Who doesn’t enjoy going away on holiday? I know I love to get away and have a break from work every so often. One of the hotspots in the UK for holidays is Cornwall with its picturesque harbour villages and hundreds of sandy beaches, hidden coves, and rugged moorlands. It’s not a surprise it’s been dubbed the Cornish Riviera. Word has spread far and wide often attracting tourists to experience a British holiday having discovered Misconceptions About The United Kingdom are often false. If you’re considering a holiday in Cornwall it helps to have an idea of what there is to do there. You could stay in one of the various holiday parks Cornwall has to offer, make the most of their facilities, and also venture out once in a while to discover something new. In this post, we look at some of The Best Attractions in Cornwall.
#Sponsored post
The Best Attractions in Cornwall
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
A great place for a a fun visit with the family. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary owned by the Sea Life Trust is a sanctuary for injured seal pups. Here they work to ensure the safety and well-being of seals around Cornwall’s coastline. Here you’ll see the cutest seal pups and be able to attend talks and feeds. Visitors will learn about the pups that they rescue, and how they rehabilitate and release them back into the wild. The sanctuary also takes in other animals, including penguins, otters, ponies, and goats. Perfect for any animal lovers. You’ll find you will need approx 3 hours there, longer if you make use of one of their great picnic areas. Tickets are valid for 12 months, so you can revisit if you keep a hold of them. You’ll find you can sometimes get discounts if you search online.
Trebah Gardens
Trebah Gardens is a 26-acre sub-tropical garden with over 4 miles of footpath. It has canopies with exotic blooms, and tunnels of vibrant coloured flora that lead down to a secluded beach. This attraction is best visited in the summer when you’ll get to see the giant gunnera and be able to make the most use of the beach area. They hold family events, various Christmas workshops, and more. On the site, there is a restaurant for refueling and also a gift shop and plant centre. Become a member to receive 10% off!!!
Newquay Zoo
Here you will discover 1000’s of the world’s rarest and also some of the most endangered animals. This popular attraction is owned by Wild Planet Trust. They give visitors the chance to get up close to many different animals, from sloths and penguins to zebras and meerkats. Some of the many endangered wildlife species that you may come across here include pied tamarins, ring-tailed lemurs, Visayan warty pigs, and Javan green magpies. The zoo also has a Village Farm that has some more familiar faces. There are two outdoor play areas, perfect for children to run around after seeing some of their favourite animals. Make sure you stop off at the cafe to enjoy a bite to eat at lunchtime before carrying on with your animal adventure.
The Eden Project
There are numerous attractions in Cornwall but one of the most well know is The Eden Project. This is one of the greenhouses in the world as well as the largest indoor rainforest. Between the indoor biomes and outside gardens you will expect to cover roughly 30 acres in approx 4 hours. You’ll see over 20 plant based exhibits, as well as colourful seasonal borders and art installations. There is also an adventure playground, perfect to get kids running around using up excess energy. This is run as an educational charity. There are cafes at the site so you don’t need to worry if little ones get hungry and you’ve forgotten the snacks. Tickets need to be booked in advance and serve as an annual pass. Private tours and audio tours are available. Have a read of this great Eden Project review to find out more.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan encompasses over 200 acres of exotic jungle, a paradise for any nature enthusiast. The 19th-century botanical gardens fell into disrepair after the first world war. It has been nursed back to glory by dedicated gardeners. This, no longer “secret” garden is now a haven of both traditional and rare plants. Make sure that you look out for the Sleeping Moss Giant as you explore. Kids, be quiet so you don’t wake him!!!
Dairyland Farm Park
Dairyland Farm Park is another great Cornish attraction. Here you can discover all the fun of the farm, enjoy tractor and pony rides, and also help with feeding time for the animals. It’s a fun family friendly activity where you can meet the animals such as adorable rabbits and guinea pigs. Children can also roam around in large outdoor play areas equipped with trampolines, swings, and slides, or have fun on drop slides and soft play areas.
