5 things to do with kids in Cornwall this Winter

Winter is back. Which means your summer favourite, Cornwall is well and truly off your to visit list, right? Absolutely not. Winter is when Cornwall sheds away the busy crowds, long queues and becomes the most peaceful place, free for the entire family to explore. With all the extra breathing space, smaller admission prices and lots of fun, what could be better? Here’s five things we love to do in Cornwall during the Winter months.

Cornwall showing off it’s Autumn and Winter colours. Image via Richard Norris.

National Maritime Museum, Falmouth

The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth is a perfect way to spend a rainy day. It’s jam packed with hands on activities and a place where you can enrich your understanding of not only the sea but of Cornwall too.

Through their exhibitions programme they aspire to bring new and diverse perspectives to Maritime issues and highlight their relevance to present day. This is an independent museum and charity that relies on admission fee’s and gift aid as they are sadly not government funded. All revenue is reinvested back into the museum to bring you new and exciting activities and encourage learning. So it’s also a great cause to support with your admission fee’s. For tickets, prices and more information visit their website; https://nmmc.co.uk/.

The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth. Image Credit: Rosser1954 https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Rosser1954

Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is a charity that rescues and rehabilitates grey seal pups from around the Cornish coastline.

One of the best things about Winter in Cornwall is that it’s pup rescue season. The pups are rescued for reasons such as malnourishment and being separated from their mum’s. September – March is a great time to visit because it’s full of the cutest seal pups! We promise that you will well and truly fall in love with them.

The Sanctuary is a lovely place to visit with the entire family, you will experience wonderful marine animals up close and personal, learn about their individual stories and have fun. For tickets, prices and more information visit their website; https://sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org/en/

Image Credit: Mortimercat https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:MortimerCat

Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan

If you love the countryside grab your coat and wellies and explore the beautiful Cornish countryside of this working Estate. Lose yourself in this magical world of ancient pastures, hay meadows and vast woodlands.

Heligan’s livestock graze on the ancient pasture, they thrive amongst the hay meadows and wild flowers of the Estate. It is such a great place to explore and take lots of photo’s of the 200 acres of garden history, mystery and romance.

Discover more about this stunning place on their website; https://www.heligan.com/

Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan – Image Credit. Akumiszcza: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Akumiszcza

Bodmin Jail

For those who like to scare them selves silly! Bodmin Jail has had a major re-development. Immerse yourself totally in Cornwall’s dark history in their new ‘Dark Walk’ with state of the art theatrical effects that bring some of their grimest stories to life…very vividly!

With events for over 18s as well as events for the family (8 years + advisory) there is sure to be something to suit your group. Have a look on their website for more information about this exciting place; https://www.bodminjail.org/

Bodmin Jail Image Credit. Bob Linsdell https://web.archive.org/web/20161028062940/http://www.panoramio.com/photo/94022098

Newquay Zoo

Our last but certainly not least is another one for the animal lovers. Take your chance to meet lots of amazing species at Newquay zoo. From tropical toucans to slithery snakes there is sure to be your favourite animal here.

They offer up close encounters to give you a chance to meet some of their most popular residents and learn lots of interesting facts about them from one of their dedicated keepers. You can witness lion feeding, help feed the penguins and meerkats too.

With exciting keeper talks, activity trails, face painting, children’s play areas, and a dragon maze there is plenty on offer to keep people of all abilities and ages well and truly occupied. Just don’t forget wellies for those rainy Winter days.

If the zoo is for you check out more information here; https://www.newquayzoo.org.uk/.

Newquay Zoo Image Credit. Edward Webb: https://www.flickr.com/people/82351692@N00

Thank you for reading our five things we love to do in Cornwall during the Winter months. It was very difficult to pick just five! We absolutely love to visit Cornwall and as much as we adore the attractions we have listed we find nothing more satisfying than a simple Winter coastal walk.
Whatever you choose to do share it with us!

This post has been submitted by Have Fun Outdoors (www.havefunoutdoors.co.uk). For more inspiration follow their blog or on social media via Facebook and Instagram.