is a fitting setting for this journey of discovery to begin. National Maritime Museum Cornwall is located on aptly named Discovery Quay, and is a vast, iconic building, home to exciting exhibitions and a wide range of galleries.

There’s plenty to see and do, and it’s very family friendly too.

Trebah Gardens – great garden attractions in Cornwall

Discover the magic of this beautiful valley garden with over four miles of footpaths. Explore under canopies bursting with exotic blooms. Follow vibrant tunnels of colour that cascade to a private secluded beach on the Helford River.

Trebah offers visitors a year round experience, and with adventure play areas, children’s trails and special events Trebah is a family and dog friendly garden.

The stylish Visitor Centre houses an award winning cafe, Gallery and Garden shops as well as a Plant Centre in the summer months.

Tate St Ives – inspiring art attractions in Cornwall

The transformation of Tate St Ives has earned it the prestigious award for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2018.

The gallery celebrates the international legacy of modern artists associated with this beautiful old fishing town.

The dynamic spirit of this artists’ community, famed as a centre for abstract art from the mid-twentieth century, is reflected in a vibrant programme of exhibitions, displays and events, embracing the best of international modern and contemporary art.

Jamaica Inn – the most famous smugglers inn, in Cornwall

Made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name, Jamaica Inn is a 1750’s coaching inn, high on the wild and beautiful Bodmin Moor. The Inn offers the same warm welcome today as it has done to travellers for centuries. Food in the Pedlars restaurant is almost all homemade and sourced from local Cornish suppliers and in the bars, there is an impressive range of Cornish ales, ciders, wines and spirits – including its own Jamaica Inn rum. The Inn is now a 36- bedroom hotel with suites, original bedrooms with four-poster beds and modern recently built bedrooms with breath-taking views over the moor.

If you stay in one of the 200 year old original rooms, who knows, you might even be visited by one of the resident ghosts!

Flambards – an unforgettable family attraction in Cornwall

Flambards Theme Park is the perfect destination for an unforgettable family day out with its fun mix of rides, indoor attractions and entertainment.

From thrill seekers to those who prefer a gentler pace, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Flambards.

Take a spin on the Hornet Rollercoaster, check out the amazing views from the top of SkyRaker – the drop, twisting ride, brave the Thunderbolt or journey into the dark on Space Race and prepare to get wet on the Colorado River log flume!

Spot life-sized dinosaurs on the Jurassic Journey. Don’t miss the stegosaurus, a five metre tall brachiosaurus, awesome tyrannosaurus rex and giant triceratops as you track down dinosaurs.

Visit the Dino-Nursey & Hatchery to see the latest arrivals and join the Dino-Dig to unearth fossilised remains in a special prehistoric boneyard.

Plus take a walk through history in Flambards’ award-winning undercover exhibitions. The Victorian Village has over 50 authentically recreated shops and scenes of everyday life, while the Britain in the Blitz exhibition presents a life-size recreation of a street during WWII.

With so much to offer, this fun-filled family day out definitely delivers as one of the best attractions in Cornwall.

Bringing the dog and looking for a dog friendly day out? Why not check out our guide to dog friendly days out in Cornwall.