Lappa Valley review and guide – where a steam train ride starts a traditional day out for young children
We take our children and dog to this outdoor attraction for young children in Cornwall
Name
Lappa Valley
What is it?
Lappa Valley is an outdoor attraction for young children with traditional activities, which you access via a miniature steam train from the car park.
Where is it?
Near Newquay in Cornwall (south-west England).
Our highlights
The trains
At the car park is a ticket office and a station – known as Benny Halt – where you catch a miniature locomotive.
It travels a mile to East Wheal Rose station where the park is nestled in a valley.
There are two other little trains when you get there – one which goes twice around a track and another which takes you to another part of the site.
The park
There is a small lake with swan-shaped pedalos and canoes, a nine-hole crazy golf course, little cars to drive around tracks on, trampolines, trains and play areas.
Swan pedalos
What did we think?
Starting the visit with a train ride was different and exciting – especially as it was our dog’s first time on one too.
The play areas are varied and there was a quiz to fill in as you walked around the site, which our children enjoyed.
Our two were perhaps a little old at 10 and 7 for Lappa Valley overall but this is a lovely treat for younger children, particularly train fans.
Our top tips
*Check out the train times so that you are not hanging around at the beginning or end of your trip.
*Try to visit on a dry, sunny day – the weather could make or break your visit.
Crazy golf at Lappa Valley
*There is a buggy wagon on the steam railway to put prams and pushchairs.
*Dogs on a lead are welcome, there weren’t many there but we took ours with us. It costs £1 per dog and they are allowed on the train, boats and walks. Assistance dogs are free.
Lappa Valley information
Food
There is a cafe, the Whistlestop Cafe, which includes a children’s menu.
Picnics are allowed and there are several places to eat them.
Opening hours: 10am to 5.30pm
Cost: Adults £13.95, children up to age 16 are £11.95, over 60s are £11.95, children two and under are free.
A family ticket is £47.50 for two adults and two children and is £50.50 for two adults and three children. Dogs are £1.
There are discounts for disabled visitors, carers and public services personnel.
Everything is included in the cost including the trains, boats and crazy golf, except coin-operated rides.
Best for: Children aged three to seven.
Time needed: Two to four hours
Access and restrictions
This site is hilly and half of it is accessible by wheelchair. Wheelchairs of a certain size can fit on the train in adapted, ramped compartments. There are two wheelchairs available to borrow.
Address: Lappa Valley, St Newlyn East, Newquay, TR8 5LX.
Email: info@lappavalley.co.uk
Telephone: 01872 510317
Website: Lappa Valley
More Cornwall content
Don’t miss our reviews and tips for other Cornwall attractions – the Lost Gardens of Heligan and Tintagel Castle.
Plus see the fabulous dog-friendly luxury cottage complex where we stayed: Review: The Valley in Cornwall – we take our children and dog to this five-star site near Truro
And our full Cornwall holiday review is here: We take our children and new dog on a family holiday to Cornwall – find out how we get on
*Our trip was supported by www.visitcornwall.com – the number one website for visitors to Cornwall, helping visitors find everything they need for a great time in Cornwall.