Family-friendly Dining in Cornwall

Cornwall is such a fantastic place to bring your children, you can make some amazing family memories for life. Having small children of our own we know that it is important to get somewhere that caters for the kids and where you feel welcome. We have looked at some of the best places to eat in Cornwall for the whole family. There are some fabulous places in some amazing locations.

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Wax, Watergate Bay

This fun loving chilled pub is in a great spot overlooking Watergate bay beach. The beach is huge and has a whole host of cool activities for the whole family to enjoy. After you have tired everyone out why not head across the road to Wax. This is a more cost effective way of eating than some of the places on the beach, especially if you have hungry young mouths to feed. The atmosphere is relaxed so no one will bat an eyelid if the kids are loud which means you can just relax.

On the menu you will find pizza’s burgers and pub classics, all served to a high standard. There is also a kids menu and a kids dessert menu, so they can choose from both. Dietary requirements can be catered for too on request. I would say that calling ahead with any dietary requirements is preferable but not essential. I woulldn recommend booking especially if you have a large family. Watergate bay is just round the corner from Newquay so this is a great little day out, on the beach and then finishing it off with a delicious meal from Wax.

Caffe Pasta – St Ives

This family friendly Italian restaurant in St Ives is on the Wharf which is right by the sea. This is the perfect place to bring  the whole family after a long day exploring St Ives or on any of the beaches in and around that area. You and your children will be welcomed here and you will be catered for, if you need somewhere to put a pram or you need something special ordered. There is a kids menu but this does not take away from the extensive main menu so everyone will be able to treat themselves to something  yummy here.

The menu features gourmet sourdough pizzas with plenty of choice. They also have a great selection of starters and pasta dishes. Cornish steak is also available meaning there is something for everyone on this menu. The kids menu features pasta and meat dishes as well as pizza’s to choose from. There is also a far too tempting desserts menu. St Ives is such a popular place if you want to stay there then check out our town guide. I would certainly recommend booking if you want to be able to eat at this fantastic family friendly spot.

Boo Koos – Helston

This is one of the best burgers that i have ever had so i would highly recommend this place. There is one in Falmouth too and this one is in Helston. They have every type of burger imaginable and you can choose from their huge selection and really personalize your burger. They also do hot dogs, pulled pork and a phenomenal selection of sides, everything that you can imagine. The shakes at Boo Koos are amazing and the kids will absolutely love them. Also for Mum and Dad they have a wide selection of drinks but why not treat yourself to the Margaritas that they have there.

They also have a kids menu, where they do L’il Boo burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and much more. In addition to this they cater for vegans and gluten free too. The menu is extensive and the service is brilliant. Word of warning… the portions are very generous so no one will be going home hungry. Helston is near Flambards so if you’re planning a day trip there this may be the perfect place to have your evening meal. The one thing to mention here is that it isn’t dog friendly.

The Hidden Hut -Porscatho

This hidden gem is on the coastal path near Porscatho on the Roseland Peninsula. The views are incredible out to the ocean and beyond. The Hidden Hut is open for lunch and has many different options to choose from. They mix it up depending on the season and the fresh local produce that they have that day. In the summer months you will be able to enjoy grilled seafood and salads and then when it gets a bit colder chowders and dhals are their thing. This really is a fantastic place to bring the kids for some outdoor eating with that amazing view.

During the day they also have Cornish favourites such as pasties, sausage rolls, cakes and local ice creams so you will be able to find something for the fussiest child. In the summer evenings they do themed evenings where they do a feast night based around more local produce where you bring your own plate and dig in. You will need to check availability for this though and book in advance when they have them on. During the day though just turn up and experience some fantastic food in a stunning setting.

Wavecrest Cafe – Lizard Peninsula

Dating back to the 1930’s this cafe with stunning views over the Lizard peninsula is a brilliant place to take the kids for lunch. As you can imagine the views are incredible and you can just relax and take it all in whilst enjoying some yummy freshly prepared food. In 2017 the Wavecrest Cafe had a makeover so the venue is now looking pristine. The seating is outside so make sure you are prepared for that. It really is just an incredible place to sit and take it all in.

The menu is quite varied here. You can have breakfast which is served until 11:45. There are baguettes, burgers and hot boxes, which contain anything from king prawns to pasties to nachos. Wavecrest also has a kids box and there is a selection from them to choose from too. The sweets and treats section of course features a cream tea amongst other delights and they also do that firm family favourite…. Ice cream milkshakes. This is a real treat for everyone including your 4 legged friend as dogs are welcome here too.

