Woman and two children hanging baubles on a tree covered in fairy lights. — The Winter Lights wishing tree at Trengwainton | © National Trust/Sophie Bolesworth

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.

Christmas in and around Cornwall

From a 60-foot garland to festive decorations and Cornish traditions, we've something for the whole family this Christmas in and around Cornwall. Here's a few suggestions to start planning your visit.

A member of staff at Trelissick decorating a tree for a Cornish Christmas

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

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.

A girl playing on the rocking horse in the Nursery at Lanhydrock

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 and dog walking along a woodland path at Hatchlands Park

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.

Family apple picking in the orchard at Cotehele

Family-friendly things to do at Pentire

All you need to know about visiting Pentire with children, including October family fun.

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

Family-friendly things to do at Trerice

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

Children playing in the Orchard at Trerice, Cornwall

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.

Family days out at Trengwainton

Explore our ideas for fun and accessible days out for the family, in a garden with room to run, hide, explore and have lots of adventures in nature.

Adults and toddler playing amongst autumn leaves

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.

Young boy dresses up in a top hat in the Storytelling Room, Antony

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.

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

Family-friendly things to do at Saltram

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

A young girl explores dressed in a Halloween outfit.

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 this autumn.

A child dressed in a crown and rainbow wings in the foreground watches another child and an adult run around

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

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.

The Cider House at Godolphin, Cornwall with trees covered in autumn leaves.

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.

A white metal bench is surrounded by bushes showing autumn colour in oranges, reds and purples

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.

Exterior view of grey stone building, seen across a green meadow. Trees with orange and brown leaves on right side of image.

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

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.

Family exploring the cycle trails at Lanhydrock, Cornwall

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Lansallos coastal and woodland walk

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

Lansallos Cove view to Pencarrow Head, Cornwall

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

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.

A boy looking into a display case containing toys at Lanhydrock

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.

View of the Georgian house through the trees at Trelissick, Cornwall

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.

Two visitors look up admiring the details of the Great Hall at Cotehele, Cornwall

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.

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

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.

The entrance Hall at Antony House showing the staircase, three arches, stained oak panelling and paintings

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Holiday cottages on the beach near Glendurgan Garden, Cornwall

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.

A National Trust sign pointing to Lantic beach with the bay in the background

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 rockpooling at Wembury Beach, Wembury, Devon

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.

Explore Cornwall

Family-friendly places around Cornwall

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