The Blue Reef Aquarium - Brocklands Adventure Park - Carnglaze Caverns - Rattler Cider - Cornish Market World
General Interest
*Prices are apt to change. The prices quoted are current for the 2009 season.*
Blue Reef Aquarium - One of the UK's leading aquariums with a commitment to providing education about the marine environment but in a fun and entertaining way, in Newquay (D3). Prices: £6.95-child £8.95-adult. Address: Towan Promenade, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1DU. Tel: 01637 878134.
Brocklands Adventure Park - A family run adventure park near Bude (E4) which provides all weather entertainment. Activities include crazy gold, bouncy castles, sllides, bowling, a 15" guage steam railway, paddle boats, racing cars, pony rides, archery, an aerial slide, wildlife walks and more. Prices: £6.50-child £7.95-adult. Address: West Street, Kilkhampton, North Bude, Cornwall, EX23 9QW. Tel: 01288 321225.
Carnglaze Caverns & The Rum Store - Three underground caverns set in 6.5 acres of wooded hillside of the Loveny valley at St. Neot, near Liskeard (E3). Guided tours, the famous subterranean lake, the underground "Rum Store" concert venue which seats 400 and has a varitey of established and local performers. Prices: £4.00-child £6.00-adult. Concert prices vary. Address: St Neot, Liskeard, Cornwall. PL14 6HQ. Tel: 01579 320251.
Coliford Lake Park - One of Cornwall's forgotten treasures at Bolventor (F3), has over 58 acres of woodland, moorland and wetland. There's also three impressive "kingdoms" for kids to explore. The indoor "kids kingdom" and the outdoor "woodland kingdom" and "moorland kingdom". Prices: £5.00-child (under 12 free), £6.00-adult. Open Jul-Sep. Address: Bolventor, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, PL14 6PZ. Tel: 01208 821469.
Cornish Cyder Farm - A true taste of Cornwall all year round. The Cornish Cyder Farm at Penhallow, nr Truro (D3), not only makes premier cider (their famous Rattler brand is now outsells Magners within the county) but in total they produce over forty fruit products, including Cyder Brandy and Fruit spirits in Cornwall’s only distillery. Guests at our carriages are treated to a bottle of the Cornish Cyder Farm's fruit wine on their arrival as part of our welcome pack. Guided tours and tastings are availale. Prices: Guided Tour- £4.30-child £6.50-adult. Tractor Ride- £3.00-child £4.00-adult. Address: Penhallow, Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9LW. Tel: 01872 573356.
Cornish Goldsmiths - This family business prides itself on selecting the finest gold jewellery, with the latest designs and all at very competitive prices. The site at Portreath (C2), houses many pieces that have been hand finished and carefully crafted to the highest standards. Address: Tolgus Mill, Nr Portreath, Cornwall, TR16 4HN. Tel: 01209 218198.
Cornish Market World - This wonderful indoor market is situated on the same site as Kidzworld (listing below) in St. Austell (E2). It houses 311 units selling the best Cornish goods. Address: Stadium Retail Park, Par, St Austell, PL25 3RP. Tel: 01952 242019.
Crealy Adventure Park - Exciting rides, 2 huge indoor play areas, masses of outdoor adventures, friendly animals, majestic Shire horses and limitless fun, all set within 100 acres of stunning Cornish countryside near Newquay (D3). Address: Tredinnick, Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 7RA. Tel: 01952 242019.
Dairyland Farmworld - Enjoy the fun of this all-weather attraction which provides entertainment for all ages. Activites include The Bull Pen indoor play area, soft play areas & ball pools, drop slides, mini tractors, pat-a-pet, adventure playgrounds, Woodland lakes, farm animals & bottle feeding. Newquay (D3). Prices: £7.95-adult Free-under 3ft tall. Address: Nr Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 5AA. Tel: 01872 510246.
Dartmoor Zoological Park - There are over 200 animals at Dartmoor Zoological Park, from stick insects to Ben the Brown Bear and Solomon the Lion. It's all set in over 30 acres of beautiful parkland. Prices: £6.95-child £8.95-adult. Address: Sparkwell, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 5DG. Tel: 01752 837645.
Donkey Park - Fun for all with donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits and guinea pigs which you can feed and pet. Donkey rides, cafe, gift shop, indoor play barn. Gunnislake (F3). Prices: £6.00. Address: St Ann's Chapel, Gunnislake, Cornwall, PL18 9HW. Tel: 01752 837645.
