One of the best things about staying at our cottages is that you never have to travel far to create unforgettable family memories.
Whether your children love beaches, rock pooling, wildlife, adventure parks, woodland walks or getting creative on rainy days, Portreath is perfectly placed to enjoy some of Cornwall’s very best family attractions.
Here’s our guide to keeping children aged 5-12 entertained all summer long.
Spend the Day at Portreath Beach
No family holiday in Portreath is complete without a day (or several!) on the beautiful beach.
Just a short stroll from your cottage, the golden sandy beach is perfect for:
- Building enormous sandcastles
• Bodyboarding and surfing
• Rock pooling at low tide
• Beach cricket and football
• Hunting for shells
• Watching the surfers ride the Atlantic waves
The gently shelving sand makes it ideal for family beach days, while older children will love trying bodyboarding or beginner surfing.
Top Tip:
Arrive early on sunny days and don’t forget buckets, spades and a picnic.
The sunsets here are spectacular too if little ones can stay awake long enough.
Nearby you’ll also find Portreath Harbour, where children love watching fishing boats come and go, and spotting crabs in the harbour walls.
Go Rock Pooling
Cornwall has some of the best rock pools in the country.
At low tide around Portreath Beach you’ll discover:
- Tiny crabs
• Anemones
• Limpets
• Starfish (if you’re lucky)
• Small fish
• Sea snails
Bring a small net and bucket (remembering to carefully return everything afterwards) and you’ll have budding marine biologists entertained for hours.
Walk to Basset’s Cove
For adventurous families, the walk to Basset’s Cove along the South West Coast Path is a real hidden gem.
Older children love the sense of adventure as the dramatic cliffs reveal a secluded cove below.
Keep an eye out for:
- Seals
• Dolphins (occasionally)
• Seabirds
• Wildflowers
• Incredible coastal views
It feels like discovering your own secret Cornish beach.
Hunt for Crabs Around the Harbour
Sometimes the simplest activities create the biggest smiles.
A bucket, a line and a little patience are all that’s needed for an afternoon of crabbing around Portreath Harbour.
Children absolutely love lowering their lines over the harbour walls before carefully releasing their catches back into the water.
Learn to Surf
Portreath has become one of Cornwall’s favourite surfing beaches for families.
If your children have always wanted to learn, the summer holidays are the perfect opportunity.
Most lessons include:
- Wetsuit hire
• Surfboard hire
• Qualified instructors
• Small group sessions
• Plenty of fun!
Explore Cornwall Gold
Just five minutes from Portreath you’ll find Cornwall Gold.
This makes a fantastic half-day out and offers much more than shopping.
Children can enjoy:
- Panning for gold
• Treasure hunts
• Jewellery demonstrations
• Interactive exhibits
• Ice cream
• Family-friendly cafés
It’s educational without ever feeling like a lesson.
Get Active at Base Camp
If the weather isn’t behaving, head to Base Camp.
Children can burn off plenty of energy with climbing, soft play and indoor activities, making it an excellent rainy-day option.
Parents can enjoy a coffee while the children explore.
Meet the Animals at Paradise Park
Around 20 minutes away, Paradise Park and JungleBarn Cornwall remains one of Cornwall’s favourite family attractions.
Expect:
- Penguins
• Red pandas
• Otters
• Flamingos
• Tropical birds
• Huge indoor JungleBarn play area
• Daily animal talks
Perfect if you’re looking for a full day’s adventure.
Discover the Tolgus Trail
The nearby Tolgus Trail is ideal for curious young explorers.
This easy walk introduces families to Cornwall’s fascinating mining history while weaving through beautiful countryside.
Children often enjoy spotting wildlife along the way while learning about the county’s rich industrial heritage.
Rainy Day Fun
Cornish weather can be unpredictable, but that simply means discovering somewhere new.
Great rainy-day options nearby include:
- Roarsome Play Cornwall
• Locked In – Escape Rooms Cornwall (ideal for older children)
• Pottery painting studios in nearby Hayle
• Local swimming pools
• Family cafés with board games
Ride a Steam Train
Around 35 minutes away, Lappa Valley offers one of Cornwall’s most magical family days out.
Children can enjoy:
- Miniature steam trains
• Adventure play areas
• Boating lake
• Mini golf
• Woodland walks
It’s particularly popular with primary school-aged children.
Woodland Adventures
Need a quieter day?
Explore nearby woodland trails where children can:
- Build dens
• Spot butterflies
• Collect leaves
• Create nature art
• Hunt for fairy doors
Sometimes the best adventures cost absolutely nothing.
Beach Olympics
Why not organise your own family Beach Olympics?
Think:
- Sandcastle competitions
• Relay races
• Frisbee
• Treasure hunts
• Beach cricket
• Stone balancing
The wide sands at Portreath provide the perfect playground.
Ice Cream Stops
No Cornish holiday is complete without regular ice cream breaks.
After a day exploring, reward everyone with locally made Cornish ice cream while sitting beside the harbour watching the waves roll in.
Sometimes those quiet moments become the memories children remember most.
Make the Most of Cornwall
Portreath also makes an ideal base for exploring some of Cornwall’s biggest family attractions.
Within an hour you’ll find:
- Camel Creek Family Adventure Park
• The Eden Project
• Newquay Zoo
• Blue Reef Aquarium
• Land’s End
• Seal sanctuaries
• Historic castles
• Adventure playgrounds
• Woodland gardens
The beauty is that you can enjoy a busy day exploring before returning to the peace and quiet of Portreath each evening.
One of the reasons families return to Smugglers Cove Cottages year after year is because there’s something here for everyone.
Children can spend their days exploring beaches, discovering wildlife and making lifelong memories, while parents enjoy slowing down, breathing in the sea air and embracing everything that makes Cornwall so special.
Whether you’re chasing waves, searching rock pools, discovering hidden coves or simply enjoying fish and chips on the harbour wall, Portreath offers the kind of traditional family holiday that’s becoming increasingly hard to find.
We can’t wait to welcome you this summer and help you discover your own Cornish adventures.
