Tag: family activities in Cornwall
A Guide to Pumpkin Picking in Cornwall
October 08th, 2021
It wouldnât be Halloween without the chance to carve your very own pumpkin. And what better feeling is there than picking that pumpkin yourself?
So, dust off those wellies and get into the spooky spirit when you stay in one of our child-friendly cottages in Cornwall by checking out any one of these great pumpkin patches this autumn.
The History of Pumpkins
The pumpkin is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes a variety of other fruits that come from flowering plants. Thatâs right; a pumpkin is technically a fruit!
Pumpkins are believed to have originated in Central America over 7,500 years ago, although the first pumpkins were nothing like the autumnal treat we love today. They were small and hard with a bitter flavour, but thanks to their solid, thick flesh, they were perfect for storing during cold weather.
It became a challenge for women in the 17th century to find new and delicious ways to serve pumpkin, which ultimately led to the variety of ways it can be eaten and enjoyed today.
A History of Pumpkin Carving
Pumpkins are good for more than just eating. Pumpkin carving has roots in many ancient cultures, particularly Celtic.
The term âJack-oâ-Lanternâ was taken from an Irish Folk Tale called âStingy Jackâ. In this story, Jack invited the Devil to sit down and drink with him. However, living up to his name, Jack wanted to drink for free, and so he tricked the Devil into paying for their bar tab!
Not a fan of being swindled, the Devil cursed Jack so that when he passed, his soul wouldnât be able to move on to the afterlife. Jack wandered the Earth alone with nothing but a single lump of coal for light. He would place this coal inside a hollowed-out turnip which earned him the new name, âJack of the Lanternâ.
From then on, the Irish began carving out vegetables in his likeness as a way to drive the wandering spirit of Jack away while also offering a guiding light to good spirits.
So, where do pumpkins come into it? In the 1800s, many Irish families immigrated to America, where they found that pumpkins made for much better carving canvases.
Where Can You Go Pumpkin Picking in Cornwall?
If youâre looking to get into the Halloween spirit, then make sure you check out our top picks for pumpkin patches in Cornwall.
Trevaskis Farm, Hayle (Seasonal)
Trevaskis Farm is the perfect place to pick your own fruit and veg!
With 28 acres of stunning Cornish countryside, Trevaskis Farm offers the chance for you to pick your own pumpkins (when theyâre in season) no matter the weather! Theyâve also got a brilliant on-site farm shop and restaurant with some of the most delicious desserts around.
Thereâs no need to book; just pop in to pick your pumpkins at any time between 10 am and 5 pm. Keep your eye on their website to see when those pesky pumpkins are ready!
Scaryland at Dairyland Farm World, Newquay (23rd- 31st October)
A trip to Scaryland is the perfect way to treat the kids this Halloween.
Open every day from 10 am until 5 pm, thereâs a whole host of activities to keep everyone entertained. Not only do you get to pick your own pumpkin from Dairyland Farm Worldâs own pumpkin patch, but you can also carve it right then and there to take home with you.
Thereâs also a Creepy Craft Workshop and access to the rest of the park, including the Farmhouse Kitchen.
Cornish Maize Maze and Fun Farm, Saltash (16th – 17th October and 23rd – 31st October)
If youâre looking for a fun, family day out, then look no further than the Cornish Maize Maze this October. With pumpkin picking, a Halloween maze and farm animals, youâre sure to have a blast!
The pumpkin patch is open from 10:30 am until 5 pm each day, with pumpkins available for a little as ÂŁ1!
Lobbs Autumn Fest, Heligan (23rd â 30th October)
Celebrate autumn in style this October at the Lobbs Farm Shopâs annual pre-Halloween event, Autumn Fest.
Every ticket holder receives a tractor and trailer ride to and from the pumpkin patch, as well as their pick of hundreds of pumpkins to take home. Whatâs more, they have a variety of different pumpkin varieties available. If youâre tired of the standard orange, why not pick up one of their stunning white âGhost Pumpkinsâ?
Thereâs something for everyone at Autumn Fest, from hay bale photo shoots to baby lambs and even a free Halloween cupcake!
Thereâs no shortage of amazing spots to pick your own pumpkins in Cornwall this autumn. So, whether youâre looking to guide the way for good spirits, or you want to try your hand at making the perfect pumpkin pie, make sure you head down to one of these great pumpkin patches and find your perfect pick.
For more autumnal activities, check out our guide.
What to Do on a Rainy Day in Cornwall
September 27th, 2021
Whether youâre camping or staying in one of our Truro holiday cottages, if thereâs one thing you canât always depend on while on your holiday, itâs the weather.
Luckily for you, Cornwall is a fantastic place to visit, rain or shine! So, whatever the weather, you can be sure thereâll be something to entertain you and the family throughout your holiday in Cornwall.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in Cornwall on a rainy day.
Museums in Cornwall
Cornwall is rich in culture and history, so why not spend those rainy days learning all about Cornwallâs past and how it came to be what it is today?
Here are a couple of our favourite museums to visit in Cornwall on a rainy day.
National Maritime Museum, Falmouth
You can find this award-winning and family-friendly museum tucked away in Falmouth. The museum is dedicated to celebrating how the influence of the sea has shaped Cornwallâs history and culture.
With permanent fixtures like the National Small Boat Collection as well as fantastic temporary exhibits, there is something to keep everyone entertained. Thereâs even a pirate-themed play area for the little ones to enjoy!
Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro
If youâre looking for a broad exploration of Cornwallâs rich and fascinating history, then look no further than the Royal Cornwall Museum.
Based in Truro, Cornwallâs only city, the Royal Cornwall Museum offers visitors the chance to browse thousands of historical objects that showcase Cornwallâs history.
The museum also has temporary exhibitions showcasing history from the rest of the world as well as its own art collection and programmes just for kids!
