The best family-friendly attractions in Cornwall to visit this autumn
Whether you’re planning a group getaway in summer or a winter escape with the kids, Cornwall is a fantastic holiday destination that offers something for everyone. However, with the summer season fast approaching its end, it is time to set your sights forward to booking an autumn holiday in Looe and how you’re going to make the most of the time with your children.
Although Cornwall has a number of beautiful beaches for you to visit, there’s also a host of attractions waiting for you to explore. So, if you’re wondering what you and the family could be getting up to on your next trip to the county, take a look at the list below for some inspiration!
Porfell Wildlife Park, Liskeard
As Cornwall’s biggest sanctuary of exotic animals, a trip to Porfell Wildlife Park is sure to be a wonderful day out for all the family. Unlike your traditional zoo, Porfell’s has created environments which mimic the natural habitats you’d find each animal in, offering you the chance to get up close and personal with each animal.
Porfell Wildlife Park is split into three separate areas, each specifically created for the species that its home to. Take a stroll through the Woodland Walk, and discover a collection of trees and plants, before settling down in the perfect spot for a picnic. Additionally, the Maasai Village transports you to Africa, where the roaming zebra wanders amongst the eland. Finally, the Children’s Farm allows the family to interact with the farmyard favourites, giving them the chance to feed the guinea pigs and have a hug with the friendly rabbits.
Since opening in 1989, the wildlife park has evolved from a quiet farm to the home of an array of different animals; from lemurs and meerkats to monkeys and kookaburras, you’ll have the opportunity to meet a variety of them here!
Indoor Active, Roche
Unfortunately, autumn can sometimes be accompanied with some slightly rainier days. However, Indoor Active at the Cornwall services in Roche offers a fabulous place for your children to burn off some steam! Not only does the centre contain a four-storey soft play area that your little ones are sure to love, but it is also home to Cornwall’s biggest clip and climb centre. Suitable for all ages, the clip and climb centre is fun for everyone. Plus, with no need for a partner, you can all jump straight into one of the many challenges on offer here.
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Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary, Looe
Whether you choose to watch them hang out in their homes or decide to adopt the role of their keeper for the day, the Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary is the perfect daytime activity when you’re visiting Cornwall. Wild Futures is a charity which specialises in the rescuing and education of primates in danger while providing homes for them, and this sanctuary in Looe is no different. Here you will find 36 furry friends who have been rescued from their tough upbringing.
Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary is the ideal place to bring the whole family. As you walk around the park, you’ll fall in love with the quirky characters of each monkey while learning about how the sanctuary cares for them. There’s much more on offer here than simply strolling around the enclosures, but the ’Keeper for a Day’ experience offers you the chance to learn just what it takes to care for the cheeky marmosets – a truly unique encounter.
Charlestown Shipwreck Centre, St Austell
On your next holiday to Looe, make the journey to the historic port of Charlestown in St Austell. With over 250,000 shipwrecks located off the coast of Britain, Charlestown Shipwreck Centre gives you the chance to dive into their history. As the largest public display of its kind in Europe, discover more about some of the most prominent shipwrecks this country has ever seen. Appealing to people of all ages, the collection of 8,000 artefacts each have their own story to tell and offer fascinating insights. Plus, as the display was curated over 50 years, they’ll be no shortage of tales waiting for you to uncover.
Eden Project, Bodelva
A visit to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without going to the Eden Project, so head to Bodelva for a fun-filled day out! Composed of two huge biomes as well as perfectly manicured gardens, the hours will fly by as you discover all about the plants that grow here.
The rainforest Biome has been created similar to the climate you would find on a tropical island. In here, you can take a walk along the canopy walkway, enjoying sweeping views of the biome and the gorgeous plants that grow below before stepping onto the biodiversity platform to discover how the plants have evolved to live in these temperatures.
Once you’ve discovered what the tropics have to offer, step inside the Mediterranean Biome. It is in here that you’ll get to experience the wonderful scents from a collection of herbs, as well as enjoy the vibrant colours of the tulips and proteas.
“The Eden Project has everything that you could possibly need for a great day out”, shares Jessica from By Jessica. “Interesting as well as educational, the Mid Terrace Restaurant provides you with a lovely place to refresh and refuel after a morning of exploring. What’s more, is that The Nest climbing frame gives your kids a chance to play whilst you can relax in the breath-taking outdoor gardens.”
Trethorne Leisure Park, Launceston
You’d be mistaken if you thought Trethorne Leisure Park was only suitable for children to enjoy as, in fact, here you can find a number of different activities for you all to get involved in! The facilities here are magnificent, with things like bowling and dodgems ideal for the whole family. The leisure park itself is extensive, with over an acre of outdoor space in addition to the 45,000 sq ft indoor play area waiting for your kids to explore. Plus, with an on-site animal barn and crazy golf, you’ll have no trouble spending the whole day exploring Trethorne!
Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre, Launceston
This autumn, the whole family would love a trip to the Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre near Launceston. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to watch the sociable otters in their natural habitats before joining them for feeding time. However, the centre also has an array of other animals, such as wallabies, chipmunks and meerkats waiting for you to come and meet!
After watching the otters, head over to the tearoom, where a range of different foods are on offer. With a selection of hot and cold food available, as well as gluten-free options, it is the perfect place for a pit stop on your family-friendly day out.
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