Top ten toddler activities in South Cornwall
1) Discovering 42, Your tots will love this is a new, interactive science centre in Bodmin. It offers hands-on opportunities to learn through play for toddlers through to teens.
2) Lanhydrock Great Park and Balance Bike Track. So you’re familiar with the reliable NT facilities, you’ve seen the amazing magnolia on Instagram. However did you know that Lanhydrock has a balance bike skills track just made for your little cherub? You’re welcome…
3) Lerryn stepping stones and Ethy Woods. Just two miles from us, pick up. an ice cream from Lerryn River Stores and wander into the woods that inspired Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows. The Fowey estuary is rich in ancient woodland, birdlife and is quiet and utterly picturesque. Bring a net and you and your two year old can fish for little sand eels too.
4) Restormel Castle is a remarkable motte and bailey castle, one mile downtime road in Lostwithiel, was built by Cornwall;’s first duke, the 14th century Black Prince. The castle has intact ramparts to explore and a daisy-strewn castle mound for rolling down!
5) The Rainy Day one aka Super Tramp in Bodmin. There’s toddler sessions in this smart soft play and trampolines centre, perfect for some Wet Country weather
Under half an hours’ drive from the farm
6) Ferries, crabbing and ice cream in Fowey. Firstly, pick up nets and bacon (you can find both in our farm shop) and then take the Bodinnick car ferry across the Fowey estuary to this charming seaside town. It’s like a small Salcombe, without the yacht shoes and smugness. Your two year old will love the crabs who shimmy up the lines with practiced ease (see our crabbing guide) and for afterwards – Ruby’s ice cream. There’s a giant cow in the window, a loyalty card and a chocolate fountain, so there’s something for everyone!
7) The Eden Project has been called the eighth wonder of the world because there’s the world’s largest indoor rainforest, a Mediterranean biome, a plethora of plants and a seasonal ice rink (with toddler sessions). However my children have an enduring love for the ‘Nudie Rudies’ – the Plant Takeaway mechanical exhibition in the main hall. The pretend cat drops dead and the couple drop their clothes halfway through. Fascinating for 95% of two-year olds. Trust me, they’ll watch it on repeat while you enjoy that morning coffee.
8) Charlestown for a play on the beach and in the playground. Charlestown’s tall ships, deep harbour, beaches and cafes are well worth a visit. It’s more for older children and adults, but you might want to push for a tour of the current Shackleton exhibition in the amazing Shipwreck museum
Further afield (if you time those naps and snacks right!)
9) Lappa Valley – so this attraction has a mainstay in Cornish toddler life for decades. Ask anyone who grew up in Cornwall, and they’ll go misty-eyed at the thought. There’s giant swan pedalos on the boating lakes, a musical woodland trail, crazy golf and a huge new, multi-level soft play.
10) Dairyland – sigh, so really this is only fun for toddlers, but they’ll love you for it. Most importantly ractor rides, pony rides, farm animals (you can even milk Clarabelle the mechanical cow) and play areas.
In short, Cornwall makes a wonderful holiday for families with two year old tots.
