10 family-friendly attractions the kids will love
If you’re planning a family staycation at any time of the year, you’ll want to be sure you have plenty of options to keep everyone entertained, come rain or shine. Of course, our very own Leisure Park and Farm offers plenty of family fun whatever the weather. But when you begin to explore Cornwall and Devon, you’ll discover there are not only abundant beaches and countryside to explore, but also several other fantastic visitor attractions with plenty to offer the whole family all year round. That’s one of the main reasons our visitors love it here so much and return year after year – you get the best of both worlds!
Here’s our pick of favourite family attractions nearby, both indoors and out…
- Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre, nr Launceston
Just 15 minutes up the road you can see otters playing and being fed close at hand, handle a bird of prey, explore the woodland and come across deer, wallabies and meerkats, and perhaps enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the lake.
- Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre, Lifton
This working vintage fairground attraction is also only 15 minutes away. Almost completely undercover, it features a beautiful horse carousel, dodgems, slot machines and a ghost train – great fun for the kids and plenty of nostalgia for the adults.
https://www.fairground-heritage.org.uk/
- Eden Project, nr. St Austell
The world-famous Eden Project is just over half an hour away, with its stunning indoor and outdoor gardens, children’s play areas, train ride and family-friendly facilities. They have children’s trails and themed events for all the family throughout the year, and lots of things to explore and learn along the way.
https://www.edenproject.com/visit
- New Mills Farm Park, nr Launceston
A great day out whatever the weather! New Mills is only 5 minutes up the road from us and perfect for the younger ones with its toddlers play barn, ball pools, pets corner, indoor and outdoor play areas, sandpit, trampolines and plenty of space to run around. They also have a café serving good sized portions. Do note they only accept cash therefore before you set off, however.
http://www.newmillsfarmpark.com/
- Launceston Steam Railway, Launceston
An enchanting narrow gauge railway offering train rides through the unspoilt Cornish countryside. Take the train to New Mills Farm Park (see below), browse the little museum or enjoy lunch in the railway café.
- The Barn Indoor Climbing Wall, Tavistock
Just down the road, and well known amongst local climbers for its huge indoor climbing bolder offering a range of route levels, this is great place for you and the kids to enjoy some indoor adventure fun even if you’ve never climbed before. Climbing shoes and harnesses are available to hire so that everyone can join in, and they also run a Youth Climbing Club at the weekends.
https://www.barnclimbingwall.co.uk/
- Roadford Lake Country Park, Lifton
Just 20 minutes down the road is Roadford Lake, set in the Wolf Valley, with plenty of fun things to do for free. Explore the lake on foot, by bike, in a boat or on a stand-up paddle board. There are plenty of open spaces to let your children play freely; explore woodlands, spot wildlife, build a den, and enjoy food and drink from the Lakeside Café.
https://www.southwestlakes.co.uk/location/roadford-lake/
- The BIG Sheep, Bideford
With everything from indoor play, toddler rides and animal feeding to the Rampage Roller Coaster for the older ones, and their very one brewery and gin distillery, there really is something for all ages at this all-weather attraction in North Devon. It’s just over an hour’s drive away from us, but worth the journey if you’re looking to entertain a range of ages in less than desirable weather!
https://www.thebigsheep.co.uk/
- Hidden Valley Discovery Park, Launceston
Known as “the most puzzliest place in Cornwall,” Hidden Valley is designed for the curious of all ages, and happens to be virtually on our doorstep. Its intriguing outside trails, brain teasers and missions are designed to keep all ages entertained throughout the park’s uniquely landscaped grounds and Forbidden Mansion. There’s also a restaurant, woodland play area and miniature railway for visitors to ride on.
http://hiddenvalleydiscoverypark.co.uk/
- The Lost Gardens of Heligan, nr. St Austell
Less than an hour’s drive is this 200 acre, family friendly attraction that mixes manicured walled gardens with woodland and wild meadows, farmland and birdlife. This is another one that’s great for everyone – even the dog! The kids will love crossing the rope bridge through the jungle, and Heligan Kitchen serves up delicious food made from the the garden’s very own produce.
If you’d like any other recommendations of things to do while you are staying with us, just ask one of our friendly staff or give us a call on 01566 86903