Enjoy exploring the rugged county on the southwestern tip of England. With stunning beaches and wild moorlands throughout the peninsula.
Cornwall has so many things to see and do it can be hard narrowing it down to decide where to head during your time there. So we are here to give you a helping hand in doing exactly that. Using our research we have put together the ultimate list of things to do in Cornwall, they are perfect for kids, couples, families of all ages and groups of friends. Have a read and see which you’d like to add to your list for next time you’re down in Cornwall.
Eden Project
Bodelva, Par, PL24 2SG
The Eden Project is an eco-visitor attraction in Cornwall and is an educational charity. The unique Biomes and outdoor gardens cover around 30 acres and if you explore it all it will take around 4 hours. All across the site there are different facilities which make exploring the Eden Project memorable. They have so many things to do and explore like the Rainforest Biome, Mediterranean Biome, Invisible Worlds exhibition, outdoor gardens and more.
Minack Theatre
The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, Penzance, TR19 6JU
The world-famous Minack Theatre is located in Cornwall, an impressive open-air theatre that is constructed into a granite cliff overlooking the incredible Porthcurno Bay. Although this theatre looks like it was built by the ancient Greeks it was only built less than 10 years ago! They have a range of different live performances throughout the year so make sure you check out what’s on during your time in Cornwall. Even if you don’t want to watch anything it’s a site that you will still want to see.
Tintagel Castle & Merlin’s Cave
Castle Rd, Tintagel, PL34 0HE
Located on the peninsula of Tintagel Island you will find Tintagel Castle, a medieval fortification sat right on the clifftops of the rugged island. To get onto the island there is an impressive bridge that you have to walk across as the entrance to the 13th century castle. Whilst you are in the area you could also explore Merlin’s Cave, located in the cliffs beneath the castle. It’s a 330 foot long sea cave that has been formed by erosion and it stretches all the way from one side of the island to the other so you can walk straight through it!
Lanhydrock House and Garden
Treffry Ln, Bodmin, PL30 5AD
This country house and estate is the perfect place to explore if you want to learn more about Victorian life. You will be able to get a glimpse into the life of servants along with how the luxurious family lived. And the large wooded estate has plenty of gardens, woodlands, riverside paths and off road cycle trails that you can explore. Lanhydrock House and Garden is a stunning place to go for a day in Cornwall.
Porthmeor Beach
Porthmeor Hill, Saint Ives, TR26 1JU
Located in St Ives, Porthmeor Beach is the perfect place to go if you want to enjoy blue waters, sandy beaches and lunch at trendy cafes that are not far from the beach. It’s an extremely popular beach for swimmers and surfers but many come to enjoy a picnic on the sand and enjoying the warm weather in the summer months. If you are visiting St Ives it’s definitely worth having a wonder down to Porthmeor Beach for a few hours.
Lappa Valley
St Newlyn East, Newquay, TR8 5LX
An attraction that is perfect for families with children, Lappa Valley can provide you with plenty of fun things to do in their secret valley in the Cornish countryside. There is a boating lake, crazy golf, adventure play park, indoor play area and a range of steam trains that you can enjoy a ride on. There is also a café at Lappa Valley serving a range of hot and cold meals, drinks and snacks for all. And at the end of the day you have to stop at the gift shop and have a look around at the things for sale.
The Hidden Valley Discovery Park
Tredidon, Launceston, PL15 8SJ
There is something for everyone at The Hidden Valley Discovery Park which makes it a great place to head if you are away with your family and want to keep everyone entertained. There are a range of puzzle trails that you can explore to find your way to the Forbidden Mansion. On the way you will also have to look out for the miniature railway that goes through the gardens. And in The Hidden Valley Discovery Park there is also a maze that you can try and work your way around.
Flambards Theme Park
Clodgey Lane, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 0QA
An amusement park located in South Cornwall which will make the best family fun day out whilst you’re in the area. At Flambards Theme Park there are over 25 different rides to suit all ages from the western mine train to the sky swinger and there are also different exhibitions throughout the year too. You can also enjoy some food whilst your there at their café or Ferdi’s Burger Bar, or there are plenty of picnic benches and open grass areas where you can bring and eat your own food.
South West Coast Path Walk – Mullion Cove to Lizard Point and Village
Mullion Cove, TR12 7EP
Cornwall is known for its breath taking views and stunning clifftops so why not enjoy both during the South West Coast Path Walk? The walk starts at Mullion Cove and continues mainly along clifftops until you eventually get to the Lizard Peninsula. It’s the perfect walk to enjoy even with dogs as you go past various beaches and pubs that welcome dogs. This can be a full day activity as you can stop and start as many times as you like to take in all the sites and views that come with the walk.
Cornish Seal Sancturay
Gweek, Cornwall, TR126UG
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary rehabilitates over 70 seal pups that have been rescued for different reasons each season! And you can visit the Sanctuary and experience the new life for these rescues and learn about all of their stories and where they came from. At the Sanctuary you will find grey seals, common seals, Humboldt penguins, southern sea lions, beavers and paddock animals like ponies, goats and sheep!
Lizard Lighthouse
3 Lighthouse Rd, Lizard, Helston, TR12 7NT
The thing that makes the Lizard Lighthouse so distinctive is the two towers on either end of the building. This lighthouse symbolises the most southerly point of mainland Britain and is open for tours throughout the year. If you are around this area we would definitely recommend booking onto a tour to learn more about this iconic landmark in Cornwall. Within the tour you are able to climb to the top of the Lighthouse and take in all the breath taking views.
Fistral Beach
Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1HY
Known for being the home of British Surfing, Fistral Beach is the perfect place to go even if you aren’t a surfer! There is a huge International Surfing Centre that was built in 2003 which has various restaurants, retail outlets and more inside. There are also a range of events that are hosted here each year like Boardmaster’s and Europe’s largest surf and skate festival! So whether you are after a day at the beach or you want to get involved in some beach activities Fistral Beach will definitely keep everyone entertained.
Newquay Zoo
Trenance Gardens, Newquay, TR7 2NL
Spread across 13 acres, Newquay Zoo has a range of different animals that you can view and learn about. Discover hundreds of the world’s most amazing animals, living among beautiful gardens at Newquay Zoo. One of Cornwall’s most exciting visitor attractions in the heart of Newquay, it’s a place to roam, discover, learn and get in touch with nature. There are 3 different cafes and restaurants available that you can takeaway food from and enjoy whilst you’re at the zoo.
The Japanese Garden
St Mawgan, Nr Newquay, TR8 4ET
If you are looking for a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of general life then you will love The Japanese Garden in Newquay, Cornwall. It is the perfect space for calming the mild and taking in the stunning views of the authentic Japanese garden. The garden was created by Robert & Stella who passed it on to their daughter Natalie and her partner Stuart when they retired. They are open from March to October each year.
Bude Castle
The Wharf, Bude, EX23 8LG
One of the finest and oldest Grade II listed buildings in Bude, you will find the castle nestled near the sand dunes of Summerleaze Beach. The castle is also located at the side of the Bude Canal. Built in 1830 you can imaging there is a lot of history behind this building and today it is The Castle, Bude’s Heritage Centre where you will find art galleries, a café, shop and exhibition spaces inside.
We have three different incredible resorts that are located around Cornwall and each would make a great base for exploring the local area.