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Best experiences:

Eden Project

St. Austell, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
Eden Project

Unique and fascinating ‘biome’ botanical gardens that explore the interaction between humans and plants.

Adult price: £33

Best for ages 4+

Southwest Coastal Path

United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
Southwest Coastal Path

A superb 360-mile coastal walking route, around Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset’s dramatic and unspoilt coastlines.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 1 day - 6 weeks

The Cornish Way [cycling & hiking]

Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
The Cornish Way [cycling & hiking]

A superb hiking and cycling route for exploring 180 miles of Cornish heritage, wildlife and landscapes. The route links six excellent, more manageable trails together.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: -

Cornwall’s best food & drink

Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
side angle of a newly cooked traditional Cornish Pasty

Foodie heaven – feast on outstanding fresh seafood, artisan cheeses and dairy, craft beers, ales, gins and ciders and the occasional Cornish pasty. All sourced and made locally.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: -

St Michael’s Mount

Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
St Michael's Mount in Cornwall the Cornish counterpart of Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy

A spellbinding, castle-laden tidal island, famous for its ancient access causeway ­that’s covered by water at high tide.

Adult price: £26

Best for ages 13+

Surfing in Cornwall

Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
Surfing in Cornwall

Postcard-perfect beaches, consistent swell, and excellent surf schools equal the best surfing in Britain – and the perfect place to give it a try.

Min age 5

Best for ages 8+

Duration: 1+ hours

Coasteering in Cornwall

Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
Coasteering in Cornwall

Cliff jumping and climbing combine with orienteering and swimming in this fun-packed outdoor coastline adventure.

Adult price: £50

Min age 10

Best for ages 10+

Duration: 2-3 hours

Bodmin & Wenford Steam Railway

Bodmin, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
Side view of the black steam locomotive

Explore the beautiful landscapes Bodmin Moor in vintage style on this beautifully-restored heritage railway – a picturesque 13-mile round trip through rolling Cornish countryside.

Adult price: £20

Best for ages 4+

Duration: 2 hours

Cornwall’s best beaches

Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
Cornwall’s best beaches

One of Cornwall’s biggest draws – from broad sweeps of golden sand to secret coves.

Best for ages 4+

Tate St Ives

St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
Tate St Ives

Internationally-renowned contemporary art gallery, an offshoot of London’s Tate, idyllically set overlooking Porthmeor Beach.

Adult price: £11

Best for ages 4+

Art in Cornwall

Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
Two women admiring a sculpture in the Tate St Ives

Exceptional light amd elemental landscapes have long made Cornwall a haven for artists. It now also hosts internationally renowned artists, museums and galleries.

Adult price: £-

Best for ages 18+

Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden

St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden

The former home and studio of Barbara Hepworth – one of Britain’s foremost modernist sculptors. Works in wood, bronze and stone, mainly of the abstract human form.

Adult price: £7

Best for ages 13+

Rockpooling in Cornwall

Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Group of kids surround a tour guide showing them a crab

Discover a world of fascinating creatures in Cornwall’s tidal rockpools, some of Britain’s best. Endlessly entertaining – and educational – for kids.

Best for ages 4+

Duration: 1-3 hours

Falmouth Oyster Festival

Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
A man carries a tray of oysters at the Oyster Festival.

Four-day foodie extravaganza, with oyster dredging, celebrity-chef masterclasses, live music and overflowing (sea)food stalls.

Best for ages 13+

Poldark’s Charlestown

Charlestown, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

VIew of the port looking at to sea, with sailing ship in dock

Picturesque and historic waterfront town that was the setting for Poldark – now a place of pilgrimage for fans of the hit BBC series.

Best for ages 13+

Cornwall’s tin mining heritage

Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
Cornwall’s tin mining heritage

Cornwall was once the world’s leading producer of tin – witness its legacy and learn its history through the region’s abandoned and preserved tin mines.

Adult price: £-

Best for ages 13+

Cotehele

Calstock, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

The garden in July at Cotehele, Cornwall

An authentic Tudor mansion preserved by the National Trust and surrounded by picturesque, romantic gardens.

Adult price: £13

Best for ages 13+

Camel Valley Vineyard

Bodmin, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
Tour guide explaining about wine to tour group on the Camel Valley Vineyard

One of England’s best vineyards, set in beautiful Cornwall countryside, producing award-winning sparkling wines.

Best for ages 18+

Trelissick Gardens

Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Trelissick Gardens

Delightful 375-acre gardens, known for year-round colourful blooms and spectacular views over the River Fal.

Adult price: £15

Best for ages 18+

Bodmin Jail [ghost hunting]

Bodmin, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
Exterior of Bodmin Jail showing imposing high stone walls

Former 18th-century prison offering a fascinating glimpse into Victorian and Georgian crime and punishment. Excellent heritage tours and night time ghost hunts.

