Flambards - Review for families

Best for:

Tall toddlers and preschoolers / most children 5 – 8 / some 9 – 12’s, though mostly we reckon that children under 10 will get the most out of it.

OK for:

Babies / 12+. It’s not for older children as they’ll be used to more sophisticated rides and technology.

Cost

£££ - but you can save 10% if you book online 24 or more hours ahead of your planned visit. Adults can expect to pay around £16.20 and under 15 tickets can be prices at around £11.25 on the door.

What’s on offer

Flambards offers just about everything – from soft play to shuggy boats and even to some science exhibitions. Presumably, children and the big kid inside mum and dad will want to start with the rides. There are rides specifically known as ‘thrill rides’ for those who like taking a good spin on a roller coaster or being dropped from a height. These include the log flume, thunderbolt, skyraker and a killer rollercoaster. Think adrenaline, dizzying heights and quick as lightning speeds.

As things get a little tamer, the carousel, balloon ride and cyclopter are still fun (yet more easy-going). Children’s rides mix from thrill-seeking on a smaller scale (think space shuttles and ‘the human cannonball’) all the way to the classic teacup ride. There really is something for everyone, even for those who don’t particularly enjoy rides. If you’re just looking for views, then the mini Cornwall Eye tries to put the London Eye to shame.

Educational, yet fascinating exhibits, are so important to Flambards. With a 25 year-long history of aviation exhibitions, it’s no surprise that the trend is still continuing. There are also war galleries, opening children’s eyes to what life may have been like during the Blitz, in an old chemist or as a Victorian.

There are three play areas on offer – two of which are included in the price of admission. These are called the Coolzone and Sealegs Safari. Within the Coolzone, there’s a special area for smaller children. The third play area (which is also the largest) is a super interactive sister attraction called ‘One2Eleven’, though this has its own separate admission fees.

Flambards offers a range of events throughout the year, including firework displays on selected evenings. They also have a cafeteria, plus snack kiosks and a fast food outlet on site. They’re able to cater to vegetarian and glucose intolerant diets.

There is free parking and ample picnic areas at your disposal. There is a cash machine upon entering the exhibition hall, several toilet facilities and baby-changing facilities all across the site, which should be clearly marked on your Flambards map.

Highlights

One of Flambards greatest strengths is the museum element of the attraction, particularly the Victorian Museum. One TripAdvisor reviewer noted how they felt as though they were actually walking down a real Victorian street. The Blitz experience is also a winner, with a seal of approval given by a visitor who was alive during the actual Blitz. Real air raid sirens, sound effects and excellent re-creations of the streets make for a really involving and engaging experience.

What to watch out for

• Many families feel like this attraction is a little bit dated. This is fair enough and is totally subjective. Don’t go in expecting Alton Towers or Flamingo Land style greatness, though.

• Flambards has a very specific and detailed height guide available for all of its theme park rides. Please consult the guide before booking anything to make sure your child is eligible for an appropriate number of activities.

• Height restrictions apply on the play areas, too. Check the website for full details.

• You can leave and re-enter the park on the same day (say, if you’ve left something in the car) but you MUST have a special stamp from the Goodbye Shop or else you won’t be let back in.

• Gift shop trickery is at play here. Try to locate the stores on your map. If you enter through one (or indeed exit) try to tell your child that you won’t be purchasing something from here, if you want to save money. Good luck.

MFM tips:

• Flambards is just 25 minutes from Falmouth, Camborne and Penzance and 30 minutes from Truro and St Ives. It’s easily accessible and ideally located for lots of family days out.

• If you don’t want to book in advance, you can use Tesco Clubcard reward tokens to gain a discount.

What the owners say

“Flambards theme park is the perfect family day out in Cornwall with a large selection of rides and attractions in Cornwall to suit everyone: from the thrill seekers to those who prefer a gentler pace.

Experience the fun as a child or adult from the high clutches of The Shuttle spacecraft to a dizzying spin on the Hornet Rollercoaster. Be sure to check out the amazing view at the top of the only drop, twisting ride The SkyRaker001 before plummeting back down to earth.”

Visit the official Flambards website

Read more of our MFM days out guides:

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