Eden Project - Possibly the most popular attraction in Cornwall, the Eden Project provides endless fun and great learning oppourtunitues. Specialist events take place all year around, check their website or phone for full details. Online booking reductions and discounts available to those who arrive by public transport. Prices: £5.00-child, £16.00-adult. Address: St Ann's Chapel, Gunnislake, Cornwall, PL18 9HW. Tel: 01752 837645.
Enterprise Boats - Ferry service and private hire operating between Truro, St.Mawes and Falmouth. These boats also call at Trelissick and Tolverne on the banks of The River Fal. The beautifully maintained fleet of pleasure boats Enterprise I, II & III depart from the Prince of Wales Pier, Falmouth and Town Quay, Truro allowing passengers easy access to both town centres. Tel: 01326 374241.
Dartmoor Zoo - Flambards - Ghost Walks - Hidden Valley Park - Holywell Bay Fun Park
Fal River Links - A network of ferries, boats, buses and trains linking some of Cornwall’s best attractions, walks and scenery. Address: 2 Ferry Cottages, Feock, Truro, Cornwall, TR3 6QJ. Tel: 01872 861914
Flambards - Flambards, near Helston (C1), is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South West of England. With unique undercover exhibitions boasting the Flambards Victorian Village, Britain in The Blitz and Memory Lane exhibitions. There is a fabulous undercover soft play area for young children - The Cool Zone, which is now open separately during the winter season. Prices: £11.50-child £16.50-adult. Address: Helston, Cornwall, TR13 0QA. Tel: 01326 573404.
Ghost Walks Professional and experienced event organisers, incorporating the companies 'Haunted Cornwall' and 'Haunting Experiences. Walks are taken by a professional & experienced guides. Informative, entertaining and a great way to see the ghostly heritage of the local area. Prices: £3.00-child £5.00-adult. Address:Tel: 01736 331206.
The Helford Garden Trail - Three glorious valley gardens situated by the Helford River offers a breath of fresh air for any gardener. The coastal footpath to the tranquil Helford River estuary is easily accessible from the Swanpool or Maenporth car parks in Falmouth. It's advisable to visit the website for full details of each garden and surrounding walks.
The Heritage Trail - Castles, buses and classic ferries, this Itinerary takes you on a historic journey to see the famous castles of Pendennis and St Mawes. Constructed circa 1540, they are the Cornish end of a chain of castles built by Henry V11 along the south coast.
Hidden Valley Discovery Park - Brilliant fun for children over six, teenagers and adults. Based on the crystal maze concept, visitors must follow a series of clues to find the hidden gems. Three fantastic mysteries; visual, co-ordinates and cryptic, ending with a race against the clock in an electrical switching room. Comes highly recommended. There is also a garden railway (which only runs on dry days) and a short outdoor, all weather railway, with one ride included in the price. Only downside at the moment is that it is only accessible by car. Address: Terdidon, St Thomas, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 8SJ. Tel: 01566 86463
Holywell Bay Fun Park - Ride, slide, splash and spin – the huge variety of attractions for the whole family now includes 2- seater Kiddy Karts, Formula 1 Go-Karts, Star Cars for potential junior world champions, thrilling 2-seater Battle Boats with turret guns, Merlin’s Maze with its amazing magic waterfall, Bumper Boats, Orbitors, Adventure Golf, Panning for Gold, indoor play area and much more. There's also a great Gift Shop and fantastic Beach Diner. Address: Holywell Bay, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 5PW. Tel: 01637 830095.
Jamaica Inn and Museums - Cornwall's legendary coaching house, immortalised in Daphne du Maurier's novel of the same name, has stood high on Bodmin Moor for over four centuries and is still referred to by historians as Cornwall's most famous smuggling inn. They welcome guests ... and the odd ghost! Address: Bolventor, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 7TS. Tel: 01566 86250.
Jamaca Inn - Lands End - Magnificent Music Machines - Minack Theatre - The Monkey Sanctuary
Kidz World - A fantastic indoor adventure park in St Austell (E2) with loads of activites for children including the Giant Tower, the Death Slide, the Turrets of Terror Haunted Castle and the Giant Astroslide. Prices: £5.95-child £2.00-adult - high season (Jun, Jul, Aug). Address:Tel: 01726 815553.