Adult price: £19

Best for ages 7+

Land’s End

Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Land’s End

This Cornish headland is famed for being the westernmost point on the British mainland – the ‘end’ of the UK. Aside from cliff-top walks, and a reasonable visitor centre, there’s not much else to see or do.

Best for ages 13+

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Lanydrock House & Garden

Bodmin, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Lanydrock House & Garden

This impressive Jacobean mansion – completely refurbished in high-Victorian style after a devastating fire in 1881 – offers an insight into the lives of the wealthy Victorian Agar-Robartes family. There are 50 rooms to explore, plus spectacular gardens famed for magnolias. Staff dress up on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays, enhancing the Victorian experience. Open daily.

Adult price: £18

Best for ages 13+

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The Seafood Restaurant

Padstow, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
Exterior of the red brick building home to Rick Steins famous Seafood Restaurant

Iconic seafood restaurant in Padstow – flagship of the group owned by celebrity seafood chef Rick Stein – is a Cornwall institution.

Adult price: £50

Best for ages 13+

The Clay Trails [cycling & walking]

St Austell, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

landscape view of clay quarry on the Clay Trail in Cornwall

A lovely 12-mile trail (with shorter subsections) from Truro to Bodmin that explores a unique area of Cornwall previously home to Cornwall’s China industry, and passes many top sights.

Best for ages 4+

Duration: Up to 4 hours

Crabbing at Padstow Harbour

Padstow, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Crabbing at Padstow Harbour

If you are staying in the Padstow area, grab the kids and head to Treyarnon Bay Beach and spend an afternoon crabbing on the quay. You can buy crablines and bait when you get there. Great fun for all ages.

Best for ages 4+

Duration: 1-3 hours

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Tarquin’s Gin School

Padstow, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Tarquin’s Gin School

A highly-regarded distillery producing award-winning gin using only locally-sourced and organic botanicals, and a traditional copper pot still. Book in for tours of the production process, onsite tastings – and the chance to make your own bespoke bottle of gin.

Adult price: £85

Min age 18

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 2 hours 30 mins

When: Thurs, Fri & Sat

Frequency: Selected dates

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Foraging with Fat Hen

Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
Foraging guide inspecting wild food int he woods

Excellently run and fascinating foraging and cooking courses with professional forager, ecologist and cook Caroline Davey. A must for foodies.

Adult price: £45

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 2 hours - 1 day

When: Selected dates

Frequency: Selected dates

Glendurgan Garden

Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Glendurgan Garden

This beautiful and tranquil subtropical garden on the Helford River nestles between three of Cornwall’s valleys. Created in the 1820s, it’s renowned for its beautiful collection of exotic trees and shrubs, and stunning river views. There are winding paths to wander, a laurel maze, a small beach, and a giant rope swing for kids. Closed Mondays.

Adult price: £12

Best for ages 4+

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National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

exterior of Maritime museum in falmouth

Cornwall’s history, from smuggling to food production to exporting minerals, has always been closely tied to the sea. This family-friendly museum at Falmouth aims to preserve and showcase that rich heritage, featuring interactive displays and educational events.

Adult price: £17

Best for ages 4+

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Geevor Tin Mine Museum

Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Aerial Photograph of Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen, PZ, Cornwall, England

This 18th-century tin mine – preserved exactly as it was since the last miner left in 1990 – it’s a must for anyone wanting to learn about Cornwall’s former tin industry. There’s an on-site ‘Hard Rock’ museum, and the chance to explore underground passageways. Open Sunday-Thursday, great for families.

Adult price: £18

Best for ages 4+

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Roskilly’s

Helston, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Roskilly’s

Family-run organic farm producinf a range of sumptuously delicious organic dairy products, including ice cream, yoghurt, and milk – using milk from their own herd of Jersey cows.

Best for ages 4+

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The Mineral Tramways [cycling & walking]

Redruth, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

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Bucket List Experience
The mineral tramways coast to coast trail cycle path passing underneath the Carnon stone viaduct, built in 1933.

A scenic, wildlife-filled landscape, rich in Cornish heritage, offering a network of 60km superb walking and cycling trails. It’s also the place to learn all about Cornwall’s mining history.

