4 Unusual Things To Do in Cornwall for Families

There are tonnes of things to do in Cornwall for families. You don't even have to look hard.

Take it from Martin Clunes, star of TV's Doc Martin. He said, on Cornwall, "You stick a child and a dog on one of the beaches and they just light up. They love it."

But maybe you want to look beyond the beaches. And the walks. And the scenery. Perhaps you've hiked your socks off, gazed at 100 horizons and built more sandcastles than you count.

If so, this is the list for you. Here are four things to do in Cornwall for families who want to venture off the beaten track.

1. Go caving!

We don't mean the kind of caving where you clamber up slippery slopes in the dark. That's great for thrillseekers but not so good when you've got an eight-year-old in tow.

No. We're talking about caves that are perfectly safe for families to explore – as long as you take a few precautions.

Take Merlin's Cave in Tintagel. This natural cavern is carved into the cliffs below Tintagel Castle – the birthplace of King Arthur. Legends say that Merlin once lived in the cave, where he would spend his days practising magic. Spellbinding!

Just be sure to check tide times before you visit. The cave fills with seawater when the tide rolls in.

Another option is Carnglaze Caverns. Once part of an active slate mine, the caverns are now open to the public. Take the self-guided tour and you'll descend 60 metres underground, visit a beautiful subterranean lake and learn about the lives of the miners who toiled there.

The downside? Unlike Merlin's Cave, Carnglaze Caverns has an entry fee. But at least you won't have to worry about rising tides!

2. Visit an animal sanctuary

Kids love animals. The cuter, the better.

So if you're looking for things to do in Cornwall for families, why not get acquainted with some furry (or feathered) friends?

There are several fantastic animal sanctuaries in Cornwall, which host all sorts of curious creatures. Monkeys? Check. Meerkats? Check. Sheep, goats and guinea pigs? They've got more than you can count.

For pure excitement, though, you can't beat Screech Owl Sanctuary & Animal Park.

This avian activity centre promises hours of fun for all ages. Expect educational talks and flying displays where you can see its winged wonders in action. You can even hold the owls for an additional fee.

Plus, it has alpacas. Everyone likes alpacas.

We have to give a special mention to Newquay Zoo, too. It's a long-running and much-loved tourist attraction that's only a short hop from our hotel.

Expect to see a menagerie of mammals and reptiles, including lions, zebras and the rare azara's agouti. (Try saying that five times without tripping over your tongue!)

3. Score big at a retro video game arcade

We know what you're thinking. "Cornwall's all about enjoying the great outdoors. And besides, the kids have plenty of video games at home."

Sure. But while our climate is warmer than most areas of the UK, we can't promise constant sunshine all year round. It's still the UK, after all.

No question – visiting an arcade is one of the best things to do in Cornwall for families on a rainy day. You'll stay warm and dry and have loads of fun trying to rack up a high score.

Are you staying with us at Pentire? Great news – there's a fantastic option right here in Newquay. RetroBlast Coffee is part old-school arcade and part cafe. So if games aren't your thing, you can sip a cappuccino while the kids blast aliens and save the universe.

Fancy something a little more active? Head south to Rollers Roller Disco in Redruth. This venue combines 80s video games with another retro activity – roller skating!

Of course, you'll probably want to get out and enjoy the beach if the weather perks up. But you'll keep the kids entertained for a few hours at least.

4. Catch some crabs

Are you on a tight budget? Don't worry – there are lots of things to do in Cornwall for families that won't break the bank.

Top of the list: crabbing. All you need is a fishing line, some bait and a little patience. In no time at all, you'll make some snappy new friends.

We recommend you consult a crabbing guide before you cast off. But, to get you started, here are a few ground rules:

Don't use a hook. Use a crab-friendly net with a weight attached instead.
Don't crowd crabs together in a bucket. They'll fight.
Don't leave crabs out in the sunshine. Give them shade or throw them straight back.
Be gentle or prepare to get nipped.
Be sensible – follow water safety guidelines.
Gently place crabs back in the water when you're finished – and take your rubbish with you.

There's a great crabbing spot here in Newquay. Just head to Crantock Beach when the tide is out and cast your nets off the wooden bridge.

Looking for a place to stay?

Oops. Looks like we missed one of the best things to do in Cornwall for families – staying at Pentire Hotel!

That's right – when the sun sets on your day of adventure, you'll need a place to rest your head. And if you want to see the best that Cornwall can offer, you won't find much better than Pentire.

Our hotel is located in Newquay, overlooking the surf-friendly Fistral Beach. If you want to feel the sea breeze in your hair, just take a short stroll to the sand. Fancy sampling some of our unusual things to do in Cornwall for families? Most of our suggestions are less than an hour's drive away.