Tag: Family friendly Cornwall activities
Cycle Trails in Cornwall
May 07th, 2020
Cornwall is a beautiful part of the UK, and a brilliant way to explore the glorious Cornish countryside is to cycle along its many trails! You can immerse yourself in the greenery and discover some local towns and villages during your trips.
Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, old or young, here is a list of some excellent cycling trails to visit when on holiday in Cornwall that you can ride along either alone, with family or friends.
Mineral Tramways Trails: Great Flat Lode Trail
The Mineral Tramways Trails are traffic-free routes based alongside the old transport network of the 19th-century mining era. It is 37.5 miles long and offers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful countryside while also discovering the mining heritage.
The Great Flat Lode Trail circles the hill of Carn Brea behind Camborne and Redruth. It is situated amongst the mines that worked the Great Flat Lode! So, you can get in some exercise, enjoy stunning views and you can learn all about some of Cornwall’s finest old mine workings.
The Camel Trail
A route that is perfect for all abilities and ages, the Camel Trail is an 18-mile long, surfaced and mostly level trail. Parts of the route runs alongside a disused railway line, and while travelling the route, you will capture some of the most beautiful scenery in Cornwall.
The trail is suitable for walkers, horse-riders and wheel-chairs users, as well as cyclists, so be aware of any traffic that may occur during your cycle. The trail falls into three routes:
- Padstow to Wadebridge: 5.5 miles
- Wadebridge to Bodmin: 5.75 miles
- Bodmin to Wenfordbridge: 6.25 miles
If you don’t have your own bike, then you can hire bikes at Padstow, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Wenfordbridge. Toilets are also located Wadebridge alongside the trail, Wendfordbridge, and in Padstow town centre.
The Cornish Way
Perhaps one of the most well-known routes in Cornwall is the Cornish Way. It is a mighty trail as it runs from Land’s End all the way to Bude and consists of 195 miles!
Along the route, you will come across some beautiful beaches, stunning seaside towns and wonderful wildlife. It is great because you can pick a part of the route you wish to cycle that is nearest to you.
A beautiful part of the trail is where it runs along the coast until you reach Marazion. You can enjoy spectacular coastal views along with a sea breeze. At Marazion, you could stop for a refreshment and then head inland towards Hayle Estuary and Camborne.
Bodmin Beast Cycle Trail
For those looking for more of an adventurous ride, the Bodmin Beast Cycle Trail could be the perfect option. The trail is 12km and stretches through the wooded slopes of the Cardinham Valley. Along the route, you will be faced with some challenging climbs and descents, as well as some tight corners, steps, tabletops and rollers.
Clay Trails: Bugle to Eden Trail
There are Clay Trails dotted around St Austell and offer some unique views. The China Clay industry was situated in this area for over 300 years, and it left a fascinating stamp on the land. What were once clay pits are now turquoise lakes and former spoil heaps are now miniature mountains.
The trail that runs from Bugle to Eden is four miles and is a fairly easy trail, making it perfect for all ages and abilities. Once you arrive at the Eden Project, why not head inside and explore?
If you are interested in visiting one or more of these cycle trails, why not stay in Truro; a town that is well located among these routes making each cycle path easy to access. We have a range of hot tub cottages in Cornwall to add some much-needed luxury to your trip to the Cornish countryside!
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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!
Easter at Eden
28th March – 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 you’re 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.
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 won’t be able to miss the seven-foot inflatable artworks from Parer Studio – a gathering of white, illuminated giant bunnies!
Easter at Newquay Zoo
28th March – 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 Michael’s 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 Michael’s 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 – 3rd April 2020 and 6th April – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 Ferdi’s 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!
How to Survive a Long Car Journey with Children
February 27th, 2020
When you have toddlers in tow, even a relatively short journey in the car can feel like a lifetime. If you are planning on visiting Cornwall on holiday with your family, we want to make it the most enjoyable experience from start to finish, so we are providing some tips on how to make the car journey on the way to your destination more fun for all!
Snacks for the Journey
Bringing along some nibbles is always a great idea. For one, an unexpected incident on the road may see you queuing for some time, and having something to eat and drink on hand is a great way to ease the tensions in the car.
As well as this, sweet treats can be used as an incentive for good behaviour. Plus, if your little one’s mouths are full, you’ll have a few brief moments in which they can’t ask ‘are we nearly there yet?!’.
