Cornwall is full of surprises, from its picturesque coast and abundance of nature to its love for good old-fashioned food. No wonder its beloved Falmouth was voted one of the best places to live by the Sunday Times in 2016. With lots of things to do in Cornwall, you’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to daytime and evening activities.

Explore this stunning area with the family, sleep in beautiful country cottages and feel at home on a holiday in Cornwall. Here are just some of our favourite activities to do in Cornwall that the whole family can enjoy.

Things to do in Cornwall

The Eden Project

Photo Neil

One of the most popular things to do in Cornwall is to visit the Eden Project. It’s a botanical paradise where you can explore the largest indoor rainforest in the world and discover exotic species of plant life. It’s a great day out for the whole family with lots of activities for younger children and teenagers alike, such as the Skywire, England’s longest zip wire. Entry prices to the Eden Project are reduced if you take public transport, walk or cycle to the site.

Photo VanessaC (EY)

Theme park fun at Flambards

For a theme park with a twist, enjoy a day spent at the Flambards. You’ll find all the fun near Helston, with its variety of attractions. From thrill rides, such as the Thunderbolt, to family-friendly adventures, like the Dino Express. If it’s raining outside, don’t be put off as there are a variety of inside interactive exhibitions, like the award-winning Victorian Village.

Exciting Watersports

Photo Tim Green

With the picture-perfect setting of the stunning Cornwall coast, there’s no other place to spend a warm afternoon than on Swanpool beach. Relax and paddle in the waves, or for adventure, Swanpool is perfect for watersports like kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing. You can even play a round of mini-golf. If you’re not near the coast, enjoy exciting watersports on the River Tamar.

Visit Newquay Zoo

Photo AisforAmy91

Take the kids to discover over 1,000 different animal species, from the rarest to the most endangered. Enjoy wandering around the sub-tropical gardens, spotting the zebras, monkeys, lizards, Red Pandas, penguins and exotic birds as you go. Learn about their conservation projects and hear about the animal behaviours in the different exhibits around Newquay Zoo.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Photo Elfleda

With a slightly cheaper entry price, but still as enjoyable as the Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan are a magical network of gardens that take you through fairytale woodlands, natural farmlands, and sub-tropical jungles. Follow the bamboo tunnels over the Burmese rope bridge to discover moss-covered characters fused into the ground. There are farm animals too!

Bike ride around Camel Estuary

Explore the beautiful Cornish countryside on foot or by bike. This is something the whole family can enjoy. Why not hire a bike and explore the many routes along the coast, through the grasslands and along the River Camel? The Camel Estuary is a great place to take children of all ages as the routes are relatively flat.

If you’re planning a trip with the family and looking for things to do in Cornwall then this list is a perfect start to your adventure.