A Child's Cornish Adventure
December 22, 2025
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” – Fred Rogers
An adventure to Cornwall is exactly what the doctor ordered, for mind, for body, and for your children to run wild and free. Our team at Creek and Country have carefully selected outings and experiences that shaped our adolescence and the places that inspire our imaginations to flourish.
Welly Boots and Binoculars
Perranporth Beach
Whether rain or shine, Perranporth beach is the perfect place to explore a stretch of coastline covered in sand dunes. The largest dune system in Cornwall, believed to have welcomed Saint Piran on his mill stone, has become a habitat for wildlife and a protector of the coast. The rigged dunes and sandy caves play a perfect game of hide and seek and rolling down the hills, only to pour sand out of wellies promptly after. This living landscape is a co-existence between land and people, and families can partake in activities that will educate as well as provide fun for all. Visit 'Dynamic Dunescapes' for more information and activity packs.
Gwithian and Godrevy Lighthouse
Built in 1859, the Godrevy lighthouse stands guard of a once slate-ridden reef, inhabited by an array of birds. When trekking the coastal path, the lighthouse can be seen for miles, as well as its neighbouring pod of seals, sunbathing and performing to the audience of the cliff top. Be sure to bring your binoculars, as seal spotting in the bobbing waters keeps anybody in your party entertained.
Tehidy Woods
Puddle jumping and spotting animals are a must-do when visiting Tehidy Woods, where you will find like-minded families trying to tire their children with muddy trails. Cafes, woodlands and walks around mansions
Kennall-Vale Nature Reserve
Tucked behind the village of Ponsanooth, guests will find the Kennall-Vale nature reserve. Meandering around residential areas, the entrance to the woodland, almost drive-way like, will provide historic adventures into the past for all. Mind your footing as you explore through old gunpowder factories, listening for the ghostly reminders of explosions - sounds cushioned by the surrounding trees.
Coosebean Woodland
Become enchanted and succumb to the towering trees and fairy locals, for these Truro woodlands are a host to the Fair Headquarters. The network of fairy houses are hidden in trees and in plain sight, dotting along the trail with handcrafted signs to lead the way.
Getting Creative
Starglazers, High Street Falmouth
Falmouth Bay viewpoints are not the only thing that the High Street has to offer its visitors, but also an opportunity to paint the afternoon away. On a rainy day, enjoy a window seat to watch the world go by, rain running down the window, whilst crafting and creating with loved ones.
Pottery Painting Session: 90 minutes, £10 deposit that goes towards your chosen dinnerware.
Elemental Water sports, Swanpool Falmouth
Seek thrill and excitement? Join Elemental Water sports for their coastal locations and daring challenges. Children can partake in a number of activities within a full or half day period, whilst parents and kicking back on the beach or sipping vino at the Boathouse restaurant.
May half term / Summer holidays: £30 (half day) or £45 (full day)
The Tate, Porthmeor St Ives
Cornwall's very own Tate, overlooking Porthmeor beach and immersing visitors into art collections that resonate Cornish-ism. Art is subjective, and who is more subjective than an impressionable child. Mould their minds and creative passions through workshops and activities, carefully curated by local artists within the county.
Toddler Tate: Monthly, £1 admission, under 5's.
Uniqlo Tate Play: See website for more details.
Great Flat Lode, Carn Brea Redruth
The circular route sits closely to Carn Brea; an area once known for its copper mining. A scattering of mining structures fill the landscape, as visitors cycle, ride, and walk through and soak up the history. 'Great Flat Load' was the discovery of tin ore, stretching two miles, is now the main path through the untouched mines, awaiting exploration.
Cornwall Bike Hire: See website for more details
Learning Something New
Maritime Museum, Falmouth
Sat on Discovery Quay, the Maritime Museum boasts views over five levels, above and below sea level. The architectural building gives visitors insight into the ever-evolving coastline, and how Cornwall preserves it and the inhabitants within it. Audiences are invited into the voyage of discovery, to race model boats in the pool, roleplay RNLI in the rescue zone, inspect sea ecosystems from the tidal zone, and explore the Skull Island play zone. Exhibitions are ran annually for visitors to explore.
Adult £18.50, Child £9.50, Early Years - Free
Pendennis Castle, Falmouth
Protector to the Falmouth Estuary, Pendennis Castle stood tall with military defence, guarding Carrick Roads from invaders for over 400 years. Built to defend under Henry VIII's reign, the castle has withstood lengthy wars, and now rests, welcoming visitors through its doors to retell past histories and stories.
Adult £15.50, Child £9.50
Lappa Valley, Newquay
Meandering through wheal mines from Newquay to St Dennis, the live steam engines transported ore to neighbouring harbours, replacing traditional horse drawn ways. Step back in time and immerse yourself into world of play and trains, creating a nostalgic experience for all the family.
