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Girls running on a trail at Trelissick, Cornwall
Girls on a trail at Trelissick, Cornwall | © National Trust/Hilary Daniel

Family-friendly places around Cornwall

With long stretching beaches, exotic gardens and historic houses in Cornwall and Plymouth, there are lots of places to explore and visit for family fun.

Easter egg hunts in Cornwall

Get ready to spring into action, it’s time for an Easter adventure at National Trust places in Cornwall. Take part in family-friendly activities and trails, make your own Easter discoveries and collect your chocolate egg at the end. Normal admission applies plus £3 per trail, includes a chocolate or vegan and free-from Rainforest Alliance Easter egg.

Girls running on a trail at Trelissick, Cornwall

Trelissick 

Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. The trail takes place between Saturday 23 March and Sunday 7 April from 10am to 4pm, so come along and explore the beautiful garden.

Family in the garden at Lanhydrock, Cornwall with children playing and adults seated

Lanhydrock 

Hop, race and hula-hoop your way through Lanhydrock’s historic formal garden. You can get out in nature as spring bursts into bloom in the gardens, indulge in a cream tea in the decorated Stables Tea-room or visit one of the three Lanhydrock house routes.

An adult and two children explore the garden surrounded by daffodils in spring at Cotehele, Cornwall

Cotehele 

This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure at Cotehele on an Easter trail. The trail takes place between Friday 29 March - Sunday 14 April from 10am-5pm, with last entry time at 4pm, so come along and explore the beautiful gardens of Cotehele.

Two people looking at instructions for an Easter egg hunt on a clifftop at Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters, East Sussex

Pentire 

Discover the natural beauty of the Cornish coast on this family-friendly trail and claim your chocolatey treat. The trail takes place in the orchard between Sat 23 Mar-Sun 7 Apr, from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Child fills in their Easter activity trail at Osterley Park and House, West London

Trerice 

Bring the kids along to Trerice and have fun in nature as a family. Follow the trail through the historic garden, completing the activities to claim your chocolate egg at the end. The trail takes place between 29 March - 14 April 2024, from 10.30am to 4.30pm, with last entry at 4pm.

Wicker basket containing pack of colourful Easter trail packs

Trengwainton 

Discover 10 nature-inspired activities including seed planting, tic tac toe, egg and spoon racing and plant-bingo. The trail takes place between 29 March - 14 April (closed Fridays and Saturdays, except Good Friday) from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4.30pm.

playing in the orchard in Godolphin

Godolphin 

Join in with outdoor games and activities in the historic garden of Godolphin on this Easter trail. The trail takes place between 23 March - 14 April 2024, from 10.00am to 5.00pm, with last entry at 4.30pm.

Family taking a closer look at spring flowers

Antony 

Spring into action with this Easter egg trail at Antony. Meander through the garden and discover hidden corners full of fun activities. The trail takes place on 29 March and daily between 31 March - 4 April and 9 - 11 April from 12noon to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.

Easter egg hunts nearby in Devon

Hop across the border into Devon for more Easter family-fun.

Three children looking at maps of the Easter trail at Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire

Buckland Abbey 

Help our ranger team look after Buckland Abbey's dragon population by finding all 10 of Mother Dragon's eggs and completing the activities. Pick up a map to help you find all the activities and learn how you can look after dragons. When you've completed your quest, make sure to pick up your Easter egg at the end of the trail, and don't forget to ask for a stamp.

Top places to visit with your family in Cornwall

Discover all the best places to explore with your family for a great day out.

A family playing in the garden at Lanhydrock, Cornwall
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Family-friendly things to do at Lanhydrock 

Discover what family-friendly activities are on offer at Lanhydrock, from visiting the reimagined Victorian nursery to exploring the estate by bicycle.

Little girl filling an 'Autumn Treasures' bag at Croome, Worcestershire
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Family-friendly things to do at Trelissick 

Discover all the things to do on a family day out to Trelissick. Explore the garden and house, or head out on an adventure around the countryside estate. Find out what family-friendly events are coming up and plan your visit to Trelissick.

