Free Things to Do in Cornwall for Families: A Budget-Friendly Guide
Cornwall is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and family-friendly activities. The best part? Many of its attractions won’t cost you a penny! If you’re planning a family trip to Cornwall and want to keep costs down, this guide is for you. From stunning beaches to hidden gems, here are the best free things to do in Cornwall for families.
1. Explore Cornwall’s Beaches
Cornwall is famous for its breathtaking coastline, and many of its beaches are free to access. Pack a picnic, grab your bucket and spade, and enjoy a day of sandcastle-building, paddling, and exploring rock pools.
Top Free Beaches for Families:
Porthcurno Beach: Nestled near Land’s End, this golden sandy beach is perfect for families. The turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs make it feel like a tropical paradise.
Gwithian Beach: Located near Hayle, this beach is ideal for surfing, sandcastle-building, and long walks.
Polzeath Beach: A family favorite, Polzeath offers gentle waves for paddling and plenty of space for kids to run around.
Tip: Check tide times before you go to make the most of your beach day!
2. Discover Cornwall’s Coastal Paths
The South West Coast Path stretches over 600 miles, and Cornwall is home to some of its most scenic sections. Walking the coastal paths is a fantastic way to soak in the views, spot wildlife, and burn off some energy.
Family-Friendly Walks:
Lizard Peninsula: The walk from Kynance Cove to Lizard Point is relatively easy and offers stunning views.
St Ives to Zennor: This 6-mile route is perfect for older kids and offers dramatic cliffs and hidden coves.
Padstow to Stepper Point: A shorter, family-friendly walk with panoramic views of the Camel Estuary.
Tip: Bring binoculars for birdwatching and keep an eye out for seals and dolphins!
3. Visit Free Attractions
Cornwall is home to several free attractions that are perfect for families.
Top Free Attractions:
The Eden Project’s Outdoor Gardens: While the biomes have an entry fee, the outdoor gardens are free to explore. Kids will love the play areas and sculptures.
St Michael’s Mount: While there’s a fee to enter the castle, you can walk across the causeway (at low tide) and explore the island for free.
Trebah Garden’s Beach Access: The gardens have an entry fee, but you can access the beach via a public footpath for free.
4. Explore Cornwall’s Historic Sites
Cornwall is steeped in history, and many of its historic sites are free to visit.
Free Historic Sites:
Tintagel Castle’s Merlin’s Cave: While the castle has an entry fee, you can explore Merlin’s Cave and the surrounding coastline for free.
Carn Euny Ancient Village: Step back in time at this Iron Age settlement near Penzance.
The Hurlers Stone Circles: Located on Bodmin Moor, these ancient stone circles are fascinating for kids and adults alike.
5. Enjoy Cornwall’s Parks and Playgrounds
Cornwall has plenty of green spaces and playgrounds where kids can let off steam.
Top Parks and Playgrounds:
Truro’s Victoria Gardens: A beautiful park with a playground, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Boscawen Park, Truro: This riverside park has a playground, sports facilities, and plenty of space for picnics.
Heartlands, Pool: A free cultural site with a playground, gardens, and interactive exhibits.
6. Go Wildlife Spotting
Cornwall’s diverse landscapes are home to an array of wildlife.
Best Spots for Wildlife:
Golitha Falls: A magical woodland walk where you might spot otters and kingfishers.
Looe Island: Take a walk along the coast and look out for seals and seabirds.
RSPB Hayle Estuary: A haven for birdwatchers, with free access to viewing points.
7. Attend Free Events and Festivals
Cornwall hosts numerous free events and festivals throughout the year.
Family-Friendly Events:
Falmouth Oyster Festival: A celebration of food and music with free activities for kids.
St Ives September Festival: A mix of free and ticketed events, including music, art, and workshops.
Padstow Christmas Festival: A festive event with free entertainment, lights, and markets.
8. Visit Free Museums
Cornwall has several free museums that are both educational and fun for families.
Top Free Museums:
Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro: Discover Cornwall’s history, art, and culture.
Falmouth Art Gallery: A great spot for art-loving families, with free entry and interactive exhibits.
Wheal Martyn Clay Works: While there’s a fee for the main site, the outdoor trails and picnic areas are free.
9. Go Geocaching
Geocaching is a free, outdoor treasure hunt that’s perfect for families. Cornwall’s diverse landscapes make it an ideal location for this activity.