Lands End - One of Britains most famous landmarks is a place of almost mystical beauty, where the might of the Atlantic ocean meets the towering cliffs of Cornwall. There is free entry to the site but an all day parking charge applies. Address: Sennen, Cornwall, TR19 7AA. Tel: 08717 200044
Lyner Dairies - Upton Cross (F3) based company engaged in the butter and cheese production. Lyner Dairy offers food production and food processing services. Address: Netherton Farm, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 5BD. Tel: 01579 363128.
Magnificent Music Machines - Excellent demonstration tour of mechanical instuments including the mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ. Address: St. Keyne Station, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 4SH. Tel: 01579 343108.
Minack Theatre - Amazing and atmospheric open air theatre built into cliffs of West Cornwall. Day visitors welcome, or book tickets and see a performance. Address: Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JU. Tel: 01736 810181.
Monkey Sanctuary - Home to four species of monkey, a play area, gardens, bat cave, café and gift shop. Address: St Martins, Looe, Cornwall, PL13 1NZ. Tel: 01503 262532.
National Lobster Hatchery - The National Lobster Hatchery can be found on the docks of the picturesque Cornish fishing village of Padstow. Their aim is to help maintain a healthy lobster population in Cornwall through conservation, education and research, supported by thier fun visitor centre and the donations of sponsors. See the process of lobster life, from egg to adult. You can even adopt a lobster. Address: South Quay, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8BL. Tel: 01841 533877.
National Seal Sanctuary - set in the picturesque Helford Estuary, by the beautiful village of Gweek. The Sanctuary is a busy rescue centre and also has resident Grey Seals, Common Seals, Fur Seals, Hooded Seal, Patagonian & California Sea Lions, Goats, Sheep, Ponies and Otters. Address: Gweek, near Helston, Cornwall, TR12 6UG. Tel: 01326 221361.
Smeatons Tower - Newquay Zoo - Paperweight Centre - RNAS Culdrose - National Seal Sanctuary
Newquay Zoo - Over 130 different species set in lush sub-tropical lakeside gardens. Plenty to keep you and your children occupied with the tarzan trail, children's play area, animal encounters, face painting and much more. Address: Trenance Gardens, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2LZ. Tel: 01637 873342.
The Oyster Way - Another spectacular walk along the Fal river. It's advised to visit the website for full details and start/end points.
Paignton Zoo - Home to thousands of amazing animals and plants. Visit the desert, cross the savannah, explore the forest and trek through the tropics. It’s a great day out for everyone. Also visit Living Coasts, their sister attraction in Torquay, to learn more about animals from the coastlines of the world. Address: Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU. Tel: 01803 697500.
Paperweight Centre - Home to “The Broughton Collection”. This is an exhibition of hundreds of antique and modern glass paperweights, collected by Bernard Broughton over many years. Also a major retailer of quality glass paperweights, including many limited edition pieces from the leading glass studios and one of the main suppliers in the UK. Free admission Address: Leg O' Mutton, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AD. Tel: 01822 854250.
Paradise Park - Established in Hayle in 1973 as a tropical bird garden. Now home to otters, red pandas, native red squirrels and the rare Cornish Chough. Also features the ‘Fun Farm’, tropical plants and the JungleBarn indoor play centre. Address: 16 Trelissick Road, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4HB. Tel: 01736 753365.
Porfell Animal Land - A great place for anyone who enjoys and appreciates animals and the countryside. Take a look at some familiar animals and some different ones too. Make close contact with rabbits, guinea pigs and goats, feed the ducks, chickens and deer, or just simply sit and watch. Address: Trecangate, nr. Lanreath, Liskeard, PL14 4RE. Tel: 01503 220211.
RNAS Culdrose - One of Europe’s largest helicopter bases, RNAS Culdrose delivers highly capable Helicopter Squadrons specialising in Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare and Airborne Surveillance and Control. Address: Helston, Cornwall, TR12 7RH. Tel: 01326 574121.
Roseland Peninsula - A walk guaranteed to blow away the cobwebs whilst taking in the spectacular scenery of the Roseland Peninsula. It's advised to visit the website for full details of start/end points.
Smeatons Tower - A centrepiece on Plymouth’s Hoe, Smeaton’s Tower has become one of the South West's most well known landmarks. The former Eddystone Lighthouse moved to Plymouth Hoe in 1884. Address: The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 2NZ. Tel: 01752 304774.
