These fantastic attractions have all adapted well to these new times that we find ourselves in, so you can have some safe fun at a range of attractions in Cornwall. Here are our top 6, with something for everyone, for tots, tweens, and teens; we have it covered for a fantastic day out in Cornwall.
Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is a beautiful place to socially distance, with 200 acres to explore. Situated on the south coast of Cornwall (about a 40 minutes’ drive) away from Hendra.
There’s no need to travel abroad this summer to step into the exotic, just lose yourself in the lush paradise of the Jungle at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall.
Bursting with sub-tropical plantings from around the world, this 12 acre exotic garden is the largest outdoor jungle in the UK; guaranteed to take you on a journey that feels far away from UK shores.
A boardwalk and rope bridge take you around and across Jungle ponds, streams, ancient tree ferns, palms, giant gunnera, exotic lilies, kiwis, bananas and monkey puzzle trees. This exciting combination is guaranteed to a create a Jungle experience that will leave you feeling like you are the star in your own Indiana Jones adventure and provide you with holiday photos that friends will be left asking “Where in the world?”
To book your Jungle adventure simply head to heligan.com (Pre-booking essential). Aside from the jungle you can enjoy various gardens, woodlands, wildlife, open space and winding pathways. Refreshments are available throughout the gardens for takeaway food. Dogs are welcomed.
Newquay Zoo
The closest attraction to Hendra Holiday Park, you can take the Newquay Land Train from Hendra down to the Zoo in the mornings. Newquay Zoo is a lovely place to visit. You can book an arrival time online as they are limiting their capacity. There are so many animals to see from big animals like lions to monkeys, reptiles, lemurs and red pandas. The Zoo has had a baby boom over the lockdown with endangered baby civet and baby tapir at the zoo.
There is a playground, takeaway food available, outdoor picnic areas and, very importantly, ice cream kiosks. It is very accessible for pushchairs, and wheelchair users with disabled toilet facilities.
Visitors must wear a mask in all indoor public areas, unless they are exempt for legitimate reasons.
Camel Creek
A 20-minute drive from Hendra, Camel Creek is a great attraction for rides, especially for younger children. Like other attractions you have to book online in advance.
The soft play area is currently still closed but keep an eye out on the social media channels for the latest news and updates.
The rides are fully functioning though, with cleaning in place. The Clown Coaster is a super fun ride, with lots of laughs guaranteed as you bump around. Little ones will love the Water Rush, bobbing along the stream before making a splash into the water at the end!
Tots can go on Dina’s Dancing Flowers (under 92cm can only go on with an adult), this classic teacup ride is sure to make lots of big smiles amongst the little ones.
A mini Ferris wheel, Swampy’s Sky Ride, will be enjoyed by all and you can see over the whole park from the top – wow!
Check their Facebook page for news on visits from your children’s favourite TV characters, which so far have included Hey Duggee, Paw Patrol and Peppa Pig and George!
Take a look at the website for the all the information on the new procedures in place and to find out more on all the things to do at this fabulous attraction.
Flambards
Flambards Theme Park, Helston, is a fab family fun day out with plenty of great things to do! Brave the sky-high thrill rides and the traditional rides in Ferdi’s Funland. Discover dinosaurs in the Jurassic Journey and uncover fossils in the Dino Dig. Step back in time in the life-size Victorian Village and experience Britain in the Blitz in the award-winning Indoor Attractions. Enjoy Cornwall’s best day of the week – whatever the weather. There is plenty to enjoy even on those rainy days.
All visitors* must provide and wear a facemask in all indoor areas including attractions, shops and catering outlets and are recommended on many rides (except under 11s or due to a medical condition whereby this is not possible).
The following rides/attractions are currently closed: Indoor & Outdoor play areas, the Demon Drop slide, Space Race, and Exploratorium.
Unfortunately, the Fireworks Spectaculars will not go ahead this year.
Blue Reef Aquarium
Blue Reef is right next to Towan Beach in the centre of Newquay. It is easily accessible via a slope down from the town. Currently, there are longer ques on rainy days, so it would be good to visit on a sunnier day. If you are coming on a wet day, bring a brolly as you may be queuing for a while.
There are events on throughout each day, with talks about the octopus, a rockpool encounter, and you can watch the turtle, tropical fish and shark feed at different times of the day.
There’s lots to see here and it will certainly keep little eyes busy and amazed. There are crabs, lobsters, seahorses, stone fish, piranhas, hermit crabs, loggerhead turtle, shrimps, clown fish, tropical fish, and black tip reef sharks.
The centrepiece of the aquarium is the underwater tunnel where you can get up close to some amazing ocean creatures including angelfish, pufferfish, and hundreds of brightly-coloured fish, along with sharks, rays, moray eels and the venomous lion fish.
The café is doing the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until the end of August.
Hangloose
Thrill seekers will love this attraction. You will certainly be distant from others when you are suspended face down, 100 metres in the air travelling 60mph for 660 metres! This is England’s longest and fastest zip-wire experience.
Situated in the treetops of The Eden Project makes this a great spot for a selfie shot. They will even film it too! You can also try Ariel Trekking, a Giant Swing and more.
Pre-booking is essential, hanglooseadventure.com
