Cornwall is a really beautiful part of the world, and we are going to be spending half term getting to know the area a little bit better. I’ve been very busy putting out travel plans together and I’ve found the very best activities to keep the kids entertained, even when the weather is plotting against us.
It could well rain during our holiday, but I’m determined that the weather will not stop us enjoying our family holiday in Cornwall. There’s actually plenty to see and do in the area, even if you are visiting out of season. If you are planning a Cornwall holiday these ideas could well come in handy for you too.
The Eden Project
The Eden Project is a place I have wanted to visit for a long time. It’s probably one of Cornwall’s most iconic attractions featuring the largest rainforests to currently exist in captivity. Fancy being able to experience the tropical climate of Southeast Asia, West Africa and even South America without having to fly around the world. I know that will really appeal to my other half, who really doesn’t like flying.
As well as the biomes, the Eden Project also features an indoor and outdoor play area, wonderful contemporary gardens and a giant bee to help us all remember the importance of this particular insect in supporting plant life across the UK. With a selection of cafes and bars also, Eden will make for a great day out come rain or shine this half term.
Where is the Eden Project?
Eden Project
Bodelva
Cornwall
PL24 2SG
How Much Does It Cost?
Adults £27.50
Students £22.50
Children aged 5–16 £14
Children aged 0–4 Free
Family ticket (two adults and two children) £71
There is a 10% discount available for booking in advance.
You can follow the Eden Project on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for regular updates and offers.
Pirates Quest
Book your tickets for half term and enjoy this interactive theatrical experience with exciting special effects and authentic 360 sets. Pirates Quest is a fun indoor attraction in Cornwall where you and your family will see the pirate story bought to life before your very eyes.
You will enjoy this original hour long experience with your very own treasure map and a pirate guide to help you along the way. Complete the treasure map and you might just be lucky enough to receive your very own pirate booty to complete this authentic pirate experience. You can read our review of Pirates Quest with young kids here.
Where is Pirates Quest?
St Michael’s Road,
Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1RA
T. 01637 873379
E. [email protected]
How Much Does It Cost?
Adult £10.95
Child £7.95
Under 3’s Free
2 Adults £21.90
2 Children £15.90
2 Adults & 1 Child £29.85
2 Adults & 2 Children £37.80
Follow Pirates Quest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for regular updates and offers.
Healey’s Cyder Farm
Healey’s Cyder Farm is the largest producer of local cider as well as one of the favourite family attractions near Newquay and Truro. The parents can taste traditional Cornish cider while the children explore the orchards on the tractor rides provided and meet the farm animals.
Healey’s Cyder Farm is open all year round and is the perfect place to experience a traditional Cornish cream tea and amazing local food as well as stoping by the museum and visitors centre. There are also guided tours available where you can learn about the ancient art of cider making in Cornwall and the history of Healey’s Cyder Farm.
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Where is Healey’s Cyder Farm?
Penhallow, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9LW
Tel: 01872 573356
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices start at just £4 per adult for the self guided tour. More more information about tour prices and tickets visit the website.
Follow Healey’s Cyder Farm on Twitter or Facebook for regular updates and offers.
Charleston Harbour
A visit to Charleston Harbour near St Austell is perfect for any blue sky day in Cornwall now matter what the season. It’s an amazing example of a late Georgian working port and the whole family will enjoy seeing the tall boats that live here.
Charleston has featured in many TV shows including Poldark, Hornblower and Mansfield Park due to it’s pristine nature, but it’s not only great for sightseeing and history but also boasts some amazing cafe’s and restaurants making for the perfect day out.
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The Cornish Seal Sanctuary
It’s often easy to forget the amazing wildlife that exists on the British coast line, but a visit to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary will make sure you get to know one of it’s most famous inhabitants very well. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is devoted to protecting and conserving marine life on out coast line and invite you to enjoy talks and feeding times with some of their most adorable residents.
If you are interested in one of their VIP experiences, why not book ‘Breakfast with the Seals’ for a more intimate experience with this beautiful animal. You’re special day will include priority entry to the seal sanctuary, a guided tour and a 30 minute feeding experience as well as a delicious breakfast in the cafe. During half term, there is a special event where you can become a ‘Forest Ranger’ for the day and take on exciting quests, enjoy special craft sessions and learn all about the local wildlife.
Where is The Cornish Seal Sanctuary?
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, Cornwall, TR12 6UG.
How Much Does It Cost?
Adults £15.50
Students £14.50
Children aged 3–15 £12.50
Children aged 0–2 Free
There are discounts available for booking in advance.
Follow the Cornish Seal Sanctuary on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for regular updates and offers.
Find & Seek – the illustrated atlas of Cornwall’s culture & heritage.
If you still need a little help planning your week of activities for your visit to Corwnall then the ‘Find & Seek’ atlas is an absolute must for ideas and inspiration. It’s a great book for getting the children involved in what they would like to see and do and is available online for £10.00.
This atlas of Cornwall is divided into sections representing Cornwall’s various districts including Bude and North Cornwall, St Austell, Mevagissey and Fowey as well as Penzance, St Ives and West Penwith. It’s beautifully illustrated packed full with places to visit and special events running through out the year. The tracing maps that lay over each maps are the perfect place for children to get creative and help plan your holiday to Cornwall.
Further reading
More places to visit in Cornwall with kids.
Ideas for child friendly family holidays in Cornwall.
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We received the Find and Seek atlas free of charge and are planning on visiting some of these attractions while we are in Cornwall, but there was no obligation to write this post.
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You’re right, Cornwall is such a beautiful part of the world.
Haven’t been there for a while, we last went 10 years ago in April & the weather was superb.
We had a fabulous couple of weeks staying at our friends property near Newquay.
As the weather was so good, we spent most of the time playing on the beach.
Great family holiday.
Fab experiences! I’ve always wanted to go to the Eden Project & I love the sound of the breakfast with seals x
Oo I’ve been to Cornwall numerous times, but not heard or visited Pirates Quest. Must make a visit next time we’re down there 🙂
I’ve actually never visited Cornwall! But these places all look amazing and the prices are decent too. I’ll have to recommend this to family too. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been wanting to visit the Eden Project for ages but never got there, maybe this will be my year x
I remember holidaying in Cornwall as a child (a long time ago) and visiting somewhere called Flambards ( no idea if it is still there). The beaches were lovely and it was so warm compared to the North East. I would love to visit with my children sometime. I hope you have a lovely time, can’t wait to read about it when you return x
Cornwall is such an amazing place and what a fab place to spend half term – some lovely ideas here.
I love the Find and Seek book: do they have one for other counties? It seems like a great way to get kids exploring and discovering. I’d love to take the kids to the Eden Project, so iconic!
I would absolutely love to go to the Eden Project! One day!
Great suggestions Zena. You’re going to love Eden, Healey’s and the Seal Sanctuary! If you can fit them in you must also try to get to the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Minack Theatre.
The atlas looks great! I’m dying to visit Cornwall soon. I haven’t been since before the Eden Project was built, which shows how long it’s been. Sounds as though there’s tons there for children.
I love this post. We are heading to Cornwall in Feb half term. We have never visited the Eden project and the Seal sanctuary sounds wonderful too!
Cornwall is just so beautiful, we took our lot shortly after we arrived back last year, and they loved it! We need to go back to see the Eden Project, and a lot of the other stuff on your list! Thanks Zena! (:
I love Cornwall – you should definitely go to The Eden Project, it is a fantastic place. Kaz
I would absolutely love to go to the Eden Project! One day!