As a family-owned and run park for over 50 years, Hendra Holiday Park knows what makes a great holiday in Cornwall. Our ultimate family-friendly guide to Cornwall contains information on the best beaches and attractions in the county. From exploring locally, around Newquay and the north coast, to venturing further afield, this summer get ready for the best family holiday in Cornwall ever.
Why a Family Holiday in Cornwall?
A holiday in Cornwall has always been on the top of many families’ lists of must visit destinations. Cornwall has the benefit of being incredibly beautiful and fabulously child-friendly. With a wealth of beautiful beaches, Cornwall is perfect for adventures, whatever your age. Of course, some beaches in Cornwall are more family-friendly than others, as are some of the stretches of coast which are not for little ones. Newquay, which is just a mile and a half from Hendra Holiday Park, and its seven amazing beaches, are perfect for families.
Here’s a quick guide to Newquay’s beaches.
📌Fistral Beach – Newquay’s ultimate surfing beach. Great facilities with parking close by.
📌Towan Beach – In the heart of Newquay, Towan is easily accessible from the town.
📌Great Western Beach – Accessible via a steep slope, there’s good facilities on this beach with high cliffs and surf.
📌Tolcarne Beach – A privately owned beach, with brilliant facilities and great for rock pooling at low-tide.
📌Lusty Glaze Beach – Another privately owned beach, with excellent facilities. This horse-shoe shaped cove is nice and sheltered. Accessible only via steps.
📌Porth Beach – A family favourite with good facilities and ample space to explore.
📌Crantock – Another expansive beach. Crantock is looked after by the National Trust, with parking next to the beach (although it does get busy).
Why Hendra Holiday Park?
Hendra Holiday Park is in an ideal location for exploring Newquay’s seven beaches, as well as being positioned in the middle of the north coast, so you can reach Cornwall’s most renowned beauty spots. As well as our location, there’s plenty to do, especially in the summer months. Here are some things that you can look forward to this summer at Hendra Holiday Park:
Entertainment across two venues
The Deck Bar and The Venue. The Deck Bar is brilliant for laid-back vibes and so
me of the best live music acts in the south-west. In The Venue, there’s bingo every night with big prizes, dances with our hippo mascots, and star acts, from magic acts, singers, team shows, comedians and more.
Amazing Activities
From mini 4x4s, arts and crafts, Make a Bear workshop, pottery painting and more. Not forgetting watery fun with our sea scooters and mini 4x4s.
Four onsite eateries
PLUS pop-up food stalls. At Hendra Holiday Park, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat. At the Terrace Bar and Restaurant, we have you covered from am-pm, with hearty breakfasts, barista coffee, sweet bites, lunch, and dinner. The Beach House, is an ideal spot for mouthwatering appetisers, hand-crafted pizzas, and a range of cocktails and drinks. Then there’s the Fish and Chip takeaway, for a truly traditional seaside holiday takeaway, and, for dessert, get some organic Cornish ice cream at Always Sundae ice cream shop.
Oasis Indoor and Outdoor Pools
Enjoy the sun outside and relax and splash in the heated outdoor pool. Our indoor pool, boasts 3 flumes, and river rapids, as well as a giant water fall, tap and more.
Play all day
We have a huge offering of outside play areas, including a play parks, Ninja Assault Course and skate and scooter park. Inside, there’s air hockey and pool, amusements and soft play at Henry’s Playloft. Then there’s our Palm Beach Adventure Golf.
NQY Rocks – coming in summer 2026! 
Packed with colour, energy and adventure, it’s the perfect addition to your summer stay – whatever the weather.
Featuring 17 Clip and Go Climbing walls – designed for all ages and abilities, a multi-storey soft play where little ones can climb, crawl, slide and explore, a fully-equipped gym and a relaxed coffee shop including freshly brewed coffee, homemade treats and easy bites. Book your summer stay now and be the first to try it!
Awesome Attractions
When you book a holiday at Hendra, we can advise on the best places to visit in Cornwall, no matter what your taste.
