Cornwall is one of the best areas for families to visit, with a massive range of attractions to choose from, you won’t be short of things to do while staying here!
We’ve picked out 20 of our favourite places and attractions in Cornwall that you should check out while staying with us at The Valley.
1. National Maritime Museum Cornwall
The National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth celebrates Cornwall’s maritime heritage with a wide range of exhibits. It offers interactive displays and a wealth of maritime history, from ancient shipwrecks to modern marine conservation.
This historic fortress in Falmouth, built by Henry VIII, offers breathtaking views of the sea and a glimpse into England’s coastal defence history. The castle’s collection of historic weaponry and interactive exhibits make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Highlights:
Henry VIII’s coastal fortress with stunning sea views.
Interactive exhibitions and historic reenactments.
Collection of historic weaponry, including Tudor, Napoleonic, Victorian and 20th-century cannons
Visitor Information:
Location: Falmouth, TR11 4LP
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
Admission: Ticketed entry; English Heritage Members are Free, Adult £17.20, Child (5-17 years) £10.40, Concessions & Family Tickets available
The Eden Project near St Austell is renowned for its massive biomes, which house diverse plant species from around the world. It’s an educational and inspirational site promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.
Highlights:
World’s largest indoor rainforest.
Stunning biomes housing plants from diverse climates.
Interactive exhibits on sustainability.
Visitor Information:
Location: Bodelva, St Austell, PL24 2SG
Opening Hours: Vary by season; typically 9:30 AM – 6 PM from 27 Jul – 1 Sep
Admission: Ticketed entry; prices vary for adults, children, and families
Facilities: Restaurants, cafes, gift shops, and mobility scooter hire
Dog friendly: Dogs are allowed in all Outdoor Gardens but are are not allowed in the indoor Biomes or children’s play areas. Dogs must be kept on lead at all times.
Paradise Park is home to over 1200 birds, as well as range of exciting animals. It’s a sanctuary that also features the JungleBarn, an indoor play area, making it a fantastic spot for families.
Highlights:
Over 130 species of birds (1200 in total) and animals including red pandas, otters and miniature donkeys.
Bird displays and Fun Farm for animal interactions.
JungleBarn indoor play centre.
Visitor Information:
Location: Hayle, TR27 4HB
Opening Hours: Summer Opening Times March-November 10 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry 4.30 PM)
Admission: Ticketed entry; Adults £20.95, Children (3- 15 years) £16.95, concessions & family tickets available
Facilities: Gift shop, cafe, pub, play areas
Dog friendly: No dogs, except official assistance dogs
Located in Marazion, St Michael’s Mount is a tidal island with a stunning castle and beautiful gardens. It’s a place steeped in legend and history, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Cornish culture.
Highlights:
Tidal island with medieval castle and gardens.
Historical exhibits and stunning coastal views.
Access via causeway or boat.
Visitor Information:
Location: Marazion, TR17 0HS
Opening Hours: Vary by season; access is dependent on tide times, check the website
Dog friendly: Pets are not permitted to visit the island from 1 April – 30 September. From 1 October to 31 March, dogs are welcome in the harbour and village only. Assistance Dogs are permitted.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of seals and other marine animals. Visitors can learn about marine conservation through engaging exhibits and talks.
Highlights:
Rescued seals, sea lions, puffins and beavers.
Educational talks and feeding demonstrations.
Scenic woodland walks.
Visitor Information:
Location: Gweek, TR12 6UG
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admissions at 4:00 PM.
Admission: Ticketed entry; Adult £20.99, Child (3-16 years) £17.99, concessions & family tickets. Ticket provides entry for 12 months. Prebooking online is discounted.
Facilities: Cafe, shop, toilets
Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leads.
In Padstow, the National Lobster Hatchery is a conservation project focused on marine life. Visitors can learn about lobster breeding and conservation efforts through interactive exhibits.
Highlights:
Learn about lobster conservation.
Interactive exhibits and hatchery tours.
“Adopt a Lobster” program.
Visitor Information:
Location: Padstow, PL28 8BL
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM
Admission: Ticketed entry; Adults £8.00, Child (3-15) £5.00, family tickets. Ticket valid for 12 months.
The Museum of Cornish Life explores the region’s cultural and industrial history. It features exhibits on everything from farming to local crafts, providing a deep dive into Cornish heritage.
Highlights:
Exhibits on Cornish culture, history, and industry.
Victorian classroom and period rooms.
Farming equipment and local artefacts.
Visitor Information:
Location: Helston, TR13 8TH
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10 AM-4 PM
Admission: Free Admission
Facilities: shop, family activities, play area, cafe, toilets
Perched on dramatic cliffs, Tintagel Castle is shrouded in the legend of King Arthur. The site’s rugged beauty and ancient ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into medieval history.
Highlights:
Legendary birthplace of King Arthur.
Ruins with dramatic sea views.
Gallos, a large bronze sculpture of an ancient king.
Visitor Information:
Location: Tintagel, PL34 0HE
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
Admission: Ticketed entry; English Heritage members get free entry, ticket prices vary depending on season.
