Orchard Barn Guidebook
Beaches
Hayle, Gwithian & Godrevy beaches look across the bay to St Ives. Here you will find 3 miles of postcard perfect golden sand. Ideal for a family day on the beach, building sandcastles and playing cricket. With seasonal lifeguards, these beaches are also a great option for surfing and bodyboarding.
Three Mile Beach
Hayle, Gwithian & Godrevy beaches look across the bay to St Ives. Here you will find 3 miles of postcard perfect golden sand. Ideal for a family day on the beach, building sandcastles and playing cricket. With seasonal lifeguards, these beaches are also a great option for surfing and bodyboarding.
Carbis Bay is one of Cornwall’s nine award winning Blue Flag 2022 beaches. The beach rarely has any surf so makes for an ideal spot for families with toddlers and young children, as the sea here is perfect for swimming. Part of an array of beaches that make the St Ives Bay, the beach is listed as one of the world’s best by the ‘Most Beautiful Bays in the World Organisation’. Served by the picturesque St Ives branch train line, Carbis Bay is easily accessible from Orchard Barn.
55 locals recommend
Carbis Bay Beach
Beach RoadCarbis Bay is one of Cornwall’s nine award winning Blue Flag 2022 beaches. The beach rarely has any surf so makes for an ideal spot for families with toddlers and young children, as the sea here is perfect for swimming. Part of an array of beaches that make the St Ives Bay, the beach is listed as one of the world’s best by the ‘Most Beautiful Bays in the World Organisation’. Served by the picturesque St Ives branch train line, Carbis Bay is easily accessible from Orchard Barn.
The beaches in St Ives are beautiful with turquoise water and golden sand. They have benefit of all the facilities on offer in St Ives, as well as boat trips and equipment hire. All the beaches are within easy reach of the train station and the train ride from St Erth (just a few minutes from Orchard Barn) is only 10 minutes and one of the most picturesque in the whole of the UK.
11 locals recommend
Saint Ives Bay
The beaches in St Ives are beautiful with turquoise water and golden sand. They have benefit of all the facilities on offer in St Ives, as well as boat trips and equipment hire. All the beaches are within easy reach of the train station and the train ride from St Erth (just a few minutes from Orchard Barn) is only 10 minutes and one of the most picturesque in the whole of the UK.
Perranuthnoe is a lovely beach (low tide only) on the south coast about a mile east of Marazion. It is easily accessible from the adjacent car park. There is a super little café for snacks
19 locals recommend
Perranuthnoe Beach
South West Coast PathPerranuthnoe is a lovely beach (low tide only) on the south coast about a mile east of Marazion. It is easily accessible from the adjacent car park. There is a super little café for snacks
As the name suggests this is a large sandy beach with good facilities, making it a popular choice for both families and surfers. When you take the short walk from the car park you will be struck by how white the sand is. This is a wonderful destination if you have children to entertain. They’ll love the beach which is great for sand castles, the shoreline is great for splashing about in and you don’t have to walk miles from the car park. There is also a good café to grab a coffee to refuel!
55 locals recommend
Praa Sands
As the name suggests this is a large sandy beach with good facilities, making it a popular choice for both families and surfers. When you take the short walk from the car park you will be struck by how white the sand is. This is a wonderful destination if you have children to entertain. They’ll love the beach which is great for sand castles, the shoreline is great for splashing about in and you don’t have to walk miles from the car park. There is also a good café to grab a coffee to refuel!
