Free Things To Do In Cornwall With Kids

Ah, Cornwall! Just hearing the name brings to mind visions of golden beaches, imposing cliffs, and that invigorating salty sea breeze. It’s an idyllic setting for countless seaside activities, especially when you’re looking for free things to do in Cornwall with kids. What could be more quintessentially Cornish than crabbing?

Despite my long-standing fascination, it wasn’t until recently that I took the plunge. With my best friend by my side, our eager kids in tow, and a mix of excitement and apprehension about handling our soon-to-be crustacean friends, we embarked on this adventure. And let’s just say, the experience was unforgettable, as this hilarious video clearly shows. LOL.

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The Setting: Padstow Harbour

While Cornwall boasts hundreds of picturesque locations for crabbing, we chose Padstow Harbour for our adventure. With its quintessential Cornish charm, it was the perfect backdrop for my long-awaited crabbing debut.

Since it was my first time, I had no idea what to bring. Thankfully, my seasoned crabber of a best friend came prepared. Buckets? Check. Crabbing lines? Check. Bait? Bacon, obviously. LOL

Crabbing in Cornwall

I’ll be honest; I was initially scared. The idea of a crab clamping down on my fingers wasn’t particularly appealing. I squealed – more than once as I tried to pick up the crabs from the bucket. My friend and the kids found my squeamishness hilarious.

I finally found the courage to pick up a baby crab, LOL. Sure, it took me some time to get there, but I was officially a crabber, or at least, a beginner one.

The best part about crabbing is that it’s free and accessible. You can enjoy this activity anywhere along the beautiful coast of Cornwall. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to engage kids in a hands-on learning experience about marine life. You might just discover a new hobby, or at the very least, have a good laugh at your own squeamishness. Like I did. LOL.

Top Free Things to do in Cornwall with Kids

Discover the top 10 free activities for kids in the enchanting landscapes of Cornwall, where adventure and exploration await at every turn:

Rock Pooling at Gwithian Towans: Uncover the hidden marine life in Cornwall’s rock pools, a perfect blend of education and fun.

Hiking the South West Coast Path: Immerse in breathtaking views and spot local wildlife on this scenic coastal trail.

Exploring Tintagel Castle Ruins: Dive into the legend of King Arthur and let the ancient ruins spark your children’s imagination.

Beach Day at Porthcurno: Build sandcastles, paddle in the turquoise waters, and enjoy a classic beach day.

Bodmin Moor Adventures: Discover the rugged beauty of Bodmin Moor, with its vast landscapes perfect for a family picnic and exploration.

Stargazing at Bodmin Dark Sky Reserve: Experience the wonder of the night sky in one of Cornwall’s designated dark sky areas.

The Camel Trail: Bike or walk this scenic route, taking in the diverse landscapes from Bodmin to Padstow.

Visiting St. Michael’s Mount: At low tide, walk across the causeway to this iconic island and explore the medieval pathways.

Falmouth Maritime Museum (Free Entry for Kids): While there’s a charge for adults, kids can enter for free and learn about Cornwall’s rich maritime history.

Geocaching Across Cornwall: Turn a hike into a treasure hunt by geocaching, a modern-day twist on exploration that’s perfect for tech-savvy kids.

Cornwall offers a plethora of free activities that promise to keep the little ones entertained while creating lasting family memories amidst its stunning natural beauty.

Take a read of these things to do in Cornwall. Why not watch people crabbing on the harbour from the Padstow web cams, take a Padstow boat trip or read about our Padstow Sealife Safaris experience seeing dolphins and seals. Also, don’t forget to explore the top things to do in Padstow for the ultimate day out!