Music
Having something to listen to is an absolute must for car journeys, and can bring a family together in a slightly more entertaining way than endless hours of I-spy! Pop on a playlist packed with sing-along hits and have some fun performing on your journey.
If the kids are a bit older now and are seeking a sense of independence, then ensure that there are working headphones at the ready, for when they want to listen to their own tunes – there’s nothing worse than hitting the road and then realising your music is only playing out of one ear!
If you have clashing musical tastes, then why not listen to something different on your travels, such as an audiobook. There are plenty of books out there that have a story entertaining enough for both adults and children alike, and this can be a great way to pass the time on a longer trip.
Stop Off on the Way
If you’re coming a long way, you may wish to stop off along the way, be it for food, or just to stretch your legs. There are an almost infinite number of activities and places to see in Cornwall, so if you and your family are headed to our child-friendly cottages in Cornwall there are plenty of great places to stop off at on the way.
One such place, for example, is the Eden Project, near St Austell, which is about 40 minutes away from The Valley. You are likely to pass by on the way, and as one of the must-visit days-out in Cornwall, if you have time, this is the ideal way to break up your journey.
Colette from We’re Going on an Adventure agrees that breaks are the key to making car travel with children easier:
Our children are no strangers to long car journeys – we’ve learned a lot over the years about how to make road trips easier and less stressful! Think about how long is reasonable for your children to be in the car in one go and plan stops around this – we usually try to stop around meal times to give the breaks more purpose (of course there will always be the odd unplanned toilet stop to factor in too!).!
Car Games
After about 20 minutes, I-spy will begin to feel rather tedious, as confusion runs high having passed the thing that was ‘spied’ about half an hour ago! Instead, try a variety of other distracting games to keep the children entertained.
A simple game, that doesn’t involve much engagement from the parent’s side, is to get your little ones to count how many of a particular car they see. Pick something a little obscure, like a mini, or only green cars, so you don’t have to sit through ‘there’s a red car!’ shouted every few seconds! Alternatively, opt for games like ’20 Questions’ or the pub sign game.
Resort to Screens
While some parents deem tablets ‘evil’ for little ones, they are undeniably a great way to keep kids quiet during a long journey. Download a movie or a few episodes of your child’s favourite television show to provide a few hours of entertainment, or let them play a few simple games.
Just remember to make sure it is fully charged, and everything is properly downloaded before you head off to avoid a tantrum when it stops working only half an hour in!
Talk About What You Want to Do on Holiday
Getting the kids excited about the impending holiday is a great way to pass the journey, as understanding and looking forward to all the things they will see and do on the trip may make them a little more willing to sit in the back of the car for another hour!
Do you have any tips for surviving a long car journey with kids? Share them with us via our social media channels! If you are looking for a staycation with your family, where you won’t have to drive for hours, then Cornwall is the ideal location for many to get to!
As well as this, there are loads of reasons Cornwall is the perfect destination for families – be sure to check out our blog post to find out why.
What’s On in March 2020
February 07th, 2020
Tucked away in the south-west of the country, Cornwall may seem like a sleepy place, yet there is always something going on, and you are sure to be visiting when something exciting is happening!
With an assortment of festivals, cultural activities and locally sourced treats on offer each month throughout Cornwall, it is the perfect place to head for a family-friendly holiday. Cornwall is jam-packed with fun activities throughout March, so read on to discover what events are coming up in the month ahead!
West Cornwall Spring Flower Show
6th and 7th March, Marazion Community Centre
The West Cornwall Spring Show has been an annual event for over 90 years and showcases the horticultural excellence of the county. Every year, there are stunning cut blooms, camellias, magnolias and early spring flowers to be seen.
The event is open to all, and there are exhibits from the great historic gardens to domestic growers. Children have also been allowed to enter the show in the last few years, inspiring the next generation to get creative with flowers.
How to Attend:
The West Cornwall Spring Flower Show is held at the Marazion Community Centre. It is open from 11am to 6pm on Friday and 10am to 3.30pm on Saturday. Entrance costs £3 for over 14’s.
St Piran’s Day Celebrations
5th – 8th March, across Cornwall
Throughout Cornwall, there will be celebrations for St Piran, the patron saint of the county.
Truro
In Truro, there will be a St Piran’s Day parade on the 5th March, followed by a folk festival, with local musicians and delicious food.
