Long, sandy beaches, azure-blue waters, and charming seaside cafés – forget the Costa del Sol this summer. You don’t need to leave the country to find the perfect family-friendly break!
Cornwall is well-known for its stunning coastline, and laid-back lifestyle. In fact, there are 100 local beaches to choose from – from rugged, windswept coves to wide stretches of white sand. But Cornwall is so much more than just sand and sea.
Fans of The Secret Garden will be enthralled by the Lost Gardens of Heligan. The sprawling gardens were first established in the mid-1700s but fell into ruin during the World Wars. In 1990, the derelict remains were rediscovered and painstakingly returned to their former glory. Now you can spend hours wandering around the lush grounds, which include rose gardens, native New Zealand bush land, and even a man-made tropical jungle!
History buffs will be swept back to medieval times with a visit to Tintagel. Set high on the rugged cliffs of North Devon, legend has it this magical location was the birthplace of King Arthur. Walk the winding cliff steps to the ruins of Tintagel Castle, and marvel at the breathtaking scenery, while soaking up 1500 years of English history. (NB: the steep descent makes this more suitable for older children).
Sometimes you just want to enjoy a day chock full of family fun! Crealy’s is a good old-fashioned adventure park, complete with rides, slides, a petting zoo and live shows. There really is something for all ages here -including a water park perfect for those hot summer days and an indoor soft play area if the weather refuses to cooperate.
Animal lovers won’t want to miss the Sanctuary. Situated near Looe in southeast Cornwall, this little patch of primate heaven takes in rescue monkeys from the UK and international pet trades. The working sanctuary gives visitors an up close and personal glimpse into the fascinating world of monkeys, and professional keepers are on hand to answer all your questions.
Once you’ve had a look around, stop in the vegetarian Tree Top café for a bite to eat, or enjoy a picnic lunch amongst the wildflowers. (NB: if you’re travelling by foot to the sanctuary, bear in mind that the bumpy coastal path is not suitable for pushchairs.)
There are six Travelodge locations around Cornwall – Wadebridge, Bodmin Roche, Newquay Seafront, St Austell, Saltash, and Hayle – so wherever you stay, you’re perfectly placed to explore the entire county, and all its fascinating attractions.
Forget the time and hassle and expense of travelling abroad, and rediscover Cornwall today!
5 More Cool Things to do in Cornwall:
- Take a nostalgic steam train journey on the Bodmin and Wendord railway
- Visit The Lizard, the UK’s most southerly point, with stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel
- Explore the rolling moorlands, valleys and bogs of Darmoor, the setting for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles
- Get wet and wild at Oasis Fun Pools in Newquay (reopens 28 March) and take your pick of slides, rides and fountains. For younger children, there’s also a toddlers’ area with slide
- Kids of all ages will love the thrills of St Evan Kart Circuit in Newquay. This 1.3km track is the largest in the southwest!