How to Get Started:
Download a geocaching app.
Search for caches near your location.
Follow the clues and enjoy the adventure!
10. Have Fun at Farmers’ Markets
Cornwall’s farmers’ markets are a feast for the senses. While you might want to buy some local produce, browsing is free and fun for the whole family.
Top Markets:
Truro Farmers’ Market: Held every Wednesday and Saturday.
St Ives Farmers’ Market: A great spot to sample local treats.
Wadebridge Farmers’ Market: Known for its friendly atmosphere and fresh produce.
Conclusion
Cornwall is a fantastic destination for families, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a memorable trip. From its stunning beaches and coastal walks to its free attractions and events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in Cornwall—without breaking the bank!
FAQs
What are the best free beaches in Cornwall for families?
Porthcurno Beach, Gwithian Beach, and Polzeath Beach are all family-friendly and free to access.
Are there free activities for kids in Cornwall?
Yes! From exploring beaches and coastal paths to visiting free museums and parks, there’s plenty to keep kids entertained.
Can you visit St Michael’s Mount for free?
Yes, you can walk across the causeway (at low tide) and explore the island for free, though the castle has an entry fee.
What wildlife can you see in Cornwall?
Look out for seals, dolphins, otters, and a variety of seabirds while exploring Cornwall’s coastline and woodlands.
Free Things to Do in Cornwall for Families: A Budget-Friendly Guide
Free Things to Do in Cornwall for Families: A Budget-Friendly Guide
Cornwall is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and family-friendly activities. The best part? Many of its attractions won’t cost you a penny! If you’re planning a family trip to Cornwall and want to keep costs down, this guide is for you. From stunning beaches to hidden gems, here are the best free things to do in Cornwall for families.
1. Explore Cornwall’s Beaches
Cornwall is famous for its breathtaking coastline, and many of its beaches are free to access. Pack a picnic, grab your bucket and spade, and enjoy a day of sandcastle-building, paddling, and exploring rock pools.
Top Free Beaches for Families:
Tip: Check tide times before you go to make the most of your beach day!
2. Discover Cornwall’s Coastal Paths
The South West Coast Path stretches over 600 miles, and Cornwall is home to some of its most scenic sections. Walking the coastal paths is a fantastic way to soak in the views, spot wildlife, and burn off some energy.
Family-Friendly Walks:
Tip: Bring binoculars for birdwatching and keep an eye out for seals and dolphins!
3. Visit Free Attractions
Cornwall is home to several free attractions that are perfect for families.
Top Free Attractions:
4. Explore Cornwall’s Historic Sites
Cornwall is steeped in history, and many of its historic sites are free to visit.
Free Historic Sites:
5. Enjoy Cornwall’s Parks and Playgrounds
Cornwall has plenty of green spaces and playgrounds where kids can let off steam.
Top Parks and Playgrounds:
6. Go Wildlife Spotting
Cornwall’s diverse landscapes are home to an array of wildlife.
Best Spots for Wildlife:
7. Attend Free Events and Festivals
Cornwall hosts numerous free events and festivals throughout the year.
Family-Friendly Events:
8. Visit Free Museums
Cornwall has several free museums that are both educational and fun for families.
Top Free Museums:
9. Go Geocaching
Geocaching is a free, outdoor treasure hunt that’s perfect for families. Cornwall’s diverse landscapes make it an ideal location for this activity.
How to Get Started:
10. Have Fun at Farmers’ Markets
Cornwall’s farmers’ markets are a feast for the senses. While you might want to buy some local produce, browsing is free and fun for the whole family.
Top Markets:
Conclusion
Cornwall is a fantastic destination for families, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a memorable trip. From its stunning beaches and coastal walks to its free attractions and events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in Cornwall—without breaking the bank!
FAQs
What are the best free beaches in Cornwall for families?
Porthcurno Beach, Gwithian Beach, and Polzeath Beach are all family-friendly and free to access.
Are there free activities for kids in Cornwall?
Yes! From exploring beaches and coastal paths to visiting free museums and parks, there’s plenty to keep kids entertained.
Can you visit St Michael’s Mount for free?
Yes, you can walk across the causeway (at low tide) and explore the island for free, though the castle has an entry fee.
What wildlife can you see in Cornwall?
Look out for seals, dolphins, otters, and a variety of seabirds while exploring Cornwall’s coastline and woodlands.
Post author
Local experts from Cornwall
Comments
More posts