Sennen, another award winning beach, is out towards Land’s End (about 30 minutes from Orchard Barn) and is a famous surf beach with over a mile of glorious white sand. Access to the beach is easy from the large car park where there are toilets. Eat at the Surf Beach Bar where you can enjoy burgers, pizzas, and pasta whilst watching the dolphins
246 locals recommend
Sennen Cove
Sennen, another award winning beach, is out towards Land’s End (about 30 minutes from Orchard Barn) and is a famous surf beach with over a mile of glorious white sand. Access to the beach is easy from the large car park where there are toilets. Eat at the Surf Beach Bar where you can enjoy burgers, pizzas, and pasta whilst watching the dolphins
One of Cornwall’s loveliest beaches, with crystal clear turquoise water and a beautiful white sand beach. There is a car park in the village of Treen about 10 minutes walk away. Otherwise, you can walk over from one of the Porthcurno car parks. Pease note there are no facilities, no lifeguards and dogs are allowed all year. Guests with young families or mobility issues should be aware that accessing the beach is not easy – it is an all fours climb down the rocks!
40 locals recommend
Pedn Vounder Beach
South West Coast PathOne of Cornwall’s loveliest beaches, with crystal clear turquoise water and a beautiful white sand beach. There is a car park in the village of Treen about 10 minutes walk away. Otherwise, you can walk over from one of the Porthcurno car parks. Pease note there are no facilities, no lifeguards and dogs are allowed all year. Guests with young families or mobility issues should be aware that accessing the beach is not easy – it is an all fours climb down the rocks!
There is a wonderful cliff walk along to Perranuthnoe and a good place to fish off the rocks. There is a small pebble beach at low tide. Take the Prussia Cove turning from the A394, Penzance to Helston road. There is a long walk from the cliff top car park and please note there are no facilities here. Be sure to check the tide times to avoid being cut off and facing a long walk back along the coastal path.
54 locals recommend
Prussia Cove
South West Coast PathThere is a wonderful cliff walk along to Perranuthnoe and a good place to fish off the rocks. There is a small pebble beach at low tide. Take the Prussia Cove turning from the A394, Penzance to Helston road. There is a long walk from the cliff top car park and please note there are no facilities here. Be sure to check the tide times to avoid being cut off and facing a long walk back along the coastal path.
Out past the Minack Theatre towards Land’s End, Porthgwarra is a gem of a place with a tiny beach at low tide with lots of interesting rock pools and a great place to walk to from the Minack Theatre. This is one of the locations used in the filming of Poldark.
37 locals recommend
Porthgwarra Cove Cafe
Out past the Minack Theatre towards Land’s End, Porthgwarra is a gem of a place with a tiny beach at low tide with lots of interesting rock pools and a great place to walk to from the Minack Theatre. This is one of the locations used in the filming of Poldark.
Marazion beach has the most spectacular views of St Michael’s Mount and the bay beyond, Mounts Bay. This was recently voted one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The long sandy beach is very safe, and a short walk along the sand dunes will enable you to find a private sun trap. There are rock pools to explore around Chapel Rock and Marazion Harbour, and a well-equipped playground is situated just above the beach. Facilities for windsurfing and sailing are available, with a windsurfing school located at the far end of the beach. Be warned it can get very windy!
60 locals recommend
Marazion Beach
South West Coast PathMarazion beach has the most spectacular views of St Michael’s Mount and the bay beyond, Mounts Bay. This was recently voted one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The long sandy beach is very safe, and a short walk along the sand dunes will enable you to find a private sun trap. There are rock pools to explore around Chapel Rock and Marazion Harbour, and a well-equipped playground is situated just above the beach. Facilities for windsurfing and sailing are available, with a windsurfing school located at the far end of the beach. Be warned it can get very windy!
City/town information
If you do want a day in St Ives, and we do highly recommend it, our advice is to travel by train from St Erth. The journey takes about 10 minutes and a return ticket for a family of four is about £10 (£4 adult return). It is one of the most picturesque train rides in the UK and saves the stress of finding a parking space in St Ives.
St Ives is famous for its art galleries, quirky Cornish shops and lots of great places to eat and drink. Visiting the Tate is a must if modern art is your thing!
The Island in St Ives is not really an island at all but a small grassy peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. This is a lovely parkland area ideal for a walk when you fancy a break from the sand. If you happened to be staying the first weekend of August there is also the popular annual Summer Island Disco. There is live music, local food and drink and a great family atmosphere. This is a ticketed event so book in advance if you can.
