4 Night Cornwall Family Walking Adventure
Cornwall is renowned for its stunning coast and beautiful beaches. Our spectacular, family friendly walks reveal some of the county’s most rugged, dramatic and picturesque scenery. Remember to keep a lookout for seals as you adventure down by the seashore. Take time to collect shells and see what can be discovered rock pooling. From sandy beaches and hidden coves to cliff top trails and expansive views, the region has so much offer.
What you’ll love
- Swimming in our heated outdoor pool
- Meeting other families
- Optional guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
- Exploring the beaches and coves on Cornwall’s coastline
- All meals and activities taken care of
What’s included
- Family rooms available subject to availability
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals tailored towards families, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Choice of up to four guided walks (on walking days)
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.
Option 1 - Perranuthnoe Village to Marazion
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Ascent: 310ft (100m)
In summary: Starting at Perranuthnoe village, we follow the undulating coast path to Marazion, where there’ll be plenty of time to enjoy this bustling ancient town. Cross the cobbled causeway and visit St Michaels Mount (payable locally), have fun playing on the sandy beaches, or discover the fabulous selection of art galleries and gift shops - the choice is yours. If you’re ready for an early return to St Ives, it’s possible to catch the Land’s End Coaster, one of the UK’s most spectacular open top bus rides.
What your kids will love: The adventure of visiting St Micheals Mount – a treasure island steeped in myth and legend, crowned with a fairy-tale like castle.
Option 2 - Higher Kenneggy to Perranuthnoe and Marazion
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 800ft (250m)
In summary: Option two begins a little further along the coastline, joining at Kenneggy Sand. We’ll pass Prussia Cove and Cudden Point, on our way to Perranuthnoe and Marazion.
What your kids will love: Building sandcastles on the beach and exploring rock pools around Chapel Rock and Marazion harbour. There’s a great play park at Folly Field too.
Option 3 - Praa Sands and Mounts Bay
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 1,100ft (340m)
In summary: Starting at Sydney Cove, and the beach of Praa Sands, we’ll enjoy an additional mile of walking along the stunning South West Coast path. We’ll walk in the footsteps of options one and two until we reach Marazion.
What your kids will love: Hearing tales of the legendary smugglers and wreckers who lived on this coast.
Option 4 - Rinsey Head and Praa Sands to Marazion
Distance: 9 miles (14 km)
Ascent: 1,300ft (400m)
In summary: Our longest option of the day takes in even more miles of this magnificent coastline. From the mine buildings of Wheal Prosper at Rinsey Head, we’ll walk along the mile long beach of Praa Sands, before continuing all the way to the historic town of Marazion, via Prussia Cove and Perranuthnoe.
What your kids will love: The freedom of striding out, breathing in the fresh sea air and soaking up the immense views of Mounts Bay.
Option 1 - Caerthillian Cove and Kynance Cove
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Ascent: 440ft (135m)
In summary: Our shortest walk option of the day is a circular route starting from Lizard Village. We’ll join the coastal path at Caerthillian Cove and head straight to Kynance Cove, where we’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the beach.
What your kids will love: Adventuring at Kynance Cove. Famous for its white sand, turquoise sea and rock stacks, nature has created the perfect playground. Paddle in the aquamarine waters, explore caves along the beach, or hunt out marine creatures in the rock pools. What will you find?
Option 2 - Lizard Coastline to Kynance Cove
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Ascent: 540ft (160m)
In summary: From the Lizard Green we'll walk south to Polpear Cove and pass Lizard Point Lighthouse. We’ll continue around the coast and have plenty of time to spend at the Cornish gem of Kynance Cove. If we’re there at half-tide, listen out, you’re not mistaken if you hear a snorting sound, it's Devil's bellows, a blowhole on Asparagus Island.
What your kids will love: Making a game of who can spot the most wildlife, look out for Cornish chough, seals, dolphins and even adders basking in the sunshine.
Option 3 - Church Cove, Lizard Point Lighthouse to Kynance Cove
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 925ft (280m)
In summary: A beautiful circuit around the southern tip of England. We'll first head to Church Cove, then continue around the headlands passing Kilcobben Cove, Bass Point and the Lizard Point Lighthouse, until we reach the golden sands of Kynance.
What your kids will love: Discovering Lizard Lighthouse and hearing stories of the countless shipwrecks along this notorious stretch of coast.
Option 4 - Cadgwith, Polpeor & Kynance Cove
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,375ft (420m)
In summary: Challenge yourself to this fantastic, full-on walk. Starting in Lizard, we’ll cross farmland on route to the tiny fishing village of Cadgwith. Here we pick up the coastal path and complete an extended circuit around the dramatic and rugged cliffs of Britain’s most southerly tip.
What your kids will love: Seeing the Devils Frying Pan and learning about why the Lizard peninsula is renowned as the birthplace of modern communication.
