10 incredible ideas for a family holiday in Cornwall

Date Posted: 3 Oct 2023

Family holidays to Cornwall are just fabulous. Making memories that will last a lifetime, from getting sandy toes and building towering sandcastles at one of Cornwall’s beaches, to enjoying some of the very best cuisine together as a family.

If you have a family holiday to Cornwall on the horizon no doubt you’ve a few things earmarked, but if you’re looking for some ideas on how to maximise your break away with the kids, look no further…

1. Picnic on the beach

Sandy sandwiches are all part of the fun on a Cornwall holiday. You can pick up some wonderful produce here in Cornwall to ensure your picnic on the beach is one to remember. It’s tough to beat a Cornwall beach as a backdrop when tucking into a hearty picnic, Cornish style.

Most council-run beaches will allow you to BBQ on the beach, but do check on the beach rule signs at the beach. BBQs are forbidden on National Trust beaches. Always be kind to the planet and take your rubbish with you and dispose of BBQs sensibly.

2. Family bike ride

Family experiences are what make memories, and embracing life on two wheels through the Cornish countryside is a brilliant group activity. There are miles of tracks to be explored from wild woodland to sweeping coastal tracks. You don’t need to bring your own bikes to Cornwall if space is limited as you’ll find bike hire centres near all the popular routes.

A great all-rounder has to be The Camel Trail in north Cornwall. Arguably the best-known it stretches for almost 18 miles on a discarded railway between Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow.

10 of the Best Family Cycle Trails in Cornwall

Cornwall is primed for active family breaks, whether it’s battling it out on surf boards, kayak racing or embracing life on two wheels through the Cornish countryside....

3. Family surf lesson

Whether you’re a novice or in need of a refresher lesson, embarking on a joint family surf lesson is a fun-filled activity for your Cornwall holiday. Cornwall’s surfing offers some of the best conditions in the country, so make the most of it and book in with a local surf school to enjoy this experience together. Cornwall, particularly the north coast, is famed for its surfing credentials, whether you are looking for  the best beaches, surf schools or surf lessons you’re spoilt for choice here.

4. Family walk on the South West Coast Path

Depending on children’s ages and abilities, a family holiday in Cornwall isn’t complete without taking in some of the epic views that the South West Coast Path offers. Due to Cornwall’s undulating coastal geography, many sections are likely to be too challenging for children, however there are some easy access walks which are suitable for pushchairs and people with mobility issues. In West Cornwall, Marazion, Godrevy Head, Gwennap Head and Perranuthnoe are some of the places with sections of the South West Coast Path that are a little gentler.

5. Family boat ride

Cornwall is spectacular from the water, whether you want to embark on a family fishing trip to channel your inner angler, a sea safari where you’ll get chance to see some of Cornwall’s wonderful wildlife, or simply enjoy a calming river cruise, we highly recommend you experience a boat trip or tour during your holiday in Cornwall. Don’t forget your camera!

6. Feel the adrenaline rush

Consider yourself an adventurous family? If you’re all about the adrenaline, Cornwall is the ultimate playground. From whizzing on a zip wire over lakes, the thrill of wakeboarding, and ‘Total Wipeout’ courses where families can battle it out, Cornwall offers a variety of adventures for you. Bear in mind that age limits do apply.

7. Get crafty

No doubt you’ll want to bring back a souvenir from your Cornwall holiday. Forego the usual fridge magnet and make your own holiday keepsake instead. Cornwall is known for its creativity, from family-friendly pottery classes to glass blowing.

8. Enjoy some family fun

You’re spoilt for choice with family-friendly attractions in Cornwall. While the beach is the ultimate outdoor playground, it’s always good to have a rainy-day back-up plan. Cornwall offers something for all the family from historic tin mines to an open-air theatre or any number of attractions with animals.

 9. Attend a Cornish event as a family

Cornwall has a whole roster of events to enjoy, from family-friendly festivals to Cornish celebrations. Many events take place over the summer months, but there’s still plenty to be enjoyed out of the peak season. To get a true taste of Cornwall we recommend checking them out while you’re here.

The Best Events in Cornwall

Cornwall may be known as a somewhat sleepy county, but events take place all year round, from music events, festivals and Cornish celebrations....

10. Enjoy a night in together

Even in casual Cornwall, holidays can soon become jam-packed with plans, from eating out and exploring different towns and villages. It’s important on your family holiday to Cornwall that you enjoy some precious downtime together, too. Your Cornwall cottage is the perfect place to unwind, whether that’s having a film night – some of our properties come with their own at-home cinema rooms – or playing a board game together.

BOOK YOUR FAMILY HOLIDAY IN CORNWALL

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