Things To Do In May Half Term In Cornwall
May is a great time for your Cornwall holidays, especially during half term. There is a lot going on in Cornwall, from fun family-friendly shows to exciting garden trails. Here are a few suggestions for days out in Cornwall during the school holidays.
Outdoor Adventures
Fingers crossed, the weather is usually pretty gorgeous in May. The average temperature is around 14 degrees, with an average of only nine days’ rainfall (trust us, that’s good for the south west). So, May half term is the perfect time to get outside and explore Cornwall’s beautiful paths and subtropical gardens.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan has a special treat in store this half term. Join them for Heligan Wild Week, where the family gets to pick a tribe, create a headdress, then take part in all sorts of wild adventures. Inspired by the recent David Attenborough BBC documentary series, Wild Isles, this will be as educational as it is fun.
Expect lots of fun trails, treasure hunts and outdoor activities from the National Trust in Cornwall, too. Keep an eye on their website for programme updates.
Visitor Attractions
Celebrating its twentieth birthday this year, the fabulous National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth has a packed events programme for 2023, including May half term. This began with their latest blockbuster exhibition, Pirates, which will run until late 2024. The National Maritime Museum exhibitions really are world-class and a must-see on your holidays in Cornwall.
The museum is also running a series of special rockpool workshops during the May holidays. Book onto a Rockpool Explorers workshop or craft session or take the rockpool trail around the galleries.
Keep checking the Eden Project’s website to see what they are planning for the May holidays. Other attractions to look out for include Newquay Zoo, Paradise Park in Hayle and Helston’s famous Flambards, which are all popular half term days out.
Exhibitions
Tate St Ives runs a year-round programme of family-friendly events, including fun sessions for toddlers. May half term also sees the start of a major new temporary exhibition, the Casablanca Art School. This collaboration between the Tate and Sharjah Art Foundation is the first of its kind in the UK, and celebrates the rebirth of Moroccan art following independence. The artwork is rich and varied, and this rare collection is definitely worth exploring.
Over the peninsula, Penzance’s lovely Penlee House Museum And Gallery explores an art school closer to home with its new Lamorna Colony Pioneers exhibition. Again, check out any events for younger art enthusiasts over the holidays.
If your family prefers to make their own works of art, look out for special events and workshops at the excellent Leach Pottery in St Ives. The museum and exhibitions are definitely worth exploring too.
Half Term Shows
The theatre world of West Cornwall really has pulled out the stops this half term, with a great selection of shows on offer. St Ives’ very own Kids R Us are putting on a production of Annie (the junior version) from the Tuesday, 30 May to Friday, 2 June. In Truro, the recently refurbished Hall For Cornwall has performances all week of the much-loved ABBA musical, Mama Mia.
A trip to the wonderful Minack Theatre is on many people’s Cornwall holiday list. During half term, you can catch another family-friendly musical at the Minack, Kipps, a new reworking of Half a Sixpence. The theatre is also open for visitors at other times, so you can explore backstage and learn more about the unique venue’s fascinating history.
Choose Your Cornish Holiday Home For May Half Term
Does May half term sound like a good time for your Cornwall holiday? There is certainly plenty going on in this part of the world! Take a look at our May Half Term Availability Page and book your action-packed May stay.
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