Featured Family Attractions
Make the most of your family getaway with a fantastic range of attractions near Kernock Cottages. Whether you’re seeking thrilling theme parks, fascinating wildlife encounters, or hands-on experiences, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. Explore the best family-friendly days out in Cornwall and Devon, all within easy reach of your luxury cottage.
The Eden Project
- 01726 811911
- SN PL24 2SG
If you’ve never heard of the world-renowned Eden Project, it’s pretty difficult to describe adequately. An fabulous array of gardens, including an indoor rainforest and Mediterranean garden in the biomes, but also amazing buildings, sculpture, art and architecture. Just go and see! Only closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Access – Fully accessible. A number of power chairs are available (book in advance).
The National Marine Aquarium
- 01752 220084
- SN PL4 0DX
Plymouth is the biggest in Britain and the deepest in Europe. It has over 4000 different types of sea creatures, from sharks to the worlds’ largest collection of seahorses. There is a walk-through tunnel and a giant coral reef tank, and Britain’s only specimen of the giant squid! Open daily 10 am to 6 pm. The aquarium is well signposted. Cross the Tamar Bridge and follow the A38 to Marsh Mills (where you will see a big Sainsbury’s), then take the A374 Embankment Road. Follow the signs for the Aquarium and Barbican car park.
Access – Fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible toilets on site. They have a number of wheelchairs onsite for visitor use (1st come 1st served basis). Carers get free entry.
Cornish Maize Maze and Fun Farm
- SN PL12 6R
Less than two miles from Kernock. New this year the longest slip and slide in the UK. So much to see and discover with farm and rare breed animals, a children’s play area and a picnic area you simply can’t miss the Amazing Cornish Maize Maze. If visiting at October Half Term the Pumpkin Patch is well worth a visit. Check the website for the maze opening times (when the maize has grown enough).
Lost Gardens of Heligan
- 01726 845100
- SN PL26 6EN
The award winning Lost Gardens of Heligan extend to some eighty acres of “superb pleasure grounds” together with a magnificent complex of walled gardens and a huge, productive vegetable garden, all fast returning to their former glory. Lying at the heart of one of the most mysterious estates in England, Heligan, the former seat of the Tremayne family, is now the site of the largest garden restoration in Europe. It has an extraordinary plant collection together with a range of exotic glasshouses, working buildings, romantic structures and designed landscapes.
Access – Wheelchair access maps provided. Accessible toilets, and a Changing Places toilet with tracked hoist and adult changing bench. Accessible parking. Induction loop; large print information.
Hidden Valley (The Puzzle Park)
- SN PL15 8SJ
Hidden Valley is a Puzzle Park for all ages. There is ample free parking. Entry is by booked tickets or on the gate. Booked tickets are cheaper.
Most pathways are laid to gravel and are not easily accessible with a wheelchair or small wheeled mobility scooters. In wet weather, coats and good footwear are highly recommended. Dogs are welcome on all outside trails and must be kept on short fixed leads (retractable leads are not permitted), but are not allowed in the Forbidden Mansion, Study, or on the train.
‘Hidden Valley Puzzle Park is all about puzzles, this is not your usual type of attraction and will involve participation and active detective work to solve some of the clues.’
The Monkey Sanctuary
- 01503 262532
- SN PL13 1NZ
Near Looe has been home for over 30 years to a colony of woolly monkeys. The sanctuary is an environmental charity, and the monkeys have a specially designed territory of interlinked enclosures set in beautiful woodlands overlooking Looe bay. They have a forest garden where food for the monkeys is grown, a Victorian herbalist garden and a bat cave complete with bat colony. They also have an adventure play are for children. Open Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 4.30 pm from the Sunday before Easter to the end of September. Take the A38 to the Trerulefoot roundabout – then follow the signs for Looe.
Access – Disabled parking bays in the car park. Accessible loos available in the car park (but not in the sanctuary itself). Not all parts of the sanctuary are accessible. Please ask about discounted rates for guests with limited mobility.
Carnglaze Caverns
- 01579 320251
- SN PL14 6HQ
St Neots, Nr Liskeard. Just off the A38 after Doublebois and Dobwalls this is a complex of 500 million year old slate chambers with a subterranean lake. Open Monday to Saturday between 10 am and 5 pm, the guided tour takes 45 minutes. Take a jumper and sensible shoes (the ambient temperature in the caves is 10 degrees centigrade and the floor can be slippy). Outside there are wonderful woodland walks including the Enchanted Dell, which has fairies, fountains, mushrooms, tree-houses and even a dragon… One of the caverns – the Rum Store – is used for concerts – the acoustics are apparently amazing. Dogs welcome in the outside areas, on leads.
Access – Much of the site is accessible, but not the lower chambers.