There are daily events including bottle-feeding, pat-a-pet, and pony rides. Kids can also have a go at milking Clarabelle their cyber cow! The adventure playground has plenty of rides, play equipment, and entertainment. Kids can even have a race around on the go-cart track or experience a Tractor Ride. There’s also a Bull Pen which is open all year. It’s a 12,000 sq ft undercover play area with Astra Slides, Drop Slides, Ball Pools, Soft Play Areas, Climbing Nets, a Fireman’s Pole, a Tumble Tower, and even a snack bar.
Bodmin Jail
This historical site was built in 1779 and bore witness to some of the most notorious crimes and punishments of the Georgian and Victorian eras. These days the jail is an immersive family-friendly attraction that offers its visitors a chance to experience this fascinating legacy up close and personal. The jail’s award-winning heritage tours offer a unique glimpse into the lives of the prisoners. There is a self-guided entry option that allows visitors to explore the jail at their own pace. The jail’s history is not limited to the physical realm. If you dare, why not try one of their paranormal experiences? these include ghost walks as well as overnight investigations. This landmark attraction really is a not to be missed attraction for anyone looking to delve into the dark side of the jail’s past.
St Michael’s Mount
This is very popular with visitors and really must be one of The Best Attractions in Cornwall. Visitors must cross the causeway where it was said a legendary giant once walked (during low tide). Otherwise, jump aboard a boat if you prefer. St Michael’s Mount is one of Cornwall’s most beautiful sights. When you arrive you can walk around the harbour, after which you’ll follow the path up to the castle and the sub-tropical garden paradise.
Pendennis Castle
Adults and children love to visit castles and discover the history behind them. Pendennis Castle is an artillery fort that was constructed by Henry VIII between 1540 and 1542. It was designed to help protect against invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire as well as defended the Carrick Roads waterway at the mouth of the River Fal. Here you will not just learn about the castle’s past, but you’ll also get to see costumed characters and discover the Tudor Keep. If you visit between April and October, you will see the firing of a historic gun. There are also amazing sea views to be seen. Parking here is free but you will need to purchase tickets.
Free Activities
No matter where you are located there will be somewhere nearby that you can explore. This is such a wonderful place for nature lovers. Encouraging Kids to be More Active Outdoors is easy here. You could go geocaching, fossil hunting, go on nature walks, kick a football about, fly a kite, visit a free play area, go to a beach, go shell collecting, the list goes on.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my post The Best Attractions in Cornwall. As you can see there are some great places to visit and honestly, there are so many more that could easily be added to this selection.
Have you ever visited Cornwall? Whether you have or haven’t visited, which do you think is one of The Best Attractions in Cornwall?
You Might Also Like:
Holidaying in Devon Versus Cornwall
5 Unmissable Destinations for a UK Road Trip
Activity Ideas for a Family Trip to Brighton
The Best Castles to See in Northern Ireland
Quieter Beaches to Visit in the UK with Chipping Sodbury Caravans
Enjoyed this Post?
Subscribe to Melanie’s Fab Finds to see my latest posts. Posts will include recipes, reviews, etc. and as a result, you will hear about my new posts and competitions first!
Watch our fab product reviews on YouTube x
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. Always consult with your GP or a qualified health provider before making changes to your diet, exercise routine, or starting any internal or external treatments.
Discover more from Melanie's Fab Finds
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
this is a lovely guide to some of Cornwalls best places to visit. We went years ago but I dont honestly remember too much, but we stayed at Torquay for 2 nights nnear the beach which was lovely
They have some really lovely beaches there. I bet you had an amazing time.
we love Cornwall too, so scenic, a beautiful part of the UK
It is lovely there.
I love Cornwall,love visiting the Eden Project x Such a beautiful place
Lots of great attractions I wold love to visit.