Best for ages 4+

Duration: -

Falmouth Art Gallery

Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Falmouth Art Gallery

This permanent collection contains over 200 works by major British artists including Sir Frank Brangwyn, Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, Sir Alfred Munnings, Henry Scott Tuke and Dame Laura Knight. The Gallery also puts on a varied temporary exhibitions programme

Best for ages 18+

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King Edward Mine Museum

Cambornev, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

King Edward Mine Museum

A 100-year-old preserved tin mine showcasing the history of mining (and the Mineral Tramways generally); much of the original mining equipment remains. It includes the Mineral Tramways Discovery Centre, with displays and information about the old mineral tramways, the mines, the ports used by the industry and the people involved with the trade.

Adult price: £8

Best for ages 8+

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Jamaica Inn

Launceston, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Jamaica Inn. Pub forecourt and sign. Outside tables. Cornish, American and UK flags. Moor in background. location for book by Daphne Du Maurier

One of the most visited places on the moor is Jamaica Inn, the legendary coaching house in Launceston where Daphne du Maurier wrote her excellent 1936 tale of smugglers, rogues and ruffians set in wild, rugged Cornwall landscapes.

Best for ages 18+

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Tintagel Castle

Tintagel, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Aerial view down on castle ruins at Tintagel in Cornwall

This medieval fortress located on the rugged north coast is believed to have been built in the 13th century and was associated with the legend of King Arthur. It partially destroyed during the 16th century, but its ruins still stand and you can see the remains of the Great Hall and the Inner Ward. Stop by the visitor centre for histories and legends.

Adult price: £16

Best for ages 8+

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Truro Farmers’ Market

Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

View of the Truro farmers market in Cornwall

A buzzing weekly farmers’ market held every Wednesday and Sunday on Lemon Quay. Here you’ll find everything from fermented foods to raw chocolate, chilli jam to craft beer. A great opportunity to sample local Cornish produce, and snack on Cornish ‘street food’.

Best for ages 13+

Duration: 4 hours

When: Wed & Sat am

Frequency: weekly

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Adrenaline at Lusty Glaze Beach

Newquay, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Stunning blue sky above Lusty Glaze Beach Newquay Cornwall England UK Europe

If it’s adrenaline you want, head to the specialist adventure activity centre at privately owned Lusty Glaze Beach, Newquay, for thrills including abseiling, coasteering, assault courses (above and below ground), and a 120ft high, 750ft long zip wire.

Best for ages 4+

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Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm

Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm

Cornwall is famous for cider, and Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm produces award-winning cider the old-fashioned way. The farm offers tours and tastings where you can learn about the cider-making process, and sample different ciders. They also have a farm shop and restaurant selling locally-produced treats.

Best for ages 18+

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Trevibban Mill Vineyard

Padstow, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

exteriro landscape shot of the terrace at the Trevibban Mill Vineyard

This family-owned winery and orchard produces a range of award-winning still and sparkling wines, as well as apple juice and cider. The offer guided tours of the vineyards and orchards, that end with wine tastings in the on-site tasting room.

Best for ages 18+

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British Firework Championships

Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom (UK)

Fireworks in evening sky during celebration for New Year or Independence holiday card. The sky is almost pitch black with the bright yellow, red, orange and purple fireworks illuminating in the sky.

Every August, the British Fireworks Championships light up the skies above Plymouth, with the world’s best pyrotechnic teams competing over two days with spectacular sound and light shows. 

Best for ages 6+

Duration: 2 nights

When: Mid-August

Frequency: annually

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Jubilee Pool

Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Jubilee Pool, Penzance, Art deco, sea water filled lido at Penzance, Cornwall

Stop for a swim at this Art Deco lido gem, with curving white walls, diving platforms, rows of cubicles, a baby pool and a warner geothermal pool (extra charge). Under 4s swim free. Right on the seafront, the pool is fed by the tide. Open end May to early September.

Adult price: £6

Best for ages 4+

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Minack Theatre

Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

The Minack Amphitheatre created by Rowena Cade in 1932 is a unique performance venue built into the the granite cliffs at Porthcurno, south west Cornwall, UK.

Carved into the granite like an ancient Greek amphitheatre, this open-air amphitheatre, built in the 1930s, overlooks the sweeping ocean off Porthcurno Bay. See the website for performances; you need to book tickets online, even if just going for the view.

Adult price: £6

Best for ages 18+

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St Austell Brewery

St Austell, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

St Austell Brewery

This family-owned brewery, founded in 1851, produces a range of award-winning beers and ales using local ingredients, such as Cornish barley and spring water. They offer guided tours of the brewery, teaching you about the brewing process, ending with tastings. The brewery also runs a variety of events throughout the year, including beer festivals and live music.

Best for ages 18+

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Colwith Farm Distillery

Lostwithiel, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

vistiors take a distillery course at Colwith Cornwall

This plough-to-bottle distillery, owned and run by the Dustow family, has mastered the art of transforming their potatoes into award-winning spirits, notably gin. You can book in for tours of the distillery and gin tastings, and courses to make your own custom bottle of gin.

