Family-friendly things to do at Pentire

Published:: 21 May 2023

Playing eye spy is one of the fun things to do with families at Pentire. — Play eye spy in the orchard at Pentire | © National Trust/Jacqueline Peters

There are plenty of ways to enjoy a visit to Pentire with your family. We recommend using the main car park at Pentireglaze so you’re in easy reach of the toilets, orchard and other facilities. Find out what you can expect and other useful information here.

Planning your family visit

Baby-changing facilities*
Buggy to borrow*
Selection of donated children’s books in the indoor seating barn*
Buggy accessible orchard
Fairy trail (seasonal)
Walking distance to Pentireglaze Haven beach

*Please note that these facilities are only available from Easter to October and Fri-Sun over the winter.

The Changing Places facility at Pentire — The Changing Places at Pentire | © National Trust/Paul Harris

Facilities

There is a separate baby changing room next to the main toilets as well as a Changing Places facility with adjustable table and ceiling hoist. The Changing Places is available any time with a RADAR key or ask a member of staff.

Buggy to borrow at Pentire | © National Trust/Jacqueline Peters

Ask a member of staff about borrowing a buggy. They are free to use (donations welcome) and offered on a first come, first served basis.

Orchard

Just across from the main car park you’ll find an accessible, sensory orchard. With willow tunnels and a nest swing (provided with support from the Quinnian Trust), this is the ideal place to picnic and play. There are picnic tables you can use or bring your own blanket.

Fairy trail

Also in the orchard, from Easter to October, you’ll find a fairy trail with 10 doors and fairies to meet. Pick up a trail sheet from the café or ask a member of the welcome team.

A sandy beach and view of the sea at Pentireglaze Haven, Cornwall — The beach at Pentireglaze Haven, Cornwall, known locally as Baby Bay | © National Trust Images / Sue Brackenbury

Rock-pooling

The beach at Pentireglaze Haven is a 15-20 minute walk from the main car park along a sloping bridal way. The cove joins the main beach at Polzeath at low tide and is great for rock-pooling. The beach here is very tidal, meaning at high tide there is only a limited amount of sand not covered by the sea. Please note that seasonal lifeguard cover is in place at the main beach in Polzeath, but this doesn’t extend to Pentireglaze Haven (also known as Baby Bay).

50 things to do before you’re 11¾

These are our top 3 ’50 things’ to try on your visit to Pentire:

#33 Go cloud watching

Wander into the meadow (we call Wheel Buzzy) next to the orchard and make your way to the top left corner. There you’ll find a cloud watching bench; popular with visitors of all ages.

#44 Watch a bird

There are so many birds to spot at Pentire, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You might see a friendly robin in the orchard or listen out for the distinctive call of a skylark as you explore the headland.

#45 Find your way with a map

If you’ve not got a map of your own there are information points at the car parks. Just take a photo of the map and have a go at the suggested walk. You can also download walking trails from the website before you visit.