Fun family days out near us
From exploring some of the most beautiful subtropical gardens in the UK at nearby Trebah and Glendurgan, to visiting museums and castles, there is plenty to see and do within easy reach.
Fun family days out near us
Nestled in the lush, peaceful surroundings of the Helford River, Budock Vean Hotel & Spa is a haven of calm for adults - but it’s also perfectly placed for families and couples looking to explore the great outdoors, spark imaginations, and make unforgettable holiday memories. Whether you are wildlife watchers, beach explorers, or adventure seekers, there’s something nearby to keep everyone smiling. Dates and opening times may vary so visitors are advised to check attraction websites before visiting.
Seal Sanctuary
Explore the Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, a place where each seal carries its own unique story. With many viewing points dotted around the site with panoramic views of the Helford River, there are plenty of opportunities to observe the seals play and interact with one another in their rehabilitation pools.
Each year the Seal Sanctuary rehabilitates around 70 seal pups from local coastal waters that they bring into their specialist Seal Hospital in Gweek. Once the rescued seal pup’s injuries have healed and they reach a healthy weight, they release them back into the wild.
Trebah Garden
Just a 5-minute drive away, Trebah Garden boasts an extensive network of footpaths spanning four miles, meandering through a collection of rare and unusual plants, transporting you to sunnier climes. Trebah is the perfect destination for both family adventures and peaceful escapes, with visitors enjoying their inspiring spaces and unique events all year round.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
In the heart of Falmouth, the National Maritime Museum offers hands-on exhibits, storytelling sessions, and interactive galleries. There are 15 galleries over 5 floors with exhibits that explore the overwhelming influence of the sea on local, national and global history and culture.
Through their exhibitions programme they aspire to bring new and diverse perspectives to maritime issues, and highlight their relevance to the present day. The Museum also brings rare objects from around the world to Cornwall to tell local, national and international stories.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Roskilly's
A real Cornish working farm on the Lizard Peninsula, take a tour, see the animals and explore beautiful walks, and of course sample some of Roskilly’s delicious ice cream.
The Jersey cows remain at the heart of the farm – providing all the milk required by the creamery to create the famous ice cream we all know and love. Visitors are welcome to watch the cows being milked from the viewing gallery each day, or choose to wander further through the farm to meet a range of animals such as pigs, sheep, geese and chickens – with animal feed bags available to buy from the Croust House.
Glendurgan Garden
There are three valleys of Glendurgan to explore full of beautiful plants and trees. In spring an abundance of beautiful wildflowers fill the sloping sides of the valley, where you can wander through down towards the unspoilt hamlet of Durgan on the Helford River.
Koru Kayaking & Helford River Cruises
We know we’re biased but we think Cornwall is one of the most impressive spots in the United Kingdom, from its dramatic coastline to the beautiful in-land waterways. Kayak straight from the hotel’s Helford River foreshore on one of Koru’s guided kayak tours which is the ultimate way to discover the remote beauty on offer in this part of the world. They offer two-hour tours with an experienced guide using sit-on kayaks.
Pendennis Castle
Perched on a headland overlooking Falmouth, Pendennis Castle is the perfect place to discover history and let imaginations run wild. At this English Heritage site, explore the Tudor keep, discover family-friendly interactive exhibitions and enjoy the Castle Explorers family trail. Kids can explore the historic fortress, climb towers, try on costumes in the barracks, and learn how the castle defended Cornwall from the days of Henry VIII to WWII.
After a day of family adventures, return to Budock Vean and relax in our spacious Club Family Room, designed with comfort and flexibility in mind. For those seeking extra space and independence, our self-catering holiday cottages and lodges offer a true home-from-home experience.
Families can also make the most of our on-site leisure facilities, including the swimming pool, tennis courts, gardens and outdoor activities, making Budock Vean the perfect base for an unforgettable Cornish family getaway.