The Top 10 Family Activities in and around Newquay, Cornwall, England
Newquay is a popular seaside town in Cornwall, England, known for its sandy beaches, surfing culture and family-friendly attractions. Whether you are looking for some outdoor adventure, indoor fun or cultural exploration, there is something for everyone in and around Newquay. Here are some of the best activities to enjoy with your family in this beautiful coastal destination.
1. Visit Newquay Zoo
Newquay Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Cornwall, home to over 1,000 animals from around the world. You can see lions, penguins, monkeys, meerkats, sloths and more, as well as learn about the zoo’s conservation work and animal care. There are also plenty of picnic areas, play areas and a café to keep you refreshed. Newquay Zoo is open daily from 10:30am to 4:30pm (last entry at 4:00pm). Tickets cost £16.50 for adults and £12.50 for children (3-15 years). You can book online and save 10% on your tickets https://www.visitnewquay.org/things-to-do/family-friendly-attractions.
2. Ride the Lappa Valley Steam Railway
Lappa Valley is a hidden gem in the Cornish countryside, where you can enjoy a nostalgic steam train ride into a secret world of fun and adventure. The railway takes you through scenic woodland to a leisure park with three miniature railways, a boating lake, crazy golf, play areas and a café. Lappa Valley is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm (last entry at 3:30pm). Tickets cost £13.95 for adults and £11.95 for children (3-15 years). You can book online and save £1 on your tickets https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g186239-Activities-zft11306-Newquay_Cornwall_England.html.
3. Explore Cornwall Gold and Tolgus Mill
Cornwall Gold is a unique attraction that celebrates the heritage and beauty of the Cornish land. You can discover the history of tin mining at Tolgus Mill, the last working tin mill in Cornwall, where you can see how tin ore is processed into pure metal. You can also browse the jewellery showroom, where you can find stunning pieces made from Cornish gold, silver and tin. There are also craft workshops, a pottery studio, a bear works, a play area and a café on site. Cornwall Gold is open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm (last entry at 4:30pm). Entry is free https://kids2cornwall.co.uk/things-to-do-in-newquay-attractions/.
4. Bounce at Concrete Waves
Concrete Waves is Newquay’s world-class skate park, where you can unleash your inner skater or bouncer. The park features a range of ramps, rails and bowls for skateboarding, BMXing and scooting, as well as an epic jump area with two dive towers, a timed obstacle course, foam pits and a trick zone. There are also trampolines, dodgeball courts and basketball hoops for some bouncing fun. Concrete Waves is open daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm (last entry at 7:00pm). Prices vary depending on the activity and duration https://www.visitnewquay.org/whats-on/events/family-events.
5. Have fun at Flambards
Flambards is a theme park that offers a mix of rides, attractions and entertainment for all ages. You can experience thrilling roller coasters, spinning rides, water slides and bumper cars, or enjoy gentler attractions like the carousel, teacups and balloon race. You can also explore the indoor attractions, such as the Victorian Village, Britain in the Blitz and the Aviation Experience. Flambards is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm (last entry at 4:00pm). Tickets cost £23.95 for adults and £19.95 for children (110cm-15 years). You can book online and save £2 on your tickets https://www.visitnewquay.org/things-to-do/family-friendly-activities.
6. Discover Trerice Manor House and Gardens
Trerice is a National Trust property that dates back to the Elizabethan era. It is a fine example of an ancient manor house with ornate interiors, antique furniture and portraits of former owners. You can take a guided tour of the house or explore it at your own pace with an audio guide. You can also enjoy the tranquil gardens with colourful flowers, fruit trees and lawns. Trerice is open daily from 10:30am to 4:30pm (last entry at 4:00pm). Entry costs £11 for adults and £5.50 for children (5-17 years). National Trust members get free entry.
7. Adventure at Camel Creek Adventure Park
Camel Creek is an adventure park that features over 40 rides and attractions for the whole family. You can brave the Demon Drop, a 40-foot vertical slide, or the Morgawr, a twisting roller coaster. You can also enjoy the Swampy and Dina Land, where you can meet Swampy the crocodile and Dina the dinosaur, and ride the mini coaster, the safari train and the swamp buggies. There are also indoor and outdoor play areas, animal encounters, a 5D simulator and a café. Camel Creek is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm (last entry at 4:00pm). Tickets cost £19.95 for adults and £14.95 for children (92cm-15 years). You can book online and save £2 on your tickets.
8. Relax at all the different Beaches Newquay has to offer
They are all family-friendly beaches as well as dog friendly, with soft golden sand, beautiful waters and lifeguard patrols. It is ideal for swimming, paddling, sunbathing and building sandcastles. There are also rock pools to explore, a tidal island to visit and a coastal path to walk. You can find plenty of facilities nearby, such as toilets, showers, cafés, shops and a car park.
9. Learn to surf at Fistral Beach
Fistral Beach is one of the best surfing spots in Cornwall, with consistent waves, stunning views and a wide sandy beach. You can learn to surf with Newquay Activitiy Center, a surf school that offers lessons for all levels and ages. You can also try other water sports, such as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and Boggieboarding, Coasteering. Fistral beach is also home to some great restaurants and bars in Newquay. Such as The Fish House, Rick Steins fish and chips plus the famous Fistral Beach Bar….which happens to be the best place to watch the sunset too!