Baby & Toddler-Friendly Holidays in Cornwall: Complete Guide

Holidays look a little different once a baby or toddler joins the family. Luckily, Cornwall has a way of making it easy with wide sandy beaches, gentle coastal walks and a relaxed pace of life that suits nap schedules.

Whether you're planning your very first holiday with a newborn or trying to keep a busy toddler entertained for a week, here's our guide to having a relaxing family-friendly break on the Cornish coast and why Bedruthan makes a perfect base for it.

Cornwall ticks a lot of boxes for parents with young children. The drive might feel long, but once you arrive, there's no need to go far. Many of the county's best family attractions, beaches and walks are close together, so you're not spending precious time in a car.

The abundance of outdoor space makes it ideal for little ones who need room to explore. And outside of the busiest school holiday weeks, Cornwall offers many quiet spots perfect for families.

Beach Days at Mawgan Porth

Mawgan Porth is one of the best family-friendly beaches in Cornwall. With rock pools to explore at low tide and plenty of space to set up camp for the day with a sun tent and a picnic. It’s just a short walk from the hotel, and it's perfect for little ones.

Coastal Walks

Toddlers love the excitement of the coast. Around Mawgan Porth there are gentle sections of the South West Coast Path that are manageable with little legs. Head north towards Bedruthan Steps for dramatic clifftop views or south towards Watergate Bay.

Soft Play for Rainy Days

Cornish weather isn't always predictable, so it's worth knowing where to head when the rain rolls in. Bedruthan's own Jungle Tumble Soft Play area is included for overnight guests, giving little ones somewhere to burn off energy while parents relax nearby, handy for keeping the holiday in high spirits whatever the forecast.

You're also welcome to use the Jungle Tumble if you're visiting for lunch or dinner.

Play Space Creche

Bedruthan's Play Space Creche offers supervised sessions with toys and activities. It's the perfect spot for children to play while parents enjoy a swim, a treatment, or a quiet coffee.

If your schedule allows you to visit outside the main school holidays, then this tends to be easier with very young children.

It’s not only quieter, but the weather is often still mild enough for plenty of outdoor time too. It also tends to mean better availability and value for family rooms.

That said, Cornwall in the summer holidays has its own perks too, with extra entertainment, craft sessions and activities for families throughout the school holidays.

A few essentials make a big difference when travelling with little ones. A pop-up sun shade or beach tent is ideal for naps and shade on the sand, while a sturdy buggy with all-terrain wheels makes coastal paths much easier going.

Don't forget sun cream, hats and swim nappies. A few familiar comforts, like a favourite blanket or toy, can also help little ones settle into a new place. It's worth packing layers since Cornish weather can change quickly.

When you're travelling with a baby or toddler, where you stay matters just as much as what you do. At Bedruthan, our family rooms are designed with little ones in mind, with plenty of room for cots and all the extra kit.

Our Family Time, You Time offer is built around giving parents the best of both worlds: time together as a family and a little time apart too, made even sweeter when under-3s go free!