Rural activities and attractions in Cornwall

It is no secret that visitors flock to Cornwall to enjoy a holiday by the coast to explore many of the quaint seaside towns and relax on the sweeping beaches in the sun. However, even though the coast is sublime, there is much more to explore during your visit to holiday parks in Cornwall.

Being one of the counties that makes up the Westcountry, it will come as no surprise that there are some beautiful places to visit and see when you head inland, and sometimes these can be forgotten about due to the famous Cornish coast taking the limelight. With this in mind, we have picked out some of the best activities to enjoy when you head into more rural locations in Cornwall for those wishing to immerse themselves in the Cornish countryside.

The best rural activities in Cornwall:

• Dairyland Farm Park
• Golitha Falls
• Lappa Valley
• Bodmin Jail
• Lifton Strawberry Fields
• Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm

Dairyland Farm Park

For those looking for an authentic taste of the countryside, there is no better place to visit than Dairyland Farm Park just outside Newquay. With a great range of outdoor and indoor activities, you won’t have to worry if the weather is on the wet side for a fun day out.

From their own Dairy Land Bull Pen, which is an indoor soft play area for the little ones to enjoy, to their Cornish Life Museum, it is no wonder that this is one of the most popular places to visit for those looking for a taste of the countryside.

You will have the opportunity to get close and personal with farm animals in the hay barn and help bottle feed some of their baby animals, which younger children will love. There really is so much to see here, and it serves as an exciting place to spend the whole day during your visit to Cornwall.

Golitha Falls

Located in the mysterious landscape of Bodmin Moor, you will be able to find the Golitha Falls. These are a group of waterfalls and cascades incorporating water from the River Fowey as it winds through an ancient oak woodland. This part of Bodmin Moor is incredibly fairytale-esque, with ancient oak trees, babbling brooks, beautiful wildlife, and cascading waterfalls.

You can amble through the woodland whilst walking alongside the river, where you will come across craggy gorges and dramatic waterfalls that cascade into the river below. It is one of the most scenic locations on the moor and it will not disappoint. Visiting after a heavy bout of rain is one of the best times to see the falls, but it is wonderful any time of the year.

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Lappa Valley

A Perfect place for those visiting Cornwall with younger children, Lappa Valley is a great family day out. It really brings a nostalgic feel to those traditional attractions you visited all those years ago on your own holiday but now get to share it with your children.

You will be able to boat across the lake, try your hand on their adventure golf course and even explore the indoor soft-play area. However, the highlight of this attraction is the wide range of locomotives where you can find out their history and own personal story, so it is perfect for children who love their trains or for adults who want to brush up on some history.

With numerous train rides to enjoy, woodland walks and a café on site, you could easily spend the day seeing what Lappa Valley has to offer.

Bodmin Jail

For those who enjoy British history, a visit to Bodmin Jail should be at the top of your list of places to visit. Constructed in 1779 for King George III, this jail has a prominent role in Cornwall’s history. You will have a chance to walk through the jail and discover its interesting and gruesome history when walking through the corridors and grounds. The building showcases the dark yet rich legacy of Victorian and Georgian crime and punishment, and you will be immersed in the experience and be led on a pathway into the past.

Even though Bodmin Jail is a family attraction, certain parts may not be suitable for younger children, such as the Dark Walk experience, which is advised for those aged eight and above due to the effects, loud noises and gruesome stories that are told.

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Strawberry Fields

On the border of Devon and Cornwall, you will find one of the most prestigious farm shops in the area, Strawberry Fields. The reason this makes the list isn’t just down to their famous farm shop selling delicious local produce or their renowned onsite restaurant, even though these are both excellent, but the number of themed events and activities you can participate in throughout the year.

During the year, you will have the chance to explore their Maize Maze, pick your own strawberries, pumpkins, and tulips, as well as have a week dedicated to big machinery like tractors. Just check what’s on before arriving and book tickets in advance so you aren’t disappointed.

Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm

It is no secret that the Westcountry is famous for its cider production, and you can see how a real cider press works at Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm near Truro. You can explore where the famous Rattler Cyder is produced and how imagination and locally-grown apples all go into producing such a refreshing beverage.

There is an opportunity for the little ones to meet friendly farm animals, see how Cornish jam is made, and see how cider production has changed through time. If that isn’t exciting enough, then adults will get a chance to enjoy over 60 tastings in the Healeys Tasting Room.

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There is always something to see when visiting Cornwall, so it is always a great idea to see what’s on when you visit. Cornwall is incredibly proud of their rural roots, and you will often stumble upon events such as a vintage tractor rally, carnival or town celebration.

For more information on Cornwall and what to see and do during your stay, look at the rest of our blog.