Half term already? Spring is just around the corner and the days are getting lighter – so there’s no need to get bored. Here’s a whole host of things to get stuck into this half term with our pick of the activities across Cornwall in our half term guide.

ONE-OFF EVENTS AT FEBRUARY HALF TERM

The Gruffalo, Hall for Cornwall, Fri 14 and Sat 15 Feb

Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Songs, laughs and monstrous fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world!

Taylormania – Taylor Swift Eras – The Ultimate Tribute, Hall for Cornwall, Sun 16 Feb

One for the tweens! An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis a self professed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will ever see.

The Tempest in a Teacup, The Minack, Mon 17 and Weds 19 Feb

John Brolly’s reworking of The Tempest is a fairy tale suitable for the whole family. The old wizard Prospero reminisces about his adventures marooned on an enchanted island with his daughter, Miranda and a mischievous sprite, Ariel. These were magical times creating storms and shipwrecks to play tricks on his enemies. Until he finally learns about the true power of love and forgiveness.

A one man retelling of the story of this magical play.

Avalon’s Youth Theatre’s Beauty and the Beast, Wadebridge Secondary School, Wadebridge, Weds 19 – Sat 22 Feb

Avalon Youth Theatre is a volunteer-run musical theatre company in Wadebridge for children and teenagers and their annual show is back for 2025 with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Young Potter’s Throwing, Leach Studios, St Ives, Thurs 20 Feb

Two classes, one locals and one for everyone will run at Bernard Leach’s old studio and gather inspiration from the pots of the Leach Pottery museum. Find out how potters at Leach Pottery throw on a wheel and try for yourself. Watch how they use a potter’s wheel as they talk through the process step by step and then have a try. £8, note no pots will be fired.

HALF TERM IN CORNWALL – WHAT’S ON ALL WEEK (SAT 15 – SUN 23 FEB 2025)

Cornwall Festival of Tech, and Tech Jam on Tour – various locations and dates Inc Camelford, Culdrose, Liskeard and more

Tech Jam on Tour is based on the Raspberry Pi Jam but with added other technologies, the Tech Jam is here to encourage youngsters to learn how to code. They provide all the equipment, though you are welcome to bring your own. There are Raspberry Pi computers, Picos, Arduino and BBC Microbits, plus other pieces of technology to build engaging electronic equipment. The festival has a host of other tech related workshops too.

Science of the Sea, National Maritime Museum, Falmouth

Science of the Sea – family fun with a BANG! Bristol Explorer Dome are back with more science shows, join the hunt for creatures that use bubbles to survive on the Museum Trail and in Make & Take use science to create colourful artworks.

Trelissick Spring Sketchbook, Trelissik, Nr Truro

This February half term collect a small, spring sketch booklet from the welcome team in reception and use it to guide your visit through the garden. There are 8 prompts in the booklet to help you explore and draw during your visit to Trelissick – free with admission, NT members free.

Love Heligan Trail, The Lost Gardens of Heligan

Follow our Heart and Home at Heligan Trail to less familiar parts of the Estate to take a closer look at some of the homes and habitats of The Lost Gardens of Heligan.

Follow our Heart and Home at Heligan Trail to less familiar parts of the Estate to take a closer look at some of the homes and habitats of The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Take some time to reflect on what makes these habitats a ‘home’ for our wonderful residents. Finish the trail and head to our craft corner to put your heart into constructing a little home of your own.

All activities are included within Garden Admission price and are free for Local and Member Pass holders.

Paddington comes to Eden

children in the rainforest biome at Eden Project Cornwall on the way to find Paddington

To celebrate the home release of Paddington in Peru, developed, produced and distributed by STUDIOCANAL, the Eden Project is hosting a February half-term programme from Sat 15 – Sun 23 Feb, with fun for all the family and, in an exclusive for the South West this half-term, a chance to meet the loveable bear himself.

