Ready to take your family to the beautiful South-East Cornwall?

6-Minute Read | by Naomi, Marketing Manager, Coast And Country Parks.

Here’s the thing about South East Cornwall; most people drive straight through it on the way to somewhere else. And honestly? We’re fine with that. It means the beaches are quieter, the villages are unspoilt, and the cream teas haven’t got a queue out the door.

If you’re looking for a family holiday that actually feels like a holiday and an escape, you’ve found the right corner of the country.

Where to Stay next?

Sometimes all you need is a couple of days to switch off, explore somewhere new, and enjoy a change of scenery (and some amazing food!)… With stunning coastlines, charming villages, scenic walks and family attractions right on your doorstep, Cornwall is made for short breaks – without needing to jump on a plane.

Pit Stop Glamping Pods provide a cosy, affordable base, giving you the freedom to spend less time travelling and setting up and more time making memories.

Tamar View Holiday Park, Gunnislake;

If Notter Bridge is the adventure base, Tamar View is the retreat. Perched above the Tamar Valley AONB with views that’ll make you want to never leave, it offers luxury lodges (most with private hot tubs), a beautiful natural setting, and that rare holiday park quality — total peace and quiet.

Luxury lodges with hot tubs and sweeping Tamar Valley views
Tamar Cottage sleeps 6 — perfect for larger families
30 minutes from Dartmoor and South East Cornwall’s best beaches

💡 Local tip: May and September are the sweet spot — warm, quieter, and the valley views at sunrise are genuinely worth setting an alarm for.

Book a at Tamar View

Notter Bridge Holiday Park — Saltash;

Set in the Cornish countryside just outside Saltash, Notter Bridge is a quiet, dog-friendly park with spacious lodges, glamping pods, and a genuinely lovely atmosphere. No arcade machines, no entertainment programme — just fields, fresh air, and a great location for getting out and exploring.

Lodges sleeping 4–6 and glamping pods from £72/night
On the A38 — 30 mins to Whitsand Bay, Kingsand, Polperro, and the Eden Project
Dog-friendly throughout — four-legged members of the family welcome

💡 Local tip: Notter Bridge is one stop on the Tamar Valley Line — named the UK’s most scenic train journey. Use it for a car-free day into Plymouth.

Discover Notter Bridge

Notter Bridge Intro to our Holiday Park Image

The Real Reason You’re Here

The Beaches…

South East Cornwall has some of the most beautiful and least crowded beaches in the county. The coastline has a beach for every kind of family day out. From the vast sands of Whitsand Bay and the charming shores of Kingsand & Cawsand, to the hidden beauty of Lantic Bay and the adventure-filled waters of Talland Bay, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Our Favourites…

Whitsand Bay — the big one;

Four miles of golden sand, dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear water make Whitsand Bay one of South East Cornwall’s most spectacular beaches. It’s a steep walk down, but every step is worth it.

Local tip: Park at Tregonhawke (PL10 1QX).

Kingsand & Cawsand;

The family favourite on the Rame Peninsula, these twin seaside villages share a sheltered beach with gentler waters, rock pools and plenty of charm. Perfect for younger children and relaxed days by the sea.

Lantic Bay — the hidden gem

A short walk rewards you with turquoise water, golden sand and a wonderfully peaceful beach. Bring a picnic and enjoy one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets.

Talland Bay — adventure spot

Tucked between Looe and Polperro, Talland Bay is ideal for kayaking, coastal walks and seaside cafés, making it a great choice for active family days out.

Things to Do (Beyond the Beach)…

Tamar Trails — Gunnislake

A brilliant network of walking and cycling trails through the Tamar Valley AONB, with bike hire available at the Trails Centre for all ages including little ones. The scenery is outstanding — ancient woodland, river views, and the occasional otter if you’re lucky. Combine with lunch at the Calstock Boathouse afterwards.

Visit Tamar Trails

[[File:Poole Park Railway "Howard" locomotive - September 2023 - 02.jpg|Poole_Park_Railway_"Howard"_locomotive_-_September_2023_-_02]]

Lappa Valley Steam Railway — St Newlyn East

Miniature steam trains, boating lakes, crazy golf, and a nature trail — Lappa Valley is a classic Cornish family day out that genuinely delivers. Smaller children go absolutely wild for it, and the friendly, unhurried atmosphere is a long way from the big commercial theme parks.

Visit Lappa Valley!

Camel Trail — Wadebridge to Padstow

Seventeen miles of flat, traffic-free cycling along a former railway line to Padstow harbour. The best way to do it is to start at Wadebridge and cycle to Padstow — arriving by bike to a harbour full of seafood restaurants feels like a proper reward. Bike hire available at both ends.

Visit Camel Trail

Eden Project — St Austell

Non-negotiable on any Cornwall family trip. The world’s largest indoor rainforest, an extraordinary Mediterranean biome, and enough interactive exhibits to keep even screen-addicted teenagers interested. Book online in advance — almost always cheaper and skips the gate queue.

Visit The Eden Project

Where to Eat…

A brief but important section, because eating well is half the point of a good holiday.

Breakfast — Village cafes in Kingsand and Cawsand for a proper Cornish start to the day. The Bay Restaurant in Cawsand opens early and does it well.
Lunch — A proper handmade Cornish pasty from a village bakery — non-negotiable. Or cycle the Camel Trail and finish with Rick Stein’s fish and chips on Padstow harbour. Both are excellent life choices.
Dinner — The Ship Inn and The Bay Restaurant in Kingsand/Cawsand for fresh seafood and proper Cornish pub atmosphere. For something more special, Looe and Fowey both have excellent restaurants and beautiful estuary settings.

💡 Local tip: Book evening tables in July and August. The best spots fill up — especially in Kingsand, Cawsand, and Fowey.

SE Lunch spots Cliff Top Cafe / Pasty Lunch

A Few Questions We Get Asked a Lot;

Frenquently asked questions….

Is South East Cornwall good for families?

It’s one of the best family destinations in the UK and remains genuinely underrated. Great beaches, brilliant activities, excellent food, and far fewer crowds than the rest of Cornwall. Once you’ve been, you’ll wonder why it took you so long.

When is the best time to visit with children?

May, June, and September are the sweet spot. Warm enough for the beach, quieter than peak summer, and often better value. July and August are brilliant too — just book early and head to the lesser-known beaches like Lantic Bay to dodge the crowds.

Where’s the best base for exploring South East Cornwall?

Notter Bridge Holiday Park is hard to beat; central, relaxed, dog-friendly, and within 30 minutes of almost everything in this guide. Tamar View is our pick if you want something more luxurious with stunning views.

Ready to Book?

We might be a little bit biased about South East Cornwall. But we’ve been welcoming families here for over 30 years, and we’ve never once had someone tell us they wished they’d gone somewhere else.

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