Perranporth
One of the most popular events is the St Piran’s Parade at Perranporth on Sunday 8th March. The parade crosses the dunes of Perranporth beach to the oratory and old church, as the story of St Piran is re-enacted with the traditional play.
Monsters of the Deep
Opening 20th March, National Maritime Museum Cornwall
The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth is opening a new exhibition in March, that will do a deep-diving exploration of the world beneath the waves.
Discover the secrets of the sea, hearing tall tales of the monsters that lurk in the deep depths of the ocean. Explore the myths, legends and fascinating sightings that have captured our imaginations for centuries.
As an interactive exhibit, you’ll be able to see how scientists of past and present were able to explore uncharted waters and take a peek at microscopic monsters!
St Columb Hurling
25th February and 7th March, Newquay
St Columb hurling is a traditional Cornish event taking place on Shrove Tuesday (25th February) and the second Saturday following (7th March). A fairly rough game, it is played on the streets and surrounding countryside of St Columb Major near Newquay.
What is Hurling?
The aim of the game is to place the ball in respective goals which are set two miles apart or take it over the parish boundary. The ball can be run with, passed, thrown, snatched or tackled away.
The game is played between two teams. ‘Town’ and ‘Country’. A town affair, visitors are welcome to watch the hurling game, though should remember to not get in the way!
Falmouth Spring Festival
19th to 29th March, Falmouth
The Falmouth Spring Festival celebrates the beautiful green and open spaces in the Cornish town. The early season festival brings the community together and offers an explosion of life and colour to visitors.
The town will be turning yellow as schoolchildren are welcomed to brighten up shop windows with daffodils and decorations. There will be beach cleaning, painting and gardening around the town, revamping areas which need it. Visitors can also join in rockpooling sessions and guided walks.
Falmouth Spring Flower Show
28th to 29th March, Gyllyngdune Gardens
Falmouth will be celebrating its 110th display of the finest spring flowers, including rare and exotic plants at this year’s Spring Flower Show. Falmouth Spring Flower Show is the oldest flower show in Cornwall, and it has developed into one of the best events on the calendar in Falmouth.
There will also be floral art, photography and children’s work to admire. Head to the Princess Pavilion to see the exhibitors and trade stalls packed with stunning displays and flowers and plants to buy. Entry is £3 or free for under 16-year-olds.
Gin and Cornish Drinks Festival
21st March, Truro
This year sees the return of the Alverton Cornish Gin and Drinks Festival! Held in the Great Hall of The Alverton Hotel in Truro, it will be a celebration of Cornwall’s best producers.
What’s Included?
Guests can get a free souvenir gin glass as the first tipple is on the house! There will be a chance to meet the makers and producers of the county’s best producers and live demonstrations where you can learn some tricks on making great tipples at home.
The line-up of makers includes Tarquin’s, Wrecking Coast, Holly’s Gin, Land of Saints, Morvenna Rum, Sharp’s and many more! There will be music throughout the day, including a performance from Falmouth Soul Sensation. Tickets are £15 per person and available to over 18s only, and ID is required.
Daffodil Weekend at Trelissick
21st and 22nd March, Trelissick
Celebrate Mother’s Day this March with a delightful trip to Trelissick. As well as wandering around the gorgeous gardens here, you must visit the stables, where the annual Daffodil weekend is being held. Make the most of these brilliant blooms as they are at their best at this time of year!
The display is bursting with colour and will showcase some of the finest daffodil breeders and growers in Cornwall!
Visiting Cornwall
We are sure you will have an action-packed trip to Cornwall when visiting in March with so many activities and attractions to enjoy.
We will be sharing the upcoming events taking place near our holiday cottages each month, so be sure to check out our blog on information and guides on the area!
Started thinking about your Easter holiday plans? Why not join us here in Cornwall for a luxury family break during Easter?!
How to Spend a Day in Falmouth
July 29th, 2019
Falmouth is a beautiful Cornish seaside town, and because of its glorious scenery it’s a popular tourist spot. With so many people visiting Falmouth, it accommodates by having an abundance of attractions! From museums and castles to beaches and boat trips, there is plenty to see and do in this stunning part of the country! We take a look at how best to spend a day in Falmouth so you can take full advantage of your time in Cornwall.
Explore Pendennis Castle
Start your day by learning about some of Falmouth’s heritage at Pendennis Castle. With spectacular views of the sea, this castle was formerly one of Henry the Eighth’s most beautiful coastal fortresses! Additionally, the incredible castle has defended Cornwall since the Tudor times and played a vital role in both of the World War’s, so it is bursting with a fascinating history!
