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Cornwall Summer Holiday Ideas For Families 2025

Discover the Best Family Summer Holiday Activities in Cornwall – 2025 Guide

Planning a summer holiday in Cornwall with the kids? Look no further! Cornwall is one of the UK’s top family holiday destinations, offering a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. From golden beaches and scenic coastal walks to family-friendly attractions and exciting outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Summer 2025. Our ultimate guide to family activities in Cornwall will help you make the most of your summer break and holiday - there’s something for every age, interest, and energy level—ensuring fun-filled days and magical memories for the whole family.

 

Don't forget to also check out our frequently updated Cornwall family listings guide for hundreds more family friendly days out, activities and events taking place this summer and beyond

 

This summer at The Minack Theatre

Songs for Explorers: presented by Squashbox Theatre and People’s String Foundation on 4th, 6th & 8th August
An awesome musical journey through the universe, featuring fabulous songs from three incredible musicians – who are also very silly people!

Music! Puppets! Comedy! Facts! This show has everything! For age 7+

Storytelling for families: Mon/Wed/Fri during school holidays
Journey to the Stars - Blast Off on an expedition into space with Squashbox Theatre - your guide to the wonders of the universe!

The Tempest in a Teacup -Fairies, monsters, shipwrecks and romance on a magical island. Shakespeare’s final masterpiece retold by storyteller John Brolly.
For age 5+

See the Minack website for details at www.minack.com

 

 

Jungle Giants Safari 19th July - 2nd September: - a larger-than-life summer experience

This Summer, an adventure of enormous scale awaits you at The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Set off on a hunt for the giants within nature, and explore their Jungle, discovering its extraordinary inhabitants.

Find out more at www.heligan.com

 

 

 

 

Easy to reach but impossible to forget, the Isles of Scilly should be top of everyone’s list for a day trip in 2025.

Just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall, the islands are close enough to visit for the day - as thousands of people do each year.

You could cruise along the Cornish coastline on board Scillonian III from Penzance or fly on Skybus from Land’s End Airport.

Or why not do both with a Fly+Sail option? Dogs are welcome on both Scillonian III and Skybus.

Whichever way you choose to travel to the islands, the journey will be a unique part of your holiday memories.

Find out more at https://www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk/

 

A wonderful and worthwhile day out at Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary in Hayle.

SPECIAL OFFER: Book online and use code ‘PRIMARY’ to SAVE £2.00 per person valid up to 24th October 2025.

 Become a ‘Wildlife Hero’ and claim your exclusive badge. Enjoy the ‘Eagles of Paradise Display’ and ‘Free Flying Bird Show’ (both until 28th Sep). See the stunning Caribbean flamingos, and the adorable otter family will entertain you at feeding times. Knowledgeable Keepers share insights about the characters in the penguin colony at their twice daily feeds. Fabulous fun in the huge indoor JungleBarn play centre whatever the weather.
Find out more at www.paradisepark.org.uk

 

Timbo The Magic Man

Timbo is a firm favourite on the local holiday park circuit supplying quality entertainment throughout Cornwall and Devon for over 20 years. Now he can bring his energy and experience to your event for an unforgettable birthday party.

He can work with any theme you are planning and lets the children be the real stars off the show.

Entertainment includes a mini disco, party game, fabulous magic show, balloon modelling and party dancing for gold medals. Allowing you to enjoy a stress-free party and create some fabulous family memories

There is no limit to the number of children you can invite and joint parties are always welcome.

More info is available on their website thepartypeoplecornwall.com

 

Play your way through summer with the National Trust

Across Cornwall, National Trust places are bursting with games, sports, dressing up and craft activities this summer. You can play on repeat at Trelissick, with different activities every weekday and where every winding path leads to a way to play. Grab an activity map and play your way around the garden at Lanhydrock, challenge your family to an obstacle course and crazy golf at Trerice, get stuck in with den building and lawn games at Trengwainton or find pockets of play in the garden and orchard at Cotehele. Visit before the end of the school holidays to join the fun.

