Family Friendly Walks in Cornwall
Why not pack up a picnic and go out and enjoy Cornwall’s outdoors?
Cornwall is known for its incredible landscapes – the stunning coastline, charming villages, and beautiful countryside and woodland, making it a fantastic destination for family-friendly walks. Here are some of the best family-friendly walks in Cornwall:
Lanhydrock House
1. Lanhydrock Estate
Location: Near Bodmin PL30 5AD
Highlights: Victorian country house, gardens, and woodland trails.
Description: This National Trust property offers a variety of trails through beautiful woodlands and riverside paths.
There are also adventure playgrounds and picnic spots, making it perfect for families.
Distance: Various trails from 1 to 3 miles
Suitable for: All ages, including strollers/pushchairs/buggies
Cardinham Woods
2. Cardinham Woods
Location: Near Bodmin PL30 4AL
Highlights: Woodland trails, play areas, and picnic spots.
Description: Managed by Forestry England, Cardinham Woods offers several waymarked trails suitable for all abilities.
The Lady Vale Walk is particularly family-friendly, being an easy and scenic route along the river.
Distance: Various trails from 1.5 to 4 miles
Suitable for: Families with young children and pets.
Tehidy Woods
3. Tehidy Woods
Location: Near Camborne TR14 0HA
Highlights: Lakes, wildlife, and woodland trails.
Description: This 250-acre country park has a variety of trails, including easy, circular routes perfect for families.
The woods are rich in wildlife, and there are picnic areas and a café.
Distance: Multiple trails ranging from 1 to 4 miles
Suitable for: Most trails are suitable for all ages, including strollers and wheelchairs.
Ferryside at Fowey
4. Fowey Hall Walk
Location: Fowey PL23 1LX
Highlights: Estuary views, ferry rides, and charming villages.
Description: This 4-mile circular walk includes two ferry crossings and takes you through Fowey, Polruan, and Bodinnick. This walk takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on pace and stops.
The route offers stunning views over the estuary and passes through beautiful countryside.
Distance: Approximately 4 miles (6.4 km)
Suitable for: Moderate walkers and dog owners.
St Michael’s Mount Causeway
5. St Michael’s Mount Causeway
Location: Marazion TR17 0HS
Highlights: Historic island, tidal causeway walk, castle visit, stunning views, historical and mythical significance..
Description: Walk across the causeway to St Michael’s Mount at low tide.
This short walk is an adventure for kids, leading to the historic island with its medieval castle and gardens.
Distance: Varies (depending on tide times)
Suitable for: All ages (check tide times for safe crossing).
Camel Trail
6. The Camel Trail
Location: Padstow to Bodmin PL30 4QR
Highlights: Flat/easy terrain, scenic riverside views, easy cycling, stunning estuary views, wildlife spotting opportunities and places to stop for refreshments.
Description: This trail follows a disused railway line and is perfect for walking or cycling with children.
The section between Wadebridge and Padstow is particularly popular and family-friendly.
Distance: Up to 18 miles (but you can choose shorter sections)
Suitable for: All ages, including strollers and bikes.
Trelissick7. Trelissick Garden
Location: Near Truro TR3 6QL
Highlights: Gardens, woodlands, and river views.
Description: Another National Trust property, Trelissick offers several trails through gardens and woodlands. The walk can take 1 to 3 hours, depending on the chosen route.
The woodland walk along the river is easy and enjoyable for families.
Distance: Various trails ranging from short garden strolls to longer woodland and riverside walks. Easy to moderate difficulty.
Suitable for: All ages.
Bedruthan
8. Bedruthan Steps
Location: Near Newquay TR8 4BU
Highlights: Dramatic coastal scenery and rock formations.
Description: A short walk from the National Trust car park leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Bedruthan Steps, a series of spectacular sea stacks. Please note, that there is no safe access to the beach itself. The walk should take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on pace and stops (note: includes steep and uneven sections).
The Bedruthan Steps walk provides an unforgettable experience of Cornwall’s natural beauty, combining dramatic coastal landscapes with rich history and diverse wildlife. It’s a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.
Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) circular route
Suitable for: All ages.
Lizard Peninsula
9. Lizard Point to Kynance Cove
Location: The Lizard TR12 7NT
Highlights: Coastal views, wildflowers, and historic sites.
Description: The walk from Lizard Point to Kynance Cove offers breathtaking coastal scenery.
The paths are well-marked and suitable for families, with opportunities to explore rock pools and enjoy the stunning views.
Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) one way
Suitable for: All ages.
Boscastle
10. Tintagel to Boscastle
Location: North Cornwall PL34 0HE
Highlights: Coastal cliffs, Tintagel Castle, Medieval castle ruins, stunning coastal views, Merlin’s Cave, and historic Boscastle.
Description: This section of the South West Coast Path offers dramatic cliffs, historic sites, and beautiful views.
The walk can be split into shorter sections suitable for families.
Distance: Around 2.5 miles
Suitable for: School-age children and above (note: some steep and uneven paths).
These walks offer a mix of natural beauty, historical interest, and easy terrain, making them ideal for families to explore and enjoy Cornwall’s diverse landscapes.