St. Ives Bay, United Kingdom
If you do want a day in St Ives, and we do highly recommend it, our advice is to travel by train from St Erth. The journey takes about 10 minutes and a return ticket for a family of four is about £10 (£4 adult return). It is one of the most picturesque train rides in the UK and saves the stress of finding a parking space in St Ives.
St Ives is famous for its art galleries, quirky Cornish shops and lots of great places to eat and drink. Visiting the Tate is a must if modern art is your thing!
The Island in St Ives is not really an island at all but a small grassy peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. This is a lovely parkland area ideal for a walk when you fancy a break from the sand. If you happened to be staying the first weekend of August there is also the popular annual Summer Island Disco. There is live music, local food and drink and a great family atmosphere. This is a ticketed event so book in advance if you can.
A perfect ‘picture postcard’ harbour with a couple of great restaurants and atmospheric pubs. We recommend a walk from here to Loe Bar and the Penrose Estate. Or simply grab a bag of chips and sit on the harbour wall taking in the atmosphere.
39 locals recommend
Porthleven Harbour
1 Harbour RdA perfect ‘picture postcard’ harbour with a couple of great restaurants and atmospheric pubs. We recommend a walk from here to Loe Bar and the Penrose Estate. Or simply grab a bag of chips and sit on the harbour wall taking in the atmosphere.
The quintessential Cornish harbour. Enjoy a fresh crab sandwich sat on the harbour wall! Beyond Mousehole is Lamorna Cove which is fabulous when the sea is rough. There is a beautiful walk from Mousehole to Lamorna which is about 5 miles.
If you happen to be staying over the festive season, we recommend an evening trip to Mousehole to experience the Christmas lights!
84 locals recommend
Mousehole Harbour
21 Commercial RoadThe quintessential Cornish harbour. Enjoy a fresh crab sandwich sat on the harbour wall! Beyond Mousehole is Lamorna Cove which is fabulous when the sea is rough. There is a beautiful walk from Mousehole to Lamorna which is about 5 miles.
If you happen to be staying over the festive season, we recommend an evening trip to Mousehole to experience the Christmas lights!
Truro is the capital of Cornwall. This is the place if you are in need of retail therapy. There are lots of interesting shops, the Cathedral and a number of good galleries.
97 locals recommend
Truro Cathedral
Saint Mary's StreetTruro is the capital of Cornwall. This is the place if you are in need of retail therapy. There are lots of interesting shops, the Cathedral and a number of good galleries.
Chapel Street is our favourite in Penzance. The oldest part of Penzance is the quay. From here it extended up what is now Chapel Street which is rich in history and contains an eclectic mix of buildings and businesses. Most of the street dates back to the mid-18th century but there are a few reminders of the more distant past. Newlyn has a lively active port, with a very good art gallery.
Penzance Railway Station
Chapel Street is our favourite in Penzance. The oldest part of Penzance is the quay. From here it extended up what is now Chapel Street which is rich in history and contains an eclectic mix of buildings and businesses. Most of the street dates back to the mid-18th century but there are a few reminders of the more distant past. Newlyn has a lively active port, with a very good art gallery.
Places of Interest
Marazion is an ancient market town and the gateway to St Michael’s Mount. Being less than 10 minutes drive from Orchard Barn we highly recommend a visit. Marazion has plenty to offer with local shops, galleries, restaurants and of course the superb beach with unforgettable views across the bay to St Michael’s Mount and beyond.
St Michael’s Mount is a National Trust property and we love it. It is always magical walking the causeway
(please remember to check the tide times!). Take a tour of the castle where you can climb the fairytale turrets, explore the sub-tropical garden or simply enjoy an ice cream sat in the harbour taking in the views.
