Cornwall is packed with fantastic beaches, great museums, castles, stately homes, gardens and a plethora of other attractions. There’s so much for a family with young children in search of a great day out. Here are five of our favourites!
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Pentewan, St Austell, PL26 6EN
These beautiful gardens aren’t an attraction specifically aimed at very young children but we think they make one of Cornwall’s loveliest days out! In the spring sunshine you can amble around acres of woodland, pasture, lakes and wetland, packed with plants and enjoy this incredible garden with its romantic story of recovery and rebirth. The huge restoration project, which has taken place over the last few years to restore the gardens to their former glory, uncovered historic features, lots of individual gardens, shrubs and ancient trees. The Productive Gardens are a living memorial to former Heligan staff lost in the Great War and they’ll inspire you to go home and start planting! There’s a jungle valley with ponds and sub tropical foliage and lots of wildlife. Our little ones just loved the joy of running down winding paths and finding something different around every corner!
Open daily from 10am
Tel: 01726 845100 www.heligan.com
Tintagel Castle
Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HE
This spectacular ruined castle is the stuff of fairy tales! Clinging to the cliff tops with the waves crashing below it is incredibly atmospheric and a fab spring day out. You can climb the rugged trail around the castle ruins and watch the waves crashing below. Be warned though; pushchairs are useless here. If you want to make the most of Tintagel and have a baby or toddler, a back pack or sling is an absolute must!
Open daily from 10 am
Tel: 01840 770328 www.english-heritage.org
DairyLand Farm World
Nr Newquay, TR8 5AA
The DairyLand philosophy has always been to encourage visitors to the farm and to promote a better understanding between town and country. You’ll be guaranteed a welcome whatever the weather at this lovely farm day out. You can pat-a-pet, have a tractor ride or visit one of the indoor play areas! There’s also a milking parlour, farm animals and feeding and mini tractors. Just the job for an animal mad tot!
Open daily from 29 March
Tel: 01872 510246 www.dairylandfarmworld.com
Lanhydrock
Nr Bodmin, PL30 5AD
If a holiday isn’t complete for you without a National Trust tea shop and a sniff of the lavender scented gift shop, then you can’t do better than Lanhydrock. This late Victorian country house is one of the jewels in the National Trust’s crown. The house is stunning, the servants’ quarters fascinating and the parkland full of a million spots for hide and seek. Go for a full day, take a picnic and enjoy some of the splendid walks through woodlands and along the river.
Check website for opening details.
Tel: 01208 265950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Trevarno
Crowntown, Nr Helston, TR13 ORU
Trevarno houses the National Museum of Gardening. If that’s not quite your cup of tea the estate, with its 70 acres of gardens and grounds will make for an enchanting family day out. There’s a Bluebell Valley and 1,000 varieties of daffodils for the spring visitor as well as a host of beautiful and interesting features scattered around the gardens. There’s an adventure play area hidden in a clearing in the woods and a lovely 2km walk with stunning views across the Lizard Peninsula. The ideal spot to soak up the spring sunshine and enjoy the lush Cornish climate!
Open daily from 10.30
Tel: 01326 574274 www.trevarno.co.uk
