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Newquay Inland Accommodation
Crantock Bay West of NewquayNewquay Family Attractions Owl Sanctuary Steam Railways Cornwall
Newquay surrounds benefit from a host of Cornwall family holiday attractions with a more rural/conservation twist. Two of the best Inland Newquay attractions include the fascinating Screech Owl Sanctuary at St Columb, an attraction but an owl and rescue centre also. Highly recommended.
Also, for all you steam railway fans out there, check out the Lappa Valley Steam Railway and historic mine. It's a family attraction too, with lots on the menu from numerous pretty walking trails, picnic areas, kids playgrounds and fun rides on steam trains which includes kids themed rides a la Zebedee style!
Lappa Valley Steam Railway
Lappa Valley Steam Railway located conveniently inland from Newquay for day trips is not just a historic railway line with atmospheric steam trains. It's a historic mine site and there are numerous leisure facilities on the complex including pitch and putt golf, a sandpit, a kids play area, picnic areas, an adjacent golf course, numerous trails and scenic walks and the specially for the kids the trains Zebedee and Muffin.
The steam railway line at Lappa is one of the oldest in Cornwall, opened originally in 1849 as a mineral line from Newquay to East Wheal Rose, then later incorporated into the Great Western Newquay to Chancewater line. The history of this fascinating narrow gauge line is explored in the attraction as is the history of East Wheal Rose mine where one particular tragic accident in the 1940s when the mine was flooded is given much attention with a video showing.
Great fun too for the kids on the Woodland Miniature Railway. There's a licensed cafe and gift shop also on-site. Open 6th April to 30th September, with some open days in October. Check the weblink to the right for further details.
Lappa Valley Steam Railway and East Wheal Rose Mine, St Newlyn East, Near Newquay, TR8 5HZ. Tel: 01872 510317
Screech Owl Sanctuary Newquay
The Screech Owl Sanctuary is a rather special place, begun by two dedicated owl conservationists - the aptly named Mr and Mrs Screech. The sanctuary provides care for sick owls, with a view to release back into the wild, and if that's not possible a comfortable home. The centre does well to promote awareness on the conservation of owls and school trips and holiday makers are welcome. You'll take away lots from your visit like how you can help improve the wild population of owls by sitting owl nest boxes in your own community!
Captive breeding goes on here at the owl sanctuary too, and this centre has been involved in international conservation projects. You're in for a treat here at Screech where families can enjoy hands on supervised contact with tamed owls, falconry displays, an indoor educational centre, lakeside walks, a new kids Rainbow play area and courses are available on owl husbandry and falconry. This owl sanctuary has an amazingly diverse range of owls including breeds from the well known British Barn Owl to African owls such as the Milky Eagle Owl and Asian owls such as the Malaysian Brown Wood Owl. For a full list of the owl sanctuary's owl population check their website - with full colour pictures and details on each breed - fascinating!
The Owl Sanctuary is a real family attraction, fully equipped with on-site cafe, lots of owl conservation leaflets available plus birthday party packages are offered for all age groups with Owl Birthday cake on request! Screech Owl Sanctuary is open daily from 10am to 6pm, up until the end of October. Discounts apply for large groups, and family tickets are available. Disabled access is excellent, with a commitment to ensure equal inclusion in all hands on talks and exhibitions. Adopting an owl and supporting the sanctuary is encouraged. Check their weblink to the right for full details.
Screech Owl Sanctuary, Goss Moor, St. Columb, Cornwall, TR9 6HP. Tel: 01726 860182.
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