Smugglers' Walk - A gentle 30mins walk with two short ferry journeys. In Mylor harbour you will find a harbourside restaurant and cafe where you can enjoy a light bite before returning to Falmouth. It's advised to visit the website for full details and start/end points.
Sterts Theatre - Tamar Otter Sanctuary - Theatre Royal - Trelissick Gardens - Woodlands Adventure Park
Sterts Theatre - Canvas covered outdoor theatre on the edge of Bodmin Moor. They promote the very best in drama, music, dance, painting, photography, sculpture and the performing arts thoughout the year. Address: Upton Cross, Nr Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 5AZ. Tel: 01579 362382.
Tamar Otter Sanctuary - The world's leading Otter conservation organisation, the only place in the West Country breeding the British Otter regularly and reintroducing young otters into the wild to save the otter from extinction. Attractions include the orphaned otter cub rehabilitation centre, dormouse conservation project, visitor centre, picnic areas, nature trail, refreshments, gift shop, free car park and two lakes with many waterfowl. Address: North Petherwin, Near Launceston, PL15 8GW. Tel: 01566 785646.
Tamar Valley Service - The Tamar Valley, bordering Cornwall and Devon, is one of the most beautiful and historically significant areas in the UK. In 1995 it was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty making it one of 40 in England and Wales. There are many walks, cycle paths, bridleways and much more in the area. It's advised to visit thier website for full details.
Theatre Royal - Situated in Plymouth, The Theatre Royal is largest and best attended regional producing theatre in the UK and the leading promoter of theatre in the South West. Achieving annual audiences of over 360,000, there are two distinctive performance spaces, the Theatre Royal and the Drum Theatre. There's also a bar/resturant and giftshop. Address: Royal Parade, Plymouth, PL1 2TR. Tel: 01752 668282.
The Trelissick Garden and Walking Trail - Take to the water and experince the beauty of Trelissick Garden . Arrive on a Fal River Links Boat and receive discounted entry. Boats run Easter to October. It's advised to visit the website for full details and start/end points.
Trethorne Leisure Farm - A fantastic undercover attraction in North Cornwall. Activites include Jolly Rogers ball blast Arena, a free fall slide, ten pin bowling, animals to see and feed, milk Daisy the cow, a virtual climbing wall, crazy golf, restaurant and bar, gift shop, aerial glide, ball pools, games room, bungee run, paddleboats, assault course, pony rides, play area and toddlers soft play area, roller racers and trampolines. Address: Kennards House, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 8QE. Tel: 01566 86324.
Woodlands Leisure Park - Set in 90 acres of beautiful countryside, Woodlands has 16 family rides, awesome indoor playcentres with rides and cafes plus a wide range of family attractions in 10 themed playzones. Rainy days can be spent in one of the UK's biggest indoor playcentres with multiple slides, towering netclimbs, adventure play and 3 rides. There's also two ball blasting arenas and a mirror maze. Outdoors there's the commando course, bumper boats the parks star attraction: 3 watercoasters. There's also a Falconry Centre with nearly 50 birds of prey, which give displays. Address: Dartmouth, Devon, TQ9 7DQ. Tel: 01803 712598.
Info on Hayle and West Cornwall, St Ives, Penzance, Newquay,
Truro, Mousehole, St Michaels Mount, Lands End, The Lizard, Falmouth, St Mawes and the Lost Gardens of Heligan
Railways and trains (standard, narrow gauge & model railways),
heritage & attractions to engage the technically minded (prehistoric sites, Cornish mines,
the cornish mining world heritage site, china clay extraction, lighthouses etc.)
Theme parks (Flambards, Creally) kids play areas, aquariums,
animal attractions (Newquay and Paignton zoo, Paradise Park, National Seal Sanctuary etc.)
The best beaches with info on facilities, access, family friendly,
dog friendly plus walking, surfing, fishing, canoeing, golf, sailing, diving, karting etc.
A massive resource with sections on; Cornish and south west railway, environmental,
railway sites around the world, Fotopic and other rail photography sites, history and heritage, holiday and charter train, mail by rail,
model railway, alternative places
to stay including self-catering cottages, camp sites,
caravan parks, bed & breakfast, guest houses, farmhouse b&b, hotels and holiday parks, preserved railways, railway search engines
and groups.
