The days are (slowly) getting longer, the sun is (somewhat) appearing, Spring is just around the corner – and February half-term is upon us… It may not be warm enough for a dip in the Cornish sea or a day sunbathing at the beach just yet – but here at Whalesborough, we’ve got you covered. Let us break down the best things you can do to keep the family busy this half-term. We’re lucky enough to be based on the stunning north Cornish coastline, and with that comes an array of outdoor (and indoor) activities to get stuck into.
At Whalesborough:
If you’re staying with us in one of our family-friendly cottages this half term, we have a great selection of things to do right on our doorstep, to keep both little ones and grown-ups entertained…
Join Farmer Dan on his animal feeding sessions:
Join in on feeding time at Whalesborough, with our Little Farmer’s Feeding Sessions. Treat the Alpacas and Chippy the Pony to a crunchy carrot or juicy apple, and feed the Goats, Pigs, Chickens and Ducks their favourite foods – all whilst learning about their lovely lives at Whalesborough from Farmer Dan and his modern farming know-how.
Explore nature in our Adventure Playground:
Discover the wonders of Whalesborough’s natural beauty and wildlife from our onsite Adventure Playground. Immerse yourself in nature in the bird hide lookout, explore the badger set tunnels, or enjoy a playful swing on the heron’s nest. Complete with picnic tables for parents to chill, it’s the perfect spot to witness mother nature springing to life as the weather changes. The area also boasts an interactive wildlife centre filled with entertaining and educational games for your little ones to enjoy and learn.
Under 6’s Playroom:
On a rainy day, our under 6’s playroom makes the ideal wet weather retreat and is the perfect way to keep your littlest ones happy. With a selection of toys, books and DVDs to choose from for some easy entertainment – mum and dad to put their feet up with a hot drink at the same time.
Out and about:
If you fancy straying a little further afield from Whalesborough during half term, Bude and the surrounding areas are jam-packed with things to do for the whole family come rain or shine.
The Cornish Coastline:
Bude and the surrounding areas in North Cornwall are home to some of the UK’s most stunning beaches and coastlines… and you don’t need blistering sunshine or a bucket and spade to enjoy them! Year-round, our nearby beaches make the ideal family day out. Better still, during the winter months, you can often have the whole place to yourselves!
Wrap up in your winter coat and walking wellies and enjoy a good stomp along the sand, explore natural rockpools – or breathe in that fresh sea air with a stroll along the South West Coast Path. We’ve got Widemouth Bay right on the doorstep; a multi-award-winner that’s popular amongst families and surfers alike thanks to its golden sands and consistent waves -AND, just a ten-minute drive away is Summerleaze Beach, which as well as being set next to Bude’s town centre, boasts a fantastic natural seawater swimming pool too (although it may still be a little cold for a dip in February!)
Camel Creek Adventure Park:
In the heart of Cornwall lies Camel Creek Adventure Park, a fun-filled, all-weather day out for the whole family to enjoy. From rides, animals and activities to restaurants, cafés and shops – you won’t struggle to fill your day at this theme park.
The Park hosts annual activities to reflect the season – and in February you can meet all the famous characters of the park in between riding rollercoasters and feeding the animals.
Newquay Zoo:
Speaking of Animals, Newquay Zoo has over 1,000 of the world’s rarest and most endangered ones – and is only an hour’s drive from Whalesborough. This is the perfect day out for those looking to unleash their inner animal, learn more about the world we live in and explore the wonders of the great outdoors! To refuel during the day there are several cafes and food outlets dotted around the zoo that serve Fairtrade coffees, hot food and delicious snacks for even the fussiest of eaters!
Bude Town Centre:
From Whalesborough, Bude is just a ten-minute drive or 45-minute walk alongside a stunning canal. A bustling Coastal Town brimming with eateries, quirky independent shops and of course -Beaches (did we mention that?), Bude is a great place to explore during a half-term getaway.
A visit to the Electric Bakery is a must, with doughnuts as big as your head, freshly baked handmade macaroons and their famous Portuguese pastel de nata’s that you don’t need to catch a flight to sample!
If hands-on crafting is more your thing, year-round Bude hosts an array of workshops suitable for the whole family, from glass blowing to watercolour painting – it’s the perfect way to get creative and take home a truly special souvenir from your time in Cornwall this half term.
Supporting small local businesses is one of the many things that keeps Bude’s heart ticking all year round, and luckily, the town is packed-a-plenty with shops offering a fantastic variety of chic items, one-off gifts, unique art, clothing for both land and sea, must-read books, delicious food, and so much more!
Well, we think we’ve covered enough to keep the whole family entertained this February half-term, and if that all sounds right up your street, you can discover more about staying at Whalesborough over the coming months here.