on 02/06/2025
There are so many incredible places to stay in Cornwall- it can be extremely challenging deciding on just one place! Each destination, whether in north or south cornwall, offers its own unique blend of stunning beaches, engaging activities, and delightful dining options. So we've decided to create an in-depth blog with all of our local knowledge, to recommend the 12 top places to stay. We will highlight why families love them, lots of recommended activities- paid and free, the top rated eateries for families with kids on TripAdvisor, and the top nearby beaches. Hopefully this will help you tick of your top 'to do's' and wish list, and nail down the Cornish destination for you.
Falmouth combines maritime heritage with beautiful beaches and a vibrant town centre. Home to one of the deepest natural harbours in the world, it’s a bustling and vibrant place with iconic, colourful bunting through out the streets, exotic looking plants, independent shops and eateries. It’s one of the best places to stay in Cornwall in terms of proximity and walkability to a number of fantastic beaches, too.
Roam the high street and regular markets: Markets on the Moor Visit the National
Maritime Museum Cornwall and Falmouth Art Gallery
Stroll through Gyllyngdune Gardens
Walk along the South West Coast Path
Enjoy rock pooling at Castle Beach, swimming at Gylly beach and a walk around to Swanpool Beach (Cream tea at a beach side café is encouraged)
Boat trips on the Fal River to St Mawes (Recently in the news because the royal family love it)
Watersports at Swanpool Beach
AK Wildlife Cruises (Regularly spot dolphins and the resident seals)
Flicka Donkey Sanctuary (Free, but we encourage supporting and donating)
Sea kayaking tours
The Working Boat
Harbour Lights Fish & Chips
The Stable Pizza
Gyllyngvase Beach
Swanpool Beach
Maenporth Beach
Known for its art scene, unique light, wildlife filled waters and picturesque beaches that look like something from another country, St Ives offers a mix of culture and seaside fun. Like Falmouth, it’s extremely dog and family friendly, with a number of beach-side restaurants, cafes and pubs, and the centre is relatively flat and accessible- it’s easy to visit a number of beaches in one day on foot, and it’s very easy to walk between the high street shops and the beaches and sea front. St Ives used to thrive on the fishing industry, but now attracts visitors from worldwide.
Explore Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden Walk the coastal path to Carbis Bay Enjoy the iconic harbour and watch the boats with a traditional Cornish pasty in hand Relax on Porthminster Beach Visit nearby Gwithian and Godrevy (There is a famous seal cove on this stretch of coast)
Boat trips to Seal Island
Surf lessons at Porthmeor Beach
Visit the Tate St Ives Art Gallery
Glass-bottom boat tours
Art workshops for kids
Porthminster Beach Café
Blas Burgerworks
Birdies Bistro
Porthmeor Beach
Porthgwidden Beach
Carbis Bay Beach
As Cornwall's only city, Truro offers probably the largest variety of shopping, culture, history, and also has close proximity to beaches. It’s known for housing the ‘Hall for Cornwall’ – a lively theatre venue in the city centre which hosts house-hold names, famous artists, comedians, west end musicals and family shows.
Visit Truro Cathedral
Explore Victoria Gardens
Walk along the Truro River
Discover the BIG Truro monthly markets and Lemon Street markets (Support local Cornish independents)
Explore the town centre and it’s many quirky / high street shops and restaurants
Boat trips to Falmouth
Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm Attraction (Free, but tours and extra activities are paid)
Enjoy art at the Royal Cornwall Museum
Hall for Cornwall theatre shows
Llama Land for a walk with llama’s
Hooked!
Hubbox Truro
Truro Lounge
Loe Beach
Chapel Porth Beach
Gylly Beach (Falmouth)
Famous for having the best surfing beaches in the whole of the UK and for having a huge variety of family attractions- there are 11 beaches in Newquay. This makes it a great base with lots of free activities to take advantage of and can be a great place to stay for a relatively budget holiday in the UK.