 

A world of magic and mystery is waiting to be discovered at the Eden Project this summer

Step into Enchanted Earth – a brand new immersive experience at the Eden Project this summer! Wander through a dazzling dreamscape with shimmering crystals, glowering creatures and sparkling wings. Dig for hidden gems, watch 'The Zoo Keepers' – a lifelike animal puppetry performance by Scarlet Oak Theatre, where you'll get close-up encounters with cheeky, charming creatures. Spot amazing wildlife photos in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 exhibition. Discover some of Earth’s most magical moments and awe-inspiring creatures, and discover how we can all help protect our wonderful planet. Plus, enjoy plenty of places to eat, play and rest this summer! Get ready for an unforgettable family adventure like no other.

Find out more at www.edenproject.com

 

Message from Bedruthan Hotel

“Join us this summer at Bedruthan Hotel for an immersive experience designed to inspire young children’s curiosity and love for the ocean. Dive into the depths of the deep blue and activate your senses with ambient sounds of the ocean, jellyfish floating just above your heads, the salty sea air, a shipwreck and the shining glimmer of the ocean dancing across the room.

Our activities throughout the experience are designed to spark your child’s imagination and creativity. Together we will dig for treasure, make sea creatures and more to take them on a journey that focuses on protecting the beautiful marine life that lives just beyond our doorstep. Expect an enchanting underwater journey, sparkling bubbles, coral reefs and a shimmering seaweed forest to capture young and inquisitive hearts and minds.”

Available on select dates from the 19th July – 31st August.

£25 per person including your experience and afternoon tea (under 2s free)

Visit www.bedruthan.com for more information and to book.

Ditch the screens and head outdoors for the ultimate family adventure at Gone Wild Festival!

Join Bear Grylls & friends for an action-packed weekend at Holkham Hall, Norfolk (7-10 August) or Powderham Castle, Exeter (21-24 August).

Adventure by day and party by night with over 100 activities to choose from, family entertainment, interactive live shows, talks & workshops and huge live performances every evening, with this year’s lineups including Ministry of Sound Classical, Clean Bandit, Dick & Dom and more.

Do something different with your family this summer and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Choose from Weekend tickets (camping included), Day tickets, or Evening tickets. Discover more at gonewildfestival.com.

 

 

 

Stithians Show – 14th July

Cornwall’s biggest one-day agricultural Show is a fun-filled day out for everyone celebrating the very best of rural Cornwall.  They have something for everyone; from their impressive horses and cattle to the cutest cavies, cage birds and pigeons with everything in between including the friendly goats, mischievous pigs and woolliest sheep, not forgetting the dogs and dog agility which is always a delight to watch.

 They also have displays and demonstrations, fairground rides, vintage vehicles, food and crafts plus tents full of arts, crafts and cookery and flowers and veg galore! 

Plus, live music and entertainment throughout the day.  For  younger visitors, there’s a Sunflower Trail which will take you on a journey of discovery.

Don’t miss out on a great day out!

 For more information go to www.stithians.show

 

NoFit State Circus’ SABOTAGE visits Cornwall this August

NoFit State Circus will bring its must-see spectacle, SABOTAGE, to Redruth this August, in partnership with The Ladder. SABOTAGE features outrageously talented performers, breath-taking skills and aerial feats, live music and stunning imagery, directed by Firenza Guidi. Escape the ordinary, become totally immersed in a unique storytelling experience.

 

SABOTAGE will be performed in the NoFit State’s Big Top in the grounds of Redruth School, Tolgus Vean, Redruth, TR15 1TA, from Friday 15 – Sunday 31 August 2025. Tickets are on sale now through the NoFit State website www.nofitstate.org/sabotage or call 02921 321 021

 

 

 

Explore the world in a day at Newquay Zoo

This summer, set off on a wild adventure without leaving Cornwall! From the open African savannah to the warm tropics of South America and lemur-filled forests of Madagascar – you can travel the world in a day at Newquay Zoo.

Say hello to cheeky penguins, spot sleepy sloths in the Tropical House, and discover the dazzling birds of Asia in the immersive Gems of the Jungle walkthrough. With over 1,000 incredible animals to discover, it’s a fun-filled, great-value summer day out for every little explorer – and a chance to support planet-saving conservation too!

Book online and save: newquayzoo.org.uk

 

Kids Fest at Camel Creek Family Adventure Park

Kids Fest at Camel Creek is back for the Summer Holidays, packed with nonstop fun! Expect fantastic street theatre, exciting family games, colourful face painting and epic foam parties to end each day.