Best for ages 18+

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Fowey Valley Cidery & Distillery

Lostwithiel, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Fowey Valley Cidery & Distillery

A small family-run cidery that produces a range of high-quality, award-winning ciders. The cider is made using a blend of locally sourced apples, including rare varieties, and traditional methods. Book in for tours of the orchards and pressing facilities, followed by cider tasting. They also offer cider-making courses.

Best for ages 18+

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Tea plantation on the Tregothnan Estate

Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Tea plantation on the Tregothnan Estate

Tea lovers should head to this, the only tea plantation in the UK. It produces a range of fine teas, grown using sustainable and organic methods, from classic black tea to innovative blends like Manuka and Cornish Earl Grey. You can book in for tours of the plantation and learn about the history of tea in the UK, before a tasting in the on-site tea bar.

Best for ages 13+

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Knightor Winery

St Austell, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Knightor Winery

A boutique winery that produces a range of award-winning wines and spirits, including still and sparkling wines, vermouth, and gin. Book in for guided tours of the winery and vineyards, before a tasting of their products in the on-site tasting room.

Best for ages 18+

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Origin Coffee Roastery

Porthleven, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Origin Coffee Roastery

Established in Cornwall in 2004 by a group of enthusiasts, Origin specialises in sourcing and roasting exceptional coffee. Book ahead for tours of their roastery in Helston, or head to their café at Harbour Head in Porthleven to sample the goods (with a slice of artisan cake).

Best for ages 13+

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Harlyn Bay

Padstow, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Harlyn Bay

Three miles west of Padstow, this lovely, long, dune-backed sweep of golden sand is one of Cornwall’s best family beaches and a good spot for novice surfers. It’s picturesque, safe, has lifeguards in summer and plenty of parking and facilities.

Best for ages 4+

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Lusty Glaze Beach

Newquay, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Stunning blue sky above Lusty Glaze Beach Newquay Cornwall England UK Europe

This privately owned beach is all about entertainment. During summer evenings it plays host to music and social events while during the day you’ll find surf lessons, coasteering, jet skiing, abseiling, a 750ft-long zip wire and kids’ activities.

Best for ages 4+

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Watergate Bay

Newquay, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

On the coast path overlooking the golden sandy beach at Watergate Bay near Newquay Cornwall England UK Europe

This wide, two-mile arc of surf-sprayed sand is possibly the most fashionable, cosmopolitan beach in Cornwall, home to the Watergate Bay Hotel, Extreme Academy watersports school, and O’Neill Surf Academy. It’s a good all-rounder activity beach for all the family.

Best for ages 4+

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Fistral Beach

Newquay, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Aerial Photograph of Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall, England

The most famous surf spot in Cornwall, this long sandy beach with reliable waves on the western edge of Newquay is home to the British Surfing Association and Fistral Surf School, and regularly hosts international competitions.

Best for ages 4+

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Porthmeor & Porthminster Beaches

St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Porthmeor & Porthminster Beaches

St Ives’ web of narrow streets is framed by these two postcard-perfect Blue Flag beaches. Porthminster, nestling under the cliffs, is broad and great for families. Porthmeor is deeper, with great rockpooling for kids and surfer-friendly waves.

Best for ages 4+

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Porthcurno Beach

Porthcurno, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Porthcurno Beach

Located just around the corner from Land’s End – but far enough from the tourist mayhem – this deep cove of white sand, tucked in among tall granite cliffs, is considered by many to be Cornwall’s most scenic beach.

Best for ages 4+

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Sennen Cove

Penzance, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Aerial view of the beach at Sennen Cove, Cornwall

This glorious mile of golden sand arches around from the lovely fishing village of Sennen Cove, only a mile’s walk – but a world away – from touristy Land’s End. Board hire and surf lessons are available.

Best for ages 4+

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Gyllyngvase Beach

Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

Overlooking the golden sand at Gyllyngvase Beach Falmouth Cornwall UK Europe

This wide, spacious, Blue Flag beach – walking distance from Falmouth – has gently sloping white sands that give way to some of Cornwall’s best rock pools at low tide, with great facilities and lifeguards in summer.

Best for ages 4+

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Chocolate-making workshops at Coco Kitchen

St Ives, Cornwall, United Kingdom (UK)

children making chocolate at cocos kitchen

Families and chocoholics will love these chocolate workshops, that see you designing, moulding and decorating a variety of chocolate treats (that you take home after). A brilliant group experience for all ages, with special activities even for the toddlers.

Adult price: £25

Best for ages 4+

Duration: 1 hour

When: Selected dates

Frequency: Selected dates

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