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

Just outside Bodmin and a short drive from Lostwithiel, Lanhydrock House and Gardens is a wonderful place to spend a day. This National Trust estate combines an impressive Victorian country house with beautiful gardens, woodland walks and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the surroundings.

Inside the house, you can discover more about the Agar-Robartes family and how they lived, including the story of Lanhydrock during the First World War. While the age and character of the house mean that there are some steps, ramps and sloping paths, accessibility has been carefully considered. Wheelchairs, mobility scooters and Tramper all-terrain mobility vehicles are available to borrow.

Blue Badge parking is available close to the entrance, and registered disabled visitors can bring a carer free of charge. After exploring the house and gardens, there are cafés and places to enjoy a coffee, lunch or a traditional Cornish cream tea.

With beautiful scenery, fascinating history and thoughtful accessibility, Lanhydrock makes an enjoyable day out for older visitors, families and anyone looking for an accessible place to explore.

2 – Explore Bodmin Jail and the Bodmin & Wenford Railway

Bodmin is home to two very different attractions that can easily be combined into a memorable day out.

Bodmin Jail offers a fascinating glimpse into Cornwall’s past and the lives of the people who were once held there. The visitor experience brings the history of the jail to life through displays, projections and interactive exhibits. Accessibility has been improved in many areas, including lifts and wider pathways, and there is a café where you can relax after exploring.

Just a short distance away, the Bodmin & Wenford Railway offers a very different experience. Step aboard a beautifully restored steam or heritage diesel train and enjoy a leisurely journey through the Cornish countryside. With accessible facilities and the nostalgic atmosphere of a heritage railway, it is an enjoyable outing for railway enthusiasts, families and visitors of all ages.

Together, the two attractions offer a great way to spend a day in Bodmin, combining local history, heritage, countryside and plenty of opportunities to take things at your own pace.

3 – Visit St Michaels Mount

St Michael’s Mount is one of Cornwall’s most recognisable landmarks and makes a memorable day out. The medieval castle and church sit on an island just off the coast at Marazion, connected to the mainland by a historic causeway that can be crossed on foot when the tide is out.

When the tide is in, visitors can travel across by boat, offering a different perspective of the Mount and the surrounding coastline.

Because of the historic nature of the island, some areas can be challenging for visitors with limited mobility, so it is worth checking the latest accessibility information before visiting and planning your trip around the tide times.

Registered disabled visitors can bring a carer free of charge. With its spectacular setting, fascinating history and unique approach across the causeway, St Michael’s Mount is a particularly memorable Cornish experience.

4 – Enjoy Fowey Regatta Week in August

Fowey Regatta Week brings the historic harbour town to life every August, with boat races, colourful sails, parades and plenty of activity along the waterfront.

For older visitors or anyone who prefers to take things at a relaxed pace, you don’t need to join in with everything to enjoy the occasion. Finding a comfortable spot along the waterfront and watching the boats and Fowey River Fleet can be just as enjoyable. Town Quay provides an excellent vantage point for taking in the atmosphere.

There are cafés, restaurants and stalls throughout the town, as well as live music and other entertainment. Fowey’s streets can be steep in places, so visitors with mobility difficulties may want to plan their route in advance. Local taxis and boat trips can provide alternatives to walking around the town.

With its beautiful harbour setting and friendly atmosphere, Fowey Regatta Week is a lovely opportunity to enjoy one of Cornwall’s most characterful towns at its liveliest.

5 – Discover Wheal Martyn Clay Works

Wheal Martyn Clay Works in St Austell offers a fascinating insight into the china clay industry that has played such an important part in Cornwall’s history. Set amongst woodland and former clay workings, the museum combines historic buildings and machinery with exhibitions that explain how the industry shaped the landscape and communities of the area.

There is plenty to discover at your own pace, with accessible routes through much of the site and places to sit and enjoy the surroundings. The café provides a welcome opportunity to stop for refreshments during your visit.

Wheal Martyn also hosts a popular Memory Café, providing a relaxed and friendly setting for people living with dementia, their families and carers to meet, chat and take part in activities.

Whether you’re interested in Cornish history, engineering, the natural landscape or simply looking for an interesting local day out, Wheal Martyn is well worth a visit.

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!

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 care service to meet your needs.