Facilities: Cafe, shop, exhibition, beach, toilets
Newquay Zoo is home to 150 species from around the world – about 855 creatures in total. The zoo offers a variety of talks and interactive experiences, making it a favourite for families and animal lovers.
Highlights:
150 different species.
Gardens & Tropical House.
Animal talks and feeds.
Visitor Information:
Location: Newquay, TR7 2LZ
Opening Hours: Closing times vary throughout the year, Opens 10 AM all year. 23rd March – 26th October last entry 4 PM, Close 5 PM.
Admission: Ticketed entry; Adult £18.00, Child (3 to 15 years) £13.55, concessions & family tickets available
Facilities: gift shop, cafe, takeaways, wheelchair hire
Dog friendly: pets are not permitted in the zoo, except for registered assistance dogs
Camel Creek offers a blend of thrilling rides, animal encounters, and indoor play areas. It’s a perfect destination for families looking for a day full of adventure.
Highlights:
Thrill rides, animal encounters, and indoor play zones.
Adventure park for all ages.
Seasonal events and shows.
Visitor Information:
Location: Wadebridge, PL27 7RA
Opening Hours: varies seasonally, generally 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM (5 PM in school holidays)
The Minack Theatre, set on a cliffside overlooking the Atlantic, is one of the most picturesque outdoor theatres in the world. It hosts a range of performances, from plays to musicals, all set against a stunning backdrop.
Highlights:
Open-air theatre with a spectacular ocean backdrop.
Diverse performances including plays, musicals, and concerts.
Historical gardens and visitor centre.
Visitor Information:
Location: Penzance, TR19 6JU
Opening Hours: open for visits from 10am in summer, closing times vary.
Admission: Ticketed entry; advanced booking essential, prices vary by performance.
Levant Mine near St Just is a historic site showcasing Cornwall’s tin mining heritage. Visitors can explore the mine, see the historic beam engine in action, and enjoy stunning coastal views. Entry to the mine is ticketed, but you can see the mine well on walks along the South West Coast Path.
Lappa Valley is a family-friendly attraction with narrow-gauge railway rides, boating lakes, and adventure play areas. It’s an ideal spot for a fun-filled day out.
Highlights:
Narrow-gauge railway rides.
Indoor soft play and outdoor adventure play areas.
Tate St Ives is a renowned art gallery overlooking Porthmeor Beach, showcasing modern and contemporary art, with a special focus on works connected to St Ives. We also recommend visiting the nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
Highlights:
Modern and contemporary art exhibitions.
Stunning views over Porthmeor Beach.
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden nearby.
Visitor Information:
Location: St Ives, TR26 1TG
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5:20 PM
Admission: advanced booking is recommended; Adults £13.50 with donation, £12.00 without donation, Under 18s free, Concessions: £12.50 with donation, £11.00 without donation.
Facilities: gift shop, toilets, lift, wheelchair hire, restaurant and bar.
Dog friendly: Guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs are welcome in the gallery.
Adrenalin Quarry is the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers. It offers a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities such as zip lines, giant swings, coasteering, go-karting, and water sports, all set in a scenic quarry.
Highlights:
Zip line, giant swing, and coasteering.
Aquapark – an inflatable playground of extreme trampolines, monkey bars, swings and much more.
Located in Truro, the Royal Cornwall Museum offers a comprehensive look at Cornwall’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Its extensive collections include Cornish archaeology, art, and natural history, as well as an impressive Egyptian collection featuring a mummy.
Highlights:
Extensive collections of Cornish archaeology and history.
Art gallery and natural history exhibits.
Egyptian artifacts including a mummy.
Visitor Information:
Location:
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM, Tuesday – Saturday
Admission: Ticketed entry; Adults £7.50 (annual pass), Free for under 18s
Facilities: cafe connected to museum, shop, lift, toilets
Land’s End is one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks, offering stunning cliff-top views and a range of attractions. It’s a place of dramatic natural beauty and is home to family-friendly activities, historical exhibits, and seasonal events.
Highlights:
Iconic signpost landmark with stunning cliff views.
Interactive experience featuring iconic characters Wallace & Gromit, Morph and Shaun the Sheep.
Attractions including a 4D movie, adventure golf, and a farm with small animals to pet.
The Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay showcases a variety of marine life from local waters and exotic seas. The aquarium features over 40 naturally themed habitats, an underwater tunnel, and interactive displays focusing on marine conservation.
Highlights:
Over 40 naturally themed habitats.
Underwater tunnel to get up close views.
Talks and feeds throughout the day.
Visitor Information:
Location: Newquay, TR7 1DU
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
Admission: Prebooking recommended; Standard (13+ years) £14.75, Junior (3 – 12 years) £11.35, concessions and family tickets available
Facilities: gift shop, cafe, beachside refreshments
Dog friendly: Only assistance dogs registered and accredited by Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK).
Orca Sea Safaris in Falmouth offers boat trips along the Cornish coast, providing the chance to see dolphins, seals, and a variety of marine birds. The trips are guided by experts who provide educational commentary on the local wildlife and environment.
Highlights:
Boat trips to see marine life – potential to see dolphins, minke whales, grey seals!
