To not get Cornwall?

[LarrysNewOwner]

Staying in St Austell.

Last few days we’ve been on the beach which has been lovely.

Now it’s clouded over, not really sure where to go.

Have 2 DC DS8 and DD4.

kids love theme parks. We like pretty towns to walk around etc. Maybe a boat ride.

wang are we missing?

Cornwall is lovely but more expensive than other coastal U.K. areas which are equally lovely and often less crowded. Obviously you can find deserted beaches in Cornwall but you have to be in the know, it’s easier to access the same thing as a tourist elsewhere.

I understand that going to attractions can be expensive. It might be worth getting a local paper as they sometimes have offers and tokens for places. Really hope you manage to find things for your kids to enjoy and that you have a good holiday!

Really? You mean that out of three places, I was only referring to one actually in Cornwall instead of the two in Devon?

Haven’t been for 19 years 😆 but we loved the Eden project. DC we’re about the same age as yours are now. We also liked Padstow but it’s prob much more commercialised now (and even then it was packed).

Tintagel.

They loved Goonhilly satellite centre but I think that's gone now( and mine were science mad)

Such a shame.
But has anyone mentioned porthcurno yet? Gorgeous beach nice cliff walks looking down at the Minack theatre, and the excellent museum - I think that was one of the things that sparked my dds inter in electronics

I was panicking for a minute thinking I’d booked near st austell for next summer but it’s actually St Agnes.

Dh loved some telegraph museum near here if that’s still open.

St Austell is not good, you are bound not to 'get' Cornwall.

Go to Fowey, it's gorgeous. Lots of shops and restaurants. Go to Sam's On The Beach at Polkerris ( you need to book) Hire a little motor boat.

Polperro, then a boat trip to Looe. Or the other way round. Lunch in The Blue Peter or Three Pilchards. Museum of Smuggling in Polperro. Hire a boat in Looe or go on a sea safari. Go to the lighthouse on a boat.

Bodmin Jail, Golitha Falls, lunch at Inky's Smokehouse. Alpaca walking on Bodmin Moor ( on Air BnB experiences)

Adrenaline Quarry will go down well with children.

These are all close ish to St Austell. Have you been to Par Sands?

There's loads to do.

Re boat trips, I want to do this sometime

https://marinediscovery.co.uk

We went out with them years ago when they had a rib rather than a catamaran, it was very good... included a close encounter with a basking shark!

That's the one,@CormorantStrikesBack

I think you are a bit confused. Cornwall and Devon aren’t a day trip away from each other. Especially not in the summer.

Looe and polperro are worth a trip. Take the train to Falmouth and go to the maritime museum, cheap boat trip across to St Mawes. There is a great little crazy golf place on the outskirts of Falmouth if you decide to drive down. And a massive Asda if you need groceries on your way back.
Fowey is lovely too, there is a nice little beach called readymoney cove with a little shop and toilets.
Most of the National trust properties are worth a visit.

As @Em308 said, go to Marazion and walk/take the boat over to St Michael's Mount! If you time it right, you can walk one way at low tide and get the boat the other way, which I bet the kids would love.

As a teenager doing a summer job, a DF from Cornwall was very confused and angry as to why they should be offered a day off in Looe for working an extra shift waiting tables at the weekend instead of being paid 😂

I think you are a bit confused. Cornwall and Devon aren’t a day trip away from each other. Especially not in the summer.

They are, it's not that bad.

I got to Exeter from Falmouth the other day in 1 hour 15 mins.

Bristol is only 2 hours 30.

St Austell is dire!
Personally, I don't understand the love for the Eden Project (especially at the price it charges!). I've been twice, once very shortly after it opened and again last year. Thoroughly underwhelmed on both occasions, and I like gardens etc.

Newquay zoo?
Trago Mills (bit of a weird hodge podge of a place but I loved it as a kid!)?
Padstow Sealife Safari boat ride gets good reviews? As does AK Wildlife cruises?
Camel creek Family Adventure Park?

Or head to Plymouth for the National Marine Aquarium?

Go to the Hidden Valley near Launceston, your kids will love it, as will you.

Others have made loads of suggestions :)

Just to add, I've just been to Looe beach and there are loads of people there. You can hire sunbeds and parasols.

Tintagel is very beautiful - amazing coastal walks too.

Lost gardens of heligan is nice.

Depends which bits - some patts are adjacent, but parts of Devon aren't a day trip from other parts of Devon imo! (Not an enjoyable one, anyway)

You need a prebooked ticket for St Michael's Mount in high season if you want to go to the castle. You can visit the village, but no dogs allowed anymore just in case it's relevant to anyone!

Goonhilly Earth Station closed to visitors 12yrs ago.

@ErrolTheDragon I follow them on Instagram, they see such am amazing variety of beasties! Loads of dolphins, whales and sunfish.

We loved Becky Falls when DS was small. The crabbing in Poole is really fun.

Sorry, Looe!