Free things to do in Cornwall with kids

Days out, Family, Trends

Posted by Simon Lockyer on 30th April 2021

Free kid cornwall 1

Blue Flag beaches, stunning viewpoints, amazing locations which are linked to King Arthur and giants. there are some fantastic free days out with the kids in Cornwall!

We've hand-picked a selection of free activities and family days out you can enjoy on a trip to Cornwall. We're sure your kids will love going back home to tell their friends about the place where the giant used to throw huge boulders at ships to steal their treasure… Here are our tips on where to go and what to do in Cornwall with children without spending a penny. 

Looking for family-friendly accommodation in Cornwall need not be a bore; we have taken the leg work out of the challenge by compiling a selection for you. Whether you are hoping for a cottage in Cornwall close to a beach, family attractions,as well as somewhere to relax. Read on to uncover some fantastic places to stay for you and your loved ones to choose from come holiday time and afterwards check out our other blog about family days out in Cornwall and for rainy days with kids too.

Family-friendly cottages in Cornwall


Hit the beaches

Hit the beaches

Cornwall is utterly blessed when it comes to beautiful beaches, and they will surely be at the top of your 'days out in Cornwall' list. From swimming in the sea to playing on the sand, there's plenty of things to do on the beach for free.

Among the wealth of places to visit in Cornwall for free are Porthcurno which is a favourite of ours with its white sands and azure seas, both overlooked by the unique Minack Theatre. Then you've got Perranporth, a great place for surfing, snorkelling and sailing; Porthminster, a sheltered Blue Flag beach in St Ives; Fistral in Newquay, the UK's most prestigious surfing beach; and Hayle Towans, which is a lovely, long stretch of sand popular for kiting. Read our interesting blog about awesome Cornish beaches and where to find them.

Cornwall properties near the coast

Coastal cottage holidays 


Learn about the legends

Learn about the legends

Among the best free things to do with kids in Cornwall are visiting some of the county's legendary locations, all of which are free to discover. Among our favourite places to visit is Merlin's mysterious cave at Tintagel, an ancient stone in Slaughterbridge where King Arthur, who was born in Tintagel, is said to have fought his last battle; Zennor, where a love-struck mermaid once lured her chorister sweetheart into the sea; and Portreath, where the giant Ralph The Wrath would attack passing ships by throwing boulders at them before filling his cave with their treasure. Tintagel also features in our top 10 days out for kids in Cornwall blog.

Legendary cottages in Cornwall

Family cottages


See the countryside, see the moors, see the woods

See the countryside

There are so many beautiful places to go in Cornwall with kids, all of which offer a unique glimpse at the natural beauty of Cornwall. Golitha Falls, a series of cascades and waterfalls running along the River Fowey through ancient woodland, are a must-see, as is the Cheesewring on Bodmin Moor (pictured above). It's a natural geological formation, but we prefer the local legend that says it came about as the result of a contest between a man and a giant! Climb to the highest point in Cornwall, Brown Willy which is also on Bodmin Moor.  

There are many sections that are child friendly and easy to manage if you have youngsters in tow. There's also the Camel Trail, an 18-mile path - perfect for a bike ride - which showcases the beautiful Cornish countryside and links Padstow to Bodmin, via Wadebridge and the Camel Valley. Get inspired with our Cornish walking blog.

Country cottages in Cornwall

 Country cottage holidays


See the coast

See the coast

Alongside the gorgeous sandy or stony beaches, there are plenty of other coastal viewpoints to marvel over. St Michael's Mount, a rocky island only accessible between mid and low tide, is a must-see for families and one of Cornwall's top attractions. Walk along the causeway or take a boat trip for a brilliant adventure. The island, part of the National Trust, has a beautiful medieval church and castle (accessed at an extra charge), and is home to a living community – it's a fascinating visit.

Fowey is also a place full of wonderment and, should you visit in the summer, you'll find the Royal Regatta taking over the town for a week. Here you'll witness The Red Arrows in the sky above the historic harbour, a Carnival Parade and a fantastic firework display.

A 300-mile stretch of the South West Coast Path (shown above) also passes around the Cornish coast, with plenty of gentle stretches for kids to enjoy – including this stroll to Kynance Cove, one of the UK's most spectacular locations. Running at the land's edge of Cornwall and Devon (and parts of Somerset and Dorset). Every inch of it is beautiful, so point yourself towards the sea and pick the trail up. Try out the section between Tehidy and Godrevy, or from St Agnes Head to Chapelporth. Why not stay on a working farm with your kids by the coast at one of our coastal Cornish hideaways?

Stay on a farm in Cornwall

Working farm holidays


Stay at a family-friendly holiday cottage in Cornwall

Stay in a self-catering cottage in Cornwall with your family. We have some great properties that are perfect for young families with kids. Features may include a great location by a beach or on a working farm with animals to meet or access to the facilities on a holiday park. Others may be a short driving distance for one of the theme parks like Flambards or Newquay Zoo.  Properties might include bunk beds, children's books and toys and a large enclosed garden for safe outdoor play.

For more inspiration, choose one of our self-catering holiday cottages for families. Some of our properties are based in exciting locations all across the county, and close to some amazing rural beauty spots. Check out our collection of holiday accommodation in Cornwall without delay.

Cornwall family holidays

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.