Is there any place more magical than Cornwall for a holiday with your family? There are so many things to do in Cornwall, from days spent at the beach or exploring Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to castles, monuments, museums, and animal attractions. The Rosevine Hotel is perfectly situated for exploring all of the best family friendly attractions Cornwall has to offer.
Family Friendly Things to Do Near The Rosevine
Nowhere in Cornwall is too far for a family outing from The Rosevine, but there are some great kid-friendly attractions near the hotel. The beach is the most obvious choice, and The Rosevine is just a short walk from Porthcurnick Beach, where you can relax in the sandy cove, engage in some water activities, or just watch the kids play in the rock pools. While you are there, grab an ice cream from The Hidden Hut to make the day perfect! You can also explore the quaint fishing village of Portscatho, with its pubs, shops and art galleries. If you are willing to drive less than an hour to find slightly further flung children’s activities near the hotel, you widen your possibilities.
- The Lost Gardens of Heligan, where 200 acres of lush grounds hold Victorian gardens, national collections, and a tearoom, and your children and dogs are welcome. Perhaps the most enchanting thing about these gardens, though, are the iconic woodland sculptures- The Giant’s Head, Mudmaid, and Grey Lady0 that rise out of the forest ground.
- The Royal Cornwall Museum holds minerals from around the world, and exhibits about Cornwall’s wildlife and history.
- Enys Gardens is full of flowers, and is a child-friendly space with meadows, ponds, woodlands, and a café with delicious baked goods.
- National Trust Trelissick Garden offers floral gardens, an art gallery, bookshop, and café, and riverside woodland walks, located within a scenic estate.
- The Eden Project is educational and entertaining, with a global garden of simulated tropical environments, a spectacular adventure play area, on-site restaurants, cafes, and gift shops, and well-equipped child and baby friendly toilet facilities. Easily accessible by wheelchair or buggy, Eden also welcomes dogs on leads.
- St Mawes Castle and Pendennis Castle, across the bay from each other, were built by Henry VIII and are fun to explore.
- At the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, you will find the National Small Boat collection, exciting exhibitions and over 15 galleries, artwork, maps and charts, memorabilia, a boatbuilding workshop, and even a major pirate exhibition, with sensory experiences and fascinating facts, exploring the way popular culture has shaped our modern perception of pirates. The exhibition includes cultural talks as well as a Skull Island play zone for the kids.
- St Michael’s Mount is a stunning castle about an hour from The Rosevine that can be accessed by boat, or you can wait until the tide goes down and cross on a cobbled parkway.
- A little further afield, just over an hour away, you will find the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, where you can meet seal pups being rehabilitated for release, hearing stories from the Animal Care Team and maybe seeing a feeding. The sanctuary is perfect for a family day out, and there are even dog-friendly woodland walks, refreshments, and a playground onsite.
- Another fascinating site a little over an hour away is The Minack Theatre, Cornwall’s most famous open-air theatre, carved into a granite cliff overlooking Porthcurno Bay, and situated in sub-tropical gardens full of exotic plants.
Activities for All Ages
Cornwall is the perfect place for a multigenerational family holiday. Many monuments and sites are accessible for wheelchairs and buggies, and there are exciting attractions that appeal to all ages.
- For preschool children: The beaches are a must, with plenty of space to stretch those little legs, as well as rock pools to explore, sand to dig, and water for splashing. There are also many lovely gardens that are child friendly, where the little ones can run along garden paths and enjoy the beauty of nature. The Newquay Zoo is fun for kids of all ages, with 13 acres full of animals and plants, and nearby you will find the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay, right on the seafront, featuring over 40 different habitats with a wide array of sea creatures.
- If you have primary school aged kids: The castles are sure to be a hit, especially Tintagel Castle, an English Heritage site infused with tales of King Arthur. Of course, bigger kids love the beach just as much as the little ones, and if yours are adventurous they can try their hand at water sports. Kids who love trains will have a blast on the Bodmin Railway, and if you want an unusual activity for the day, check out the Geevor tin mine, where you can take an underground tour of a real mine.
- For families with teenagers: Your teens may love many of the things your younger kids do, and that is what makes Cornwall so great for family adventures. If they are looking for a little more adventure, there are bike trails all over Cornwall, as well as hiking trails on rugged coastal paths. There’s also Via Ferrata, where they can try their hand at zip lining, rock climbing, coasteering, archery, stand-up paddleboarding, and water sports. Worried about how you will keep the little ones occupied while your teens have all that fun? No need! Via Ferrata also has kid and dog friendly nature trails, as well as wild and muddy playgrounds.
Convenience and Accessibility
It is easy to drive around Cornwall, and there are even conveniently located charging stations for electric vehicles along many of the major roads. There are also convenient buses, trains, and ferries, making travel easy and eco-friendly. The bus network across Cornwall is ever expanding, making it simple to get around the county, and once you have bus tickets, you can use them on any bus because it’s all one big network.
Top Tips for Family Fun
Any time is a good time to visit Cornwall, though summer is the obvious choice and will have the most activities. Christmas is another wonderful time to visit, because the crowds are thinner and there is still much to do. Whenever you visit, remember that the weather is changeable, and make sure to pack layers to put on and take off, along with your beach gear. Perhaps the best tip for bringing your family to Cornwall, though, is to stay at The Rosevine Hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the area, or simply stay in, enjoying our beautiful grounds, swimming in the heated indoor pool, dining in our restaurant where the food is delicious enough to tempt even the pickiest toddler, or indulging in traditional afternoon tea.
Make The Rosevine Your Base of Operations for Family Fun in Cornwall
When you are ready to plan your family holiday in Cornwall, The Rosevine offers welcoming, family-friendly accommodations, close to all sorts of family fun. Designed to feel like your home away from home, our charming boutique hotel is beautifully situated in the picturesque coastal village of Portscatho, in a beautifully restored Georgian house, where timeless elegance blends with contemporary design for an atmosphere that is at once relaxed and sophisticated.
Each tastefully appointed apartment features comfortable furnishings, elegant décor, and modern amenities, providing warm hospitality along with stylish accommodations. Our family friendly apartments are suitable for two adults and up to three children, with some designed to accommodate a dog, in case you want to bring your four-legged family member along on holiday. With a stylish master bedroom, a secondary bedroom for children, a kitchenette, and a large living room, these apartments are truly the best combination of a luxury hotel and the comforts of home, giving families space to enjoy their time away.
For larger families, we offer a four-bedroom holiday cottage, “The Lookout”, complete with a fully-equipped, open layout kitchen, a lounge with a wood-burning stove, three bathrooms, a children’s playroom, and French doors leading to a fully enclosed garden. We want our guests to have the flexibility to enjoy their holiday however they wish, whether traveling alone or with friends or family. Many of our rooms offer stunning views of the sea, and our location is a short walk from the coastline, within easy reach of the charming shops, galleries, and local pubs in the village. When you are ready for the perfect Cornwall getaway, it is easy to book your stay online. Should you need more information or directions, call +44 (0) 1872 580 206 or contact us through our website.