Adults £9.00, Children £9.00, Early Years - Free
Cornwall Gold, Redruth
The last working Cornish tin streaming mill, Tolgus Mill soaks in rich history, continuing tin work for over 500 years. Selling handmade jewellery to their visitors, Cornwall Gold profits from revenue to support the regeneration of the mill. Not only can visitors gain insight into the mining heritage, but also have the opportunity to create their own jewellery, visit the pottery studio, and pan for gold.
Free entry for all
A town that is rich in history, with a riverbank lined with buildings used to offer respite - respite catered to the varying travellers in Falmouth. With diversity reflected within community demographics, Falmouth has continued to mould and evolve to each and every customer, providing cultural experiences as well as a light bite. An Eclectic of Surf and Turf Amanzi Restaurant, Arwenack Street. A South-African inspired ensemble sat on the main Falmouth strip, with Owners excitedly fusing their love for South-African traditions with more modernised ideas and themes, bringing them to local customers - who always leave happy. Wilder Kitchen, Church Street. Tucked behind Church Street, guarded by 'Ami the Ship's' figurehead, shows the intimate Wilder dining. This plant-based restaurant pays tribute to Indian culture and food sustainability, offering customers an exclusive Thali experience. Restaurant MINE, High Street. With a continuously revolving menu, Mine creates a fine dining experience blended with local Cornish produce, set inside the hustle and bustle of the Old Brewery Yard. Behind gorgeous glass panels, which can be opened up to the cobblestoned courtyard, is the place to sit and watch the world go by. Dinner with a View Gylly Beach Cafe, Cliff Road. With a panoramic view of Falmouth Bay, the cafe and restaurant cater to all its customers, whether you are visiting Falmouth for food and a view, catching up over a latte, or a sand covered child with a deluxe hot chocolate. Beach House, Swanpool Road. Overlooking Swanpool and its naturally curated lake, sets the scene for this cliff edge experience, using local suppliers to provide fresh seafood to their customers. Indidog Eatery, Market Street. A glass front restaurant that lights up the waterfront; reflecting off the River Fal, clinking wine glasses to the view of Flushing and St Mawes.
In The Morning Porthmeor Beach Cafe, St Ives The terrace boasts views of the bay, treating the senses to a beautiful view and exciting smells coming from the open kitchen. With a latte in hand, gaze out onto by passers on the sandy shores, building sandcastles and sporting the next annually bought swimming costume. The Tate, St Ives With towering letters covering the side of the building, the Tate sits at the side of the road, overlooking the blue waters from big panel windows. What was once the home of Barbara Hepburn, the building now acts as a haven for art enthusiasts alike, as the art is conversed, heads are tilted and sculptured gardens are meticulously explored. Attached to the newly refurbished Tate St Ives, Barbara Hepworth’s art is exhibited within her own house and gardens, blending coastal elements of wood, clay, stone and plaster, to depict the cohesion between nature and the modern world. Becoming one of the leading figures of modern British art, Hepworth’s gallery, workshop, and Cornish home, became a must-see for St Ives, snug deep into the cliffs of this seaside town. Scenic Walk of St Ives Head Tucked away on Porthmeor Road, the southwest coastal path leads you to the Porthmeor viewpoint, gazing across the beach from the cliff. Look out into the deep waters, and discover the legends of St La, where stories tell of an Irish Princess and Missionary sailed across from Ireland on a leaf, and built the Oratory, now being the St Ives Parish Church. This coastal path, known as ‘The Island’, will trace the rocks edge, as you pass the St Nicholas Chapel, the Island Blockhouse, and St Ives Head. In these moments, take a moment to admire the rigged coastline, being able to look out to neighbouring beaches such as Hayle and Godrevy. My advice - bring binoculars to get a closer look, see if you can spot Godrevy Lighthouse, and its possible Seal sightings. Come The Afternoon Brine, St Ives Where the wharf meets the water, Brine is an excellent excuse to sit, eat and enjoy the view. The cafe offers an eclectic of flavours and fusing them with great wines and cocktail menus. A newly opened cafe with raving reviews should be at the top of any visitor’s itinerary. Harbour Amusement Arcade, St Ives A seaside trip is never complete without an arcade – Harbour Amusement Arcade brings the nostalgia back into any adult that is a child at heart. With games like race car driving to dance machine montages, and addictive behaviour on penny machines and claw games, the fun never stops. Top tip – ensure you have enough pennies for an ice cream from a local shop, to pick up your spirits following a claw machine defeat. After, wander the cobble-stoned back streets, lined with independent shops that offer gifts to take home for all the family. Into The Evening