690 locals recommend
Saint Michael's Mount
Marazion is an ancient market town and the gateway to St Michael’s Mount. Being less than 10 minutes drive from Orchard Barn we highly recommend a visit. Marazion has plenty to offer with local shops, galleries, restaurants and of course the superb beach with unforgettable views across the bay to St Michael’s Mount and beyond.
St Michael’s Mount is a National Trust property and we love it. It is always magical walking the causeway
(please remember to check the tide times!). Take a tour of the castle where you can climb the fairytale turrets, explore the sub-tropical garden or simply enjoy an ice cream sat in the harbour taking in the views.
When you have travelled this far into Cornwall you may like to visit Land’s End. There are always additional activities happening during the main holidays and lots of attractions to entertain the whole family. However, please beware that it does get extremely busy and it’s not always possible to take your own photo of the iconic sign.
249 locals recommend
Land's End Landmark Attraction
Land's EndWhen you have travelled this far into Cornwall you may like to visit Land’s End. There are always additional activities happening during the main holidays and lots of attractions to entertain the whole family. However, please beware that it does get extremely busy and it’s not always possible to take your own photo of the iconic sign.
A National Trust estate. Loe Pool, the largest natural freshwater lake in Cornwall, is cut off from the sea by a broad shingle bar heaped up by heavy Atlantic seas. Penrose is a mixture of rich farmland and woodland around Loe Pool through which there are many paths to explore by foot, bike or on horseback. The Stables café is open every day between Easter and the end of October and at weekends through the winter.
Loe Bar, S W Coast Path, Helston TR13 0RD, UK
A National Trust estate. Loe Pool, the largest natural freshwater lake in Cornwall, is cut off from the sea by a broad shingle bar heaped up by heavy Atlantic seas. Penrose is a mixture of rich farmland and woodland around Loe Pool through which there are many paths to explore by foot, bike or on horseback. The Stables café is open every day between Easter and the end of October and at weekends through the winter.
Zennor is a small village in the West Penwith moorland with a fascinating history. It is a wonderful place for walking and exploring the ancient landscape.
Search “National Trust Zennor Head Walk” for a short walk around the beautiful headland. There are brilliant views from the headland looking east and west, and also back inland. The walk is graded as easy by the National Trust and takes about 1 hour. We recommend The Tinner Arms for excellent food. Both lunch and dinner menus are available.
6 locals recommend
Zennor Head
Zennor is a small village in the West Penwith moorland with a fascinating history. It is a wonderful place for walking and exploring the ancient landscape.
Search “National Trust Zennor Head Walk” for a short walk around the beautiful headland. There are brilliant views from the headland looking east and west, and also back inland. The walk is graded as easy by the National Trust and takes about 1 hour. We recommend The Tinner Arms for excellent food. Both lunch and dinner menus are available.
