Nanny Pat’s child friendly days out in Cornwall: Penzance


Child holding a dog with Penzance in Cornwall in the background.

Anyone who reads my blog will know that I am an avid fan of Karen Narramore’s Spotty Dog Trails. The simple kit of a trail map, clue sheet, tally counter and badge has answered my ‘what shall I do with the grandchildren today?’ question on many occasions. Megan, my seven-year-old granddaughter even asked Father Christmas for one for her Christmas stocking this year!

On the day of our adventure it was raining. Undeterred, all five of us plus dog set off with pushchair, picnic, waterproofs and high hopes that the weather would cheer up when we reached Penzance. When we’d parked, we sat and ate lunch inside the car, then decided to brave the weather in our waterproofs with our map safely stowed in a plastic bag.

Spotty Dog Trails are a great way to explore and area as a family

The first clue was easy but the second had us walking backwards and forwards along the seafront completely perplexed. Eventually I gave in and asked a man in a fishing tackle shop if he had seen a smiling fisherman holding up a fish somewhere nearby. “Oh yes,” he replied. “He’s in the shed yonder having a coat of paint, but he usually lives outside my shop!” Problem solved, tally list ticked!

Penzance has some interesting hidden gems to delight families

My lot get very concerned if we can’t find the clues, as they like to conscientiously tick them all off and understand what they mean. Sometimes it takes a bit of explaining, such as the one on this trail depicting the severed head of John the Baptist on a plate – a plaster cast on a wall of a house in one of the back streets. I congratulate Karen on her homework, researching it all for us to learn more about the places on our doorstep we take so much for granted.

There are some interesting discoveries to be made in Penzance
We found the head of John the Baptist

We had a brilliant day, again finding streets I’d never been down, beautiful Regency terraces, tropical gardens, a dalek and the Bronte sisters’ mother’s house! The rain eased off and a highlight of the day for the children was the fountain in Morrab Gardens. The pool beneath it was brimming with tadpoles so they spent a happy hour scooping them out and putting them back before we finished the trail.

Penzance has lots of offer for a family friendly day out

Another great day out uncovering some of Penzance’s hidden secrets. Where next?

Spotty Dog Trails are ideal for primary school age children and preschoolers alike
Spotty Dog Trail fans!

What’s your favourite child friendly activity in Cornwall? Why not leave a message below, post on our Facebook page, or tweet @Bosinver – we’d love to hear all about your adventures! 

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Action Nan and the rest of the team are always busy writing posts that we think you’ll like – from top tips on where to take the kids, to what’s likely to be going on in the local area when you stay – we’ve got it all in our blog!