If you have a young family, booking a holiday can be a daunting business. How will everyone cope on the journey? How much stuff will you need to bring? And will you be able to get around ok with a heavily laden buggy? This is where a self-catering holiday in Cornwall comes into its own. We know that you’ll want to choose somewhere safe, stress-free, and where’s there’s plenty to do, and Cornwall has all of this and more.
Self-Catering for Families
With no long flights to contend with, a temperate climate and plenty of space for everyone in your chosen property, you can relax into your holiday even with little ones to look after. We will be on hand to supply highchairs and travel cots so you don’t need to lug these along with you, and add to this the ease, convenience and flexibility of a self-catering break, and you have the recipe for a truly happy and memorable time away with your loved ones.
The beauty of self-catering is that it allows everyone the flexibility to come and go as they please, so if you need to get back for the baby’s nap, an early lunch, or a change of clothes, you’ll have the convenience of your own place to return to whenever you want or need. Each of our properties has a fully equipped kitchen, meaning you can enjoy family meals, make picnics with ease, or enjoy a peaceful dinner and a glass of wine once the kids have gone to bed.
Where to Go and What to Do
Cornwall has previously been voted the most family friendly holiday destination in the world (Source: The Daily Mail 2014), due to its world class beaches, child friendly activities and welcoming attitude to families. Here are some of our top tips for days out with a young family…
Time at the Beach
As long as its dry, there’s not much better than a day at the beach in our opinion. Perranporth is a family favourite for the miles of golden sand, perfect for building sandcastles, paddling in the shallows and picnicking in the sheltered dunes.
Just down the coast, the beach of Portreath operates a dog ban between 8am – 7pm between Easter and 30th September, which may be a preferred option for parents with little ones just crawling. Portreath is a beautiful blue flag beach with soft sand and a children’s play park.
Go Rock Pooling
Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes is great for rock pooling – at low tide lots of rock pools are revealed on this family favourite sand and shingle beach. Take a fishing net and bucket and search the crystal clear waters for anemones, crabs and little fish.
Explore Woodland and Gardens
Tehidy Woods near Illogan are a great place to take young children, offering shady level walks that are good for pushchairs. Feed the squirrels, swans and ducks and visit the café for that all important cup of tea and piece of cake.
Trebah Gardens, in Mawnan near Falmouth, is one of the most family friendly and easy-access gardens in Cornwall. A sub-tropical garden with a bamboo maze for little ones, adventure playground and private beach where ice creams are served in the summer. Under fives go free.
Try the Local Ice Cream
Three miles from Perranporth, a peaceful little village is home to Cornwall’s award-winning Callestick ice cream. Visit Callestick Farm (with free entry) to view the ice cream making process, see the farm animals, enjoy the play equipment, and visit the café for a cream tea or coffee, and of course, a delicious creamy ice cream!
Get Up Close to Animals
From pigs to peacocks, seals to woodland safaris, there are plenty of animal attractions to encounter. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary looks after injured seal pups; The Screech Owl Sanctuary is a haven for sick and injured owls; go on a woodland safari at Feadon Farm; ride ponies at Dairyland; view all kinds of birds at Paradise Park; and visit Healeys Cyder Farm to see the pygmy goats and other animals, taste the jams and juices and (adults only!) sample the cyder.
Take a Train Trip
Lappa Valley Railway near Newquay is perfect for young train enthusiasts. Ride on the miniature steam railways, go boating on the lake and burn off some energy in the large play park.
Alternatively take the (full-size!) train from St Erth to St Ives for a stunning four mile coastal journey that we highly recommend, and is short enough to keep the children’s attention!
Rainy Days
A bit of Cornish mizzle won’t stop you enjoying the great outdoors, but if the weather really isn’t in your favour, there’s a plethora of activities to keep the family entertained. We recommend the National Maritime Museum, The Eden Project, Waterworld fun pool, Jungle Jacks soft play, the Blue Reef Aquarium and National Trust houses.
On Your Bike
Hire bikes and tag-alongs (or take your own) to cycle the Camel Trail which runs between Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. Enjoy beautiful coast and country and stop off in one of the towns for some well earnt fish and chips.
Where to Stay
You’ll find many ground floor properties for ease of access with pushchairs and also larger family houses which offer more space, all within an easy walk of the beach. Browse our collection of our welcoming holiday homes in Perranporth here.