Family taking a closer look at spring flowers
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Family-friendly things to do at Cotehele 

Discover all the things to do on a family day out to Cotehele. Explore the garden and orchards and head out on an adventure around the estate. Find out what family-friendly events are coming up and how best to plan your day out at Cotehele with children in mind.

Playing eye spy is one of the fun things to do with families at Pentire.
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Family-friendly things to do at Pentire 

All you need to know about visiting Pentire with children.

Children playing in the Orchard at Trerice, Cornwall
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Family-friendly things to do at Trerice 

Discover what family-friendly activities are on offer at Trerice this winter. Try a game of Cornish kayles, spot the mice around the house and try on Tudor-inspired costumes in the hayloft.

Egg and spoon race fun on the Easter trail at Godolphin, Cornwall
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Family-friendly things to do at Godolphin 

Take a look at what family-friendly events and activities we have at Godolphin. Get mucky in the mud-pie kitchen, explore nature up-close with the barefoot trail and enjoy the wide open spaces of nature in the gardens.

Children doing an activity trail
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Family-friendly things to do at Trengwainton Garden 

With its combination of winding wooded paths, secluded corners and wide-open spaces, there are lots of places to enjoy nature adventures at Trengwainton.

Young boy dresses up in a top hat in the Storytelling Room, Antony
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Family-friendly things to do at Antony 

Find out what family-friendly activities are on offer at Antony in Cornwall, in the house and garden.

Levant Mine and Beam Engine, Cornwall, on a sunny day
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Visiting Levant Mine and Beam Engine 

Join the 'Minor Miners' family tour and learn about the gruelling work of a Cornish Miner. Find out about the jobs the miners did and help to run the winder and steam engine. Runs twice daily from March 31 to April 14.

Just over the border in Devon

Mother and daughter enjoy exploring Saltram house and looking at the Chinese Wallpaper
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Family-friendly things to do at Saltram 

Find family friendly activities to do at Saltram from exploring the estate and gardens to seasonal events.

Bright colourful rag bunting strung out along a line
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Family-friendly things to do at Buckland Abbey 

Whether it's a woodland adventure, an amazing story of life on the high seas or a tasty treat from the cafe, there's something for all the family to enjoy at Buckland Abbey.

Family-friendly gardens in Cornwall

Discover a wide variety of gardens to explore with plenty of places to play hide-and-seek.

A visitor walks away down a path in the gardens at Godolphin Cornwall
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Things to do in the garden at Godolphin 

Godolphin’s garden paths provide a natural space that’s rich in history. Find out how the garden provides a home to the native Cornish bee. Explore the orchard, side garden paddock and King’s Garden.

A close up photo of Rhododendron 'Christmas cheer' in the garden at Trelissick, Cornwall
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Things to see and do in the garden at Trelissick 

Discover peaceful lawns and tranquil orchard spaces in the garden. Stop for far-reaching maritime views at this green lookout point high above the River Fal estuary.

One visitor poses for a photo in front of a garden wall in the gardens at Cotehele, Cornwall
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Visiting Cotehele's garden 

Take a stroll around the 5.5 hectares of Cotehele's garden where you’ll discover terraced herbaceous borders, a lily pond as well as a medieval stewpond and dovecote.

Family-friendly walks and cycling in Cornwall

Here are some walks great for little legs and pushchairs as well as top spots to cycle in Cornwall.

Family exploring the cycle trails at Lanhydrock, Cornwall
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Cycling at Lanhydrock 

With a mix of off road trails from green routes, skills areas and more advanced woodland routes, there's something for everyone. If you need to hire a bike, we've got you covered at the Lanhydrock cycle hire. We recommend pre-booking any bikes you need beforehand.

Two children riding their bikes along a footpath at Castle Coole, with a family and pushchairs in the background
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Activity

Cycling at Penrose 

There are acres to explore on your visit to Penrose, and it doesn’t have to be on foot. Miles of bridleways are waiting to be discovered on your horse, or by bike.