Your ticket also gives full access to over 40 rides and attractions, adorable animals, and fantastic indoor play areas.

Kids Fest Nights light up the park every Wednesday with tribute acts to your favourite stars including Taylor Swift and Elton John, topped off with a dazzling firework finale. Get ready for unforgettable summer fun!

Book tickets online now and save up to 20% at camelcreek.co.uk.

Located at Tredinnick, Wadebridge, PL27 7RA

 

Birthday parties at Jungle Jacks

Organising birthday parties can be a logistical nightmare. But luckily, you can take the easy option and grab a Jungle Jack's birthday bundle.
They have our own Jungle Tree-House party room for hire, an exclusive area over-looking the play centre with a party package to suit everyone. This includes 90 minutes of soft play followed by 30 minutes of party room fun. They provide hot and cold party buffet, unlimited squash, ice cream and when its cake time you might even get a visit from Jungle Jack himself!

Find out more at www.junglejacks.co.uk

 

Come and find the hidden sweet treats gem in the heart of Cornwall!

 Callestick Farm has been creating ice cream for over 35 years - using milk from their own grass-fed herd and the highest quality ingredients.

Their ice cream parlour located at the farm is serves up a scoop of Cornwall throughout the summer with ice cream sundaes, loaded shakes, cream teas and any flavour you could wish for from their scooping cabinet of 18 different flavours. Ample free parking, large playing field and play area for children to let off steam.

For opening times etc, see their website: www.callestickfarm.co.uk

 

Richard Lander School – A Place to Thrive

“Richard Lander School is a happy, thriving community where students are encouraged every day to be the best they can be. In lessons, they grow in confidence and consistently achieve the highest standards, while our extra-curricular offer is second to none. This year, our production of SIX the Musical dazzled audiences, showcasing the incredible talent of our performers and Tech Team. Our Greenpower Racing and Lego League teams thrived, while one remarkable student won the national Anthea Bell Prize for translation! Our artists and musicians have been celebrated, our sports teams have brought home the trophies, and hundreds of students have taken part in Chess, Eco, and many other clubs. There truly is something for everyone at Richard Lander School—visit us on 25th September to see for yourself!”

 

Contact: Richard Lander School

Higher Besore, Truro. TR36LT

01872 273750

www.richardlander.co.uk

enquiries@richardlander.cornwall.sch.uk

 

 

University Centre Celebrates Nursing Students on International Nursing Day

 

University Centre Truro & Penwith celebrated its first cohort of locally trained Mental Health and Adult Nursing students on International Nurses Day 2025. The nursing programme, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, was designed to grow and retain healthcare professionals in Cornwall. Students completed their studies through various pathways, including full degrees and apprenticeships, often overcoming significant challenges. The celebration acknowledged their resilience and achievements, with support from local NHS partners. Graduates like Jake Drage, now working in stroke care, are beginning their careers in local hospitals. Their official graduation ceremony will take place on October 18, 2025, at Truro Cathedral.

 

For more information on starting your own journey into nursing or healthcare, visit www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/uni to learn more about how you can train in Cornwall and become part of the next generation of healthcare professionals.

 

 

Polwhele House School

“Set in 30 acres of beautiful countryside on the edge of Truro, Cornwall, Polwhele House School offers a unique learning journey for your child. Our world-class, independent education creates happy, confident and vibrant young people who are eager to learn and excited for life.

We believe that every child is unique, and our exceptional teaching team is dedicated to delivering an education that sparks curiosity, develops interests, nurtures young minds and fosters a lifelong love of learning.

Our broad curriculum inspires creativity and confidence at every stage. From our five-star-rated Riding School to our Walled Garden and Forest School area, our nature-rich campus enhances wellbeing and boosts learning, while our school community supports growth in every individual.

We deliver a seamless academic journey from Nursery, through Pre-Prep and Prep and into the Senior years. We also offer a range of new scholarships in Equestrian, Sports, Performing Arts and Academic excellence - supporting talented pupils with opportunities to shine, grow and lead in areas they’re passionate about.”

To find out more, contact admissions@polwhelehouse.co.uk, call 01872 273011 or see polwhelehouse.co.uk.