on 21/03/2025
Cornwall, with its stunning coastlines, historic landmarks, and vibrant communities, offers an array of budget-friendly options for families seeking memorable experiences without overspending. From accommodations that provide on-site activities to self-catering options and efficient public transport, here's how you can maximize your Cornish getaway.
Opting for accommodations that offer free on-site activities and are nearby beaches and the coast can significantly enhance your holiday experience while keeping costs down. Here are some recommendations:
The Valley Cottages, Near Falmouth: These luxury self-catering cottages provide guests with access to indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, and woodland walks, all facilities are free as part of your cottage break. During school holidays, they organise complimentary activities such as arts and crafts sessions, archery lessons, and wildlife workshops, ensuring children are entertained throughout, without additional expenses. The cottages are also in a great central location so you can easily visit lots of beaches during your holiday, often free beach days are the best holiday days!
Choosing self-catering accommodations not only offers flexibility but also presents significant savings:
Cost-Effective Meals: Preparing meals using local produce allows families to enjoy delicious dishes without the premium prices of dining out. Visiting local markets and farm shops can be both a culinary adventure and a budget-friendly choice.
Personalised Menus: Catering to individual preferences and dietary requirements becomes seamless, ensuring everyone enjoys their meals.
Flexible Dining Schedules: Without the constraints of restaurant hours, families can dine at their convenience, making it easier to plan outings and activities.
Opting for a staycation in Cornwall offers numerous advantages over traveling abroad:
Financial Savings: Eliminating the costs associated with international flights, currency exchange, and travel insurance can result in substantial savings.
Reduced Travel Stress: Avoiding long-haul flights and potential jet lag means more time and energy to enjoy your holiday.
Supporting Local Economy: Spending within the UK contributes to local businesses and communities, fostering economic growth.
Environmental Considerations: Reducing air travel decreases your carbon footprint, making staycations an eco-friendly choice. If you want to save even more and act more eco- take your bikes and cycle the many family friendly cycling routes and the coast path!
Cornwall's public transport network is both efficient and economical, making it easy to explore without a car:
Train Services: The county is serviced by several train lines connecting major towns and attractions. For instance, the St Ives Bay Line offers scenic journeys between St Erth and St Ives, providing breathtaking coastal views at affordable prices.
Bus Networks: Operators like First Kernow run extensive routes throughout Cornwall, with options such as the "Day Rider" ticket offering unlimited daily travel at a fixed rate.
Multi-Modal Passes: Consider purchasing the "Ride Cornwall" ticket, which allows unlimited travel on most buses and trains within Cornwall, providing both convenience and savings.
Cornwall boasts a plethora of free attractions suitable for families:
Roskilly's Organic Farm: Located on the Lizard Peninsula, visitors can explore this working organic farm, meet the animals, and enjoy nature trails. A highlight is sampling their renowned ice cream, made from the farm's own dairy herd.
Kerdroya Labyrinth: Situated on Bodmin Moor, this newly opened labyrinth, crafted from traditional Cornish hedges, offers a unique walking experience amidst stunning landscapes.
Heartlands: A free-entry cultural playground set within a World Heritage Site, offering gardens, art exhibitions, and a giant adventure playscape for children.
The Camel Trail: An 18-mile traffic-free route ideal for walking or cycling, winding through some of Cornwall's most picturesque scenery.
Royal Cornwall Museum: Located in Truro, this museum offers free entry and showcases Cornwall's rich history and cultural heritage.
Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake: Situated in Newquay, these gardens provide a peaceful setting for walks, picnics, and wildlife spotting. Adjacent attractions include a miniature railway and a zoo, though these may require an entrance fee.
Bude Sea Pool: This semi-natural pool offers a safe swimming environment, blending the excitement of the sea with the safety of a pool.
The Lizard and Kynance Cove: Renowned for their dramatic cliffs and clear waters, these areas are perfect for coastal walks and photography.
Carbis Bay Beach: A family-friendly beach known for its golden sands and calm waters, ideal for a relaxing day by the sea.
Finding eateries that cater to both adults and children without compromising on quality or price is essential for a successful family trip. Here are some top recommendations:
The Treguth Inn: Located in Newquay, this gorgeous thatched pub in Holywell Bay offers a warm atmosphere and a menu that appeals to all ages. It's a favourite among families for its welcoming environment and hearty meals, and countryside location. Their Sunday roasts sound fantastic.
Wavecrest Café: Found near Lizard Point, Wavecrest provides affordable meals with breathtaking panoramic views of the Lizard, making it a perfect spot for families exploring the area. The café is praised for its warm welcome and exceptional service, and the most recent glowing reviews mention the great atmosphere and cosy interior. Bonus: It’s dog friendly too!
The Cabin Beach Café: Overlooking the sea in Perranuthnoe, this café offers a variety of dishes suitable for families and delicious daily specials, all at reasonable prices. It's an excellent place to stop for a homemade cake or quick bite whilst on the coast path. The café is also dog friendly with views on a good sunny day of St Michaels Mount. One reviewer tipped this place ‘A Gem of a Beach Bistro’.
Crooklets Beach Café: With breathtaking views of the rugged north Cornwall beaches and plenty of outdoor seating, this café often hosts local Cornish musicians too. There is plenty of choice for children and fussier eaters, and often daily specials, including locally caught lobster from Bude’s beaches. The prices are noted as reasonable for the freshness and great quality. Again- this is another very dog friendly café and restaurant in Cornwall, moments walk from the sand for families convenience.
