Fun-filled days out near Newquay

From local gems to iconic attractions a little further afield, Newquay and Cornwall are packed with places you’ll love. Think hands-on learning, time in nature and plenty of opportunities to play, explore and discover together. For inspiration during your stay, here are some of our favourite days out.

Lappa Valley

Just outside Newquay lies Lappa Valley, a hidden world of trains and play. Hop aboard a train from the car park and journey through the Cornish countryside into a 35-acre adventure park. With boating lakes, adventure golf, indoor and outdoor play areas, woodland walks and plenty of space to roam, it’s a full day of family fun. Refuel at the Engine Shed before heading home.

Don’t miss events running at full steam throughout 2026:

14TH MARCH | Cornwall Air Ambulance Charity Day

A special day supporting Lappa Valley’s charity of the year and sharing their incredible work.

3RD – 6TH APRIL | Easter Weekend

Celebrate Easter at Lappa Valley, with lots of fun activities, an Easter Egg Hunt and their famous Duck Races!

11TH – 12TH APRIL | Bluey at Lappa Valley

Come and meet Bluey at intervals throughout the day.

13TH – 14TH JUNE | Grand Gala Weekend

Featuring special services and visiting locomotives. Keep an eye on the website for announcements.

4TH – 5TH JULY | Ellie’s 20th Birthday

Join us in celebrating the 20th birthday of Ellie, one of Lappa Valley’s hard-working steam locomotives, with special services across the weekend.

25TH – 26TH OCTOBER | PAW Patrol’s Chase at Lappa Valley

Come and meet Chase from PAW Patrol at intervals throughout the day.

30TH – 31ST OCTOBER | Lappa Valley Fireworks Spectacular

See Lappa Valley’s famous fireworks, where their historic 19th Century Engine House is brought alive with a dazzling display! Advanced booking only for this event.

St Newlyn East, Newquay, TR8 5LX

lappavalley.co.uk

01872 510317

Cornwall Gold

Get to know our region’s iconic history with a creative, hands-on day out at Cornwall Gold. Discover Cornish jewellery, explore the free interactive Tolgus Exhibition and learn about Cornwall’s tin-mining past. Design your own jewellery, try gold panning, paint pottery and enjoy a bite to eat at the award-winning Cornish Pantry, where breakfast is even served on a shovel! For a lovely walk, head out on the flat, pushchair-friendly 2.2-mile Tolgus Trail between Portreath and Cornwall Gold.

New Portreath Road, Redruth, TR16 4HN

cornwall-gold.com

01209 203280

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Once a long-forgotten estate, Heligan spans 200 acres of woodlands, exotic planting and heritage gardens, offering a magical day out for families and nature lovers alike. Explore the Productive Garden, stroll through the Pleasure Grounds, spot iconic sculptures along the Woodland Walk, and keep a look out for wildlife in the Lost Valley. Little adventurers will love the Play Meadow, Buggingham Palace and Home Farm animals. Down in the subtropical Jungle, pick your way across the Burmese Rope Bridge and marvel at awe-inspiring views as you pass clustered bamboo, glassy ponds and towering palms.

Pentewan, St Austell, PL26 6EN

heligan.com

01726 845100

Eden Project

One of Cornwall’s most iconic attractions, the Eden Project offers year-round discovery. Explore the Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes, roam the outdoor gardens and have fun in the natural adventure play areas.

From family-friendly trails to landmark celebrations, the Eden Project has a packed calendar of events throughout 2026:

FEBRUARY HALF TERM | The Scarecrows’ Wedding

Julia Donaldson’s much-loved story comes to life at Eden this February half term. Launching on Valentine’s Day, families are invited to help scarecrows Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay prepare for their big day, with interactive trails through the gardens and Biomes, creative workshops and plenty of dancing along the way.

MARCH | Eden Turns 25

March marks 25 years since the Eden Project opened to visitors. Built in a former clay pit, Eden has welcomed millions to its iconic Biomes, hosted world-class events, pioneered sustainability projects and inspired generations through education and community initiatives.

EASTER | Giant Marble Run

Just in time for Easter, a giant wooden marble run will wind through the gardens. Visitors can rent or buy a handcrafted marble and follow its journey across carved gullies and elevated tracks – a playful way to explore the site this spring.

MAY | RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Eden returns to Chelsea Flower Show with the Bring Me Sunshine Garden, celebrating renewal, nature and youth creativity. Inspired by Morecambe’s coastal landscape, the garden will later be relocated as part of the Eden Project Morecambe story.

JUNE – JULY | Eden Sessions

Celebrating its 150th show, the Eden Sessions return with another summer of live music beneath the Biomes. Acts announced include Snow Patrol, Pixies, Becky Hill, Bastille and The Maccabees.

For specific event dates, please check the Eden Project website. Admission prices and local passes apply throughout the year.

Bodelva, PL24 2SG

edenproject.com

01726 811972

Nearby to Newquay

Newquay Zoo

A firm family favourite, Newquay Zoo is home to over 100 species from around the world. Walk through the free-flying bird exhibit, stop by the tropical house, listen in to daily ranger talks, and catch feeding time for some truly up-close encounters. With outdoor play areas for little explorers and subtropical gardens to enjoy, there’s lots to discover at Newquay Zoo.

Trenance Gardens, Newquay, TR7 2LZ

newquayzoo.org.uk

01637 873342

Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay

Dive beneath the waves without getting your feet wet. Blue Reef Aquarium is home to hundreds of fascinating sea creatures across 40 themed habitats. Travel from the Cornish coast to tropical rivers and icy seas, wander through the ocean tunnel and learn about marine life along the way, with daily talks and feeding sessions throughout the day.

Towan Promenade,

Newquay, TR7 1DU

bluereefaquarium.co.uk

01637 878134