As a busy mum of three little wildlings, I’ve learned a thing or two about finding joy (and occasionally, a hot cup of tea) in the great outdoors of Cornwall and Devon. Whether you’re local, visiting, or dreaming of your next escape, here’s my lovingly curated list of child-approved days out — full of nature, wonder, and mud-splattered memories.
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🏖️ 1. Beach Days with Buckets of Fun
• Perranporth Beach – Golden sands, tidal pools, caves, a beachfront café, and a natural rock pool for safe paddling at low tide.
• Crantock Beach – My personal favourite. Wild dunes, a gently flowing river for paddling, and fewer crowds than Newquay.
• Bigbury-on-Sea – Ride the famous sea tractor to Burgh Island—magical!
• Daymer Bay – Endless sand dunes and calm, shallow waters.
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🌳 2. Wild Walks & Woodland Magic
• Cardinham Woods – Trails, rivers, a play zone, and cake at the café.
• Tehidy Woods – Quiet, lush, and full of wonder.
- Kennall Vale - moss-covered ruins and waterfalls in this old gunpowder works.
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🧙♀️ 3. Magical & Slightly Bonkers Attractions
• House of Marbles (Devon) – Marble runs, glassworks, crafts, and café treats—all under one roof.
• Plymouth’s Market Hall – A Grade-II-listed former Victorian market turned creative play haven. Kids and grown-ups can enjoy an awe-inspiring 15 m immersive dome with planet, ocean, dinosaur, and rainforest shows (30–45 mins), sensory sessions, and live demos. Plus, a café and creative markets—perfect for a family outing .
• The Donkey Sanctuary (Sidmouth) – Free entry, gentle walks, and donkey cuddles.
• Crealy – Indoor and outdoor play, rides, and slides, the log flume is our favourite.
• The Eden Project – Giant domes, canopy walks, and summer storytelling.
• Pennywell Farm – Tractor rides, piglets, and hands-on fun.
- Rogue theatre - we do this a couple of times a year. Location based theatre that follows a magical journey through the woods, ending with a fabulous story, good food and the best hot chocolate (in winter there’s mulled wine!)
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🛶 4. On the Water (or Just Near It)
• Tamar Trails – Canoe, bike, and hike along scenic rivers.
• Bude Sea Pool – Natural tidal pool with safe saltwater play.
• Lydford Gorge - stunning waterfalls and woodlands (better for older kids as the hills are STEEP!)
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🍰 5. Rainy Day Rescues
• Heartlands (Cornwall) – Soft play, mining museum, and café.
• House of Marbles – Indoor interactive fun and crafty feel-good.
• National Marine Aquarium (Plymouth) – Deep sea creatures and immersive exhibits.
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☕ Bonus Mum Tip: Find the Cake
Always Google cafes ahead—because a decent flat white and a Victoria sponge make every trip nicer.
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🌿 In a Nutshell
Cornwall and Devon have endless family adventures without breaking the bank or sanity. Beach days, woodland wanderings, marble magic, and immersive domes—there’s something for all moods.
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📢 Join the Fun
Have a favourite spot I’ve missed? I’d love to hear about it. Tag your adventures with @louellajewellery—especially if there’s cake or truly wild puddles involved.