Art Galleries in Cornwall
If youâre a fan of the finer things, then why not check out one of the dozens of art galleries in Cornwall.
From small independent venues and local artists all the way to world-renowned collections, thereâs something for everyoneâs tastes.
Here are just some of the brilliant galleries you could visit while staying with us at The Valley:
- Falmouth Art Gallery
- Newlyn Art Gallery
- Tate St. Ives
Shopping in Cornwall
Why not tend to those rainy day blues with a bit of retail therapy?
There are shopping centres dotted all across Cornwall filled with high street chains, boutiques and even cute little cafes to help you shop the day away!
Or, if you prefer to shop independent, why not lose yourself to some of the hidden shopping gems and bag yourself a memento of your time away?
As you can see, thereâs no need to let the weather get you down! There are plenty of ways to make the most of your holiday in Cornwall, even if the weather isnât always on your side.
Image credit: Visit Cornwall
What’s On Easter Holidays 2020
March 06th, 2020
Now that the signs of spring are appearing all around us, with beautiful blooms starting to emerge, we can start to look forward to the upcoming Easter holidays!
We take a look at some of the exciting activities that will be taking place near our child-friendly cottages in Cornwall this Easter for the whole family to enjoy!Â
Easter at Eden
28th March â 19th April 2020
A fun family day out in itself, the Eden Project will be offering some extra special Easter activities for those visiting during the holiday. If youâre up for an Easter hunt with a twist, embark on the gofindit challenge and use all of your senses to track down some tasty chocolate treats. Â
Kids will love the assortment of animal-related activities on offer at the wildlife playground. Refine your balance and jumping skills, play a hedgehog-themed game of pick-up sticks or have a go at giant Top Trumps!
When you visit this Easter, you also wonât be able to miss the seven-foot inflatable artworks from Parer Studio â a gathering of white, illuminated giant bunnies!
Easter at Newquay Zoo
28th March â 13th April 2020
One of the Easter highlights from Newquay Zoo this year is the Eggstreme Easter Egg Trail, which will lead you around the zoo in search of a chocolatey treat!
For more Easter fun, you can watch as the animals get fed some tasty Easter treats and learn all about them from the keepers. Over in the barn, more fun can be had from the face painting sessions, where little ones can be transformed into their favourite animals!
Rockpool Explorers at St Michaelâs Mount
6th April 2020 10am-12pm and 8th April 2020 11am-1pm
Discover some of the weird and wonderful creatures that call the Cornish coastline home in this interactive and educational experience. Join in with the Great Scott! Adventures Outdoors activities for free on your chosen day.
Become a rockpool explorer and learn all about the sea life living off the causeway leading to St Michaelâs Mount. Groups meet at the Great Scott! Flag near the start of the causeway and booking is not required.
It is advised that old trainers or rock pooling shoes are worn to embark on this adventure, as the rocks can become quite slippery!
Into the Deep Blue at National Maritime Museum Cornwall
30th March â 3rd April 2020 and 6th April â 10th April 2020
This Easter, the Yskynna Vertical Dance Company will be setting up in the National Maritime Museum for a delightful mermaid-themed performance. A dazzling show of aerial dance, Into the Deep Blue will bring sea creatures from the deep to life through dance, storytelling and song.
The Into the Deep Blue performance is just one thing to enjoy at the Maritime Museum at Easter though, as you will also be able to experience the Monsters of the Deep exhibit and little ones will love the pirate-themed Treasure Island Play Zone!
Especially for Easter, kids will also love the make and take craft area, where they can create a magical costume inspired by the creatures of the deep, as well as following the tentacle trail around the museum to win a prize!
The Easter Golden Egg Challenge at Paradise Park
28th March â 19th April 2020
The Easter Golden Egg Challenge will take you on a journey throughout Paradise Park, completing a quiz with the goal of discovering a delicious chocolate surprise!
A full timetable of fun events can also be enjoyed during your day at Paradise Park, with plenty of bird displays and shows that give you the chance to get up close to a range of stunning macaws, cockatoos, owls and other magnificent birds.
Head to the JungleBarn for some great indoor play fun, perfect for both kids and adults to play, with giant slides, a soft play area and rope bridges!
Easter Adventure Quest at Pendennis Castle
4th â 19th April 2020
Embark on a legendary quest this Easter at Pendennis Castle. Hunt for clues and follow the trail around the castle as you try to track down the dragon egg that is hidden in this historic landmark. Successful explorers will receive a certificate and chocolatey treat from Hotel Chocolat to celebrate the completion of the quest!
Explosive Easter at Flambards
28th March â 19th April 2020
Easter at Flambards is sure to be a blast with the explosive activities taking place over in the Flambards Indoor Laboratory!
Join the mad scientists and take part in some exciting experiments â from rocket science to myth-busting, and even the chance to make some slime. The science shows will take place at 1pm and 3pm.
On Easter Sunday, 12th April, join in with Ferdiâs big Easter Egg hunt throughout the park and try to track down the hidden clues to receive a chocolate prize!
Which of these exciting activities will you be enjoying while you are staying in Cornwall?
Here at The Valley, we will also be running our own selection of exciting Easter activities and events for families to get involved with while staying at our luxury cottages during the holidays!
These include Easter crafts, a visit from Marks Ark for animal encounters, and yoga, football and swimming lessons for children!
Places to Visit in Cornwall for Free
January 04th, 2019
A fantastic family holiday doesnât need to put a massive dent in your bank balance and with so many fun, free attractions in Cornwall, the coastal county can prove to be the perfect destination. From exploring the great outdoors to discovering fascinating facts in museums, there are plenty of places to visit in Cornwall for free to pack out your whole holiday itinerary, leaving you with a little extra money for ice creams by the beach!
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