What To Do During The Summer Holidays In Cornwall

Murder Mystery Trains

Where: 40 minutes drive from The Alverton

Who’s in the mood for solving a mystery? This summer, drama is unfolding on a steam train at Bodmin and Wenford Railway. Sit back and watch the plot twists unravel, as you try to identify the murderer on the train. Crack the puzzle whilst munching on a Cornish pasty at this interactive evening.

Tickets include your steam train journey, murder mystery entertainment and a Cornish pasty supper. There is also a bar on board for drinks and refreshments. Will you be the next Sherlock Holmes or Jessica Fletcher?

📷: Bodmin and Wenford Railway

Swim Safe Lessons with RNLI and Swim England

Where: Marazion, Falmouth, Newquay, St Ives, Looe and Bude

If you’re spending the summer holidays in Cornwall, chances are a trip to the seaside is on the itinerary. The RNLI and Swim England have teamed up to offer free Swim Safe sessions around Cornwall. These fun and interactive hour-long sessions will teach children vital water safety skills, preparing them for what to do if they, or someone else, got into difficulty in the water. These sessions are totally free and are offered in a wide range of venues up and down the county.

📷: Swim Safe

Heligan Summer Buzz

Where: 30 minute drive from The Alverton

Get outdoors with the whole family at The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Let your little ones run wild amongst the beautiful flowers, as they follow their Heligan Summer Buzz booklet to explore the magnificent Heligan estate, learning all about nature.

Breathe in sweet summer scents and admire the insects and their importance in pollination, especially the bees and butterflies. Explore insects in the macro photography mini exhibition, take aim like a bee and throw your pollen balls into the safety of your honeycomb, and dance to the beat of nature in Heligan’s first ever Bugtastic Silent Disco.

📷: The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Earth Story at The Eden Project

Where: 40 minute drive from The Alverton

Journey into the past of our magnificent planet Earth, and discover the evolution of life as we know it at the Eden Project this summer. Learn about the Earth’s astonishing past, its precarious present and potential future that is ours to shape.

Stumble across weird and wonderful creatures in an immersive exhibition, set off on a VR safari, and enjoy storytelling, science workshops, family games, trails and much more! A day out for the whole family that is both educational and a lot of fun.

📷: The Eden Project

Summer of Archery

Where: 20 minute drive from The Alverton

Take your aim at an archery class in the historical grounds of National Trust Trerice. Whether you’re an experienced archer or want to learn a new skill, the archery sessions are included in the admission price and free to join in. Grab a bow and arrow and hit the bullseye!

📷: National Trust Trerice

Truro Cathedral Summer of Fun

Where: 10 minute drive from The Alverton

If you’re in Truro with the kids, pop into the cathedral between 11am-2pm for arts and crafts activities. Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the summer holidays, starting on 29th July, there’s different messy table activities for all to enjoy.

From dove finger puppets to sailboat models, or lion trinket pots, the catherdral is encouraging creativity within children. Entry to the cathedral and use of the messy tables is free; however the cathedral accepts donations big or small gratefully.

📷: Truro Cathedral

Treasure Island Summer of Activities

Where: 1 hour drive from The Alverton

There are lots going on across the sea at Cornwall’s famous St Michael’s Mount. Catch a boat in high tide or stroll across the causeway in low tide to the majestic Mount in Marazion. Be inspired by the history of the Mount, join in with crafts and take home your own treasure to keep, a lovely souvenir from this local landmark.

📷: St Michael’s Mount

Camelford Agricultural Show

Where: 1 hour drive from The Alverton

This year is the 113th Camelford Agricultural Show. This rural tradition is a great day out for the whole family. Livestock is at the heart of the show, with a grand parade and lots of prizes to be won. Discover aritsan crafts and local produce at the trade stands, as well as plenty of entertainment for children.

📷: Camelford Show

Teddy Bear Picnic

Where: 30 minutes drive from The Alverton

The teddy bears of Cornwall love a good picnic! Head to Wheal Martyn for an afternoon of games, squash and biscuits with your favourite teddy bear companions. You can bring along your own picnic basket or buy a picnic box from the cafe. This adorable day out is a lovely way to send your children back to school with a smile on their faces.