Exploring the stunning coastline of Cornwall has been on our bucket list for a while, and we finally made it happen with an epic road trip from Lancashire to Land’s End—with a toddler in tow! Over the course of eight days, we covered picturesque villages, breathtaking beaches, and iconic landmarks.
Traveling with a little one required extra planning, but it was absolutely worth it. Here’s how our journey unfolded:
Day 1: Bourton-on-the-Water & Bristol
We set off from Lancashire in the early morning, with our first stop in the charming Cotswolds village of Bourton-on-the-Water. Known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds,’ this village is perfect for a scenic stroll along the River Windrush. Our toddler loved spotting the ducks and playing by the water. After enjoying the quaint streets, we continued our drive to Bristol, where we explored the vibrant harbourside before resting for the night.
Day 2: Journey to Penzance & Carbis Bay Beach
After a hearty breakfast, we hit the road towards Cornwall, ensuring plenty of snack breaks and toddler-friendly entertainment along the way. Once we arrived in Penzance, we checked into our Airbnb for the next four nights. After settling in, we made our way to Carbis Bay Beach, a beautiful sandy haven with turquoise waters. Our toddler loved splashing in the shallow waves and playing in the soft sand.
Day 3: Trebah Garden
We spent the day at Trebah Garden, a subtropical paradise filled with exotic plants, winding paths, and a private beach. This was a perfect toddler-friendly spot, with plenty of space to explore and a gentle beach where they could paddle safely.
Day 4: St Michael’s Mount
A visit to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without exploring St Michael’s Mount. We walked across the causeway during low tide, which felt like an adventure in itself for our toddler. The historic castle and stunning gardens provided plenty to see, though we had to keep a close eye on little wandering feet!
Day 5: Porthcurno Beach
This day was all about enjoying the golden sands and crystal-clear waters of Porthcurno Beach. Nestled between dramatic cliffs, this beach felt like a hidden paradise. We also took a peek at the famous Minack Theatre, though with a toddler, we mostly admired the views rather than sitting through a performance.
Day 6: Land’s End (Hiking from Sennen Cove)
For the most iconic stop on our road trip, we hiked from Sennen Cove to Land’s End. While we carried our toddler in a carrier for most of the walk, they loved stopping to explore small rock pools and look at the sea birds along the way.
Day 7: Lizard Point & Kynance Cove, Overnight in Bath
Our final day in Cornwall took us to Lizard Point, the southernmost point of mainland Britain, followed by the stunning Kynance Cove, with its dramatic rock formations and clear waters. We made sure to pack extra snacks and take plenty of breaks for our little one. After soaking in the last bit of Cornish beauty, we hit the road towards Bath, where we spent the night.
Day 8: Journey Home
We wrapped up our adventure with a scenic drive back home, reminiscing about the incredible sights and experiences from our trip. Our toddler napped for a good portion of the drive—success!
This Cornwall road trip was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and family-friendly fun. Traveling with a toddler required some flexibility, but each stop along the way offered something unique, making it a journey to remember. If you’re planning a road trip to Cornwall with a little one, I’d highly recommend this itinerary!
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