Top things to do in Cornwall for older Visitors
Cornwall – the westernmost edge of Great Britain. Reputedly where King Arthur established his court at Tintagel (not sure this is true!) , the home place of the Cornish pasty (this is true!), and home to more popular beaches than you can throw a bucket and spade at, Cornwall offers some of the best summer getaways around.
We’ve assembled nine of the best places for you to head to in Cornwall, with a special focus on attractions accessible to older and disabled people.
1 – Visit Lanhydrock House and Gardens
Lanhydrock House and Gardens, just outside Bodmin and a short drive from Lostwithiel, is one of Cornwall’s finest National Trust properties and makes a wonderful day out. Explore the magnificent Victorian country house, discover its fascinating history—including a small exhibition about its role during the First World War, when the family continued living upstairs—and enjoy peaceful walks through beautiful gardens and woodland.
While the historic house includes some steps, ramps and sloping paths due to its age, accessibility has been thoughtfully considered. Wheelchairs, mobility scooters and Tramper all-terrain mobility vehicles are available to borrow, helping more visitors enjoy the estate.
Blue Badge parking is available close to the entrance, and accompanying carers receive free admission to the house. After exploring, you can relax with lunch or coffee in the estate café or enjoy refreshments in the charming tea room within the house grounds, making Lanhydrock an enjoyable and accessible day out for many older adults and their families.
2 – Explore Bodmin Jail and the Bodmin & Wenford Railway
Bodmin Jail offers a fascinating and immersive journey through Cornwall’s history. The award-winning visitor experience brings the stories of former prisoners and prison life vividly to life using atmospheric displays, projections and interactive exhibits. Improved accessibility, including lifts and wider pathways in many areas, helps make the attraction enjoyable for a wide range of visitors, while the café provides a comfortable place to relax after your visit.
Just a few minutes away is the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, where you can step aboard a beautifully restored steam or heritage diesel train and enjoy a leisurely ride through the Cornish countryside. With accessible facilities and a nostalgic atmosphere, it’s a wonderful experience for railway enthusiasts and families alike.
Together, these two attractions make an excellent day out, combining local history, beautiful scenery and a chance to experience two of Bodmin’s most popular visitor destinations.
3 – Visit St Michaels Mount
Perhaps the most photographed and beloved of Cornwall’s sites, St Michael’s Mount is a sight to behold. A beautifully preserved medieval monastery situated on an island, the Mount is usually separated from the rest of the county by sea. At certain hours, the tide lowers enough that one can walk across to the monastery.
At high tides, ferries can still take you across to enjoy the timeless scenery to be found here.
Find more information about accessibility at St Michael’s Mount. All caregivers are admitted free of charge with registered disabled visitors.
4 – Enjoy Fowey Regatta Week in August
Fowey Regatta Week is a vibrant celebration, perfect for older and disabled visitors who want to soak up the atmosphere at a relaxed pace. Enjoy harbour views, lively boat races, and parades, with plenty of seating along the waterfront. Accessible vantage points like Town Quay offer a great spot to watch the action. Look after for the pretty, colourful sails of the Fowey River Fleet!
Browse the stalls, enjoy live music, or relax in a cozy café. While some streets are steep, local taxis and boat trips make exploring easier. With a friendly, welcoming vibe, Fowey Regatta Week is a fantastic event for all.
5 – Discover Wheal Martyn Clay Works
Set in the heart of Cornwall’s historic clay country, Wheal Martyn offers a fascinating insight into one of the industries that shaped the local landscape and communities. Explore the preserved Victorian clay works, impressive machinery and interactive exhibitions that bring the story of Cornwall’s china clay industry to life.
The museum is set within beautiful woodland, with accessible pathways through much of the site, plenty of places to sit and enjoy the surroundings, and a welcoming café serving refreshments throughout the day. The friendly team also hosts a popular Memory Café, offering a relaxed and supportive space for people living with dementia, their families and carers to meet, chat and enjoy activities together.
Whether you’re interested in local history, engineering, nature or simply looking for a peaceful day out, Wheal Martyn is a hidden gem that offers something for visitors of all ages.
6 – Swim At Readymoney Cove Beach
A beautiful cove beach accessible by road on the outskirts of Fowey . Great to swim at or have a coffee, cake or ice cream from the shop.
The beach doesn’t have lifeguard cover or parking but it does have a lovely cafe and well maintained toilets. There is a car park up the parade about 15 minutes walk away. This is a reasonable track though steps are needed to get to the car park. The road does come down to the beach and whilst it is not possible to park, it is ok to drop someone off. There is limited space for a blue badge user as well.
Readymoney Beach Shop Accessibility
7 – Enjoy a show at Minack Theatre
Carved into the cliffside and reminiscent of ancient Roman theatres once found across Europe, the Minack Theatre hosts numerous shows across the year. At summer the weather would be especially nice, so check out what’s playing and indulge in some theatrical performances. The theatre is all outdoors, so make sure you dress appropriately for the weather. Otherwise, it still offers a breath-taking view over the cliffs and the sea.
The main auditorium is not accessible to wheelchair users, who however can access a panoramic balcony with views of the theatre.
One of our office dogs Truffles was born on a farm right by the Minack! See her here with her friends Office team members | Home Instead
Celebrate Obby Oss Day in Padstow
Padstow is one of Cornwall’s most picturesque harbour towns and could easily fill a day with its independent shops, cafés, restaurants and bustling waterfront. If you’re visiting on 1 May, you’ll experience the famous Obby Oss Day—one of the oldest and most colourful May Day celebrations in the British Isles, with music, dancing and traditions that have been passed down for generations.
At any time of year, Padstow has plenty to offer. Discover the town’s maritime heritage at the Padstow Lobster Hatchery and National Lobster Hatchery Visitor Centre, enjoy watching the fishing boats come and go from the harbour, or take a gentle stroll along the South West Coast Path. The walks towards Stepper Point offer breathtaking views across the Camel Estuary, out to sea and towards the famous Doom Bar, making them a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re interested in Cornish traditions, coastal scenery or simply enjoying a leisurely lunch by the harbour, Padstow is a wonderful destination for a memorable day out.
9 – Visit the Eden Project
Without somehow getting past seraphim wielding giant flaming swords that point in every direction, getting to the actual Garden of Eden is a bit of a stretch. So settle with the next best thing and visit the Eden Project just off the A391 near St Austell . Built at the turn of the millennium, the distinctive bubbled domes house some of the most diverse recreated biomes on the planet. It’s now one of Cornwall’s most iconic areas.
It’s at the forefront of botany and conservation science, with discount tickets offered online. Project Eden is a fully accessible site with many means of assistance offered to all its guests, so there’s little you’ll not be able to see here.
Are you looking for Care in Cornwall? At Home Instead, we provide a fully managed, high quality personalised home care service to meet your needs.