Local Area · Family Days Out
Family days out, all within reach
From the Eden Project to a boat trip out of Padstow, some of Cornwall's best family attractions are an easy drive from the park — here's where to point the car.
A great base for exploring
One park, a whole coast of things to do
Atlantic Bays sits in the rolling countryside near Padstow, which puts a remarkable spread of North Cornwall’s family attractions within an easy day-trip. The beaches are minutes away, Padstow harbour is a short hop, and bigger days out like the Eden Project or Newquay’s aquarium and zoo are all comfortably there and back in a day.
Below are some of our favourites, with a rough idea of how far each one is. Distances and drive times are approximate, and opening times and prices change with the season — always check ahead before you set off.
Seven favourites
Days out the whole family will love
Rainy-day aquariums, big-domed gardens, animal parks, a flat estuary cycle trail and the beaches on the doorstep — there’s a day out here to suit every age and every kind of weather.
The Eden Project
Near St Austell · roughly a 35–40 minute drive
Cornwall's famous space-age biomes house a steamy rainforest and a Mediterranean garden under giant domes, surrounded by sweeping outdoor planting. There's plenty to keep children busy across a full day, from the canopy walkways to seasonal events.
- All-weather
- Full day
- Gardens & biomes
Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay
Newquay seafront · roughly a 25-minute drive
An underwater walkthrough tunnel brings you face to face with sharks, rays and tropical fish right on Newquay's seafront. It's compact, indoor and easy with younger children — a good rainy-day standby.
- All-weather
- Younger children
- Newquay
Newquay Zoo
Trenance Gardens, Newquay · roughly a 25-minute drive
Set in subtropical lakeside gardens, Newquay Zoo is home to lemurs, meerkats, big cats and more, with keeper talks and feeding times through the day. The adjoining Trenance Gardens add a boating lake and play areas for an easy half-day on top.
- Outdoors
- Animals
- Half to full day
The Camel Trail
Padstow to Wadebridge & beyond · trailhead a short drive away
A flat, traffic-free cycling and walking trail that follows the old railway line along the Camel Estuary. The Padstow-to-Wadebridge stretch is gentle and scenic — ideal for families, with cycle hire available in Padstow and Wadebridge.
- Free
- Cycling & walking
- Buggy-friendly
The Seven Bays
On the doorstep · most a 10-minute drive
The string of golden surf beaches around the park — Harlyn, Constantine, Treyarnon and more — make the simplest family day out of all: a bucket, a body-board and a low-tide rockpool. Several have surf schools for a first lesson.
- Free
- Beaches & surf
- On the doorstep
Padstow boat trips
Padstow harbour · roughly a 10-minute drive
From the working harbour at Padstow you can hop aboard a wildlife or sightseeing cruise, a self-drive boat hire or a mackerel-fishing trip out along the Camel Estuary. Times and operators vary by season, so check on the quayside.
- Seasonal
- On the water
- Padstow
Prideaux Place
Above Padstow · roughly a 10-minute drive
An Elizabethan manor house and deer park on the hill above Padstow, open to visitors in season with house tours, formal gardens and views over the estuary. A gentler, more historic day out when you fancy a change from the beach.
- Seasonal
- History & gardens
- Padstow
Drive times above are approximate guides only, and entry prices and opening hours vary by season and operator. It’s always worth checking each attraction’s own website before you travel.
Plan your day
Good to know
A few practical notes to help you make the most of family days out from Atlantic Bays.
Pick by the weather
Save the indoor attractions — the Blue Reef Aquarium and the Eden Project’s biomes — for the wetter days, and the beaches and the Camel Trail for the sunshine.
Book ahead in summer
The bigger attractions and boat trips get busy in the school holidays. Pre-booking tickets online often saves both time and money.
Leave the car behind
The Camel Trail is flat and traffic-free, with cycle hire in Padstow and Wadebridge — a lovely, low-cost day out for families of mixed ages and abilities.
Make the most of the doorstep
The simplest day out is the one nearest the park — a low-tide beach with a bucket and a body-board. See our guide to the Seven Bays.
Stay here to explore
Base yourself in the heart of North Cornwall
With the beaches, Padstow and Cornwall’s best family attractions all within reach, Atlantic Bays makes the perfect base for a week of days out — in a lodge, a cabin or your own pitch. Check live availability for your dates, or call the team and they’ll help you find the right stay.