on 29/11/2024
Cornwall remains a favourite UK holiday destination for families, so we thought we would create a list of the top destinations for 2025 to help you plan your idyllic escape next year. Here are the best spots to consider for your next family getaway in the UK in 2025, with details on the local attractions and family-friendly amenities. All locations offer a brilliant mix of water sports and active adventure opportunities, places to unwind and relax, and unforgettable experiences along the beautiful scenic coastline.
Why visit? St Ives blends family fun with artistic charm. Its sandy, golden beaches, like Porthmeor and Porthminster, are ideal for building sandcastles or enjoying water sports. The town offers family-friendly restaurants and activities all surrounding the beautiful harbour, and you can explore Tate St Ives gallery for a cultural touch. Accommodations range from seaside cottages to larger family rentals with panoramic views of the bay, many of which are as dog friendly as St Ives.
Top nearby attractions:
Tate St Ives: Introduce kids to modern art with interactive exhibits
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden: Inspire creativity in young minds
Boat trips: See the local wildlife, often basking sharks, seals and dolphins
Family-friendly amenities:
Baby-changing facilities at key attractions.
Accommodation includes beachfront apartments with kitchens and sea views
Why visit? Known as the surfing capital of the UK, Newquay offers more than just its famous waves and is the top destination for active families. Family attractions such as the Blue Reef Aquarium and Newquay Zoo provide engaging, educational experiences, especially on rainy days when you need some extra ideas to entertain yourselves. Newquay is one of the busiest towns in Cornwall and has everything you could possibly need for a stress free family staycation. The town is surrounded by a number of famous beaches, most within walking distance of the high street. Beaches like Fistral and Watergate Bay offer activities suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers, and have beautiful beach side restaurants with balcony views to die for at sunset.
Top nearby attractions:
Newquay Zoo: Home to over 130 species, perfect for animal-loving kids
Blue Reef Aquarium : Dive into an underwater adventure
Fistral Beach : Take family surf lessons
Bustling High Street: Home to an array of popular chain restaurants
Family-friendly amenities:
Lifeguards at major beaches
Restaurants with kid-friendly menus and beach views
Why visit? Perranporth boasts a three-mile stretch of golden sands with rock pools for exploring. The shallow waters are ideal for splashing with young children, and you’re right by the town centre to make family days out stress free.
Top nearby attractions:
Perranporth to St Agnes Clifftop Walk: Scenic trails with wildlife spotting opportunities
The Watering Hole: A beachside café perfect for refuelling, often hosting fantastic events and famous musicians
Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm: Pour your own Rattler, tour the orchard and meet the farm animals
Family-friendly amenities:
A seaside town with accessible beach paths
Public toilets and family parking close to the beach
Free, natural sea pool safe at low tide
Why visit? Falmouth is a vibrant port town offering a mix of outdoor fun, history, and family-friendly dining. The high street and town centre have a glorious array of independent shops and Cornish produce, and wherever you walk you will be treated to glimpses of the harbour and ocean through doorways and passageways. Its golden beaches, calm waters, and fascinating maritime attractions make it a fantastic destination for families.
Top nearby attractions:
The National Maritime Museum: Kids will love the interactive exhibits and under water window
Pendennis Castle: A Tudor fortress where families can explore historical reenactments and enjoy panoramic coastal views
Gyllyngvase Beach (Gylly): One of the most famous beaches in Cornwall
Family-friendly amenities:
Safe swimming areas and lifeguards at key beaches
Water sports hire and perfect stand up paddle boarding conditions
Accessible walkways and baby-changing facilities at top attractions
Dog-friendly restaurants like The Stable and Gylly Beach Café
Why visit? Bude is known for its safe swimming beaches like Summerleaze and its tidal sea pool, which is perfect for families. It also has numerous play areas and picnic spots. It’s town centre celebrates Cornwall, known for it’s support of independent artists and producers, and the rugged coastline is a walkers paradise. There are surf schools everywhere, and the area attracts surfers from far and wide. Summerleaze Bay provides a safe and protected bay to learn to surf.
Top nearby attractions:
Bude Castle: A mix of history and family-friendly activities
Tamar Lakes: Water sports and scenic walks for active days out
Surfing schools at Summerleaze Beach, Crooklets Beach and neighbouring Widemouth Bay
Family-friendly amenities:
Playgrounds and public
BBQ areas Plenty of parking near the beaches Very dog friendly
Book early: Family-friendly accommodations in Cornwall are in high demand. Look for options with kitchens, extra bedrooms, and nearby amenities and book with just an 11% deposit through Select Cornwall.
Pack for the weather: Cornwall’s climate can be unpredictable, so bring layers and waterproofs. On the positive- Cornwall is home to many micro-climates, and is known as one of the warmest areas in the UK!
Explore off-peak: Visit in spring or early autumn to avoid summer crowds. Cornwall is the ideal destination for a family holiday in 2025, offering something for every member of the family, from adventure lovers to those seeking relaxation.
With its beautiful sandy beaches, such as those in Newquay and Perranporth, kids can enjoy safe swimming, rock pooling, and surfing. There are plenty of fun, interactive educational days out, like Pendennis Castle, The Eden Project and The National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth.
For nature lovers, destinations like Trelissick, Trebah Gardens and Heligan Gardens offer immersive, eco-friendly experiences. With a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, surfing, and coasteering, as well as tranquil gardens and relaxing beaches, Cornwall delivers an unforgettable holiday experience.
Visit Cornwall in 2025 for a mix of adventure, relaxation, and family fun, and discover why it remains one of the UK's top holiday spots.