Today, you can visit Pendennis Castle and experience what it was like during battle! You can meet characters dressed up in costume from the past, and in the summer months, you can watch a daily firing of a historic gun! There is also a mesmerising exhibit that showcases what the castle was like during World War One; discover heart-wrenching letters, photographs and artefacts from the tragic time. Furthermore, on selected dates, the castle hosts Legendary Joust events; take a trip to the past and be a spectator of a thrilling battle!
After you have immersed yourself in the history of the remarkable castle, take a trip to the café and have a traditional Cornish bite to eat. If you prefer some alfresco dining, bring along your own picnic and set up on the lawn area; take in the exquisite views as you tuck into some delicious goodies!
Take a Boat Trip with AK Wildlife Cruises
What better way to spend your time in the seaside town of Falmouth than on a boat discovering some of the fascinating creatures living in the waters! On your journey, you will have the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, basking sharks, seals and many other species! AK Wildlife Cruises have introduced a new boat tour called “Family Bay Exploration” which is a three-hour experience to explore the spectacular coastline. There are also four-hour and seven-hour cruises if you would prefer to spend some more time out at sea.
To prepare for your wildlife discovery, take some binoculars to see as much as you can and also bring along some snack for if you get peckish! The boat is called “Free Spirit” and has both indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate all guests, and there is also a toilet on board. The boat captain and wildlife specialist, Keith, is incredibly passionate about what he does which resonates through the tours – he will help you spot all of the remarkable creatures! He will teach you all about them; any questions you may have, ask him, and he will be happy to answer!
Unwind at The Beach
In the late afternoon, take a trip to the beach to enjoy the spectacular scenery and relax on the golden sand. Considered the best in the area, Gyllyngvase Beach is the perfect spot to spend your evening! With toilet and shower facilities as well as hot and cold food on offer, this beach is brilliant for a family trip. If you are fancying a dip in the sea, the beach is manned by a lifeguard and the ocean is safe to swim in!
Once you have had a splash around in the beautiful blue waters, built some impressive sandcastles and soaked up some afternoon sunshine, you would’ve worked up an appetite. Why not taste the delights of local food and have some fish and chips by the beach? The Firepit Gylly Grill has an extensive menu from burgers and steak to pasta and obviously the glorious fish and chips!
If you would like to visit the lovely coastal town, consider a luxury Falmouth holiday and treat yourself and your family to a getaway at The Valley! With a unique collection of beautiful self-catering holiday cottages situated in a picturesque landscape, it is the perfect spot for your trip to the seaside! For even more insider info on Falmouth, check out our ultimate Falmouth guide.
Great Places for a Family Day Out in Cornwall
March 28th, 2019
Planning a holiday that will please the whole family can sometimes feel a little challenging, especially when you are not familiar with the area. We’ve taken the stress away a little by sharing some of our favourite child-friendly spots that are fun for the whole family! Before heading off on a family-friendly holiday in Cornwall, check out these awesome places to go for a great day out with the kids!
Flambards’ Experience, Helston
This theme park has great thrill rides open in the summer and there is also a chance for the kids to learn something too, with Flambards’ Victorian Village showing you an authentic recreation of the period.
Camel Creek Adventure Park, Tredinnick
Camel Creek is home to an abundance of indoor and outdoor rides, as well as a range of adorable animals and curious creatures! From drop slides and rollercoasters to land trains and carousels, there’s something to entertain both adults and kids alike. Perfect for an all-weather day out, the Dragon’s Kingdom indoor play area is crammed full with ball pools, mazes, tunnels, walkways and slides!
Newquay Zoo, Newquay
The only place in Cornwall that has lions, Newquay Zoo is also home to exotic birds, snakes, meerkats and some very cute penguins! Up close animal encounters are available where the whole family can learn about the animals from the keepers, including encounter talks, watching the meerkats, lions and monkeys being fed, and a special penguin talk as they enjoy a fishy afternoon snack!
National Seal Sanctuary, Helston
Cornwall’s only seal sanctuary and rescue centre is a great day out, and they do very important work helping out Cornwall marine life! There are not just seals to visit, but sea lions, otters, penguins, sheep, goats and ponies!
