Holiday Itineraries for Top Cornish Destinations

Holiday Itineraries for Your Favourite Destinations in Cornwall

Following on from our recent blog, Top Cornish Destinations for 2025, we are sharing itinieraries to 3 of the best Cornwall holliday destinations in 2025. Plan your family holiday with our location guides and personalise your families itineraries for Newquay, St Ives and Bude.

Family Itinerary for Newquay: A Perfect Cornish Getaway

Day 1: Arrival and Beach Exploration

• Morning: Settle into your accommodation. Start with a visit to Fistral Beach, perfect for family strolls and letting the dog run free.
• Lunch: Enjoy freshly caught seafood at Rick Stein Fistral, known for family-friendly vibes, delicious local produce and incredible beach vistas. Who doesn't love fish and chips!
• Afternoon: Explore Newquay Harbour, try and spot the local seal, andvisit the famous Towan Beach. Kids will love rock pooling and spotting seals, as well as, of course, watching the skilled surfers.
• Dinner: Head to The Colonial, a beautiful beach-side restaurant offering amazing sunset views over Tolcarne beach. 

Day 2: Surf and Spa

• Morning: Book a family surf lesson with Fistral Beach Surf School, offering classes suitable for all ages.
• Lunch: Refuel at The Stable, the family friendly pizza restaurant, overlooking Fistral Beach. Sourdough pizzas all round!
• Afternoon: Adults can relax at one of the many local day spas ini Newquay, such as The Headland Spa, offering luxurious treatments while the kids enjoy on-site activities. If you like this idea, you'll probably also love the many beach saunas in Cornwall.
• Evening: Dine at The Boathouse, a collection of street food vendors near Newquay Harbour. Options range from bao buns to fresh Cornish seafood, making it a relaxing place to eat by the seaside.

Day 3: Coasteering and Coastal Walks

• Morning: Join a coasteering adventure with Cornish Wave, a family-friendly activity involving climbing, swimming, and jumping into the sea from Newquay's dramatic cliffs.
• Lunch: Visit The Bowgie Inn near Crantock Beach whilst watching the waves and the SUPs along the river gannel.
• Afternoon: Walk the South West Coast Path to discover the dramatic sand dunes at Holywell Bay. See if you can find the mystical caves!
• Dinner: Relax at Watergate Bay for dinner, with a number of family and dog friendly restaurants at one of the most scenic parts of the coastline

Day 4: Free Adventures and Local Highlights

• Morning: Spend time at the Newquay Boating Lake for free, where families can feed ducks or rent pedal boats.
• Lunch: Enjoy light bites at The Lakeside Café, a dog-friendly spot known for delicious cream tea
• Afternoon: Explore the Blue Reef Aquarium or Newquay Zoo, both excellent for family fun whatever the weather
• Dinner: Wrap up your trip with some naughty treats at HERD, well known for its burgers!

This itinerary balances adventure, relaxation, and culinary delights while including free activities and family-friendly eateries. Tailor the schedule to your family’s interests for an unforgettable trip!

Family Itinerary for St Ives: Dreamy Beaches

Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation

• Morning: Arrive in St Ives and settle into your accommodation.

• Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk around Porthminster Beach (seasonal dog restrictions apply), enjoying the stunning views. Dogs are welcome on Lambeth Walk Beach year-round, so it’s perfect for some outdoor fun.

• Dinner: Head to The Sloop Inn, a historic, traditional cornish pub on the harbour, with lots of nooks and crannies to cosy up in as a family. It's dog-friendly and offers the best of Cornish food.

Day 2: Art and Local Culture

• Morning: Explore the Tate St Ives art gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. These sites provide a glimpse into Cornwall's artistic heritage. While these may not allow pets, it’s a great time for adults to enjoy the cultural side of St Ives.

• Lunch: Visit the Porthmeor Beach Café, where dogs are welcome on the terrace, making it ideal for dining while soaking up beachfront views​.

• Afternoon: Discover the quaint streets filled with independent shops and local artists' studios. This is the perfect place to grab some take home goodies and souveniers for friends and family.

