February Half Term 2026 in Cornwall: Things to Do
Will you be in Cornwall for February half term? There is plenty to do in Cornwall during the school holidays. Many of our main visitor attractions are open and it is the perfect time of year for a bracing run on the beach.
Plenty of space, family-friendly activities and lots of fabulous places to find food and drink – what could be better for a fun February half term holiday?
National Trust Half Term Activities
It is time to get that National Trust card out again as several of their Cornish gardens and estates re-open for February half term. As always, the Trust has a busy programme for families during the school holidays.
Trelissick is perfect for a February half term visit. There are buggy-friendly routes for those with little ones, lunchboxes available from the on-site café and – for the inevitable rainy days – there is the opportunity for a picnic in a summerhouse, followed by a scout in the second-hand bookshop. Cotehele has grab-and-go art bags, which can be picked up from reception. Kids can tour the gardens, sketchbook in hand, to have a go at capturing early spring flowers on the estate. Trengwainton and Glendurgan gardens are also opening in time for the February half term holidays, blooming with early-spring colour. Find out more about half term at National Trust properties in Cornwall.
Cornish Visitor Attractions this February
What’s on for families in Cornwall over the holidays? The Eden Project is celebrating a very special event – The Scarecrow’s Wedding! Join in with the celebration by crafting decorations, or simply enjoy the dancing, live music and storytelling, inspired by Julia Donaldson’s characters. The ice skating rink is open until 22 February, and there is a wealth of places to play and discover across the whole Eden site.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan is opening up more dates across February half term for visits to its retrofuturist roller skate rink. The groovy glow of this roller rink is actually inspired by the restoration of The Lost Gardens, and kids will be able to skate along to a playlist of retro hits and future classics.
Wildlife Parks and Sanctuaries
Paradise Park in Hayle is a firm family favourite during the February half term break, not least because it has a large indoor play area as well as a host of wonderful animals. Join in with the Pirates and Fairies Quiz over the half term holidays, which leads you to meet parrots at their feeding times and pick from the dressing up chests in the JungleBarn.
Screech Owl Sanctuary opens its doors again for February half term, and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary stays open all year (February is still pup season…). Animal lovers can also enjoy a day out in Newquay Zoo, home to hundreds of creatures among its 13-acre gardens.
The Great Outdoors in February
Do not let the time of year put you off exploring Cornwall’s beaches, moors and countryside! At this time of year Cornwall tends to be a micro-climate mostly mild and frost-free. The South West Coast Path website suggests some great routes for winter walks and there are plenty of inland paths across Bodmin Moor and through Cornwall’s woodlands (pack wellies and waterproofs).
Praa Sands, Marazion and Hayle Towans are among the best Cornish winter beaches, and naturally we love the sandy shores of our hometown St Ives. Fistral in Newquay is lined with cosy cafes where you can sit and watch the hardy surfers in the waves. The big benefit of a February half term holiday in Cornwall is that most of the beaches have unrestricted access for dogs – the pawfect half term break for families with pups.
Theatre and Cinema in Cornwall
What is on at the theatre in February half term? Over in the beautiful Minack Theatre, Squashbox Theatre are exploring how animals evolved at the ‘Curious Creatures’ wildlife park. From skateboarding snails to irritable alligators, puppets to slapstick, there is plenty to keep the kids entertained in this show.
There are cinemas across Cornwall, including St Ives, Penzance, Newlyn, Redruth and Truro: the perfect way to spend a rainy half term afternoon.
Book your Half Term Holiday in Cornwall
If you ha not already, there is still time to book your February half-term holiday to Cornwall. Take a look at our Family Friendly Escapes, which have everything you need for a comfortable stay.