It also isn’t too far down the coast, like popular St Ives, which can add an extra hour or two to holiday commutes. Like many Cornish destinations, it’s extremely welcoming for dogs, and it’s pretty easy to walk between the high street and shops and restaurants to a number of beaches. The buses around Newquay also run very regularly.
Visit Towan Beach and see the iconic house on the island, or explore the many other stunning beaches including Watergate Bay
Explore Trenance Gardens
Walk the South West Coast Path (Views over the Gannel Estuary around Crantock are beautiful)
Enjoy the views at the Huer's Hut
Rock pool and discover lots of sea creatures
Newquay Zoo
Blue Reef Aquarium
Pirate's Quest Adventure Golf
Lappa Valley Steam Railway
Coasteer, paddle board or surf on one of the many beaches
Catch Seafood Bar and Grill
Colonial Beach Bar and Restaurant
Sushea
Watergate Bay
Fistral Beach
Towan Beach
A charming seaside village not too far from Newquay, with a vast sandy beach and family-friendly atmosphere. Perranporth is famous for having miles of golden sand, epic sand dunes and a dog-friendly beach bar on the sand which hosts multiple family-friendly festivals and music events through out the year.
Beachcombing on Perranporth Beach
Swimming in the tidal pool hidden in the rocks
Walk to St Agnes along the coast
Exploring Perranporth’s busy town centre
Enjoy live music at The Watering Hole
Surf lessons
Perranporth Golf Club
Horse riding on the beach
Lappa Valley Steam Railway
Ocean Fun Pool
The Watering Hole
Swell Café
Surf Bay Restaurant and Bar
Perranporth Beach
Holywell Bay
Beach Trevaunance Cove
Steeped in Arthurian legend, it's perfect for imaginative children and beautiful coast path adventures. On the north coast, it’s one of the first places you’ll get to once you hit Cornwall- meaning less journey time and you can start your holiday sooner. Will you walk over THAT famous bridge?
Walk to St Nectan's Glen
Explore Rocky Valley and Bossiney Cove/ Beach
Visit the Old Post Office and wander the town centre - steeped in history and interesting buildings
Walk along this rugged, more challenging part of the South West Coast Path
Visit beautiful Boscastle nearby
King Arthur's Great Halls
Merlin's Cave tours
Tintagel Toy Museum
Visit Tintagel Castle ruins and walk over the famous bridge to the island
Local guided walks
The Mill House
King Arthur's Café
The Olde Malthouse Inn
Trebarwith Strand
Bossiney Cove
Widemouth Bay
A sophisticated seaside village sitting on the opposite site of the estuary to foodie capital Padstow. Rock is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with views of rolling farm hills as far as the eye can see. With calm waters, white sand beaches and lots of outdoor activities, it’s perfect for kids, but it’s also a foodie-favourite for the adults.
Beach walks and wild life spotting along the Camel Estuary
Visit St Enodoc Church
Explore the sand dunes
Ferry to Padstow
Camel Trail cycling
Watersports at Camel Ski School
Golf at St Enodoc Golf Club
Fishing trips or visit the National Lobster Hatchery
Guided estuary tours and scenic boat trips
Rock Sailing & Waterski Club lessons
The Mariners
Rock Inn
The Upper Deck
Rock Beach
Daymer Bay
Polzeath Beach
A historic town with access to unique attractions and beautiful beaches, and home to a nationwide famous swimming pool with geothermal section. A traditional sea side town with everything you could need for a family holiday, surrounded by glorious sections of the south west coast path and beautiful South Cornwall beaches that look like something you’d find abroad.
Visit Porthcurno Beach
Walk the promenade with a locally made Cornish ice cream
Explore Penlee House Gallery & Museum
Chapel Street historic walk
Visit the Jubilee Pool
Boat trips to Mousehole
Visit the Jubilee Pool for a unique swimming experience
Geevor Tin Mine
St Michael's Mount
Minack Theatre
Fowey is a charming harbour town in an area of outstanding natural beauty, known for its maritime heritage, winding old streets, scenic estuary views, and laid-back family-friendly atmosphere. Once the centre of the Cornish China clay industry, Fowey is quickly becoming one of the top trending places to visit in Cornwall and is on the rise from being a lesser known ‘secret gem’. It’s quirky traditional streets and charming seaside aura make for a perfect Cornish break.
