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Things to do in Cornwall in August (Budget & Family Friendly)
Salty hair, sandy sandwiches….. and money left over for ice-cream.
August in Cornwall is pure magic.
But also, it can quietly rinse your bank account if you’re not careful!
So here’s our edit of the absolute best family days out, a mix of free, low cost and a few “go on then” memory makers that are actually worth it!
Free & Affordable Days Out You'll Love...
Rockpooling & Coastal Wandering
This is peak Cornwall. And still one of the best days you can have.
Porthgwarra beach- (the dream for rock pools)
Godrey Beach- Easy & lots of space
Any beach if you know where to look!
Go any day and it's always free.
It’s best to go 1-2 hours either side of low tide.
Take one of our Eco crab lines to help encourage the crabs out!
The Proper Beach Day
A Cornish classic.
No plans, no bookings, just a day together as a family!
Best for families:
Perranporth Beach
Porthminster beach
Porthgwidden beach
Gwithian Towans
Any day! Just bring packed lunches, sun cream (if the sun is out, a rain coat is it isn't!) and plenty to drink-
Add one of our reusable beach bags, wet & salty bags for your wet cossies, plus a beach blanket and you’re set!
Free But ‘Feels Fancy’ Picnic day
These are the days you accidentally love the most.
Not a fan of a beach picnic? We recommend heading to...
Penrose Estate
Tehidy Country Park
Cardinham woods
All open daily.
Need only picnics, blankets & a drink!
The 'Go On Then' days...
Book ahead- £60-£100 for a family
Minack Theatre Sunset show
Most evenings in August. A highlight this August includes Goodnight Mr Tom.
Approx 19:30pm start (check schedule).
Bring a picnic or a pasty, enjoy the sunset & a show = Core memory unlocked!
£40-£60 for a family of four
St Ives Boat Trip & Seal Spotting
Effort Level- zero- Fun level- High!
St. Ives Harbour- Daily (weather depending). Boats run 10am-16:00 and there is a range to choose from located on the Wharf in St. Ives. We would recommend prebooking and checking timetables.
If you see seals or dolphins = instant family highlight!
£100-£140 for a family of four
Family Surf Lessons
The most Cornish thing you can do as a family!
Best beaches-
Porthmeor Beach
Polzeath Beach
Perranporth Beach
Daily sessions- All day
Expect wipeouts, laughter, and one of your children suddenly being better than you!
Grab a Sea & Salt Candle for when you get home to bring those salty beach vibes home with you.
£50-£70 for a family of four
Blue Reef Aquarium (rainy day hero)
Because….. British summer!
Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay
Find out more here
£40-£50 for a family of four
Trebah Garden & Private Beach
Slow, beautiful and zero stress.
Open daily- 09:30 until 17:00.
Jungle vibes, hidden beach = dreamy day.
A little note from us
You don’t need to do everything. You don’t need to spend loads.
But the odd “shall we just do it’ day… they’re the ones to remember.
Everything is correct at time of writing, but August in Cornwall has a mind of its own, so it’s always worth a quick check before heading out.
Here’s to slow days, sandy toes and saying YES to the ice cream!
The St. Ives Co
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