Royal Cornwall Events Centre Camping

First things first – this is Cornwall, so pack up and head for the beach. Polzeath's pretty sands (15 minutes' drive) are a good place to start with many others such as Harlyn Bay, Daymer Bay and Tregirls also nearby. Take the South West Coast Path if you want a walking tour to more remote, under-the-radar spots. This part of Cornwall is very well set up for family-focused tourism, with top attractions including outdoor play at Camel Creek Adventure Park (10 minutes), a mix of indoor and open-air watersports at Retallack Resort and Spa (10 minutes) and – if you're prepared to drive about an hour to visit its top-rated rides – Flambards Theme Park. If animals are your thing, then bring along binoculars and lie in wait for passing wildlife on the Camel Trail (five minutes), head to Padstow for an offshore Sealife Safari (15 minutes) or take the kids to the see the wealth of wild beasties at Newquay Zoo (25 minutes). For something a bit more niche, there's also the National Lobster Hatchery (15 minutes), a conservation centre where you can meet baby crustaceans and get the chance to adopt a hatchling.