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May is a great time of year to visit Cornwall, whether it’s your first time or a returning visitor. As the temperatures rise (with highs of 20 degrees on record), summer is just around the corner, and there’s plenty to see and do in Cornwall during the May school holidays. As well as some pretty spectacular places to stay, although we are a little biased…
Spring brings with it a bounty of natural beauty, with gorgeous flowers – keep your eyes peeled for foxgloves – and luscious greenery and let’s not forget the beautiful beaches, which look stunning all year round.
As the days grow longer, the sun shines brighter and the winter layers come off, Cornwall comes to life. Here’s a handful of not-to-be-missed events taking place across the Duchy this May half term.
©Jenna Foxton.
Friday 22 May to Monday 25 May
Falmouth Food Festival returns to Church Street Car Park on the waterfront in Falmouth (TR11 3JT) from Friday 22 May to Monday 25 May 2026. The four-day event brings together some of Cornwall’s best food and drink traders, along with live music, chef demonstrations, arts and crafts, and a lively seafront atmosphere. It’s a great option for families, couples, and anyone wanting to sample local Cornish produce while exploring the town. Entry is free, so visitors only need to budget for food, drinks, and any purchases from the stalls. The festival usually runs from around 10am until late each day.
The Great Estate Festival takes place at Scorrier House near Redruth from 29–31 May 2026 and is one of Cornwall’s most unique festivals. Set in the beautiful grounds of a historic estate, it combines live music, street food, performance, and entertainment in a colourful Victorian-themed atmosphere.
It’s also a great choice for families during May half term. The festival includes a dedicated family and children’s area with workshops, circus skills, craft activities, and interactive performances designed to keep younger visitors entertained throughout the day. With plenty of open space to explore, a relaxed atmosphere, and lots of food and drink options, it offers a fun and memorable day out for all ages.
Open every day
Away from the hustle and bustle of Newquay, just three miles away in Crantock you’ll find Halwyn a space for gathering and feasting. Opening just last year, it’s still a bit of a secret spot, but there’s an all-weather driving range, mini golf course and a fully-licensed restaurant and you can easily spend a few hours here during the May half term. Open all year, seven days a week, visitors will receive a warm Cornish welcome, home-cooked, no fuss food and plenty of space to chill, plus your four-legged friends can join.
Image description only: Families exploring a wooden playhouse in a vibrant yellow flower field, perfect for May Half Term adventures in Cornwall.
23-31 May 2026
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is hosting its popular Wild Week this May half-term, offering families the chance to try axe throwing, archery, fire-making and assault courses. Set in the Play Meadow, activities span wildlife discovery, bushcraft, outdoor play and nature-themed learning. Visitors can track animals, explore microscopic life and create crafts, while a new seasonal Field Guide launches to enhance the experience. A two-day BioBlitz (May 28–29) will see experts and visitors survey Heligan’s wildlife, with talks and guided walks throughout. Most Wild Week activities are included with standard admission, making it an engaging, hands-on outdoor adventure.
Open every day from 9:30am
Trebah Gardens is a sub-tropical Cornish garden, steeped in heritage and creativity in Mawnan Smith just outside of Falmouth. A visit to Trebah is always magical, with its 26 acre garden packed with plants from around the globe, plus the Court Garden which opened last year. A unique walled garden, showcasing traditional herbaceous beds with a mix of shrubs alongside more exotic and tender plants that would struggle to grow outside of Cornwall.
Saturday 23 May – Sunday 31 May 2026
Falmouth’s National Maritime Museum is always a hive of activity, and this May half term visitors can discover the curious creatures found along the Cornish shore with the Rock Pool Project and their magical mobile rock pool which will be at the museum. Create paper plate rock pools to take home and join the Museum trail to help find all the hidden rock pool creatures.
Saturday 23 May – Sunday 31 May 2026
The Eden Project is a great place to visit during May half term, with plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Explore the famous biomes, discover plants from around the world, and enjoy the vast outdoor gardens and play areas.
For 2026, The Eden Project is bursting into miniature mayhem as Aardman’s hit animated children’s comedy series Lloyd of the Flies takes over the site with a fun-packed programme of trails, character moments and close‑up encounters with real mini-beasts.
Also new for this year are the Giant Marble Runs, a brand new permanent play experience set throughout Eden’s gardens. Spanning over 100 metres of interactive track across eight unique runs, it’s a fun way for children and adults to explore the landscape. When you arrive, you can borrow a beautifully carved wooden marble for a £5 returnable deposit and follow it as it twists, turns and tumbles along the tracks. At the end of your adventure, simply return the marble to reclaim your deposit or keep it ready for your next visit.
Categories: Activities,General
Rebecca Moore
LOCAL EDITOR AND CORNISH AFICIONADO
Rebecca Moore is a seasoned editor and content writer with over a decade of experience, specialising in Cornwall’s unique lifestyle, travel, and culinary scene. Her expertise has been featured in media outlets such as The Sun, Express, and Cosmopolitan. A proud Cornish resident, Rebecca’s authentic insights help readers explore the best of the Duchy.