Visitors will embark on a Paddington-inspired adventure through the jungle in search of six treasures of the rainforest. While navigating the lush greenery they must find hidden clues and work as a team to solve intriguing puzzles, uncover hidden letters and reveal a secret word.

In the heart of the Rainforest Biome, visitors will have a special opportunity to meet and capture a memorable moment with Paddington in a surrounding reminiscent of the Peruvian jungle (Monday 17 to Sunday 23 only).

The Mediterranean Biome will provide an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of traditional folk music heard in locations such as Peru. Three-piece band Katari will entertain with authentic performances using panpipes and other acoustic instruments. Following each performance, visitors can participate in informative, guided music workshops.

Ice skating at The Eden Project, until Sun 23 Feb

It’s your last chance to skate at Cornwall’s biggest outdoor ice-rink in the grounds of the Eden Project. Pre-booking online is essential, and you’ll need a locals pass or to pay to access Eden itself too (don’t forget all under 16s free entry to Eden this week with a paying adult).

Camel Creek, Nr Wadebridge,

Limited rides open at Camel Creek during the winter but still lots of fun to be had. Waverider and Kiddie’s Carousel are open, as are the indoor and outdoor play areas for tons of fun. Meet furry friends in the animal zones – keep an eye out when you get there as other rides may be open too.

Festival: Animate Helston

The Museum of Cornish Life, in partnership with Mor Media are once again holding a week-long celebration of animation during the thanks to funding from Arts Council England. This year, the festival focuses on the art of hand-drawn animation. Also look out for the exhibition of Early Animator Eddie Radage, who worked on films like Yellow Submarine, and a whole host of workshops running daily. (Sat 15 – Sun 22 Feb)

What’s on in Cornwall – ongoing

EXHIBITION: Reimagining Reality, Narisa Hall, Priory Park, Bodmin

Reimagining Reality is an innovative exhibition for Cornwall that will turn your world upside down! Explore the weird and wonderful peculiarities of science with interactive exhibits. Be prepared to be left wondering what you really know. If you think science really isn’t your thing, come for the art! Experience an immersive journey along surreal passageways leading to quirky exhibits that are an artwork in their own right. This exhibition is about as environmentally friendly as they come. Everything has been carefully crafted with waste or reclaimed materials. Follow the stories that are entwined in each exhibit; where it’s components came from and how it was transformed.

CORNISH HISTORY: Tin mining at Cornwall Gold

Find out all about Cornwall’s tin mining past in the new Tolgus Mill interactive exhibition at Cornwall Gold, Redruth, and then try panning for gold yourself. Little ones will enjoy the dress-up section to become a Tin Miller or a Bal Maiden, and be fascinated as the Tolgus Tin Streaming Mill smashes rock into tiny pieces, removing the tin ore from the stone, and then employs a host of inventions to separate the valuable tin. Free, dog-friendly.

The Story of Emily St Ive Liskeard Cornwall from above

HISTORY: The Story of Emily is a fresh, immersive historical experience set in gorgeous grounds in the little-known village of St Ive near Liskeard in south east Cornwall (definitely not to be confused with St Ives in West Penwith!) It tells the story of Emily Hobhouse. She was an inspirational woman from Cornwall who challenged the social norms of the Victorian era and changed the lives of thousands of women and children with her actions in the Second Anglo-Boer War. Visit for the restored rectory, the immersive war rooms, and stay for the excellent restaurant – you can read my full review here.

Once Emily’s childhood home, the derelict grounds and buildings of the old rectory were bought by a South African couple, the second in their portfolio of English properties with a connection to the Hobhouses (their first was turning Hadspen House into The Newt in Somerset. They also created the acclaimed Babylonstoren in South Africa, one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, now a hotel and winery).

SPORTY ADVENTURES

SURFING: Giving surfing a go is a must on a Cornish getaway (no, dipping your toes in wearing a wetsuit doesn’t count). George’s Surf School at Polzeath is great for individual coaching, or there’s Wavehunters at the Extreme Academy at Watergate Bay and the Sennen Surfing Centre, near Land’s End. Lots of hotels also offer board hire, often included in your stay – check out The Esplanade on Newquay’s Fistral Beach and SeaSpace at Porth.