Orca Sea Safaris, Falmouth
Get out to sea on Marine Safari where you see porpoise, dolphins, seals and basking sharks out in the wild. Being on a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) means everyone can get really close to these amazing creatures. This activity is only suitable for children over the age of six.
The Monkey Sanctuary, Looe
Open since 1964, this sanctuary is set in beautiful woodland near the scenic south coast of Cornwall. The sanctuary is home to a range of rescued monkey species, including Capuchin monkeys, Barbary Macaques and Marmosets. Kids can get involved with arts and crafts workshops and pretend to be little monkey’s in the Wild Play Area!
Paradise Park, Hayle
Over 650 birds are featured at this park, from exotic parrots, flamingos and toucans to Cornish choughs, owls, kookaburras and eagles and the cutest red pandas too. There are also farmyard animals to pet and play with and a café for a cup of tea and juice to refuel. No worries if the weather turns bad either; just head over to the JungleBarn for some fantastic fun in the indoor play area!
For more inspiration for things to do in Cornwall, check out our guide for what is on this Easter!
Why Cornwall is the Ideal Holiday Destination for Families
August 31st, 2018
Cornwall is one of the top holiday destinations in the UK, and holiday-makers flock here every summer to make the most of the amazing beaches, activities and scenery on offer in the coastal county. But what makes Cornwall such a good choice for a family holiday destination?
What’s On: Falmouth Week 2018
August 06th, 2018
Falmouth Regatta started out as a sailing competition for locals in the Falmouth area back in the 1800s and has grown over the years into a week-long festivity, celebrating sailing and the local community. As one of the biggest events on the calendar in Falmouth, the week draws in visitors from around the country to enjoy all that the town has to offer, as well as to take part in some of the exciting boat races that take place during Falmouth Week.
This year, the event will kick-start on the 10th August with a Pink Wig Night for the ladies, aiming to raise money for the Cornwall Breast Cancer Team. The evening will consist of live music performances and a raffle, as well as plenty of cocktails to enjoy as the DJ takes to the stage. From the 10th to the 18th, there will also be some exciting things happening on The Moor, with a whole host of markets and stalls selling an array of local produce to sample as live acoustic music entertains. The Moor will also be home to a climbing wall, providing some fun for both kids and adults alike.
Falmouth warms up for the regatta, getting everyone excited on Saturday 11th as the Carnival hits the town. There’s lots of fun to be had on the rides and entertainment at the rugby club from 12pm before the big carnival parade commences at 6.30pm. With the marching parade ending at Events Square, a marquee will be set up to enjoy an assortment of live music following the carnival.
The sailing aspect of the regatta begins fully on Sunday 12th, with the first of the seven clubs involved, Helford River Sailing Club, hosting the races. Monday 13th will be the Mylor Sailing Club, while the Restronguet Sailing Club will host on Tuesday 14th each seeing an assortment of traditional crafts, dinghies and keelboats taking to the waters. Wednesday 15th is the Ancasta Champagne Race Day, the biggest race that sees yachts following a 25-mile coastal course. Thursday’s events are hosted by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, whilst St Mawes Sailing Club hosts on Friday 17th. The final regatta day, on Saturday 18th, is held by Flushing Sailing Club. Over 450 yachts are expected to take part in the regatta over the week, making it the largest (and best) sailing regatta in the south-west.
One of the biggest days of Falmouth Week will take place on Tuesday 14th, as the Family Fun Day. The RNLI will be putting on a show, with a day of fun for free, with entertainment and music on The Quay, accompanying a number of stalls. At the Church Street car park, the Action Sports Tour will be putting on some impressive displays throughout the day and offering up taster sessions for you to give some new skills a go. In the evening, head to Falmouth Bay for the best views of the RAF Red Arrows display, which starts at 6pm.
Friday 17th August, also sees a huge assortment of activities, with the Science in the Square event providing some intriguing scientific knowledge as a fun free family event. In the evening, adults can travel back in time with the Epic 80s vs 90s Extravaganza, a themed evening of fancy dress and music from Go West and Snap! End the night with an incredible fireworks display over the stunning Falmouth Harbour at 10pm.
If you’re a fan of all things movies and comic books then don’t miss out on the Comic and Movie Fest taking place on Saturday 18th. At the free event, you can meet some of your favourite characters from comics and movies, as well as getting a photo opportunity with some of the special celebrity guests! Be sure to come along dressed as your favourite character. As the week draws to a close, the fun still continues, with a dragon boat race on Sunday 19th to really get the adrenaline pumping!
