Within a short drive of Lanteglos you will find beautiful sandy beaches, pretty fishing villages, and lots of options for great days out: cycle the Camel Trail, take a speed boat trip, visit the amazing Eden Project, go go-carting, learn to surf, visit Land’s End, the choice is yours. Here are some of our suggestions for a great family day out in the local area…

Cardinham Woods, Bodmin
Cardinham is a beautiful mixed woodland, popular with local dog wakers, cyclists, and horse riders. There is something for everyone at Cardinham Woods. Its walking trails will take you deep into the woods to discover stunning viewpoints and an intriguing history, or the cycling trails will take you on an exhilarating ride through some beautiful scenery.

For the younger ones, head on an exciting forest journey with the Zog activity trail. Follow the trail markers through the woods to find familiar characters from the story, collect stars as you learn like Zog did at dragon school, and complete interesting challenges along the way. This family day out is even better with one of our Zog activity packs. Inside you’ll find a special lens which reveals hidden pictures along the trail, a booklet with fun activities, and a Zog mask to help make your day picture perfect. Pick up your activity pack for £3 from the Woods Café.
https://www.forestryengland.uk/cardinham-woods

Carnglaze Caverns, nr. Liskeard
One of Cornwall’s and Devon’s premier underground experiences, Carnglaze Caverns is a much recommended all-weather family tourist attraction near the village of St Neot, on the southern edge of Bodmin Moor. Visit this former slate mine to find out about the miners’ ingenuity and skills, and how slate roofed the Industrial Revolution. You will go on a self-guided underground tour to learn how the mine was worked, ending at the Underground Lake with its crystal clear blue/green water.

There is also a family-friendly magical Woodland Walk leading to a panoramic view of St Neot village, before looping back down to the main site: a round walk of approx. 25 minutes, or longer if you are counting the faeries! Children’s trail information is available at the Ticket Office. A great day out for all the family.
https://www.carnglaze.com/

Hidden Valley Discovery Park, Launceston
“The most puzzliest place in Cornwall”
Discovery and exploration is the game at Cornwall’s ‘hidden gem’ attraction, providing great entertainment for everyone, whether you chose the intriguing outside trails, the fast paced fun of Moriarty’s Missions or simply to explore the park and discover an unfolding kaleidoscope of uniquely landscaped grounds. The mysterious Forbidden Mansion hides weird and wonderful rooms, secret passageways and the challenging Moriarty’s Missions. Take a train ride around the park on the Porterswick Junction Light Railway, and then enjoy a break from all that discovery with a delicious meal, cream tea or mouthwatering cake in the restaurant.

Open March to September, and October Half Term
https://hiddenvalleydiscoverypark.co.uk/

Old MacDonald’s Farm, Padstow
Old MacDonald’s Farm is a small family run Farm Park, and the ideal place to take young children. Large enough for them to have freedom to play, yet small enough for parents to keep a watchful eye on them, it’s fun for the kiddies and relaxing for the parents. There are all the animals you would expect to find on Old MacDonald’s farm – lambs, chickens, pigs, ponies, calves – as well as plenty of play equipment, too. If you’re there at feeding time you can help to bottle feed the lambs and even the calves if you’re brave enough!

All rides are included in the entry price so there are no hidden extras to pay for. Pony rides, tractors, roller racers, trampolines, climbing frames, crazy golf, even a ride on the miniature train – everything is included. And what could be better than relaxing in the sunshine, watching the children play whilst indulging in a delicious Cornish Cream Tea, or coffee, or why not treat yourself to a local beer or cider?
https://www.oldmacdonalds.co.uk/

Eden Project, St Austell
The Eden Project is nestled in a huge crater, where massive Biomes house the largest rainforest in captivity, stunning plants, exhibitions and stories, serving as a backdrop to some striking contemporary gardens and exciting year-round family events. They cater for kids of all ages with high-quality facilities, innovative play equipment and a fun-packed calendar of seasonal events designed to entertain and educate throughout the year.

Eden offers lunchbags where kids can choose their favourite selection from a range of savoury and sweet lunchtime options, and all of the catering outlets have high chairs and microwaves. All toilet buildings have unisex baby changing facilities, and toddlers will love the colourful soft play areas in the Visitor Centre and Core, designed for under-fives.
https://www.edenproject.com/

Siblyback Lake Activity Centre
Located on the edge of Bodmin Moor, this impressive lakeside location offers a great day out for families in Cornwall. Discover all of the fun things to do as you walk, run or cycle on the accessible path – a 3.2 mile circular path that runs adjacent to the lake; venture through woodlands, build dens, spot birds from our hide, and discover Siblyback Dam – everyone loves this megastructure! Overlooking the lake, the Rock Hopper Cafe serves light lunches, delicious cakes, coffee, ice cream and much more, with a friendly welcome. There is plenty of open space to set up games, picnics and let children play freely in the play area. They also offer Activity Packs for the children to explore, discover the great outdoors and create some special memories.
https://www.southwestlakes.co.uk/location/siblyback-lake/

Tintagel Castle, Tintagel
Immerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery at this brooding 13th-century castle, set high on Cornwall’s rugged and spectacular Atlantic coast between Padstow and Bude. Inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur, for centuries this dramatic castle and coastline has fired the imaginations of writers, artists and even the brother of a king. Now it’s your turn to be inspired. Dog friendly and child friendly, this is a great day out for all the family.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle

