Buccaneer Bay - Review for families

Best for

5 – 8 / 9 - 12

OK for

Babies / Toddlers & Preschool / 12+

Cost

££ - Adults cost £8.50 each, children between the ages of 3 – 15 cost £5.50 each and under 3’s go free.

What’s on offer

A humorous, joke-filled tour of a small, unusual pirate museum given by real life pirate characters – needless to say, if you have a child that likes pirates, this place is for you.

The journey begins in Smuggler’s Cove, where families will learn about Cornwall’s surprising smuggler history and get prepared for the rest of the tour. From there, the Land of Legends will provide some insight into the tale of some Cornish legends, including the Arthurian legend of King Arthur and Merlin the Wizard.

Crandock Quay will teach your little ones what happens when a pirate falls out of line, but the Buccaneer will teach how to be a valued member of a ship’s crew. Finally, take some family play time on the Below Deck – complete a treasure map activity sheet, explore the ship or play make believe.

There are some darker, slightly scarier elements of the tour including The Black Death Inn, Ne’er Do Wells Passage and the Sunken Village of the Damned.

There’s a well-liked pirate-themed gift shop, so make sure to bring some spending money.

Facilities wise, Buccaneer Bay does have bathrooms. It’s partially accessible with ramp/level access at main entrance.

Highlights

It’s an indoor attraction, so it’s ideal for any day that isn’t sunny, really. Any aspiring Jack Sparrow’s will definitely feel at home and enjoy the educational and entertaining tour held by the live pirates here.

TripAdvisor users mostly sing the praises of the actors working at Buccaneer Bay, with one user noting that they’re good enough to be working at the famous London Dungeon.

What to watch out for

• Buccaneer Bay is not fully accessible for wheelchair and pushchair users, especially the toilets. Please make sure you consult the website for up to date information specific to your family’s needs.

• The nearest car park holds a charge.

• This attraction typically lasts less than an hour, which isn’t ideal if you’ve got a car full of little ones in need of hours of entertainment. Therefore, you should probably plan another activity or attraction for your day out.

• As a result of the short length, you may find that this attraction feels over-priced.

• There are several scary areas which young or sensitive children may find upsetting or indeed, a bit scary. Staff will be of assistance, but if you want to avoid any drama, just stay away from the scary bits. Check the website or ask at the desk which areas to avoid.

• If you can’t stand cringe-worthy stuff or actors performing tours, maybe steer clear of this place. It’s also not the most educational tour around, focusing more on bite-size knowledge and generating laughs.

• No photos with the pirates allowed.

MFM tips:

• Why not make your visit to Buccaneer Bay part of a longer visit to the fishing town of Newquay? There are nine accessible sandy beaches along Newquay’s coast, such as the top-rated Tolcarne Beach. Surfing opportunities, Newquay Zoo and Lappa Valley Steam Railway are just a few of the family highlights.

What the owners say

“Walk through the caves and coves of Old Cornwall with our live pirates as they tell you the stories and legends from King Arthur's time through to the 1700s, the time of smugglers and pirates. For those who dare, the Sunken Village awaits. This can be a scary place and many will opt for the safe route. This is an activity for older children and adults. Tours last around 35 minutes.”

More places to visit in Cornwall...

Newquay Aquarium
Newquay Zoo
Land’s End
Eden Project
Paradise Park
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Flambards
Holywell Bay Fun Park
Dairyland Farmworld