Penny Red's Pony Rides & Parties

Pony rides might sound twee until you've actually watched a four-year-old's face light up when they're handed the reins. Penny Red's, just outside Redruth in Cornwall, does exactly what it says - puts children on ponies and lets them get on with it. The setup is straightforward: a handful of well-kept ponies, a safe riding area, and staff who know what they're doing. Sessions are short enough that kids don't get restless but long enough to feel proper special.

It's absolutely the kind of thing to slot into a rainy afternoon or when the beaches are rammed. Families with younger children will get the most from it - toddlers might find it a bit overwhelming, but kids from about five upwards tend to have a brilliant time. The party aspect means you can also book the whole place for a birthday, which several of the nearby holiday parks would appreciate as an activity option.

Redruth itself is a working market town rather than a tourist hotspot, so Penny Red's works well as part of a broader day out rather than a destination on its own. If you're staying at Lanyon Holiday Park or Trevarth Holiday Park - both within easy driving distance - it's worth a look. The practical details on pricing and exact opening hours aren't readily available online, so ringing ahead is sensible. Allow an hour including setup and cooldown. Not groundbreaking, but genuinely worthwhile if you've got young kids in tow.