Local Beaches
With over 400 miles of stunning coastline, Cornwall is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches, many of which are award-winning. Learn to surf, explore the rockpools, build sandcastles or just let the kids run around – the regions’s beaches are the ultimate adventure playground for the whole family. Check out our Pick of the Best Local Beaches on our blog to help you plan your visit.
www.visitcornwall.com/beaches

St Nectan’s Glen
St Nectan’s Glen is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Walk to the Waterfall & Hermitage through an ancient woodland with ivy clad trees and along the banks of the River Trevillet as it sparkles and gurgles busily on its journey to the sea. A place where animals and birds play amid a mysticism of fairies, piskies, serenaded by the wonderful sound of bird song. The area has been appointed a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to rare specimens of plants. Once at the hermitage enjoy a well-deserved cream tea or coffee, visit our shop & gallery for gifts to take home and visit the meditation room for a time of self-reflection. Finally wander down to the Waterfall and experience one of Cornwall’s hidden treasures, one of nature’s beauties unspoilt by man. Whether you’re on a pilgrimage or a day out, the reward is in nature’s embrace.
https://www.st-nectansglen.co.uk/

Bodmin Moor
One of Cornwall’s designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bodmin Moor is a remote, bleak heather covered upland granite moorland still grazed by moorland ponies and bisected by the main A30 road. Since 2000, much of the moor has been designated open access land and there are excellent opportunities for hiking, climbing and other outdoor activities.

Cornwall’s two highest peaks, Rough Tor and the slightly taller Brown Willy, are on Bodmin Moor. On the slopes of Rough Tor, more than a hundred Bronze Age hut circles have been excavated, along with a Neolithic Tor Enclosure and the foundations of a Medieval chapel. The wild and windswept ‘high moor’ is also home to Cornwall’s highest church, located in the village of St Breward, starting point of the Camel Trail.
https://www.cornwalls.co.uk/Bodmin/bodmin_moor.htm

Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre, nr. Launceston
On your visit to the Tamar Otter & Wildlife Centre you will see British and Asian Short Clawed Otters playing and being fed. Fallow Deer, some of which you can hand feed, live in the woods; and Muntjac Deer and Wallabies roam around the 21 acre grounds. There are several owl species and other birds of prey who are all hand tame and can be seen out on the weathering near the tea room, during the day. Check out the Meerkats from the walkway and see the Servals, before walking to the Old Quarry and tranquil Quarry Pool.

The Centre is owned and run by Mandy and John Allen, and their conservation activities and otter rehabilitation are funded by the income received from visitors.Open daily from 1st April – 31st October 2019 inclusive.
https://www.tamarotters.co.uk/

Lanhydrock House and Garden
Lanhydrock is the perfect country house and estate, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home. Discover two sides of Victorian life: from the kitchens, nurseries and servants’ quarters, which offer a thrilling glimpse into life ‘below stairs’, to the luxurious family areas, elegant dining room and spacious bedrooms which reveal the comforts of ‘upstairs’ living. Experience the heyday of the Agar-Robartes family, who made Lanhydrock their home, and discover how their fortunes changed during the First World War.

There’s plenty to do at Lanhydrock to fill a day out with your family. There are fun activities to do around the estate, cycling trails through the woodlands, an adventure playground and children’s trails in the house. Make sure you take a stroll around the extensive gardens and enjoy their year-round colour. The estate is well worth exploring too, with ancient woodlands and tranquil riverside paths. There are also off-road cycle trails, with special routes for families and novice riders, and you can even hire a bike from us to make the most of this opportunity.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock

The Camel Trail
The Camel Trail is an 18 mile, largely traffic-free, surfaced and virtually level multi-use trail which provides access to the beautiful Cornish countryside along a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. The trail is suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users, with bike hire available at Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin and Wendfordbridge. There are places to stop for refreshments along the trail, and toilets located at certain points, so you can spend all day exploring if you wish.

You can find information about car parks and how to access the trail on the Cornwall Council website:
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/countryside/cycle-routes-and-trails/the-camel-trail/

Bodmin and Wenford Railway, Bodmin
The Bodmin & Wenford Railway is Cornwall’s only standard gauge (full size) railway still regularly operated by steam locomotives. Trains operate from Bodmin General, the principal station, to both Bodmin Parkway station – where connections can be made directly with main line railway services – and Boscarne Junction, which is situated directly adjacent to the Camel Trail recreational footpath and cycle way, a total distance of 6½ miles. All trains reverse direction at Bodmin General.

Passenger train services run from February to October.
https://bodminrailway.co.uk

Padstow Harbour
More than a British seaside town, Rick Stein has put Padstow firmly on the foodie map in recent years. Nestling in a narrow gulley on the western side of the River Camel estuary, you’ll find a great mixture of houses, quays, boat slips, inns, cafés and restaurants, gift and craft shops, holiday cottages and food shops, banks and the like. No architect could have designed the magic of Padstow; it has just evolved as the years moved on. The natural beauty of the area – its rugged coastline, sweeping sandy beaches, quiet coves and fabulous walks, is probably its main attraction.

At the centre of all activity is the harbour, where fishing and pleasure craft rock side-by-side on their moorings, children fish for crabs from the harbour wall, and quayside cafes, restaurants & pubs overlook the water. Treat yourself to a wreck, reef or bottom fishing trip or a fun-for-all-the family mackerel trip out in the bay. Or try a high powered speedboat trip or more leisurely cruise along the fabulous coastline aboard the Jubilee Queen. And if dry land is more your scene there’s the National Lobster Hatchery where you can discover the fascinating world of lobsters and their environment.
https://padstowlive.com/padstow/