🍃The Eden Project
🏌️♀️Halwyn: Driving Range and Mini Golf
Halwyn is located on a family farm in Crantock, just 10 minutes from us at Hendra Holiday Park. There’s a 15-bay TrackMan driving range with top-tier tech, a 12-hole mini-golf course, as well as a line up of events throughout the year. The restaurant serves hearty food full of character and flavour.
🎢Camel Creek
Discover a world of excitement at Camel Creek Family Adventure Park; experience fantastic family rides, incredible animal encounters, and indoor play – the perfect combination for an unforgettable visit! With plenty new to do, we are Cornwall’s ultimate day trip! Less than a half an hours drive from Hendra Holiday Park.
🐠Blue Reef Aquarium
In the heart of Newquay, overlooking Towan Beach, Blue Reef Aquarium takes you into a unique underwater world. Enjoy learning about local waters as well as more exotic creatures. Walk through the underwater tunnel to spot turtles and reef sharks.
🏄♂️Fistral Beach Surf School
Ride the waves at Fistral Beach! Just a mile and a half from Hendra Holiday Park. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, Fistral Beach Surf School offers top-notch coaching at one of the UK’s most iconic surf spots. Coasteering also available!
🦞The Lobster Hatchery
This award-winning visitor centre is situated next to the beautiful Padstow estuary. Here you can see marine conservation in action, and get up close with rarely seen lobster babies, pregnant lobster mamas, giant lobsters and other weird and wonderful coastal creatures.
Learn about how the Lobster Hatchery works with the local fishing community at this unique family attraction.
🍎 Healeys Cyder Farm
Barrels of fun for all the family all year round, with experiences and tours, cream teas, farm animals, drinks tasting and vintage tractor rides.
Experiences at Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm offer cyder & spirit lovers the opportunity to learn how we go from pip to pour across our range of famous cyders and spirits.
🚂Lappa Valley
Cornwall’s secret world of play and trains, taking you on a nostalgic steam ride into a hidden valley with play areas and indoor and outdoor play. With a boating lake, play parks, great scenery and seasonal events, this is the perfect attraction to please the whole family. Only a short drive from Hendra Holiday Park.
🌺The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Visit this famous garden, rediscovered in the 1990s, after being ‘lost’ since World War One, this huge estate has over 200 acres to explore. There’s a range of gardens, from pleasure gardens, productive gardens, and a jungle, with its own Burmese rope bridge.
Family Friendly Guide to Cornwall Itineraries
Build your best holiday ever with these guides
Three Day Cornwall Break
Day 1 – Beach Day + Park Fun
Morning: Head to Porth Beach (family-friendly, easy access)
Afternoon: Back to Hendra for Oasis Pool & play areas
Evening: Dinner on park + live entertainment in The Venue
Day 2 – Newquay Highlights
Morning: Visit Blue Reef Aquarium
Lunch: Grab food in Newquay town
Afternoon: Relax at Towan Beach or visit shops
Evening: Cocktails & pizza at The Beach House
Day 3 – Adventure Day
Morning: Try Fistral Beach Surf School
Afternoon: Explore Fistral Beach or nearby coastal walks
Evening: Bingo, shows & family entertainment at Hendra
Add a Fourth Day
Day 4: Easy Day Out Nearby
Morning: Visit Lappa Valley (great for younger children)
Afternoon: Picnic, play areas & train rides
Evening: Back to Hendra for food stalls or takeaway & a relaxed evening
Seven Day Cornwall Holiday
Day 5: Iconic Cornwall
Full Day: Visit the Eden Project
Explore the biomes and gardens
Optional: Stop for dinner on the way back
Day 6: North Coast Exploring
Morning: Visit Crantock Beach (wide open space, dunes, river)
Afternoon: Head to Halwyn for mini golf or driving range
Evening: Relax back at the park
Day 7 : Classic Family Day Out
Option 1: Camel Creek Adventure Park 🎢
Option 2: Healeys Cyder Farm (animals, tractor rides & tastings)
Option 3: The Lost Gardens of Heligan for a slower-paced day