Option 1 - St Ives Head and the Beaches
Distance: 2 miles (3km)
Ascent: 300ft (90m)
In summary: We’ll stop by the Malakoff for the best view in town, before walking along the seafront to St Ives Head and on to Porthmeor Beach. There’ll be lots of fun and interest along the way.
What your kids will love: Stopping by the St Ives Lifeboat Station, seeing their world-class equipment and hearing about the extraordinary volunteers and their rescue efforts.
Option 2 - Clodgy Point to Porthmeor Beach
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 700ft (220m)
In summary: We’ll complete a gentle circuit from the door of Chy Morvah, taking us through the Cornish countryside and back along the clifftops past Clodgy Point. There’ll be time to chill out on one of the golden beaches or visit one of the towns attractions.
What your kids will love: Surfing the waves at Porthmeor Beach and exploring the rock pools. What treasures will you find?
Option 3 - River Cove, Trevail & Trevalgan
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,130ft (345m)
In summary: On this fantastic walk we head out along the rugged coast, passing coves and rocky headlands on our way to River Cove – a favourite spot for seals. Here, we turn inland, walking along the valley to Trevail Mill, before making out way back to St Ives across ancient field paths.
What your kids will love: Seal spotting at River Cove. Fun fact – the seals resting on the islands visible just offshore have played a starring role in Spring Watch.
Option 4 - Mussel Point on to River Cove
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Total ascent: 1,450 feet (440m)
In summary: We begin by completing the inland section of our walk. Crossing prehistoric fields, we’ll pass the hamlets of Trevega, Boscubben and Treveal. We reach the coast at Mussel Point, then follow the undulating rugged path over the cliffs and headlands back to St Ives, taking time to pause at River Cove for the seals.
What your kids will love: Showing off their walking prowess and newfound stamina at the end of an epic week. Anyone for a celebratory ice cream?
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Chy Morvah
The Penwith peninsula takes centre stage at this beautiful property in St Ives – the seaside hub that has inspired generations of artists for its working harbour, historic fishing communities, white-sand beaches, and surrounding Cornish landscape. The setting couldn’t be more idyllic; just a skip away from the town’s cobbled streets and within walking distance of four great beaches: Porthmeor, Porthminster, Harbour, and Porthgwidden. It’s also a short drive to St Michael’s Mount – the tidal island crowned by a medieval church and castle. The National Trust has owned most of the island since 1954 and while they ensure its preservation and conservation, it’s been the cherished home of the St Aubyn family since the 17th century.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Chy Morvah has 39 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: The guest rooms that make the most of the sea views are easily the best.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Chy Morvah
Getting to Chy Morvah
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
Chy Morvah
Bishops Road
St. Ives
Cornwall TR26 2DB
What3words reference: flipper.pulled.shepherdess
Tel: +44 (0)1736 796314
By train
The nearest rail station is St Ives. Chy Morvah is a short 10-minute walk uphill from the station. Exit the station, turn left and walk through St Ives Station car park, take the walkway on your left to Terrace Road A3074. Turn left, cross the road and continue uphill on a No Entry road to reach Pendolver Terrace. Turn left on Pendolver Terrace and follow the road around uphill to the right. Chy Morvah is signposted ahead.
An alternative to St Ives rail station is St Erth, which is connected to many mainline services. Please check National Rail for train times and route planning.
By taxi
St. Ives station is only half a mile away, but it’s a steep uphill walk.
St. Erth is four miles away and the journey takes just over 10 minutes.
For pricing, please contact Ace Cars directly.
Ace Cars
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Ace Cars*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1736 797799
Email: acecars2@aol.com
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Chy Morvah.
*Ace Cars is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
By car
Head to Cornwall via the A30 then take the A3074 signposted to St. Ives. At the next two small roundabouts, go straight across the first and take a right at the second towards Lelant. Pass through Lelant and Carbis Bay on the same road.
As you approach St. Ives keep left at the fork, which heads slightly uphill, following signs to visitor parking and the leisure centre. Follow the road and turn left up the steep hill. Almost immediately the road turns left again, but instead of following the road, turn off and head directly up the hill on Porthminster Terrace.
Chy Morvah is at the top of the hill. To reach the car park you’ll need to drive left past the front of Chy Morvah and turn immediately right behind the back of the building. The car park is on the right 15 yards along Bishop's Road.
By air
The nearest airport is London Heathrow Airport.
First take the train to London Paddington station from where you’ll find direct trains to St. Erth, and a short train journey to St. Ives.
A morning arrival into Heathrow would be best as you’ll need around 6.5 hours to complete the journey.
The airports at Bristol and Newquay are also nearby, but there aren’t as many flight options.
Check National Rail for routes and train times.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- First-aid kit
Chy Morvah Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book