For those heading on a winter staycation in Cornwall with the family, rest assured you’ll experience the rough and rugged beauty of the county and all it has to offer. The long and unforgiving queues of the summer will be long-forgotten, and life seems to tick by at somewhat of a slower pace in comparison to the rest of the country. However, just because your experience may not reflect the blue skies, golden sands, aqua blue seas that you’ve seen in pictures does not mean your stay will be any less enjoyable. In fact, this beautiful corner of Cornwall is home to some fantastic family attractions that can be enjoyed come rain, shine or sub-zero temperatures. Here at The Valley, we’ve created a list of just some of our favourite places to visit with the family throughout the colder months.
Perhaps not the first thing you have in mind when it comes to a day out with the kids, but this cider farm is like none other! Adults can peruse the various flavours of cider on offer, tasting those that take their fancy and stocking up on some homegrown produce for family and friends at home. Meanwhile, kids will love the exploring the farm and meeting the many animals that call it home, including Shetland ponies, Cornish black pigs and pygmy goats. The perfect end to the fantastic afternoon is tucking into a traditional, homemade Cornish cream tea in the tea rooms, but don’t forget to put your jam on first!
A classic form of family-friendly entertainment, but one that’s all the more exciting at a new and unexplored bowling alley. With eight lanes, an array of video and amusement arcade games and a well-stocked bar and restaurant serving tasty treats, there really is nowhere better to seek refuge when the rain begins to pour. Located in the heart of Truro, this venue is easy to access from wherever you are and can be tagged on to the end of another excursion.
Those with slightly younger children may wish to consider taking the short drive to Raze the Roof for an action-packed day of indoor play! From the four-lane astro slide to the renowned vertical drop slide, there’s no shortage of things to do for children of any age. Tiny tots can run riot in the toddler area, while parents can watch on from the soft seats nearby, and those visiting during term time can check out the Toddler Sessions that take place each morning, Monday to Friday. Slightly older children and young-at-heart adults can have the time of their lives in the Laser Tag centre, full of fog, atmospheric music and quick-fire action to provide an unforgettable gaming experience for all.
This brilliant indoor and outdoor excursion is perfect for the whole family and is sure to be enjoyed by all, as this is no ordinary farm. From pony and tractor rides to cuddles with fuzzy farm animals, this traditional farm even gives visitors the opportunity to milk cows and bottle feed the young, making dreams come true for animal lovers from far and wide. In addition to the classic farm-based activities, there’s also a huge indoor play area that features a raging bull ride, drop slides and a number of ball pits. The farm is just a short drive away from Truro in Newquay and is sure to be a holiday hit for all!
It can be quite difficult to get children excited about a museum, but the National Maritime Museum has so much on offer for children of all ages, we’re sure they’ll be asking to go back before too long. All of the exhibits are designed with a child’s learning experience in mind, including being set at eye level for younger children. This brilliant and informative museum was once named Large Visitor Attraction of the Year at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards, and once you visit, it will soon become clear why.
No holiday to Cornwall is quite complete without splashing around with family and friends, but the sea may be a little too cold and is not for the faint-hearted this time of year. Luckily, there’s no need to rely on the weather! From an exhilarating river run that carries you through the course at thrilling speeds to the realistic wave machine that will make it seem like you’re bobbing around in the sea. The 70m log flume is sure to be a hit with both adults and children alike!
That concludes our guide to just some of the many winter-friendly attractions that await your next staycation. If you’re staying in our child-friendly holiday cottages in Cornwall, rest-assured you can enjoy an action-packed break that’s sure to make memories that last a lifetime! For more inspiration on the kinds of things you can get up to during your holiday, check out our recent blog post, 6 Unusual Things to do in Cornwall.
THE VALLEY is proud to be the only 5 Star Gold Self Catering holiday village of its size in the whole of Cornwall
