We are lucky to have so many attractions to enjoy all year round - here are just a few of our recommendations within a short drive of the farm.
Family Friendly
Good for young children, but not very pushchair friendly so pack the baby carrier for this one. It has been described as a nice walk spoiled by gnomes! so get into the spirit and make sure to wear the gnome hats provided (sense of humour essential!). A nice woodland walk with a wild flower garden and tea rooms and also not too pricey.
Launceston Steam Railway & New Mills Farm Park (15 miles)
Although only a small section of line, for the ticket price you can ride back and towards all day if you want! Most visitors also combine their visit with a trip to New Mills Farm Park at the end of the train line which is popular with younger children.
Often overlooked in favour of some of the bigger attractions, this discovery park near Launceston is great for older children. Follow the trails and clues whilst exploring the quirky gardens and hobbit houses, get lost in the maze and try the tricky challenges in the forbidden mansion! Warning - this will give your brain a work out as well as your legs!
A bit further away, but well worth the journey. If you have a dinosaur mad child (like us) then this has to be on your to-do list! My personal favourites are the sealions but there are many animals to see including lions and wolves (not to mention all the dinosaur statues). Philip's favourite of course is the animatronic T-Rex! An indoor play area means you can rest with a coffee whilst the kids burn off a bit more energy!
Rainy Day Recommendations
One of our favourites and suitable for kids of all ages, The Milky Way is one of the top attractions in the SW. Lots of indoor attractions and activites including softplay and dodgems as well as outdoor rides and a falconry show. There are always lots of special events throughout the year, especially during school holidays. For older kids, why not try the watersports at North Devon Wake Park next door.
Not just for the kids and all undercover, this is a great choice for the whole family to enjoy. Save up your pennies and tuppences before you visit to play the old slot machines and enjoy all the beautifully restored vintage fairground rides. Book tickets online for the best price, but kids also get in free in October half term if they are wearing fancy dress.
With indoor and outdoor play areas, animal barn and games arcade, Trethorne is a good place when the weather's not so kind. You can also book ten pin bowling or enjoy a ride on the dodgems whilst you're there.
History & Culture
The remains of a medieval moated manor near Week St Mary, Penhallam is a lovely, peaceful (& free!) place to enjoy a walk and indulge in a little bit of history.
The remains of this Norman Castle tower over the ancient capital of Cornwall and can be seen from miles around. Make sure you climb up to the very top for an amazing view of the surroundings. Whilst in Launceston, you can also visit the free Laurence House Museum.
Famous for King Arthur, the ruins at Tintagel are on most visitors to do list. The spectacular new bridge means you don't have to climb up so many steps, but you do still have to go back down them! If the tide is out, then make sure you go and find Merlin's cave. In peak season, its best to prebook a timed ticket if you want to go over the bridge, out of main season, if you get there early you can usually buy a ticket on the day. The bridge is closed in high winds so check the weather forecast before you book
As well as Tintagel if you are a King Arthur fan, a trip to the Arthurian Centre near Camelford should be on your list.
A historical attraction that the kids will enjoy too! Find out about the areas mining heritage and Victorian history. The mine train ride is worth the extra fee. The beautiful National Trust property of Cothele nearby is also worth a visit at the same time - especially at Christmas when they have their spectacular Christmas garland on display.
The Great Outdoors
These popular waterfalls are set in a woodland glade on the outskirts of Tintagel. They look their best when there's been lots of rain, but the paths can get muddy so bring your wellies (you can also paddle in the waterfall). The parking area is small and gets full quickly so best to get there early to get a space. The beautiful fishing harbour at Boscastle is a must see on the way back to the farm too.
The dramatic coastline at Hartland peninsula provides some beautiful scenery and challenging walking along the coast path here. Hartland Quay is a good place to start a walk, with a smuggling museum and hotel for lunch! If you want a less strenuous walk then visit the gardens at Hartland Abbey. Recently featured on CBBC as 'Malory Towers', the abbey and gardens have been used many times as film & TV locations. You can explore the gardens all the way to the secluded Blackpool beach, where you may recognise the cottage from The Night Manager and Sense & Sensibility.
With 65 acres of beautiful gardens set in the beautiful Torridge valley, Rosemoor is a must see for garden enthusiasts. There are many different gardens making up the whole of the site including the largest Rose collection in the South West. Family themed trails and activities as well as many events throughout the year mean there is always something new to see and do. The winter sculpture exhibition and illuminations are a particular highlight.
Following the old railway line from Braunton near Barnstaple to Merton near Hatherleigh, the Tarka trail is a 30 mile cycling & walking route which can be enjoyed as a whole day trip or just in small sections. The southern section passes through wooded valleys and farmland, whilst the northern section follows a more coastal route.
We like to start midway at The Puffing Billy at Torrington (18 miles), where there is bike hire and a lovely cafe.
**NB not all attractions will be fully open due to Coronavirus restrictions and most will require pre-booking. Please see individual attraction websites for full information **
For more ideas see our previous blog posts...
Comentarios