Cornwall is one of the UK’s best destinations for holidays, and the number of exciting attractions here is just one of the reasons. Cornwall boasts incredible natural scenery, and if you come to visit, you’ll want to spend as much time outside as possible.
To help you make the most of the Cornish great outdoors and all that this wonderful county has to offer, we’ve rounded up some of the best outdoor attractions in Cornwall for you to visit.
If you’re looking for a great place to stay while enjoying these attractions, then The Valley is the best family resort in Cornwall for this, as we are set in acres of woodland and gardens, so you can continue enjoying the natural wonders of the area all day long!
Active Attractions in Cornwall
Adrenalin Quarry
An activity hub for daredevils and thrillseekers, the Adrenalin Quarry has zip wires, giant swings, go-karts and the AquaPark – a giant inflatable playground floating on the water.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie who loves the outdoors, then this is the place to go! There are activities suitable for most ages – with 3-year-olds and 90-year-olds having previously made the jump!
Hangloose Adventures, The Eden Project
As well as having the largest indoor rainforest in the world, outside the biomes at The Eden Project, you’ll find the activity site Hangloose Adventures.
Home to the longest and fastest zip wire in England, the SkyWire will send you flying through the sky at 60mph! Daredevils will love all that Hangloose Adventures has to offer – from throwing yourself off a tall tower onto a giant air bag to swinging through the sky on a Giant Cliff Swing.
Flambards
One of the finest theme parks in Cornwall, Flambards offers thrilling rides and exciting exhibits that kids and adults alike will love.
There is an assortment of fun fair rides, including SkyRaker, Space Shuttle and Rocking Tug. Little ones will love The Pirate Ship, while the Hornet roller coaster will keep the kids thrilled.
For rainy days, head into the exhibitions where you’ll encounter a Victorian village, see Britain in the Blitz and enjoy a prehistoric journey complete with uncovering dinosaur fossils!
Camel Creek
A family fun adventure park, Camel Creek has thrilling rides for all the family. With a ferris wheel and tea cup rides for little ones, and the sea serpent roller coaster Morgawr for the older kids, there is something for everyone at Camel Creek.
At the park, you’ll also find log flumes, go-karts, a Vertigo ride and a pet corner! If it starts raining, then there are undercover attractions to enjoy as well.
Wildlife Attractions in Cornwall
Newquay Zoo
Set in stunning sub-tropical gardens, Newquay Zoo is home to over 1,000 rare and endangered animals. See if you can spot them as you explore the zoo and discover more about these fascinating creatures from the feeds and talks hosted by the education team.
An incredible array of creatures great and small are to be found here, including lions, otters, capybara, tapir, zebra, penguins and sloths!
Screech Owl Sanctuary
The Screech Owl Sanctuary is a rehabilitation centre for owls, where you’ll be able to learn about the conservation of these magnificent birds and even see them in action during flying displays.
It’s not all about the owls here, though, as you’ll also find a menagerie of interesting creatures, including alpacas, miniature shetland ponies, meerkats, racoons, pygmy goats and emus!
Perfect for families, the sanctuary also features an outdoor adventure play area and picnic benches, so you can enjoy a family day out.
Paradise Park
Home to over 1,000 birds, Paradise Park is a wildlife sanctuary for rare and colourful birds! Enjoy flying shows, parrot feeding and even penguin petting, all while getting to know more about the wonderful bird breeds that can be found at Paradise Park.
As well as birds, there is a Fun Farm with pygmy goats, donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs, with red pandas and otters also calling the park home. If it rains, there is the JungleBarn indoor play area.
Dairyland Farm World
An all-weather attraction, with indoor and outdoor activities, Dairyland Farm World offers fun for the whole family. Meet farmyard friends, feed baby cows and enjoy a pony ride before heading to the indoor play area, which features a raging bull ride!
For more of an outdoor activity, follow the stunning nature trails for a good dose of fresh air! Kids will love the adventure playground, and the Maize Maze will keep everyone entertained.
Refuel with a delicious Cornish cream tea or a hearty scoop of homemade ice cream at Clarabelle’s Kitchen.
Garden Attractions in Cornwall
Lost Gardens of Heligan
Offering 200 acres of ancient land for you to explore, The Lost Gardens of Heligan is home to an incredible assortment of exotic plants and stunning 150-year old rhododendrons and camellias.
With an array of walks, sculpture trail, Jungle rope bridge, play area and rare breed animals, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this delightful outdoor attraction.
Trebah Gardens
A sub-tropical paradise hidden in a Cornish valley, Trebah offers an exciting footpath around exotic blooms that leads down to a secluded beach on the Helford River.
The gardens are beautiful year-round, but are particularly stunning in the spring when the century-old rhododendron comes to life, surrounded by beautiful magnolias and camellias.
There are children’s trails and adventure playgrounds to keep the little ones entertained as you take in the natural wonders of this landscape.
Historical Attractions in Cornwall
Heartlands
Heartlands is a family-friendly attraction that celebrates Cornish heritage and culture with an exciting selection of gardens, exhibits and a giant adventure playscape. An all-year, all-weather attraction, Heartlands is a must-visit – and even better, it’s free!
There are outdoor spaces for playing family games, climb-on sculptures to explore, art and craft studios, play areas and diverse gardens. Throughout the year, there are events and exhibits to enjoy, from live music and dance to farmers markets and art shows.
Wheal Martyn Clay Works
Discover the history of Cornwall’s mining industry with a trip to Wheal Martyn Clay Works. Here, you’ll find an assortment of ancient buildings, tools and machinery to explore, introducing you to an important part of Cornwall’s heritage.
You’ll see Cornwall’s largest working water wheel and vintage vehicles, as well as getting a glimpse of the modern working clay pit.
Kids will love popping on a hard hat to explore and complete the children’s adventure trail. Dogs are welcome at this attraction.
Which of these attractions would you most like to visit?
