Half term activities in Cornwall

Things to do with the little ones…

If you haven’t made plans for the holiday yet, don’t worry, we’ve got it covered.  We’ve selected our favourite family days out, from underground experiences and outdoor adventures to wildlife encounters and nautical ventures.

1. Go crabbing
Crabbing is a really fun day out (regardless of your age). The inner harbour is the best place to catch crabs. Grab some string, bait and a weight heavy enough to keep the bait at the bottom (such as a big stick). Drop the line into the water and wait for the crabs to bite. Put them in a bucket of sea water then put them back into the harbour when you’re done.

2. Build sandcastles on the beach
Here in Cornwall, we have a different beach for every day of the week, which is perfect for when it comes to building sandcastles. Get creative with the family; add windows and towers or incorporate seashells, seaweed or other treasures you find hiding around the beach, anything to make your sandcastle into a work of art!

3. Head underground to a mine
Steeped in Cornish history, Carnglaze Caverns is a former slate mine. Take the self-guided tour towards the beautiful underground lake and learn how the mine worked. Then wander through the terrace garden along its zigzag pathways leading up to the Enchanted Dell, don’t forget to pack your picnic.

4. Adopt a lobster
Visit the National Lobster Hatchery and discover how science is helping to conserve this fishing tradition in Cornwall and beyond. Look at the baby lobsters growing up ready to be released (over 10,000 have been released already this year) and meet their resident giant lobster ‘Herman’. You can even adopt a lobster for £2.50.

5. Visit Cornwall’s National Maritime Museum

This museum is great for a family visit, providing education and entertainment for all ages. It’s brimming with things to do to get kids and adults alike familiar with all things maritime including activities, workshops, exhibitions and displays. New for spring 2014 ‘smuggling’ – be immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the heyday of smuggling in the 18th to early 19th centuries in this multi-sensory exhibition.

Have a great half term holiday everyone!