If you’re heading to Cornwall for the summer holidays then you’re probably planning on spending your days on the beach! However, if the weather’s not looking so nice, or you want to get out and about with the kids, then we’ve put together a list of different events taking place throughout the summer in Cornwall…

St Ives and surrounding areas:

St Ives Bay Helicopter Tours, 24th July – 4th August 

For a few weeks only, Adventure Experiences 001 will be running pleasure flights over St Ives Bay and beyond. From a short flight across the Bay, to flights across to Lands End with bubbly included, there's a selection of options available. Prices start from £34.50 and flights take off from Bussow Farm, near Halestown. Find out more here >

Beach Art Explorers, every Wednesday in August

The Tate St Ives will be holding Beach Art Explorer sessions every Wednesday in August, from 10.30-12.00 and 14.00-15.30. The sessions take place on Porthmeor beach; children will collect objects on the beach and create artwork using the objects found. The cost is £4.50 per child and children must be accompanied by an adult. Find out more > 

Hayle Fest, 3rd – 4th August

Head to Hayle North Quay to enjoy a weekend of live music, street food, local produce, craft stalls, a kids tent and a range of activities to take part in! 

St Ives Lifeboat Day, 23rd August 

Enjoy a fun packed day at St Ives Harbour, hosted by the RNLI lifeboat station. See the lifeboats on display and watch the rescue demonstration carried out by the HM Coastguard helicopter.

Paradise Park quiz trail – all summer

In between meeting the birds, otters, penguins and more, follow the trail through the park to search for dinosaurs and their eggs, before heading to the jungle barn and letting the kids go wild! Admission, from £11.95. Find out more >

West Cornwall:

Summer Adventures and Storytelling at St Michael’s Mount – all summer

Everyday throughout the summer holidays, narrators will be sharing stories of Cormoran the giant and the mythical mount boatman (every hour from 11am til 3pm, free with castle admission). In addition, children can join in with crafting sessions (free with castle admission) on the Dairy lawn, where they can make willow fish and clay sculptures, every Tuesday and Sunday throughout August. Find out more >

Minack Theatre - all summer

If you’re in Cornwall, you simply have to visit The Minack Theatre! Perched on the Cliffside overlooking Porthcurno beach, the almost 100 year old theatre offers spectacular views, not only of the performance, but of the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. If you’re lucky you might even see dolphins! This summer’s performances include ‘Alice’ and ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, for more information, visit their website >

Falmouth and surrounding areas:

Titantic stories and Pirate School - all summer

The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth are running their year-long exhibition ‘Titanic Stories’, which explores the myths and controversies surrounding the sinking of the iconic vessel. And for the summer only, children can join in with the pirate school to learn all about the life of a pirate. Tickets from £6. Find out more >

St Mawes Castle – Hands on History, 25th July – 31st August

Go back in time at St Mawes Castel. Every day throughout the summer holidays, you’ll be able to have a go at some Tudor kitchen activities. Prices from £3.60. Find out more >

Falmouth Week, 10th – 19th August

Originally a small sailing regatta dating back to 1837, Falmouth Week has evolved into a week of celebrations on the water and land. Enjoy sailing events, live music, carnivals, street food and more! Find out more and buy tickets here >

Fowey Royal Regatta, 19th – 25th August

Celebrating all things Fowey, the Royal Regatta includes sailing contests, a carnival, the crowning of the Fowey Queen, a pasty eating contest, and as per tradition, a giant pasty which is shared out among the community. 

Mid Cornwall:

Eden Project – Expedition Space, 21st July – 2nd September

Visiting the famous biomes at the Eden Project is an absolute must, however, this year let the children experience life on Mars as part of the Space Expedition. Free with usual admission ticket. Find out more > 

Rogue Theatre’s Wild Woodland Summer Ball, 23rd August -3rd Sept

Immerse yourself in the magic of this award-winning theatre held in Tehidy Woods. With performances at 2.30pm and 7pm, you can experience the woodland performance by daylight or by the fading light of the evening. Tickets £8.50. 

Paulos Circus, 12th July – 8th Sept

This summer sees the return of Paulos Circus to Newquay for their Creating Memories Tour. Enjoy breathtaking stunts, stunning artistry and laugh out loud comedy. All tickets £7. Find out more >

Bude:

Bude Carnival, 18th August

Join in with the carnival celebrations in Bude as the town comes to life for this traditional event. As well as the carnival, enjoy live music, food, dance and a great atmosphere!

Bude Castle Heritage Festival, 28th - 29th July

Enjoy a day celebrating the cultural heritage of the town and local areas. This year celebrates the 375th anniversary of the Battle of Stratton, which will be re-enacted on the Saturday. Enjoy a family fun day on the Sunday with food, drink, music, entertainment, tours of the castle, classic cars, WWII vehicles and a vintage fair. 

Bude Lifeboat Week, 26th August – 3rd September

Enjoy this community event and support the RNLI! The week includes a range of activities  and events, including quizzes, a children’s disco, live music, a craft fair and, on Lifeboat Day (28th) and search and rescue demonstration, a beach treasure hunt, rowing races, canoe polo, a pasty competition and more!

Of course, aside from the summer events, nothing beats a day at the beach! It's also worth setting aside some time to explore some of the wonderful landmarks and attractions in Cornwall, including Lands End, Tintagel Castle, St Nectan's Glen, The Lost gardens of Heligan, Trebah Gardens, Caerhayes Castle, Geevor Tin Mine and Lanhydrock House. Not to mention some of the beautiful villages dotted along the coast of Cornwall, including Mousehole, Padstow, Cagdwith, Polperro, Port Isaac, Charlestown and Looe. 

If you fancy visiting Cornwall, view all our cottages in Cornwall >

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