Wish I lived closer! I would love to visit the Eden Project
Cornwall is my fave holiday destination, it is a world away from where I live in York, I never want to come home, we have visited quite a few of these attractions.
That’s great to hear. There is so much to do and see there.
Wow. I’ve been to Cornwall a lot of times but I can’t believe there is still so much I have to see. Cornwall is definitely one of my favourite places in the UK. If I could, I would go there every year
We love Cornwall, we usually take the children to Newquay and there are a couple of theme parks around there but we just love the beaches and bodyboarding mainly.
We love Cornwall. We have been to the Eden Project, Newquay Zoo and Bodmin Jail. Hoping to pay a visit again next year!
Woah! So many beautiful places to visit in Cornwall. I love doing adventure trips and these are perfect for me.
I always wanted to visit UK and experience the natural beauty that it has to offer. I’ll surely add Cornwall to my must go places list in the country.
Thank you for the travel review on Cornwall. Looks like just the place my family would love – lots to do and see!
I had no idea there was so much to do in Cornwall. I don’t think it gets enough coverage in travel writing and shows.
Cornwall sounds like a lot of fun. I’ll be honest, until I read this, it wasn’t even on my radar. I’d love to go now!
Oh wow! There’s so much to see! That’s so cool! Thanks for sharing this!
I have not been to Cornwall since I was a child and would love to visit. It is such a beautiful part of the country and so much to do and see
Your post beautifully highlights the allure of the Cornish Riviera, with its picturesque villages, sandy beaches, hidden coves, and rugged moorlands. Perfectly dispelling misconceptions about the UK, it’s a delightful guide to the best attractions in Cornwall. Ready to plan my holiday escape to this scenic paradise!
They all sound amazing! I think my first stops would be the zoo and the seal sanctuary. Thanks for sharing this list of fantastic places to visit.
i love cornwall, i really have to time my stay with a show at the minack theatre one of these days!
I dream of visiting Cornwall..it is such a beautiful spot especially in the warmer months! Great guide! Thank you for sharing!
The pictures are awesome! How would I like to travel and experience it all!
The Eden Project is such an amazing place to visit. Cornwall should be putting up their Christmas lights along the beach about now too, which is always fun to visit.
That does sound like it would be lovely to see.
We love visiting Cornwall, The Eden Project is a firm favourite with all of us.
It is a very popular destination.
I went to Penzance and it was great!
I’d love to visit the Eden Project. Heard such great things about it!
Love Cornwall. Would love to visit the Eden Project.
Love Cornwall, especially the West. St Agnes at Christmas is all that you want a tree lighting ceremony to be, very atmospheric and beautiful with lots of lovely present ideas just like your Christmas posts.
Absolutely love cornwall, it’s our go o staycation whenever we don’t go abroad, we always have a fantastic family holiday here
Fantastic things to do with Cornwall, one of my favourite staycations in the uk
Absolutely love Cornwall but haven’t been since I was a kid must admit the 6 hr + drive always puts me off
Love St Michael’s Mount and hope to visit Heligan and Eden project on my next visit.
We live in Devon and visit Cornwall a lot! We only went to the Lost gardens of Heligan last year and it was stunning! Another fun place the kids love is Flambards
I love Cornwall. So many childhood memories of our family stay near to Pentewan Sands.
ive never been to cornwall keep saying ill go visit!
It’s cold and sleeting today so it’s lovely to read about Cornwall and dream of summer break. So far, I’ve only seen the Eden Project but hope to see some of the other sights and attractions you’ve listed. Thank you.
Thank you for this- I have always wanted to visit!
I’ve been to a few of these. My son enjoyed The Japanese Garden but that doesn’t open again until March.
I’d love to visit Bodmin jail, my husband has ancestors from around this region, so I think some of them may have spent time there!
The Eden project is on my list of places I want to visit, it looks amazing!
lots of lovely places, we used to holiday alot in cornwall when i was a child