Out and About

Higher Lank Farm is very well situated for visiting the whole of Cornwall and most of Devon if you’re feeling energetic. Whatever the weather there is always something to do. We are in easy reach of spectacular beaches, and wonderful walks and scenery. Lands End, St Ives and Penzance are only a 1hr 30 drive, Plymouth and Exeter an hour away, you can be in Truro in 45 minutes, and the Eden Project , Lost Gardens of Heligan, Tintagel and Padstow are only a 30 minute journey.

Our nearest beach, Trebarwith Strand is only 7 miles away, and is our very favourite, with safe pools for small children to play in away from the sea, rock pools to explore, and fantastic wild sea for grown-ups! Body boarding here is not to be missed. But we are spoilt for choice; travel just a little further and you have Polzeath, Rock, Daymer, Constantine and Watergate Bays – all lovely safe children-friendly days out.

The Higher Lank Farm Top 15 child-friendly highlights:

1. The Lappa Valley Railway
A real must. An old fashioned day out. Take a narrow gauge steam train ride into the Lappa Valley, and then spend the day playing. Lovely old fashioned tearoom with home-made soup and cakes.

2. Newquay Zoo
A really pre-school orientated zoo with lots of hands on experiences, animal feeding and animals wandering freely. Lunches don’t have to be fast food here either.

3. Trelawney Garden Centre/Wadebridge’s playgrounds and river walk
A free day out! Always a huge success, Trelawney has a great train-themed playground, so take the paper and sit in the sun while they play. Stop for a good lunch and browse at the garden centre while your children ride in the special car trolleys (Daisy’s favourite). Then move on to Wadebridge town. Park for nothing, visit a well equipped playground, and then wander on to the river (all pedestrian, and easy with a buggy), cross on the Challenge Anneka foot bridge and explore the second playground. If you fancy some light shopping, you’re right by the shops now. Then just repeat the playgrounds in reverse!!

4. The Lost Gardens of Heligan
More children-friendly than the Eden Project during peak season, as children can get out of buggies and enjoy the gardens and plants too.

5. The Eden Project
An amazing experience, but not to be attempted in the rain or peak season with under 5s, as they will see nothing and don’t like the crowding. Pushchair-friendly when not too busy, the tractor ride up and down is Daisy’s favourite part. Plenty of places to eat here.

6. The Monkey Sanctuary (Looe)
A great day out, especially if combined with crossing the river to Fowey, and a wander in the town. Really good child-friendly places to eat here.

7. The National Marine Aquarium (Plymouth)
Really good day out in dodgy weather. Huge Baby & toddler appeal. Lovely places to eat in the nearby Barbican area of Plymouth.

8. Crealy Adventure Park
Our nearest theme park. Something here for all the family (30 minutes drive away).

9. Dobwalls Family Adventure Park
A super theme park - very popular with young train enthusiasts (closed in 2007 for re-furbishment)

10. Springfields Pony Centre
Lots of animals to see and bottle feed, indoor and outdoor play equipment. First home of our goats, very pre-school orientated. (35 minutes drive away)

11. Trethorne Leisure Park
A really good day out, you can even do a spot of ten pin bowling if you have children over 3. (40 minutes drive away)

12. Bodmin Moor
Five minutes from us, discover ponies, sheep and cattle roaming free in spectacular scenery. Take fishing nets and paddle, climb to King Arthur’s Hall.

13. The Camel Trail
Starting 2 minutes from us and continuing all the way to Padstow, this is a near level former railway line that is now exclusively for the use of walkers and cyclists. Hire bikes, and have them delivered to the farm or the start of the trail, with side cars or child seats, and cycle all or part of the Trail depending on your fitness levels! Children of all ages are catered for by the hire shops. Very much loved by our toddler. Visit www.gobycycle.co.uk to see the large selection of bikes available for hire.

14. Cornish Castles
We are fortunate to have several Castles and most popular with under 5s are St Mawes and Pendennis in Falmouth. Drive down the Roseland peninsula, and then take the ferry over to Falmouth where you can walk to the castle via the fishing harbour.

15. The Royal Cornwall Show
Usually the end of the first week in June and lasting three days, this is a must if you are animal lovers. A really good day out with something for all the family. Baby changing (with cups of tea!), a free creche if you want a break and all ‘pushchairable’!