Occasionally it's okay to leave Porthleven! Over the years we've found a whole bunch of family activities for kids and here are a few of our favourites.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is a unique and educational experience for kids and families. Located near the charming village of Gweek in the Helford Estuary, this rescue center is home to a variety of fascinating animals, including Grey Seals, Common Seals, Patagonian Sea Lions, Penguins, Beavers, Goats, Sheep, and Ponies.
At the Sanctuary, visitors will learn about the rescue stories of the animals and see them up close in their natural habitats. Kids can observe the seals in the water, watch the sea lions bask in the sun, and see the penguins waddling around. The sanctuary provides a hands-on learning experience that is both fun and educational, making it a perfect day out for families. With so many different species to discover, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is sure to spark children's curiosity and imagination.
Greek is about a 25 minute drive from Porthleven.
Roskilly's farm is a must-visit for families looking for a fun and educational day out in the countryside. With a mile of easy walking paths, visitors can explore the farm, its ponds, and Old Withy Woods. The farm is home to a variety of farmyard animals, including calves, quail, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and turkeys, which can be seen in the fields by the car park.
One of the highlights of a visit to Roskilly's is the Croust House Restaurant and the ice cream parlor, where you can taste the farm's delicious flavored ice creams made on-site. The farmhouse is also worth a visit, as it's where the Roskilly family lives. The Secret Shed, where the ice cream, fudge, and other products are made, is another must-see, even if you can only look over the hedge.
At the Milking Parlor, visitors can see the calves and watch the milking between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM, as well as learn about the process of making ice cream. The farm also offers woodland walks and a chance to explore Roskilly's ponds. With so much to see and do, a visit to Roskilly's is sure to be a memorable experience for kids and families.
For more information, visit www.rosklillys.co.uk or contact them at 01326 280479 or info@rosklillys.co.uk.
Flambards Theme Park is located just a 5 minute drive away from Porthleven in Helston, Cornwall. A family fun day out in Cornwall with plenty of great things to do, it's the perfect location for those looking for a unique experience. With its close proximity to Porthleven, visitors can easily combine a visit to both destinations for a fun-filled day.
Flambards offers a range of thrilling rides for adrenaline junkies, such as the Hornet Rollercoaster, SkyRaker twisting drop ride, Thunderbolt, and Space Race dark ride. Family fun is also on offer, with traditional rides in Ferdi's Funland including the Teacups and Space Shuttles. Young families will also love exploring the Wild West on the Western Mine Train and discovering dinosaurs in the Jurassic Journey. The park also features award-winning indoor attractions such as the Victorian Village, Britain in the Blitz, and Pioneers of Flight. With the purchase of a day ticket, visitors can also get free entry a second time.
Escape rooms are an immersive and interactive form of entertainment where participants solve puzzles, crack codes, and find combinations within a set time to escape a themed room. They are a fun and challenging way to spend time with friends and family, as players work together to escape.
The rooms at Cornwall's Great Escape Rooms in Helston are designed for players 7 years and over, making them a great option for families. The rooms are designed to be immersive and exciting, taking players on a journey for around 60 minutes. They are also dog-friendly, so players don't have to leave their furry friends behind. Escape rooms provide a unique form of entertainment that offers a break from screens and devices and encourages teamwork and communication.
These rooms are located right on the high street in Helston and the last time we went, we walked there (about 45 minutes) and took the bus back. Great day out.
Granite Planet is a climbing center located in Penryn, about a 25-minute drive from Porthleven. It offers climbing for all levels, with over 140 climbing routes, a traverse room, and a bouldering cave. The wall has 40 top ropes and can accommodate climbers up to 8 meters in height. The facility also provides opportunities to practice leading, with a placed protection wall and various hand and finger jamming spaces.
Granite Planet offers a range of activities for children, including clubs for kids from 5-7 and 8 years and up, taster sessions for families or groups of friends, induction courses for indoor climbing, and indoor lead courses for advanced climbers. The center also offers birthday parties and courses in rock climbing, leading, and the National Indoor Climbing Achievement Scheme.
There are also kids clubs during school holidays.
The climbing routes at Granite Planet range in difficulty from 3a to 8a, with 10% of the routes changing every month. The facility offers a guide book with diagrams and descriptions of the routes, including boulder routes that range from grade 3 font to 7a font. Granite Planet is open from 10am to 10pm from Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 6pm on weekends.
Let's be honest; Porthleven has some world-class surf but it's not for beginners. We prefer to take our kids to Gwithian rather than Praa Sands because we're also National Trust members which means the parking is free. But it's also because there is some great surf instructors there.
The Gwithian Academy of Surfing is a premier surfing destination, located just a short drive from Porthleven. With its beautiful Gwithian beach, renowned as one of the safest and most family-friendly beaches to learn to surf in the country, it is the perfect place to spend a day with your loved ones.
The academy offers both group and private surfing lessons, with classes for surfers 10 years and over in the public groups and private sessions for those 6 years and older. Private lessons offer added flexibility with the option for earlier or later start times, making it easier to work around your schedule. All lessons include the use of wetsuits and surfboards, with the opportunity to keep the equipment for an additional hour after the lesson.
The surf school and shop are conveniently located near the Rockpool Seafood Bar & Grill, in the seaside village of Gwithian. With 2 hours of tuition, all equipment provided, and an hour of extra free equipment hire, the Gwithian Academy of Surfing is an experience your family will cherish for years to come.
Book your family surfing lesson today by using the form on their website, or if you're interested in a tailored week of surfing, give their team a call at 01736 757579 to discuss your options.
The Adventure Coastline experience offers a unique and exciting way to explore the stunning Cornish coastline. This combination of wild swimming, climbing, diving, orienteering, and extreme rock pooling is known as coasteering. This aquatic trail takes place in an eco-adventure playground, providing a close-up view of the breathtaking beauty of the coast.
Based in Porthleven, Vertical Blue Cornwall provides custom coasteering experiences, ensuring that each trip is tailored to your specific needs and desires. Whether you're an individual or part of a group, they have you covered. Coasteering sessions are priced at £40.00 per person and weather and tide conditions are taken into consideration when scheduling trips.
If you're over 8 years old and able to swim comfortably in the sea, you're eligible to join a coasteering adventure. All necessary safety gear, including wetsuits and helmets, will be provided. Participants should bring old trainers that can get wet and shorts to wear over their wetsuits.
During the 2-hour coasteering session, you'll be able to explore the coastal environment and witness changing tides, observe wildlife, and see stunning geology. There's no need to worry about jumping into the water, as each obstacle can be moved or bypassed if desired.
If you're looking for a unique way to explore the Cornish coastline, a coasteering adventure with Vertical Blue Cornwall is the perfect choice. Contact them to book your trip and experience the thrill of coasteering for yourself.
This is perhaps our favourite day out each school holiday and not one to be missed. The Rogue Theatre company really is amazing.
Discover the enchanted world of a magical woodland, just a 25 minute drive from Porthleven, perfect for families. Be greeted by a fairy guide at the edge of the woods and follow the secret pathway lined with twisted rowan and beech trees, lit by twinkling lights. Explore the fairytale-like art installations as you journey through the woods to the theatre. Enjoy a captivating performance featuring a mix of acting, dancing, singing, and other unexpected elements, all accompanied by live music.
Experience the magic of something new and original at every show throughout the year. The talented performers and live musicians bring a unique and fresh approach to each production, ensuring that each performance is different and unforgettable. From captivating acting, dancing, and singing to unexpected elements, you'll be enchanted by the originality of each show. Come be a part of the magic and enjoy a different and one-of-a-kind performance every time.