Are you looking for a family-friendly holiday destination? Cornwall may just be the perfect spot. With its stunning coastal views and wide range of attractions, it’s no wonder that Cornwall has become a popular destination for young families. Continue reading to find out why a Cornwall holiday is perfect for young families.
- Enjoying your Cornwall holiday out of peak season
- Save money (on nearly everything)
- Accommodation to suit your family
- Look for these amenities to keep your family happy
- Kid friendly activities
- The great outdoors
- Family friendly attractions
- Beaches galore
- Top ten tips for travelling to Cornwall with kids
- Food and drink for all
- Rich Culture
- Interested to learn more?
Enjoying your Cornwall holiday out of peak season
One way to ensure a successful trip is to avoid the peak season and overcrowded beaches, by opting to travel out of season or during the shoulder season. This will give you a more relaxed atmosphere, and many additional benefits you can take advantage of during this quieter time of year.
Fast Fact:
“The shoulder season is usually between April and June, and again in September and October.”
During these months, there are generally fewer tourists visiting Cornwall, meaning fewer people on the roads and at popular attractions. This makes for an ideal time for families to explore different areas of the county as well as have some peace and quiet away from large crowds.
Save money (on nearly everything)
Out of season holidays bring with them plenty of savings that may not be available during peak times – such as discounts on accommodation, reduced prices on attractions and special offers and fixed pricing when you dine out. Due to less pressure from high demand, it’s easier to find activities such as paddleboard rental, boat trips and family-friendly experiences which would normally be booked up far in advance during busier periods.
Accommodation to suit your family
Cornwall has plenty of accommodation options available for young families. From self-catering apartments to whole holiday homes, there is something for every budget. When you choose self-catering, you get the benefit of having your own kitchen, so you can enjoy family meals together at any time. Your location is important too – choose accommodation close to your must-see attractions, or far away from the crowds if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience.
Look for these amenities to keep your family happy
When choosing family-friendly accommodation, it is important to look for amenities that will help you and your children enjoy your stay. An on-site playground is a must, as this allows children to play safely and burn off some of their excess energy. Tennis courts are also a great addition, offering an ideal activity for the whole family. If you’re looking for something inside, indoor swimming pools can provide hours of fun, no matter the weather conditions outside. Relaxing spa facilities are essential for Mum or Dad to escape to relax in the jacuzzi or sauna.
Kid friendly activities
Cornwall is home to a wide range of family-friendly activities, from long beach days to theme parks and zoos. For those looking for something more unique, you can take a ride on the Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway or visit one of the many castles in the area. Cornwall is also home to some fantastic animal sanctuaries and wildlife reserves, perfect for a day out with the kids.
The great outdoors
Cornwall is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in England and is an ideal spot for those looking to explore the great outdoors. From walking along coastal paths to visiting old fishing villages, there’s plenty to see and do. And if you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can take part in water sports with your little ones like swimming and paddle boarding. It’s the perfect place to feel completely immersed in nature while still having all the comforts of home.
Family friendly attractions
Cornwall is home to plenty of family-friendly attractions, perfect for a day out with the kids. From the Eden Project to The Lost Gardens of Heligan, there are enough activities to keep everyone occupied. If you’re looking for something a bit different, why not explore the local wildlife? The Cornish Seal Sanctuary (near Gweek) and Marine Discovery Centre (Penzance) are great fun for all ages.
Beaches galore
One of the best things about Cornwall is its stunning coastline, with miles of sandy beaches to explore. Look for a long beach with interesting rock pools, and convenient parking with a cafe or public toilets (essential with young kids.) Spend time at the beach making sandcastles, treasure hunting, or paddling in the shallows.
Top ten tips for travelling to Cornwall with kids
Taking your family on holiday in Cornwall during the off-season or on the shoulder season can be an ideal way to avoid the crowds. With young children under five years of age, travelling in a car can be both manageable and fun. To ensure that your family travels smoothly with your small ones, here’s our top ten list of tips when planning your family holiday in Cornwall.
- Research your route in advance to determine how long it will take to arrive at your destination and plan appropriate rest stops along the way if needed. If travelling in an electric car, be sure to research charging points along the way to reduce ‘range anxiety’.
- Take plenty of breaks throughout your journey so that both you and your children get the opportunity to stretch your legs and use a toilet if needed; these can also serve as great opportunities for sightseeing along the way.
- Ensure that all snacks, drinks and toys are easily accessible during the trip so you don’t have to constantly stop off or make detours to find what you need. (Pack healthy snacks such as dried fruit, nuts, snack bars and cheese sticks as they’re less likely to cause mess in the back seats.)
- Pack plenty of refillable water bottles so that everyone stays hydrated during the journey.
- Have an entertainment bag filled with books, toys, games, colouring books and crayons, music players, iPads (or similar), and headphones so everyone can enjoy their own choice of entertainment during the journey.
- Ensure that children have a comfortable place to sit during the journey – if you have more than one child, bring along additional car seats or booster seats to make sure everyone is secure.
- Pack some basic first aid supplies in case of minor injuries during the trip – plasters, antiseptic wipes and children’s’ paracetamol should cover most scenarios.
- Bring all of your child’s favourite stuffed toys and cuddly blankets; these will come in handy when it comes time to take naps or just relax and soothe young ones during the drive.
- Listen to calming music, play kid’s podcasts, play games or tell stories together as a family while travelling – this helps keep kids distracted from boredom during long drives.
- Make arrangements with a close family member to drop off fresh milk, bread and other essentials at your home towards the end of your holiday, so you can resume your regular routine the moment you arrive back with the kids.
Food and drink for all
You won’t go hungry on your Cornish holiday. From fresh seafood caught from the nearby harbours to traditional pasties made with locally sourced ingredients (not to mention those delicious Cornish ice creams – YUM!), there are plenty of local dishes available throughout the region that are sure to satisfy even picky eaters. Try locally caught fish and chips, or enjoy a beach picnic with burgers, hot dogs fresh from a beach cafe. (The cafe at Maenporth beach does wood fired pizza nights which can be enjoyed on your beach blanket!)
Rich Culture
Kids love to learn about different cultures and explore new places, so why not take a trip to a local museum or visit one of Cornwall’s many historical sites. This vibrant culture adds an extra element of excitement to any holiday – especially when travelling with children who can learn about history in an interactive way while having fun in the process.
Cornwall is an idyllic spot for young families and has plenty of things to keep everyone entertained. From fresh seafood to kid friendly activities and beautiful beaches, there’s no denying that Cornwall is the perfect spot for a holiday with your young family. With plenty of accommodation options and food to suit everyone, you can be sure to have a fun filled vacation that will leave your whole family feeling refreshed and relaxed.
