Must-Visit Places for Your Next Holiday in Cornwall
From world-famous landmarks to family favourites near Newquay, Cornwall is packed with incredible attractions for all ages. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a couples’ escape, or a short break, these are some of the best attractions to add to your Cornwall bucket list. Plus Hendra Holiday Park is partnered with several Cornish attractions. Book a holiday in Cornwall at Hendra Holiday Park and get exclusive discounts to some of these attractions.
Take a look at this and find your perfect Cornwall day out.
Top Twelve Cornwall Attractions
1. The Eden Project, St Austell
One of Cornwall’s most iconic and unique attractions. The Eden Project in Cornwall is home to two huge biomes, one has tropical plants, which is the rainforest biome, and another Mediterranean biome. A chance to step into other worlds, as well as learning about conservation, and with seasonal events throughout the year. This summer, until the 6th of September, there are some prehistoric visitors: the dinosaurs.
Children will love Nature’s Playground, Eden’s adventure play covering 500m2. This area is brimming with possibilities, with plenty of active, imaginary and sensory play. Dogs are welcome at The Eden Project in the outdoor areas, but are restricted in the biomes.
Plus there’s the giant marble run, woven throughout the outdoor gardens at the Eden Project. There are other seasonal events too, from Easter, to Halloween, and an ice rink in the winter. In the summer there are big music concerts at the Eden Sessions. Plus there’s Eden’s food including the Mediterranean Kitchen. Cornwall’s Eden Project has plenty to do for everyone, whatever the time of year. Book with Hendra Holiday Park, and get an exclusive discount for the Eden Project.
2. The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Beautifully restored after decades of neglect, The Lost Gardens of Heligan are among Britain’s most amazing gardens. The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall has plenty going on and embraces the seasons. With so much to explore, Heligan will keep everyone entertained. From the formal pleasure gardens, to productive gardens, woodland, and Heligan’s very own jungle with one of the longest Burmese Rope Bridges on the UK. There are animals, food, and a huge outdoor play area which has outdoor jumping pillows for trampoline fun, all located at the Play Meadow. As Cornish gardens go, this is the one that is most well-known and loved.
Visiting with a dog? The Lost Gardens of Heligan is a dog-friendly Cornwall attraction, though they must be kept on leads.
Book with Hendra Holiday Park, and get an exclusive discount to visit The Lost Garden’s on Heligan.
3. St Michael’s Mount
St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall is one of the county’s most photographed landmarks. It is accessible via causeway at low tide and via boat at high tide. This Medieval Castle, on this small tidal island, offers magical views and lots of history. St Michael’s Mount is linked to Marazion, a small town, 2 miles east of Penzance. Today the castle is run by the National Trust and St Aubyn family.
4. Minack Theatre
The Minack Theatre is a theatre like no other, and a true Cornish landmark. Carved into granite rocks, this theatre was a true labour of love by former owner Rowena Cade and her gardener, in the 1930s. Today you can visit the theatre and learn all about the history, or see a performance, with shows on throughout the season. The main attraction to this spot is the views, which overlook Cornwall’s famous Porthcurno beach. Porthcurno is famed for its dramatic cliffs, white sand and bright blue sea.
5. Lappa Valley
Located just a short drive from Hendra, Lappa Valley is a popular choice with families, especially those with toddlers and young children. Lappa Valley is in an idyllic spot of the Cornish countryside. Ride to the main park by train, where you will find the valley full of play and more train rides. There’s also lots of history at Lappa Valley, with its 19th century mines still there today.
There are many train rides, pedal swan boats, Adventure Golf, huge indoor play area, outdoor play, woodland walks, ride along trikes, and more.
This October, from the 10th-12th, you can enjoy rides on Lappa’s original locomotives, including the flagship engine Zebedee. Then in October half-term, toddlers will love this day out in Cornwall, as Chase from Paw Patrol comes to Lappa. From the 25-26th of October, Chase will be making various appearances throughout the two days. Booking is strongly recommended for these dates – so get on the case and book to see Chase! Plus Hendra Holiday Park guests get an exclusive discount.
6. Camel Creek Family Adventure Park
Cornwall’s number one theme park, perfect for families. Camel Creek features rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, animal encounters and seasonal events throughout the year. With dedicated toddler areas, and special offers for younger children for off-peak times. There is a huge indoor play area too, which all children will absolutely love, making it an excellent option whatever the weather.
7. Tintagel Castle – King Arthur’s Castle
This English Heritage castle is steeped in Arthurian legend, sitting on Cornwall’s rugged north coast. Enjoy exploring this castle, with the dramatic Cornwall coastal backdrop. Cross the modern footbridge and discover one of the county’s most fascinating historic sites. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
8. Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay
Situated overlooking Towan Beach. The Blue Reef Aquarium in Cornwall, offers an underwater journey through tropical oceans and local marine habitats. Highlights include loggerhead turtles, pufferfish, catsharks, and lionfish. The ocean tunnel is a highlight, as you immerse yourself in underwater wildlife. An excellent rainy day attraction in Cornwall which will delight all ages. Book with Hendra Holiday Park and get an exclusive discount.
9. Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm – Home to Cornish Rattler 
A unique attraction combining cider production, tractor rides, animals, restaurants and family entertainment. Adults can learn how Cornwall’s famous Rattler cider is made while children enjoy the farm attractions, including tractor rides. Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm is an attraction to keep grown-ups and kids happy. Plus Hendra Holiday Park guests get a special discount.
10. Land’s End – the end of the UK
Another one for the Cornwall bucket list. Land’s End is the iconic westernmost point of mainland England. This spot offers dramatic coastal scenery, walking routes, family attractions and unforgettable sunset views.
11. Padstow – Food heaven
Padstow is well-known for its picturesque harbour, making it one of the most popular towns to visit. With lots of things to do, with shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as coastal walks, and boat trips. The Camel Trail also connects Wadebridge to Padstow, and further along Bodmin. This off-road, and flat terrain, makes the Camel Trail a popular cycling route in Cornwall. Padstow is also famed for its Cornwall foodie scene, largely thanks to Rick Stein’s Padstow Seafood Restaurant, as well as his Cookery School, fish and chips and Cafe, also in Padstow. Nathan Outlaw, another famed chef, also has his fish restaurant and bistro here.
12. Truro – Cornwall’s capital city
Cornwall’s capital city has lots of things to do. The cobbled streets of Truro make it a pretty place to wander, with the Georgian architecture, Royal Cornwall Museum, and Gothic Revival period cathedral. There are high-street shops and independent shops, many restaurants to explore, and the Hall for Cornwall. The Hall for Cornwall is a community hub, as well as hosting a range of exciting shows, theatre and musicals. Truro is also home to a historic cinema, The Plaza. Built in the 1930s, this art deco cinema is great for a nostalgic trip to the movies, with all of the latest releases showing.
Cornwall certainly has plenty of top attractions to keep you busy whilst on holiday in Cornwall. Whatever your interests and holiday needs are, Cornwall has everything from family fun theme parks to jaw-dropping scenery alongside historic castles, and iconic spots. Why not book a Cornwall getaway, so that you can start ticking off these attractions?