• Dinner: Enjoy a family meal at The Rum & Crab Shack, which offers the best seafood, specifically crab! Kids will love the restaurant decor and pirate-like atmosphere.

Day 3: Adventure and Relaxation

• Morning: Try a coasteering adventure with a local outdoor company such as Kernow Coasteering. It’s an exhilarating activity that’s family-friendly and highlights Cornwall's dramatic coastline. Make sure you enjoy a delicious breakfast before- so you have plenty of energy for rock climbing!

• Lunch: Stop at The Lifeboat Inn, a dog-friendly pub offering beautiful cornish food and family favourites. There's often live music to enjoy, too.

• Afternoon: Adults can unwind with a spa experience at the St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa, while the rest of the family enjoys exploring nearby Porthkidney Sands, a dog-friendly beach.

• Dinner: Head to The Loft Restaurant & Terrace, known for its locally inspired menu and dog-friendly outdoor dining space.

Day 4: Beach and Nature

• Morning: Take a family beach day at Carbis Bay Beach, one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in Cornwall. Dogs are restricted in high season but can enjoy nearby areas like Porthkidney Sands.

• Lunch: Grab a quick bite at Beer & Bird, a relaxed dog-friendly restaurant offering delicious burgers and craft beer​.

• Afternoon: Enjoy free activities like exploring the St Ives Coastal Path, perfect for panoramic views and fresh sea air. There's a lovely, family-friendly walk between Carbis Bay and St Ives Harbour.

• Dinner: Wrap up with a meal at The Golden Lion, a dog-friendly, family-focused pub with a lively atmosphere​.

  Family Itinerary for Bude: Picture Perfect

  Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

• Morning: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Bude.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a walk along the rugged coast path, between Summerleaze Beach and Crooklets Beach, enjoying coffee and cake (or ice cream!) at one of the many beach side restaurants and cafes. Both beaches are family-friendly, though Crooklets is more suited for dog-walkers year-round. Take in the iconic Bude Sea Pool, a perfect spot for a refreshing dip. Will you brace the cold?
• Dinner: Dine at The Bank at Bude, a highly-rated, dog-friendly tapas restaurant along the River Neet. Their relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for families.

• ---

  Day 2: Surf and Coastal Adventure

• Morning: Book a family session at Big Blue Surf School, which caters to all levels and provides a fun introduction to surfing for adults and kids.
• Lunch: Stop at Life's a Beach, a beach-side restaurant with a great family-friendly atmosphere.
• Afternoon: Embark on a coasteering adventure with a local guide, exploring Bude’s dramatic cliffs and secret coves.
• Dinner: Head to The Brendon Arms, a welcoming pub with hearty meals and a dog-friendly garden, located near Bude's historic canal. In the summer, you can enjoy a drink on the rooftop in their 'secret garden'.

• ---

  Day 3: Nature and Relaxation

• Morning: Adults can enjoy a relaxing spa day at a nearby wellness center, sch as Whalesborough, while kids explore the nature trails at Bude Marshes.
• Lunch: Visit The Deck, a dog-friendly eatery offering casual yet high-quality meals.
• Afternoon: Stroll along the South West Coast Path from Bude to Widemouth Bay, offering breathtaking coastal views and ideal photo spots.
• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at The Preston Gate Inn, a cozy pub with live music, welcoming families and pets alike. 

• ---

  Day 4: Free Exploration and Hidden Gems

• Morning: Explore Bude Canal, a tranquil spot for paddleboarding, wildlife spotting, or simply walking. You could ever hire a stand up paddle board to explore from the water.
• Lunch: Try The Bush Inn, known for its beautiful garden views and dog-friendly dining experience. This is one of the oldest pubs in Cornwall.
• Afternoon: Discover hidden coves at Duckpool Beach, a quieter, scenic spot for families seeking a peaceful retreat.
• Dinner: Wrap up your day at The Falcon Hotel, a historic dog-friendly location offering traditional Cornish meal.

• ---

  Day 5: Departure

• Morning: Before heading home, visit Northcott Mouth Beach, a serene location perfect for one last beach walk with your family and pets.