Cornwall with kids: beaches, rock pools and rainy-day plans
Cornwall with kids is the classic British summer holiday: golden beaches, rock pools full of crabs, pasties on the harbour wall and plenty of indoor plans when the weather turns. With the school summer holidays about to start in England and Wales, here is our guide to the best family areas and attractions, plus travel, places to stay, food and a packing list. It works whether you have a toddler with a bucket and spade or a ten-year-old ready for the waves.
Why Cornwall with kids works this summer
Cornwall has hundreds of beaches and a long list of family attractions, so you can mix sand, sea and day trips without long drives. July is when the sea starts to warm up, the days are long and the lifeguards are on duty at the main beaches.
Book early for the school holidays, as cottages and campsites fill up fast. If you can, travel at the start of the week to avoid the busy Saturday changeovers. Visit Cornwall has beach guides, events and up-to-date travel advice.
Top family destinations in Cornwall
Newquay, the Lizard, St Austell Bay and West Penwith offer the best mix of beaches and family attractions.
| Place | Area | Best for | Ages | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eden Project | St Austell | biomes, play, gardens | 2+ | £££ |
| Lost Gardens of Heligan | Mevagissey | jungle walks, farm animals | 3+ | ££ |
| St Michael's Mount | Marazion | causeway walk, castle | 4+ | ££ |
| Cornish Seal Sanctuary | Gweek | rescued seals | 2+ | ££ |
| Newquay Zoo | Newquay | animals, play areas | 1+ | ££ |
| Lappa Valley | near Newquay | steam trains, play | 2–10 | ££ |
| National Maritime Museum Cornwall | Falmouth | boats, rainy days | 4+ | ££ |
| Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay | Newquay | sea life, rainy days | 1+ | ££ |
Price per person: £ = under about £10, ££ = about £10–£25, £££ = over £25. Rough guide only, prices change.
Check opening hours and prices on the official website before you go, as many attractions offer cheaper online tickets.
See family attractions in Cornwall on the Kid.ooo map
The Eden Project near St Austell is a must, with giant biomes, a rainforest walkway and play areas. Nearby, the Lost Gardens of Heligan have a jungle valley, a farm and woodland sculptures. In the far west, walk the causeway at low tide to St Michael's Mount, a castle on an island that feels straight out of a storybook.
Animal lovers can visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary on the Helford River or Newquay Zoo. Little train fans will enjoy the miniature steam railway at Lappa Valley.
Beaches and rock pools. The north coast has big surf beaches with lifeguards, ideal for bodyboarding. The south coast has smaller, calmer coves with rock pools at each end. Go rock pooling an hour or two before low tide, bring a bucket and a net, and put creatures back where you found them.
Getting there with kids: car, train and stops
Driving gives you the most freedom, but leave very early or travel midweek to beat the summer queues on the A30 and A38. Plan a stop every two hours at a services or a farm shop with a play area. Dartmoor and Exeter make good halfway breaks.
By train, there are direct services to Penzance from London, with branch lines to Newquay, St Ives, Falmouth and Looe. A Family & Friends Railcard can cut the cost a lot. Our guide to family city breaks by train has more tips for travelling with children.
Where to stay: family-friendly stays
Choose a base within walking distance of a beach, so you can head back for naps and lunch. Self-catering cottages and holiday parks are the most popular choices for families, with space for cots and a kitchen for simple meals. Campsites are great value and children love the freedom.
Look for a garden or a safe outside space, a washing machine for sandy clothes and a short drive to a supermarket.
Where to eat with kids
Cornwall is made for picnics, pasties and fish and chips on the harbour, with plenty of beach cafés in between. Many beach cafés serve breakfast and lunch with a view. In the evenings, book ahead in popular towns like Padstow, St Ives and Falmouth, or eat early.
Find kid-friendly cafés and restaurants near your beach on the Kid.ooo map.
Rainy-day plan B
When the Cornish drizzle sets in, head for the Eden Project's covered biomes, a museum or an aquarium. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth has boats to explore and a lookout tower over the harbour. Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay sits right by the beach.
Jubilee Pool in Penzance, which features in our guide to splash pads and lidos, is a lovely option when the sun comes back out. Indoor play centres and leisure pools across Cornwall also fill a wet afternoon.
Packing checklist
Pack for four seasons in a day: sun, wind and rain are all possible in a Cornish summer.
- Swimsuits, rash vests and wetsuits for longer sea swims
- Sun cream, sun hats and sunglasses
- Waterproof jackets and wellies
- Buckets, spades, nets and a rock pool guide book
- Beach shelter or windbreak
- Water shoes for rocky beaches
- Snacks, water bottles and a cool bag
- Tide times app and a small first aid kit
For relaxed family travel inspiration, take a look at @rolandhall on Instagram, and for Cornish ocean and wildlife ideas see @follow.the.fowlers.
Save your Cornwall places in Kid.ooo
Kid.ooo is a free family days out map, built by parents who share the beaches, playgrounds and cafés their children love. Use it as your app for days out with kids: save your favourite spots before you go and find playgrounds near me when you arrive.
Plan your Cornwall trip on the Kid.ooo map
Missing a great Cornish beach café or playground? Add it to Kid.ooo and help the next family heading west this summer.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to stay in Cornwall with kids?
Newquay and the north coast suit families who want big sandy beaches and lots of attractions. The south coast around Falmouth and St Austell is calmer, with sheltered coves and easy access to the Eden Project.
When is the best time for rock pooling in Cornwall?
Go an hour or two before low tide, when the pools are exposed and you have time before the water comes back. Check the local tide times every day and always keep an eye on the sea.
What can you do in Cornwall with kids when it rains?
The Eden Project's covered biomes, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth and Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay are all good rainy-day choices. Cornwall also has plenty of indoor play centres and swimming pools.
Is it better to drive or take the train to Cornwall?
Driving gives you freedom to reach beaches, but summer traffic on the A30 and A38 can be heavy on Saturdays. The train to Penzance, Newquay or St Austell is relaxing with kids, especially with a Family & Friends Railcard.
Find family places near you
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