The top ten places you need to visit on a holiday to Cornwall… according to UK mums

Cornwall has always been one of the top holiday destinations in the UK. The incredible beaches, cream teas and pasties, the sound of sea shanties being carried across the waves… But, if you want to enjoy a Cornwall holiday with children, where do you go?

Thankfully, help is at hand, as the team at Sykes Holiday Cottages have interviewed forty mum bloggers about their thoughts on Cornwall. ‘Relaxing’, ‘beautiful’, ‘fun’, ‘family-friendly’, ‘picturesque’, ‘peaceful’, ‘stunning’, ‘sunny’, ‘enjoyable’ and ‘memorable’ were just some of the words used by the experts to describe this corner of England.

And when it comes to listing their favourite places to visit in Cornwall, the results are unique, varied and, of course, child-friendly.

These families have collectively holidayed in Cornwall over a hundred times, so, with this, we pressed our Cornwall holiday experts on their top ten favourite places to visit, as well as some hidden gems that they’ve discovered along the way…

The top ten recommendations on a Cornwall holiday

1. St Ives

Find yourself in St Ives and you might think you were on the French Riviera – this town has some of the most stunning coastline in the UK. Through the cobbled streets and past the whitewashed houses, St Ives provides the perfect beach holiday for families in search of an escape. So, it’s no surprise that 50% of our respondents put this fishing port down as their number one spot to visit when in Cornwall.

2. The beaches of Newquay

If you want a traditional beach holiday for children in Cornwall, head to Newquay, which our Cornish holiday experts voted for in spades. Newquay has twelve award-winning beaches, including Whipsiderry Beach, Crantock Beach and Fistral Beach which range from tranquil and secluded to family-friendly with entertainment and attractions close by. This huge variety allows you to enjoy whatever kind of holiday you want!

3. Eden Project

These global gardens, which have been dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World, can be found in Bodelva, not far from St Austell, and came a close third in our poll. Kids love a day out at the Eden Project, whose huge biomes are home to rainforests, exhibitions and family events all year round. Amy Walsh of the Cocktails In Teacups mummy blog, has travelled to Cornwall twice with her little one and recommends the Eden Project as “it appeals to all ages and has great kids’ activities.”

4. Newquay Zoo

Newquay Zoo was rated highly as a great day out for the family. The zoo has an incredible variety of monkeys, lizards, big cats and birds. And if you fancy more animal fun, the Blue Reef Aquarium is just over a mile away. Keep an eye out for Omiros, the gorgeous loggerhead turtle.

5. Bude

Not far from the border of Devon, there’s a lot to love about this award-winning seaside town. With tonnes of activities from outdoor theatre to animal parks, there’s something for everyone.

Bude has some of the best beaches too. Crooklets Beach, Widemouth Bay Beach and Summerleaze Beach are three favourites to paddle, build sandcastles and take in the incredible views.

6. Tintagel Castle

Further down the coast from Bude lies Tintagel Castle, a place entwined in legend and myth and said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. Mel Trudgett, owner of frugal mummy blog Mel’s Money Mindset, recommends Merlin’s Cave, located beneath Tintagel Castle, and a place of adventure and imagination for kids of all ages and “worth the very steep climb back up the hill!”

7. Truro

Cornwall’s only city, historic Truro, is a great place to wander around. Enjoy an artisan ice cream on Lemon Street Market, gaze at the gothic architecture of Truro Cathedral and catch a Punch and Judy show around the back of Victoria Gardens.

8. Lappa Valley

Nobody can resist a steam engine, and kids (plus a few grown-ups too!) will love riding on the trains, and a run around the play area, a picnic, the woodland walk and a game of crazy golf are a great way of rounding the day off.

9. Polperro

Historically, this town was a smuggler’s cove and with its tidal pool, harbour and incredible food scene, this is the place to head for a relaxed, dreamy day by the sea.

10. Padstow

Foodies flock to Padstow to check out the incredible selection of fine dining restaurants, seafood shacks and independent bistros, cafes and creameries. And when you want to work off the lobster rolls and gelato, take a bike ride on the famous Camel Cycle Trail for some stunning scenery.

Cornwall Hidden Gems – Spots off the Beaten Track

And what about some insider know-how on the smaller, quieter spots? Our Cornwall experts pinpointed five beautiful places that need to be checked out on your next holiday to Cornwall.

1. Mousehole

Located on the south coast, Mousehole is quintessentially Cornish, with a cluster of cobbled narrow streets and stone houses overlooking a picturesque half-moon beach. Have lunch by the harbour, go on a cruise and walk around the charming selection of shops, the quaint and cute Mousehole is well worth checking out.

2. Tin Mines

Tin mining was once Cornwall’s biggest and oldest industry. But some of the once defunct mines have now opened to the public to unearth their stories from generations past. Go underground for a great day out at Poldark and Geevor Tin Mines.

3. St Michaels Mount

For a unique day out, take a trip to St Michael’s Mount, an island off the south coast of Cornwall. Travel to the town of Marazion and walk across the manmade causeway to explore this charming corner of Cornwall.

4. Port Isaac

A gem on the north coast of Cornwall, Port Isaac has a picture perfect quality that makes it a perfect setting for a Cornish family holiday. With an abundance of independent shops, delicious cream teas and a thriving music scene, Port Isaac (which is also the setting for ITV’s Doc Martin) has a place in many of our Cornwall holiday experts’ hearts.

5. Crantock

On the north coast of Cornwall, not far from Newquay lies the ancient coastal town of Crantock. Visit Polly Joke beach, pose for photos by the village stocks and check out the sand dunes by the shore.

A family holiday to Cornwall should be about discovery, adventure and making memories. Whether you’re knee deep in rock pools with the little ones, or watching the sunset with your kids tucking into fish and chips, Cornwall provides the perfect place to relax, unwind and have fun.

Make your next holiday in the UK an unforgettable one by staying in one of our Cornwall seaside cottages, and check out some more things to do in Cornwall.