Smugglers Den Inn – Cubert

This beautiful 16th century thatched cottage is the quaint Cornish countryside pub that you will love to dine in. The inside is stunning and gives that real pub atmosphere, there is a family room too so plenty of space for kids and high chairs if you require them. Also being in the family room means you have a bit of freedom for the children without worrying so much. One of the best things that this pub has is an outdoor play area, so the kids can spend the whole time entertained and safe as the pub is in a really remote location. There is a car park with plenty of space belonging to the Smugglers just over the road too. Dogs are welcome here too in a designated area.

The menu features high quality pun classics throughout the day, but in the evening you can order more restaurant type food as well as the pub classics which are served all day. There is a kids menu as well, featuring quite a variation of food.  They can choose from pizza, chicken, pasta and fish to name a few. The dessert menu for both adults and kids feature family dishes such as sticky toffee pudding and crumbles. The Smugglers Den Inn also hosts events like the pie and ale festival, so calling ahead would be the best idea. Cubert is just up the road from Holywell bay and a few miles from Crantock so plan your visit here if you are exploring around these areas.

Country Skittles – Hayle

This game centre and restaurant is the perfect place to take kids of all ages. There is so much for them to do, it really will keep them entertained while you either join in or relax and have a nice cold glass of cider. On the premises they have skittles where the whole family can play and get involved. They also have loads of board games that the children can just crack on and play themselves. They have pool tables, air hockey and a giant draught board. There is also an arcade with some favourites including Guitar Hero and Mario Kart.

The menu is pretty big and there is a lot of choice. There is a selection of burgers and steaks on a grill stone. They also have pub classics and a section from around the world featuring dishes from different countries. The kids menu also has a lot of choice from nuggets to pizza to burgers. There is also a dessert menu. I would most certainly book ahead if you are a large party especially if you want to play the skittles when you visit. 

The Fort – Newquay

The Fort is a very popular pub in Newquay. The pub has both a large indoor and outdoor seating area so there is always plenty of room. The pub is situated overlooking Newquay bay and has incredible views. Not only can you enjoy the amazing sight of the sea and the beaches but there is an outdoor and indoor play area for the children to enjoy while you relax. The indoor play area is soft play and the outdoor is park style apparatus. Dogs are welcome too here so the whole family can enjoy it.

The menu features light bites for lunch such as sandwiches and pub classics but there is also a children’s menu and they are provided with colouring in materials when they order so they have that to keep them entertained as well. This is a great place to visit if you have been missioning around Newquay beaches during the day or if you are exploring Newquay town as it is right in the town centre. There is no car park but you can park near by and easily walk to this brilliantly located pub.

The Borough Arms – Bodmin

In Bodmin right next to the Camel Trail is this charming pub called the Borough Arms. If you are cycling the Camel Trail this is a great place to stop, have a pint and some lunch if you have come from Padstow or Wadebridge, or alternatively if you are in the Bodmin area you can stop at this traditional pub with a warm welcome and enjoy some comfort food. This pub is great for kids too as they have an outdoor play area so the kids can run up an appetite while you get a few minutes to enjoy a cold glass of wine. 

Even if you are not cycling, you can take a walk up the Camel Trail after your food. There is a car park you can use for free whilst dining and The Borough Arms takes dogs too. The menu features pub classics with a twist such as Korev fish and chips. Theres is also a kids menu with a good choice and one of the best things about this pub are their roast dinners. Please make sure you book a table though if you are visiting for these as they are popular and get booked up, especially if you have a large family.

The First and Last Inn – Sennen

This family friendly Inn has been around since the 17th century but back  then it was a safe haven for smugglers. Nowadays the pub attracts families and serves some delicious food throughout the day and evenings. There is an outdoor play area for the kids to enjoy and there is also an outdoor beer garden. This delightful pub is dog friendly too. There is also a car park so you can park for free whilst there.

The menu has a selection of starters and on a Wednesday night they do pizzas with a huge choice of toppings that you can select and create your own pizza. The normal menu features restaurant and pub classics but all made freshly with local ingredients. There is a children’s menu too and they can choose different options from starters, mains and desserts. This is a great place to keep the kids entertained especially if the weather is dry. Please book in advance though as they do get very busy.

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