Family Attractions
This is a fun day out for the whole family and with plenty to do and see inside and out, the British weather needn’t spoil your day. There are thrill rides for older and more adventurous ones, fun rides and hands-on experiences for little ones, the step back in time museum and additional school holiday entertainment. 25 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
207 locals recommend
Flambards Theme Park
Clodgey LaneThis is a fun day out for the whole family and with plenty to do and see inside and out, the British weather needn’t spoil your day. There are thrill rides for older and more adventurous ones, fun rides and hands-on experiences for little ones, the step back in time museum and additional school holiday entertainment. 25 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
This is a great family day out at an award winning wildlife sanctuary. There are lots of daily events and hands-on experiences for children. There is also the large Jungle Barn indoor play centre, if the weather turns against you or the children need to burn off some energy ready for bedtime! 10 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
134 locals recommend
Paradise Park
16 Trelissick RdThis is a great family day out at an award winning wildlife sanctuary. There are lots of daily events and hands-on experiences for children. There is also the large Jungle Barn indoor play centre, if the weather turns against you or the children need to burn off some energy ready for bedtime! 10 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
This is a lovely family day out, where you can meet seals, penguins and otters. There are woodland walks, fun talks, animal feeding and a children’s quiz trail. I can remember visiting here when I was just 5! 30 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
187 locals recommend
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
This is a lovely family day out, where you can meet seals, penguins and otters. There are woodland walks, fun talks, animal feeding and a children’s quiz trail. I can remember visiting here when I was just 5! 30 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
Provides outdoor karting for adults and children aged 8 and above (who are also over 1.27m tall). Whilst we haven’t yet tried karting for ourselves we have been told its great fun and, although we aren’t quite sure why anyone would want to, budding Lewis Hamilton’s can even race in the rain!! 10 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
22 locals recommend
Coast 2 Coast Karting
Chenhalls RoadProvides outdoor karting for adults and children aged 8 and above (who are also over 1.27m tall). Whilst we haven’t yet tried karting for ourselves we have been told its great fun and, although we aren’t quite sure why anyone would want to, budding Lewis Hamilton’s can even race in the rain!! 10 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
This is a large indoor soft play centre which is another good option for a rainy day. Suitable for 1-11 year olds as the name suggests. There is a café serving breakfast, lunch and snack options as well as hot drinks so you can have a coffee while the children run riot! 25 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
10 locals recommend
One2eleven Indoor Play
Clodgey LaneThis is a large indoor soft play centre which is another good option for a rainy day. Suitable for 1-11 year olds as the name suggests. There is a café serving breakfast, lunch and snack options as well as hot drinks so you can have a coffee while the children run riot! 25 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
There is a good family pool with separate learner pool for younger children. This is about 20 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
12 locals recommend
Penzance Leisure Centre
Saint Clare StreetThere is a good family pool with separate learner pool for younger children. This is about 20 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
This is the UK’s largest art deco coast lido and is well worth a visit. This is about 20 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
165 locals recommend
Jubilee Pool Penzance
Battery RoadThis is the UK’s largest art deco coast lido and is well worth a visit. This is about 20 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
Another lovely family day out and has indoor areas if the weather is changeable. This is about 40 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
65 locals recommend
Dairyland Farm World
Another lovely family day out and has indoor areas if the weather is changeable. This is about 40 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
This is another great family day out, especially for younger families. As well as the trains, there is a family games field, canoes and pedalo swans, trampolines, adventure play area, private play ship and play fort, to name a few. There is a café or pleasant picnic areas if you choose to take your own food. This is about 40 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
63 locals recommend
Lappa Valley
This is another great family day out, especially for younger families. As well as the trains, there is a family games field, canoes and pedalo swans, trampolines, adventure play area, private play ship and play fort, to name a few. There is a café or pleasant picnic areas if you choose to take your own food. This is about 40 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
Newquay Zoo has a good range of animals. There are animal feeds and talks throughout the day, with additional activities taking place during the main holidays. This is about 45 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
146 locals recommend
Newquay Zoo
Trenance GardensNewquay Zoo has a good range of animals. There are animal feeds and talks throughout the day, with additional activities taking place during the main holidays. This is about 45 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
Arts & Culture
Perched above Porthmeor Beach in the centre of St Ives, the gallery showcases some of the best-loved British artworks of the 20th century, alongside a continually changing programme of events and exhibitions. The gallery is great for families with activities for children throughout the holidays. If you are visiting with younger children outside of the school holidays, Toddler Tuesdays are perfect for a rainy day or a change from the beach. You can also combine your visit with the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
453 locals recommend
Tate St. Ives
Perched above Porthmeor Beach in the centre of St Ives, the gallery showcases some of the best-loved British artworks of the 20th century, alongside a continually changing programme of events and exhibitions. The gallery is great for families with activities for children throughout the holidays. If you are visiting with younger children outside of the school holidays, Toddler Tuesdays are perfect for a rainy day or a change from the beach. You can also combine your visit with the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
Book a summer production and take a picnic. They put on a full variety of performances; during the school holidays there are usually a number of family friendly productions, and children love the experience of open-air theatre. You can visit the theatre at any time to learn about its fascinating creator and history.
