If the thought of flying out to the Mediterranean this summer with kids in tow plies you with anxiety and stress then consider Cornwall. You can pack your own car to the brim (no silly Ryanair weight restrictions to contend with) and even put on a roof rack or hire a trailer for a week or two.
Clearly if you’re camping there’ll be a lot more to take and a Corsa might not suffice! However, some campsites offer camp kitchens and even bunkhouses but do your own research before you go. For an exclusive family break in north Cornwall consider Polzeath holiday cottages from Latitude 50, they’re set in beautiful locations, often with views over the Atlantic and you can even take the dog if you wish.
On arrival in England’s picturesque south western corner you have a realm of options to keep your little whippersnappers happy. We’ve put together a little top 5 in different categories that could save the day if energy levels can’t be satisfied with the half tonne of toys you’ve brought with you!
1. Crealy Adventure Park – complete with rollercoasters, an indoor play area in case the heavens open and a few animals to pet.
2. The Monkey Sanctuary – for a more animal based afternoon, why not take your own little monkeys to the Monkey Sanctuary, its a fascinating rescue centre for a range of primates and you can even adopt one for £3 per month. Under 5’s are free and the £25 family ticket gives you access to the Sanctuary for the next 12 months.
3. Tate St Ives – perhaps an educational escape for the kiddies could be a trip to the Tate Gallery at St Ives. It’s well geared for families, they encourage you to make noise, pose like the sculptures and then sketch their own artwork with the complimentary crayons they have in the cafe. There’s also ample buggy space and changing facilities for nappy clad future picasso’s!
4. Newquay Waterworld – it might be one of the busiest towns on the Cornish peninsula but Newquay is worth a visit, especially if combined with a couple of hours in Waterworld. There’s slides and wave pools, spitting snakes and even an erupting volcano, I guess it needs to be seen to be believed!
5. St Ives Surf School – kids can surf too. Learning to surf is a brilliant way for children to become confident in the water and will also completely finish them off before bedtime as it can be a thoroughly exhausting pastime. The surf school at St Ives also offers paddle boarding and kayaking. It’s a great way of immersing yourself in the Atlantic waters off one of Britain’s most picturesque coastlines.
You are reading