ASD friendly activities in Cornwall?

[kerpob]

Hi anyone recommend days out for twin DS aged 8 and NT DD aged 10? We're going the first week in July - I figure the Eden project is a must so any ideas how to manage that would be greatly appreciated. I've had a look at the website for Newquay Zoo - not sure how long that would keep us occupied for? Any thoughts on that or generally? Thanks

Crealy, Eden project, national trust places (both my dd's love these but we havn't been to any in cornwall), both dd's love newquay (the beaches are fab and in town there is a bouncy castle and a few little rides), plymouth aquarium (marine aquarium) is nice but parking is tricky, both my dd's loved it though as they have a huge tank (like a cinema screen).

Also 'Flambards' is quite good for a small(ish) theme park.

Jamaica inn and golitha falls are worth a stop off on the way to newquay , golutha falls is free and a beautiful place for a walk and a picnic. Paradise park is lovely and not so busy as newquay zoo. The beaches are ace in Cornwall (we live in devon and go there a lot). You could try some smaller less crowded beaches like Cranbrook which is good, holywell bay is lovely and has a lovely restaurant on the beach. Penzance is nice

The Eden project do special priced tickets for the evenings in the summer, not sure if it is in term time though have a look at the website. I think you can go in from 3pm and it is much quieter. You don't get as long obviously but you don't stand in queues either. Although hopefully it wont be too busy in term time. We are going the week after.

Dairy Land near Newquay is a great day out with indoor and outdoor acitivities.

As is the Milky Way but that might be too far for you.

Good luck, have a fab time

Many thanks - we're from NI and our kids finish last week in June so I think we will be there when English kids still at school - so maybe 3pm onwards at Eden might be an idea - will look into the rest of the suggestions - many thanks!

Have just checked and the evening tickets are only in the school hoildays. Still it shouldnt be too busy when you go.

I meant crantock not Cranbrook!

Oooh, chundle Is that the one with the steps??

I think I have been there, if its the one I am thinking of it has amazing rock pools.

Is there any parking?

sorry for the hijack kerpob.

We are staying at the river dart this year but have spent many great holidays in and around padstow.

If you havent been to Padstow it is worth a visit for a mooch round the shops and harbour on a dull day. Great pasties and ice creams and crabbing in the harbour.

I wish I was there now, Dd1 is and I am jealous.

Yes its got some steps down to it. Constantine is also a lovely beach. You could book them on a surfing lesson lots of the surfing schools teach SN kids and are very good

Hi

I live in Cornwall and have a sin with GDD and some sensory issues. I second the beach recommendations above and the Aquarium which both my sons ( and I love). We also like the Barbican area of Plymouth and the Hoe. We go to Cardinham Woods near Bodmin a fair amount as it never gets too busy and has lots of walks, a play area and great cafe. If it's outside of term time the Tamar Valley Donkey Park is good in the mornings as it's often very quiet it soft play indoors too.

One word about Eden though my son found the heat in the tropical biome quite hard to deal with.

Eden project is great but ditto what hanbee said the heat is uncomfortable at times so take plenty to drink. Also its quite a walk down to some of the biomes so if your little one is not keen on walking I would think on a buggy.

Paradise Park is brill with no escape routes! Has shows and indoor soft and charging around play too. I was not keen on Newquay Zoo as when we went there were hardly any animals about Marine Aquarium is great. Paignton Zoo in Devon was a nice little zoo but have not been there for a while.

My ASD boys ADORED Hidden Valley last year (near Tintagel). Follow clues as you go around, solving puzzles, codes etc.
If they like animals, mine also all really enjoyed Springfield Pony Centre (nearer Newquay I think), pay for rides as you go - between about £1-3 depending on length. They let my 9 year old ride last year (but not sure about a 10yr old).
One of the National Trust gardens my boys particularly like, it has a good maze in it and leads down to a beach, begins with a 'T' but can't remember the name. Mine are quite history obsessed and like lots of the NT properties, Trerice often has lots of children activities e.g brass rubbing, musical instruments to try. Lanhydrock has a vintage car that you can use as a taxi service to the house - do some good special events where all the staff are dressed up and totally in character.
Lost gardens of Heligan were also good, lots of paths, play parks and space to run!

The other hit place for mine is Morwellham Quay (technically Devon, and again history based) depends if they don't mind noise but there is a train ride down a mine - my older AS boy loved it, the younger (5) was terrified.

Cotehele House (NT again) loads of outdoor stuff (gardens, a tower, quay, water mill, woods) as well as going around the house.

Yes, they like train rides, like miniature trains and the bigger ones too. Thanks to everyone - should be a full weeks activities!

If they like trains, then Lappa Valley is well worth a visit. Lots of activities to do once you are there and different areas to explore.

You can hire bikes in Wadebridge and cycle the Camel Trail - rather than head towards Padstow though, go towards Bodmin as this is much quieter. You can stop at the tea rooms at Nanstallon for refreshments, or at the Borough Arms on route.

Watergate Bay is an amazing beach, and The Beach Hut is recommended for any refreshments.

Another recommendation for Cardinham Woods and also St Endellion Strawberry Farm is well worth a visit for a good play area and great cream teas.

Waterworld in Newquay is good, and Newquay Zoo is a lovely small zoo which we never tire of.

On a wet day, you could go to Kidzworld at St Austell for indoor soft play and they also have a new outdoor area with dodgems etc that is really good.

There are also lots of geocaches to discover all over Cornwall.