Dartmoor Zoo
- 01752 837645
- SN PL7 5DG
Plympton – over 1000 creatures in 30 acres of beautiful Devon countryside, only 3 miles from Plymouth. This is a big cat conservation centre, with lions, tigers, jaguars, cheetahs, leopard, wolves, bears, and many other types of animal. They have flying displays at the falconry (they also offer falconry courses) including Eagles, Falcons, Buzzards, Owls and Kestrels. Watch the otters being fed, or have a “paws on” experience with a variety of animals – from Tarantulas to Tiger cubs – in the all-weather Talk, Touch, Learn facility. Open daily from 10.00.
Access – There is a wheelchair-friendly route around the park, and off-road mobility scooters are available to hire. Please note that guide dogs are not permitted, because of the proximity of the paths to the enclosures.
Trethorne Leisure Park
- 01566 86324
- SN PL15 8QE
Trethorne has 45,000 square feet of indoor soft play structures and animals. These include a 4-storey ball blast arena, rope bridges, slides, tunnels, ball pits, trampolines, bungee runs, go karts, mechanical climbing wall, astra slides and freefall slides and much more (including an 8-lane tenpin bowling). There are opportunities to milk cows and brush miniature ponies, and there are always animals such as alpaca, goats, pigs, chickens etc which can be stroked. They also have picnic areas, which is handy as the food is not great and is expensive. Just off the A30, 3 miles west of Launceston.
Access – the majority of the facilities are accessible, and there are accessible toilets. Carers admitted free of charge.
iBounce Trampoline Park
- SN PL31 2RQ
Spectacular Cornish park opened in November 2016 making it the first one in Cornwall and is home to many exciting new features. There’s plenty to experience with interactive light games, the energetic activity zone and new skywalk, where children and their adults can climb steps and rope bridges to jump off a 1.5m high platform on to a giant air bag. And, of course, there’s trampolines – 66 of them, in fact as well as stunt zones, dodgeball, parent and toddler sessions, adult fitness classes, disco nights and a lot more, allowing 70 people to play at any one time for hour-long stints. Callywith Gate Industrial Estate, just off the A30. Book online.
Bodmin and Wentworth Railway
Steam railway open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Check out the website for timetables and events.
Lappa Valley Steam Railway
- SN TR8 5LX
Near Newquay, Lappa Valley attraction transports families on an exciting nostalgic train ride from the car park, into a secret world of traditional fun and family adventures. Children will delight in the thrill of train and boat rides, explore nature, and let off steam in outdoor spaces. They can explore The Engine Shed, which is home to a multi-level indoor soft play area and a café where you can refuel in comfort. Winners of Cornwall Tourism Gold Award 2023/24.
Screech Owl Sanctuary
- 01726 860182
- SN TR9 6HP
AIMS: Rehabilitation
Provide the best possible care for injured and abandoned owls, seeking wherever possible to achieve recovery, rehabilitation and release back into the wild.
Conservation
Engage in conservation initiatives of our own and support others in their conservation work.
Education
Provide an educational experience for all our guests and visitors.
Research
Participate in, or collaborate with, research projects undertaken by other individuals and organisations when opportunities arise.
More Ideas for Family Days Out in Cornwall
Looking for more inspiration for your family holiday? Explore our blog for guides to Cornwall’s best attractions, hidden gems, and memorable days out near Kernock Cottages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What family attractions are available near Kernock Cottages?
There are many family-friendly attractions within easy driving distance of Kernock Cottages, including the Eden Project, the National Marine Aquarium, Lost Gardens of Heligan, Hidden Valley Puzzle Park, Trethorne Leisure Park, and Dartmoor Zoo. These offer a mix of outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, and interactive experiences for all ages.
Are there attractions suitable for younger children?
Yes. Many attractions nearby are ideal for younger children, including Trethorne Leisure Park, the Cornish Maize Maze and Fun Farm, and Lappa Valley Steam Railway, which combine outdoor play, animals, and hands-on activities.
Are there indoor attractions for rainy days?
Yes. Attractions such as the National Marine Aquarium, iBounce Trampoline Park, and Carnglaze Caverns offer great indoor experiences, making them perfect options if the weather is less favourable.
Can we visit wildlife attractions near Kernock Cottages?
Absolutely. Attractions such as Dartmoor Zoo and the Screech Owl Sanctuary allow visitors to learn about wildlife conservation while seeing animals up close.
How far are these attractions from Kernock Cottages?
Most featured family attractions are within about a 30–60-minute drive, making them convenient day trips during your stay in South East Cornwall.
Do we need to book family attractions in advance?
During school holidays and peak summer periods, it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance for popular attractions such as the Eden Project or the National Marine Aquarium.
