Cornwall is a superb family friendly place to holiday with young children. It’s the combination of the fresh seaside air, stunning countryside and beaches, friendly people, lovely places to relax and eat delicious food – and there’s no need to lug all your gear on to an airplane, simply pack the car and off you go.
Whilst the children are in pre-school years it’s a good idea to take advantage of the freedom to holiday during school term times when Cornwall is traditionally less busy and accommodation prices are much cheaper.
When it comes to deciding on where to stay in Cornwall, everywhere is family friendly with loads to see and do and accommodation where sticky fingers are welcomed. One of the most popular choices amongst families is to stay in a holiday cottage. It’s great to have your own space and the freedom to do the things you want, when you want and a holiday cottage provides you with this freedom – a home away from home as they say. There’s no set itineraries or meal times to keep to – especially important for those with babies!
One advantage that a holiday cottage has over other types of accommodation is most supply bulky items such as cots and high-chairs which is very handy when the family car space is limited. You will also have a kitchen with all the amenities you have at home so you can prepare food for you and the children anytime of the day. There are of course many holiday parks, hotels and apartments to choose from throughout Cornwall so you really are spoilt for choice.
In terms of locations, where to stay comes down to personal preferences and what type of scenery you like, activities you are thinking of doing and so on. North Cornwall and West Cornwall have some of the best family friendly attractions for children who love animals with zoo’s and numerous farms and parks along with award winning beaches.
Trip Advisor travellers voted four Cornish beaches in the top 25 beaches in the UK and these are Perranporth Beach (north), Porthminster Beach (west), Fistral Beach (north) and Godrevy Head (west).
Once you have your accommodation sorted you can get down to enjoying the simple pleasures in life such as paddling in the sea, flying a kite, building sandcastles, taking gentle coastal walks or bike rides enjoying quality time with each other without spending a penny. There are also lots of superb child friendly activities and attractions to keep young ones busy and well worth the price of admission.
Here we look at some of the most popular attractions in Cornwall:
Dairyland
A great day out for young children, from slides to the nature trail, tractor rides and pony rides, to milking the cows and feeding a range of animals the park will keep children busy for hours.
Lappa Valley Steam Railway
Lappa Valley Steam Railway & Leisure Park is based just outside of Newquay. Take a ride on the Steam Train, Canoe on the boating lake or explore the Adventure castle. There is also a Giant tube slide, pedal cars and a Family games field, all included in the entrance fee.
Eden Project
Dubbed the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ by some, Eden is a dramatic global garden housed in tropical biomes that nestle in a crater the size of 30 football pitches ands is a fun and family friendly day out. Facilities include on-site restaurants and cafes, gift shops and well equipped child- and baby-friendly toilet facilities. In fact, for a day out you needn’t worry about taking much more than yourselves. Eden is also offers easy access to wheelchairs and buggies.
One to Eleven
Children love indoor soft play and One2Eleven at Flambards in Helston is a fantastic indoor play heaven for children under 11 years. The main play area includes slides, a cannon park, ball swamps, an assault course, rope walkways and a baby and tots’ area.
Paradise Park
This award winning sanctuary is home to amazing rare birds with otters, red squirrels, red pandas, pet’s corner and a farmyard as well as an indoor area making a visit perfect for families even in poor weather. Small children in particular are enthralled by the exotic bird displays taking place daily.
Newquay Zoo
Set in sub-tropical lakeside gardens and home to over 130 species of animals offers hours of education and wonder for children. Let them visit the animals of the African Plains in the Savannah area or see Lemurs in the Madagascan walkthrough, new for 2010.