Stroll along the Fowey Estuary and enjoy the picturesque views
Visit St Catherine's Castle, a historic site with panoramic vistas
Take the Polruan Ferry for a short, scenic trip across the water
Explore the local shops and galleries in the town centre
Relax at Readymoney Cove, a sheltered beach ideal for families
Fowey Aquarium – a small, family-run aquarium showcasing local marine life
Boat tours along the River Fowey, offering wildlife spotting opportunities
Kayaking or paddleboarding adventures on the estuary
Visit the Bird Lady of Fowey for an interactive bird experience
Take the Polruan Ferry for a short, scenic trip across the water
Havener’s Bar and Grill
Sam’s
Sunny Spice
Readymoney Cove
Polkerris Beach
As the southernmost point of mainland Britain, The Lizard Peninsula boasts dramatic cliffs, unique geology, and secluded beaches, including trending, now world famous Kynance Cove. Although a longer journey time, this pays off due to its tranquillity at most times of year and its incredible beauty – classed as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
This is a must visit destination in Cornwall for the more outdoorsy, adventurous, and beach-lovers- as there are so many stunning and rugged places to make the most of along coast path, and less of the ‘typical’ family activities and days out you might find in other Cornish holiday destinations. It’s all about exploring on the Lizard.
Explore the Lizard Point and its iconic lighthouse
Walk the South West Coast Path for breathtaking sea views
Kynance Cove, renowned for its turquoise waters and rock formations
Visit the beautiful village of Helford
Picnic at Church Cove or Cadgwith
Tour the Lizard Lighthouse Heritage Centre
Join the National Trust’s Wildlife Watchpoint
Kayak tours, diving lessons, coasteering adventures or climbing
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Enjoy boat trips to spot seals and other marine life
The Tophouse Inn
The Terrace
Coast Coffee Bar and Bistro
Kynance Cove
Poldhu Cove
Church Cove
Land's End is famed for its rugged cliffs and iconic signpost, which marks the most south westerly tip of mainland England, while nearby Cape Cornwall offers a more tranquil and traditional experience, like stepping back in to Cornwall 100 years ago. This area is a fantastic wildlife haven.
Walk the coastal paths for dramatic sea views and watch for wildlife
Visit Sennen Cove
Visit Cape Cornwall Mine
Discover hidden coves and secret gems like Nanjizal Beach
Swim in natural tidal pools along the coast path
Experience the attractions at Land's End Landmark, including 4D cinema and signpost
Visit Greeb Farm, home to various animals and crafts
Join a guided tour to learn about local history and legends
Porthcurno Telegraph museum
Geevor Tin Mine Museum
Old Success Inn Restaurant
First and Last Inn
The Logan Rock Inn
Sennen Cove
Porthcurno Beach
Gwynver Beach
Padstow is a vibrant fishing port offering a mix of culinary delights, scenic walks, and family-friendly activities. Perhaps known mostly for it’s gourmet dining and foodie-scene and being the home to Rick Steins, but it has so much more on offer, including fantastic surrounding beaches.
Explore Padstow Harbour and watch the fishing boats
Walk or cycle the Camel Trail
Visit St George's Cove for a beach day
Discover local art galleries and shops
Enjoy a picnic at one of the nearby bays and beaches
Take a boat trip for seal and dolphin watching, or just hop on over to Rock Beach
Visit the National Lobster Hatchery to learn about marine conservation
Wine taste at a nearby vineyard, such as Trevibban
Participate in cooking workshops or food tours- there are so many rated dining spots in Padstow
Enjoy water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding
Prawn on the Lawn
Burgers and Fish
Rick Stein’s Cafe
Treyarnon Bay
Harlyn Bay
Constantine Bay
