Cornwall on a budget.
We know how much it all adds up. Once you’ve got the accommodation sorted, filled up the car with fuel, got the shopping in, bought the sun cream, and then thrown a few pasties into the mix, there’s not much left in the coffers to plan extravagant outings every day. As much as we would like it to be, not every day in Cornwall can be a beach day, so here are a few ideas for when the purse is light, but the family need entertaining.
Trenance Gardens, Newquay
http://www.trenancecottages.co.uk
These lovely gardens are tucked under the huge railway bridge that spans the Trenance Valley. The gardens have flat paths that surround a boating lake (swan pedalo hire is available if needed!) perfect for letting the little ones loose on scooters or buy a bag of seeds from Lakeside café and feed the ever-hungry ducks. On the other side of the road is a large playpark and skate park, both free to play.
Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro
https://www.royalcornwallmuseum.org.uk
If you fancy a spot of Cornish culture, The Royal Cornwall Museum has an ever-changing set of exhibitions showcasing Cornwall’s rich history of science and art. Entrance is free for under 18’s and the museum aims to offer a dynamic and lively hub that inspires guests to explore the history of this wonderful county.
Lanhydrock House, Bodmin
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/lanhydrock
Although entry to the house can be a budget-buster, Lanhydrock House has miles of winding walks and cycle paths that meander through its woodlands and grounds. You do need to pay to park, but use of the trails is free, so take your bikes, or just have a wander. There is a National Trust café and toilets next to the car park, with a play area for the little ones, a perfect spot if a pit-stop is needed.
Treasure Trails, Everywhere!!
https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk
Download the app, enter the town or area that you want to go Treasure Hunting in, and choose a trail. These are great fun and help turn any walk into an adventure. Choose from treasure hunts, spy missions or detective mysteries, but whichever you choose you will get to see parts of the area you have never seen before, so pack a picnic and get exploring!
Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle
https://museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk
Scare the family into submission with a trip to the Museum of Wichcraft! Opened in 1960, this is a haven of the spooky and quirky. Combine a visit with a stomp around the headland, a fabulous circular walk leads from the harbour to the coast path where you have amazing views of the Pendargon waterfall and the rugged cliffs that surround it.
iWalk Cornwall
https://www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk
Download this handy app, pack a picnic and get hiking! Although it can sometimes be a little difficult to persuade the family to get out on a walk, this digital walking guide means that at least they are confident you won’t get them lost! Hop into the Facebook group for tips and pictures of the routes, or just lace up the boots and go.
St Michaels Mount, Marazion
Admittedly, this one can get a little pricey if you want to visit the house and gardens, but the most fun is to be had teasing the tide and counting crabs along the causeway that leads to the island. Its free to wander over and have a look around the harbour but keep an eye on the tide as the water comes up fast here. You can always hop on one of the taxi boats that run back and forth, but you will pay a few pounds in order to get back to dry land!
📸 Photo credits: Trenance Gardens, The National Trust, Museum of Witchcraft and Magic.