If you want to take part in this fun week celebrating Falmouth and the surrounding areas, then it is not too late to book an incredible luxury Falmouth holidays! For more events taking place in Cornwall this August, check out our complete What’s On in August guide!
Image Credit: Tim Green
May Half Term Activities in Cornwall
May 11th, 2018
From the 26th May to 3rd June families will be off for the May half-term. Here are some of the exciting family-friendly activities taking place over the week near us here at The Valley!
Invisible Worlds at the Eden Project 26th May – 3rd June
The May half-term week coincides with the launch of the Eden Project’s latest exhibition; Invisible Worlds. The focus of this new project is that which is beyond our perception, be it too big, too small, too far away, or too speedy! With hands-on interactive elements, including experiments, it is sure to both educate and entertain. One of the many interactive exhibits teaches all about the microbes that make us who we are, while the outdoor Rock Garden introduces us to the biology of geology! The Play Lab can also be found here, with a fascinating play zone set up for the kids; or the young at heart!
To celebrate the launch, a number of special activities and events will be running throughout the week. Join the Ministry of Science each day at 11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm or 3.15pm for an exciting, hands-on science show with awe-inspiring experiments and fascinating facts. Get crafty in the craft corner, making a microbe masterpiece, or follow ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’ microbe themed trail throughout the grounds of the Eden Project to find out more.
Bug & Butterfly Quest and Dinosaur Trail at Paradise Park, 26th May – 3rd June
Paradise Park is offering up two exciting activities for the kids over half-term. As well as their daily activities, such as otter feeding, penguin feeding and bird displays, Paradise Park are running quests and trails for fans of creepy crawlies and dinosaurs! Learn all about beautiful butterflies and bugs as you search for clues around the Park to complete the ‘Bug & Butterfly Quest’. Little ones who complete the questions can claim a tasty butterfly or bug themed chocolatey reward!
Half-term also sees the start of the summer Dinosaur Trail at Paradise Park. Go on a dinosaur hunting expedition and search the grounds for dinos. If you manage to answer some questions, then you may even become a ‘Paradise Park Professor of Palaeontology’, earning yourself a certificate and tiny model dinosaur to take home!
Circus Skills at Flambards, 26th May – 3rd June
Run away to the circus for the day this May half-term, with circus-themed fun taking place at Flambards. The ‘Circus Skills Week’ sees impressive shows each day from acrobats, clowns and jugglers, who are also offering up special workshop sessions. The workshops will be teaching visitors the tricks of the trade, such as unicycling, juggling, tightrope walking and plate spinning! The scarier tricks, such as juggling with knives and lying on a bed of nails will be left to the professional performancers though!
Heligan Wild Week at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, 26th May – 3rd June
Discover your wild side at Heligan’s Wild Week, where getting mucky to explore the outdoors is encouraged! Start your journey at the Wild Tribe Yurt, making a tribal headdress and painting your own face to join one of the wild tribes; owl, fox, butterfly or frog! Head to the gigantic outdoor assault course and test out your animal powers – you’ll need to leap, scrabble and balance to get across! Create a song at the musical workshop, and join the Wild Sing-along around the campfire at the end of the day, where you can also toast a marshmallow or two! These activities are included in the general admission price for the gardens.
Clash of the Knights at Pendennis Castle, 30th – 31st May
A contest of strength and skill is coming to Pendennis Castle this half-term, as four teams of brave knights attempt to battle it out for ultimate victory! This all-action event sees these valiant knights armed with only a club and shield meeting head-on in combat. The goal of this adrenaline-fuelled contest is to knock the crest off the helmet of each knights rival. As the day progresses, the knights will also turn to horseback showdowns, before the ultimate winner is declared victorious! Suitable for all ages, there will also be a jester and minstrels merrily entertaining the crowds. Young knight hopefuls can also test out their skills with a fun archery session. This event takes place between 11am and 5pm.
If you would like to experience some of these fun half-term activities in Cornwall, then why not come and spend the week at our child-friendly Cornwall cottages!?
A look inside the exclusive leisure facilities at The Valley
November 09th, 2015
For anyone who isn’t familiar with what’s on offer when they book a stay here with us at The Valley, we thought we would give you an insight into some of the superb facilities that come as standard when you choose to stay here with us in the picturesque setting of our Carnon Downs, gated community.