A large grey mill building with woodland behind it and a meadow of white cow parsley in front of it
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Exploring the Cotehele estate 

There's lots to discover at the Cotehele estate. Miles of pathways lead you through ancient woodland, past a historic chapel, and to an important Victorian quay.

Cattle grazing in the parkland at Lanhydrock, Cornwall amid tall trees
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Trail

Lanhydrock Great Wood and Beech Avenue walk 

Lanhydrock is home to a wide variety of veteran and ancient trees, perfect homes for wildlife – and your companions on this gentle circular walk.

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Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)
Lansallos Cove view to Pencarrow Head, Cornwall
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Trail

Lansallos coastal and woodland walk 

Discover this trail with a stretch of coastline that offers secluded coves and beaches in Lansallos, Cornwall.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.8 (km: 6.08)

Family-friendly houses in Cornwall

Step inside and discover adventure in every room. With things to do for families that makes a great day out.

An adult and a child standing on scaffold and admiring the intricate plaster ceiling at Lanhydrock
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Things to do in Lanhydrock house 

Lanhydrock is a Victorian country house packed with layers of history and family stories. Step inside the house to learn about the lives of the Agar-Robartes family, admire the finest rooms and meet the costumed servants below stairs.

Friends sat in the house tearoom having tea and cake overlooking the river, Trelissick, Cornwall
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Visiting Trelissick house 

Enjoy a tea or coffee in the south-facing rooms while taking in the view from the eighteenth century house at Trelissick.

Two visitors look up admiring the details of the Great Hall at Cotehele, Cornwall
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Things to do in Cotehele house 

Cotehele house contains eclectic historic artefacts that tell many stories about the medieval building’s long history, from rare tapestries to whale jawbones.

A close up view of the Dutch gables featured on the manor house, Trerice, Cornwall
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Visiting the house at Trerice 

Explore inside the house to see decorative plasterwork and collection items including a large table, Cornish paintings and a 300-year-old clock.

The entrance Hall at Antony House showing the staircase, three arches, stained oak panelling and paintings
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Things to see in the house at Antony 

The house at Antony contrasts the personal touches of a grand yet comfortable family home. It is still lived in by the Carew family today.

Family-friendly beaches in Cornwall

Discover all the best beaches for rock-pooling adventures and sandcastle building.

A view of the sandy beach at Sandymouth, Cornwall, with rocks in the foreground, a cliff visible on the left and the sea in the distance
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Sandymouth 

Sandymouth is a popular and unspoilt beach but can be very tidal. Find out how not to get caught out by the tides and also discover what’s on offer for you to do during your visit.

Children finding a crab whilst rock-pooling on the beach at Poldhu Cove on the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall
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Things to do at Poldhu Cove 

Tucked away on the west side of the Lizard in Cornwall, Poldhu Cove is a favourite beach for families and surfers alike.

Holiday cottages on the beach near Glendurgan Garden, Cornwall
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Place

Durgan beach 

The sheltered, south-facing beach at Durgan is a mixture of pebbles, rock pools and sand. It's a peaceful place to play and watch wildlife and boats on the Helford River.

Falmouth, Cornwall

Fully open today
A National Trust sign pointing to Lantic beach with the bay in the background
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Exploring the area around Lansallos 

Discover the places to visit in and around this Cornish village, including sandy coves, ancient churches, old water mills and landmarks from its smuggling heyday.

Visitors rockpooling at Wembury Beach, Wembury, Devon
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Explore the beaches at Carne and Pendower 

Accessible all year round, the sandy beaches at Carne and Pendower offer seaside fun, coastal walks with sweeping views, and the chance to explore disused military bunkers.

Visitors exploring the gardens at Cotehele, Cornwall

Discover more in Cornwall

You can find exotic gardens, ancient houses and mining history encircled by a much-loved coastline.