545 locals recommend
Minack Theatre
Book a summer production and take a picnic. They put on a full variety of performances; during the school holidays there are usually a number of family friendly productions, and children love the experience of open-air theatre. You can visit the theatre at any time to learn about its fascinating creator and history.
Part of Cornwall’s heritage; put your hard hat on and explore the mine. There is an interactive museum and you can go underground. Children can try their hand at gold and gem panning and they can take home what they find! This is one of our favourite family days out, so much information and fascinating exhibits – you can easily spend a full day here. We can highly recommend the café. This is about 30 minutes drive from Orchard Barn
133 locals recommend
Geevor Tin Mine
Part of Cornwall’s heritage; put your hard hat on and explore the mine. There is an interactive museum and you can go underground. Children can try their hand at gold and gem panning and they can take home what they find! This is one of our favourite family days out, so much information and fascinating exhibits – you can easily spend a full day here. We can highly recommend the café. This is about 30 minutes drive from Orchard Barn
This is a beautiful sub-tropical garden paradise with access to a delightful private beach. There is over four miles of footpaths, adventure play areas, children’s trails and special events on throughout the year. There is also an amphitheatre with a varied programme of performances. The food in the café is particularly good, also you can take your own picnic to enjoy on the beach, where the view is heavenly. This is about 45 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
252 locals recommend
Trebah Garden
This is a beautiful sub-tropical garden paradise with access to a delightful private beach. There is over four miles of footpaths, adventure play areas, children’s trails and special events on throughout the year. There is also an amphitheatre with a varied programme of performances. The food in the café is particularly good, also you can take your own picnic to enjoy on the beach, where the view is heavenly. This is about 45 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
This is delightful National Trust garden. As well as the exotic walled gardens and award winning rhododendrons there are winding wooded paths along an incline to sea views across Mounts Bay. 20 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
Trengwainton Garden
This is delightful National Trust garden. As well as the exotic walled gardens and award winning rhododendrons there are winding wooded paths along an incline to sea views across Mounts Bay. 20 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
Another wonderful National Trust garden with three valleys where an array of exotic plants thrive. You can walk down through the gardens to a sheltered beach, a great place for pebble skimming! Be sure not to get stuck in the maze that has been foxing people for over 180 years. This is about 45 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
160 locals recommend
Glendurgan Garden
Another wonderful National Trust garden with three valleys where an array of exotic plants thrive. You can walk down through the gardens to a sheltered beach, a great place for pebble skimming! Be sure not to get stuck in the maze that has been foxing people for over 180 years. This is about 45 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
Set on its own peninsula, this National Trust property offers a welcoming country house and garden set in an estate with stunning maritime views and lovely woodland walks. It has its own renowned art gallery with a wide range of works from Cornish artists. This is about 40 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
220 locals recommend
National Trust - Trelissick Garden
Set on its own peninsula, this National Trust property offers a welcoming country house and garden set in an estate with stunning maritime views and lovely woodland walks. It has its own renowned art gallery with a wide range of works from Cornish artists. This is about 40 minutes drive from Orchard Barn.
Trek through the world's largest indoor rainforest, take in the sights and smells of the Mediterranean Biome, and explore the large outdoor gardens. Both educational and enjoyable for adults and children but be aware it can get busy on rainy days. Look out for the ‘Cool Down Room’ which, when we visited on a hot day, was much needed. This is just over an hour’s drive from Orchard Barn.
Eden Project
Trek through the world's largest indoor rainforest, take in the sights and smells of the Mediterranean Biome, and explore the large outdoor gardens. Both educational and enjoyable for adults and children but be aware it can get busy on rainy days. Look out for the ‘Cool Down Room’ which, when we visited on a hot day, was much needed. This is just over an hour’s drive from Orchard Barn.