Cornwall’s five best family holiday hotspots

Family holidays in Cornwall happen all year round. Those big, sandy beaches in the spring and summer are just as much of a playground in the cooler months. You don’t always need the sun to investigate rockpools, explore castles or run along cliff tops. Kids will paddle, race around wild gardens and learn about Cornwall’s mystical past whatever the weather – and when it’s sunny, just add water for surfing, sailing and swimming. Here, we’ve rounded up the best locations to head to for a fun, action-packed break that will keep even the grumpiest of toddlers and moodiest of teenagers happy.

1. Looe – great for families with small children

If you’re looking for a good old-fashioned bucket-and-spade holiday, the pretty harbour town of Looe in south Cornwall ticks all the boxes. Explore the winding, narrow cobbled streets and alleyways as you make your way down to the seafront. Watch the local fishermen land the catch of the day, which you can then sample in the local restaurants, cafes and fish’n’chip shops, then head to East Looe Beach, where rockpools exposed at low tide will keep little ones entertained for hours. More beautiful golden sandy beaches and surfing can be found at nearby Whitsand Bay. Explore the stunning coastline on the South West Coast Path or take a boat trip to nearby Looe Island, a thriving nature reserve. For a great family day out, head to Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary or Seaton Valley Countryside Park. For the adventurous, a trip to Adrenaline Quarry will have you zip-lining across the old quarry lake, enjoying the waterpark, or trying your hand at go-karting. Explore Cornwall’s smuggling past in Polperro, just four miles away, and check out the lovely fishing villages of Mevagissey and Fowey. 

Discover how to spend three days in Looe here 

2. Newquay – ideal for surfers and older teens

Newquay, on Cornwall’s north coast, is on the up. Once notorious as a party destination for young revellers, it’s now full of trendy yoga studios, ethical food shops and wine bars. It’s still a family resort at its heart and the perfect destination for those with older children who want to lap up the chilled surf scene. You won’t have much trouble finding Newquay’s surfing beaches. Fistral, considered the home of Newquay surfing, is nearly a kilometre of golden sand, while Watergate Bay, Perranporth, Bedruthan Steps and Towan Beach, known as Town Beach, are just a hop, skip and a jump away. There are plenty of places to hire boards and wetsuits and organise lessons. And if you want some time away from the beach, there’s loads to do in Newquay. It’s a hipster haven – wander around countless indie lifestyle boutiques selling everything from the latest surfwear to scented candles. Wildlife lovers should head to the Blue Reef Aquarium and Newquay Zoo or take a boat trip around the coast to spot dolphins, whales and a host of other marine creatures. Hire a bike and explore one of the many coastal and country trails. In the evenings, you’ll find a range of eateries and pubs to keep everyone happy. From fast food to pizza, fish’n’chip shops to fine dining, and chequered table-cloth cafes to American-style diners, Newquay has them all. 

3. Falmouth – perfect for older kids 

Cheery, creative and cosmopolitan, Falmouth is a working harbour town on Cornwall’s south coast that offers a blend of beach life, shabby-chic cafes and fabulous seafood. Older teens will love the quirky craft shops, many owned by Falmouth School of Art graduates, as well as exploring Falmouth Art Gallery. Younger teens and children will adore the National Maritime Museum Cornwall at Discovery Quay, which houses a treasure trove of maritime knowledge, an undersea gallery where you can watch fish swimming in the harbour from the sea bed and a 30-metre lookout tower. For a bit of action in the water, grab a paddleboard and take in fascinating harbour views from the sea, as you watch the commercial ships mingling with picturesque sailing boats. WeSUP on Gyllyngvase beach organises tours and safaris of local shipwrecks. The sandy crescent of Gylly beach is a great spot for a family day out – it’s easily accessible for those with buggies and has lifeguards in the summer months. Falmouth’s other main beach, Swanpool, offers kayak hire, trampolines, crazy golf and a nature reserve. Catch the ferry across the harbour to the village of St Mawes and its castle and the Roseland Peninsula beyond. Falmouth also has its own Pendennis Castle. The picturesque Tudor building is a gorgeous setting for a family day out, full of history, storytelling and breathtaking views out to sea. Pendennis Point car park is also the starting point for a lovely walk on the South West Coast Path.

Read about how to spend three days in Falmouth here. 

4. Bude – seaside fun for everyone

On the north coast of Cornwall, as far east as you can go before crossing the border into Devon, lies Bude. The pretty seaside town is renowned for its wild Atlantic rollers, rugged coastline, unique Victorian heritage and gorgeous seawater pool. A hub for surfers, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies and families alike, Bude’s easygoing charm and wide, sandy beaches make it one of Cornwall’s coolest coastal towns. Crooklets Beach, Widemouth Bay Beach and Summerleaze Beach are three favourites to paddle, build sandcastles and take in the incredible views. If the sea’s a bit rough, head to Bude’s famous seawater sea pool, complete with lifeguard cover, where kids can play and swim in safety. Stroll along the canal and explore the many galleries and independent eateries, or visit Bude Castle for an insight into Bude’s maritime past and unique geology. Further afield you’ll find the quintessentially Cornish village of Port Isaac, the ruins of Tintagel Castle, or hop over the border into Devon to explore Lundy Island and the cliffside village of Clovelly. 

5. St Ives – a crowd pleaser for all ages

Through the cobbled streets and past the whitewashed houses to the pearl sands and aquamarine sea, St Ives provides the perfect holiday for families. Kids can play on the golden sands, teenagers can sunbathe or surf and adults can marvel at the art galleries. Lively and cosmopolitan, the town on Cornwall’s north-west coast retains all the charm of an old Cornish fishing port, from the rugged coastline and crashing waves to its picturesque harbour. Let’s start with the art: the Tate St Ives Gallery overlooks Porthmeor Beach, while in the centre of town you can find the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. On Higher Stennack, you will find Leach Pottery, with its exhibitions, studio and museum. Beach fans are spoiled for choice. There are five to choose from: Porthminster, Porthgwidden, Harbour, Porthmeor, Lambeth Walk and Bamaluz are all within an easy walk of the town. Head to Porthmeor for all-day family fun as well as the best waves for surfing and bodyboarding. The South West Coast Path will take you on dreamy hikes with stunning views in either direction and St Ives’ eclectic mix of restaurants, pubs and cafes offer local seafood to suit all budgets and tastes.

Read our insider’s guide to St Ives here

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