Mid Cornwall - suggestions for days out please?

[PureAsTheColdDrivenSnow]

We're staying near Newquay at the end of May - so far we're planning on going to the aquarium, the zoo, the eden project and the lost gardens of heligan.

I was just wondering if anybody has tips for good places to eat in Newquay/Padstow area, places to visit that might not be on the normal tourist sites etc etc.

Also need ideas for rainy days.

thanks in advance

Try getting Kids Cornwall it has lots of ideas ( free and paying).They can be picked up in most places round the area - also waterstones in Truro.

Good idea, thank you

In Padstow, Rick Steins fish & chip takeaway is good, avoid all the tourist traps.
Take the ferry from there over to the beach at Rock for a picnic.

Eden is good for a wet day but bear in mind every other tourist will have the same idea!

If you are National Trust members, Llanhydrock House is worth a visit, just for the kitchens and nursery.

Bodmin steam railway.

And of course beaches, beaches and more beaches.

Tintagel is interesting, but the walk/climb is a bit much for really little DC.

Boscastle is nice to potter around.

I would highly recommend a visit to Lappa Valley steam railway which is very near Newquay.

Would second the suggestion of National trust places. They often have children's quizzes/trails and do nice lunches for adults and children. They are not that near Newquay unfortunately.
Glendurgan (Helford river) has a maze which children love. There is a good place near Penzance (can't remember the name). Also Llanhyrock.

CremeDeMenthe - Yes, I remember Tintagel from when I was a kid! I was about 12 I think and found the climb pretty scary. Would love to go back, but it'll have to wait a few years I think

We've been to Eden before - was a relaly sunny day when we went and it was OK. Hopefully things won't be too busy as it's before the half term break

Grenadine - I was wondering about Lappa Valley - it's definitely worth a trip then?

At this rate we're going to have to book another week just to get everything done!

so excited

National Maritime Museum in Falmouth is brilliant for a rainy day. Esp the basement room with underwater windows at high tide - dcs will stand in front of that for hours.

Mine also love Trebah Gardens - they always have trails for children to follow which get them walking all around without complaining, and there is a fantastic zip wire.

May is a great time of year to visit

how old are kids - lappa valley fantastic on a nice day for littlies

i wouldnt go to eden in the rain, but ok on a nice day.

some of the other gardens better though, glendurgan, trebah, heligan ... there are loads

flambards is quite a fun, low key amusement park

beaches, beaches, beaches - if good weather. we have had some lovely weather in the past in mid-may, and some horrendous weeks too.

the BT satellite place at goonhilly is good for a couple of hours depending on your kids and ages

if you have tesco vouchers look at where they can be used (eden, goonhilly, flambards, sea life, national maritime museum, probably more)

run run run along Perranporth Beach - it's VAST

take a bucket and crab line and check out the pools at the bottom of the cliffs

Padstow is nice - great food in The Ship (I think) and another big pub further round the harbour whose name escapes me but it's wear you can pick up the high speed launches (another great trip - £5 each out to the breakers - fantastic for kids over about age 5).

WHERE not wear! FGS

To answer your question about Lappa valley I would really recommend it. We have been back several times. You take a steam train 15 mins along the valley and then get to an area where you can take rides on 2 other trains (as many times as you want). There are also canoes you can paddle on the lake and there is a good adventure playground. Plus couple of go - karts and swing for toddlers, and finally crazy golf. The cafe is fine or you can take a picnic. There is always a lovely atmosphere there and we've never found it too crowded. Once you have paid the entry everything is pretty much included apart from food.

Some one mentioned the maritime museum in Falmouth. We've also been there and had a great day out. you can get a lift up to the look out tower and see the harbour. Then go down to the bottom and see under the water. There is a very nice cafe there and if you get a window seat the view is great. It is a good place to have in mind for a rainy day. It seemed quite expensive entry but you are given an annual pass so we managed to go three times within the year.

Thanks all so much - have so many places to visit now. Hopefully the weather will be fantastic and we'll be on the beach a lot.

Some excellent wet weather suggestions here too