The best family-friendly holiday spots in Cornwall
Around six years ago, my husband Charlie and I came to the simple realisation that adventure makes us feel good, and so we set about looking for ways to bring a regular fix of that feeling into our lives. That’s when our Achievable Adventure series was born. We’ve binned taking flights and now focus on exploring the UK in search of a wide range of outdoor escapades – from budget to blowout, from weekends to week-long trips.
Since the arrival of our two children, Sonny and Lochy, and seeing the effect being outdoors has on them, time spent in nature has moved even higher up the priorities list. We’re now exploring the UK through an entirely new lens, in search of places that have scale, variety and the sense of freedom that’s so crucial for shaping young minds. Cornwall ticks all the boxes every time. Here’s our take on exploring this beautiful coastal corner with little ones in tow. achievableadventure.com
What to see and do
There is something about Cornwall that just feels different to the rest of the UK. Perhaps it’s the slightly warmer climate, or the fact that coastal living feeds into everyday life in a certain way, but there’s a relaxed holiday feel there that you get almost immediately upon arrival.
Some of our favourite family-friendly holiday spots in Cornwall include Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula, which is considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches with its turquoise water and unique rock formations. Make sure you check tide times and visit at low tide to see it at its best. Sennen Cove has a sweeping sandy beach and glorious golden light at sunset. St Michael’s Mount is a historical tidal island that is home to a castle, a church and a small community of about 30 residents. It can be reached by foot if you time it right and then, after a wander round and some lunch, you can hop on the ferry back.
Mousehole is a beautiful little harbour town on Cornwall’s south coast. In school holidays, it can get busy, so aim to arrive early if you want a more peaceful visit. The town is also famous for its Christmas lights if you’re there in winter.
Minack is an open-air, cliffside theatre and I bet you won’t have watched a show anywhere quite as dramatic as this before. And even if your stay doesn’t coincide with a performance, it is well worth going. Afterwards, head for a walk and go for a swim at the stunning Porthcurno Beach just a few minutes’ walk away. Jubilee Pool in Penzance is a man-made tidal pool for saltwater swimming in safety and comfort. Follow this with a dip in the geothermal pool or check out their sauna for a real treat. With its sweeping views of the Atlantic, Gurnard’s Head on the north coast is great for a clifftop walk and is especially pretty at sunset.
Where to stay
Ednovean House, which is 10 minutes’ walk from the coast and has views across to St Michael’s Mount, is a place you’ll fall in love with the moment you arrive. Sleeping up to 14, it’s great for group stays and yet still feels big enough to enjoy your own space. It’s at the higher end budget-wise, but if you go out of season and the cost is split between a number of families, you can get a good deal. Book it through Perfect Stays.
We spent a couple of weeks in May in a cottage in Mousehole and loved it. We booked The Courtyard through Airbnb and, as it was out of season, it was budget friendly. We had a tiny baby at the time, so being in town and being able to walk everywhere was ideal. Another good option for a group stay is Bracken Bank, which sleeps eight and has incredible views looking out across Porthcurno Beach and Logan Rock. It can be booked at holidaycottages.co.uk.
A pub is a great option for those looking for family-friendly holiday spots in Cornwall and also want to be in the centre of the action; the Harbour Inn at Porthleven is a great little spot, with comfortable rooms and harbour views. And for those who want to enjoy sea views with all the comforts of a hotel, Watergate Bay is a good choice.
Where to eat and drink
The Mussel Shoal in Porthleven is a must for anyone visiting South Cornwall. Based out of a tiny shack on the edge of the harbour, these guys whip up sensational food. The mussels are the best we’ve ever eaten and all the seating is outside and overlooking the harbour, which makes the experience even more special. Wrap up warm as, even though there are heaters, it can get nippy.
Head to Sennen Surf Lodge for sundowners and food after a sunset walk along the beach. From fish tacos, to poke bowls and burgers, our group tried most things on the menu and the reviews were all resoundingly positive.
If some beers and pizzas on the beach one night sounds good (great for a stress-free dinner with kids), try The Welloe at Praa Sands. Order a takeaway, so you can sit and enjoy your food with sand between your toes and views of the ocean. The Cabin Beach Cafe is a good place for an easy-going breakfast or a hot chocolate stop before a walk and a swim on Perranuthnoe Beach. Mousehole Deli & Kitchen serves locally grown produce and has lots of delicious choices, whether you are having a meal there or want a coffee to take away. Keep an eye out for gin and wine tasting evenings if you fancy something a bit different.
The Gurnard’s Head pub – located, unsurprisingly, next to Gurnard’s Head – is hard to miss as it’s painted yellow. The food is great, so make sure that you book; popping in without a reservation is sure to end in disappointment.
Lessons learned
Plan to head to just one location each day. We used to make the mistake regularly of being a bit too ambitious with how much we could fit in and it invariably ended in stress. In a similar vein, be prepared for plans to change. Kids are great at not sticking to the script, so it’s always good to have an easier back-up option each day, in case hunger, bad moods or tiredness become a factor.
Even if you don’t plan to spend the whole day out and about, pack as if you will. When you are having fun, days can disappear, and the last thing you want to do is have to head home and miss a beautiful sunset somewhere. Bring plenty of baby food and nappies for the littlest ones, and spare clothes, swimming stuff and towels for bigger kids, who will probably get soaked daily.
Keep an eye on parking times. They’re hot on fines in Cornwall if you overstay – something we’ve done repeatedly, having got stuck into exploring and stuffing our faces with delicious food. And, finally, always check the tide times carefully
and plan your day accordingly.
For The Travel Project’s interactive map of the UK, visit rexby.com/The.Travel.Project/unitedkingdom.
‘Achievable Adventures: 52 of the UK’s Most Unforgettable Experiences’ (Quadrille, £18) offers more of Jessica and Charlie’s holiday suggestions.
Charlie Wild1/1The open-air Minack Theatre guarantees dramatic scenes – with or without a performance.