CLIMBING: Tide Climbing Centre, New Trevibban Farm, St Issey, Wadebridge

Inspired by the Sport Climbing at the last Olympic games? Have a go yourself at the Tide Indoor Climbing Centre between Wadebridge and Padstow. They cater for all sorts of climbing and are in the unique position to offer both bouldering and rope climbing under one roof. With over 100 bouldering problems for you to try, as well as 22 lines and 4 auto belay points, there’s plenty for everyone.

SEGWAY: Bude Segway & Outdoor Pursuits, Bude

Something slightly different on two wheels here – glide around the woodland track on your very own Segway (once you’ve completed an intro course to make sure you can ride one ok – you must be over 5 stone and 4 foot tall, aged 7+ to ride). Other activities on offer include the 24ft Climbing wall and a caving experience.

MOUNTAIN BIKING: Old Hill Bike Park near Wadebridge

Not so much a trail as a maze of wheeled obstacle courses! You’ll need to have got all the kit in advance (helmets with face protection are mandatory, body armour recommended) – book in for a half or full day’s riding and try out jumps, ramps and drops along miles of graded tracks in what looks like off-road biking heaven. Top tip – walk the black route first!

ZIP WIRE: Hangloose, Eden Project, Bodelva

If you’ve been to Eden, you’ve probably noticed people speeding over the biomes on a giant zip wire – ‘there goes another one!’ It’s England’s longest and fastest. What you might not have realised, is that along with the famous SkyWire, there’s a catalogue of other nail-biting experiences to choose from at Hangloose at the Eden Project: a 20-metre giant cliff swing, free falls, airbags drops, 360 swing and climbing challenges. Wanna try the lot? Discounts are available on multi-activity tickets. 8+ years. From £38.

GIANT SWING & AXE THROWING: Adrenalin Quarry, Liskeard

Making use of an old quarry in South East Cornwall, these adventure sports specialists have been chucking people off cliffs since 2009. There are loads of activities to choose – all guaranteed to give you a rush – including a fast and furious zip wire, giant swing and coasteering but the one I’m most tempted by is axe throwing (just me?). Kind of like archery for maniacs, hurl your whirling weapon at the tree stump targets and listen out for the satisfying thud.

SKATEBOARDING: Mount Hawke Skate Park, Mount Hawke, Truro

While a lot of towns have a dedicated outdoor skate park (including St Ives’ new beauty) Mount Hawke Skatepark is one of the longest-running indoor parks in the UK. Built originally in 1986 to meet the needs of young people living in rural Cornish communities, Mount Hawke started as an outdoor facility but was developed inside in 1996, becoming the South West’s largest indoor skatepark. Another one for your list if your teens were inspired by Paris2024 and Team GB’s awesome skaters, it is split into different sections; street and transition, the ‘black pool’, the bowl, the rhythm section, the vert ramp, mini ramp alongside a new outdoor plaza and pump track, making us an all-weather facility.

HIGH WIRE: Via Ferrata Cornwall, Penryn

Penryn’s Adrenaline centre, Via Ferrata, launched a range of new activities for the 2021 season following a successful first season in 2020. The 60-acre site hosts a high-wire and climbing route around a disused granite quarry. This year it has added kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding as well as coasteering and archery. Via Ferrata is also operating an adventure holiday club during the hols with activities for 6–13-year-olds. Options include courses in climbing, zip-lining, kayaking, canoeing and archery as well as half, full and wraparound day care.

SPEED BOAT SAFARI: Wavehunters, Rock and Padstow

Exhilarating and magical Cornwall wildlife spotting and sightseeing trips and charters from Padstow, Rock and Port Isaac can be booked with Wavehunters. They know all the secret places and where the dolphins are likely to be. Sit at the front of the boat for the fastest seat. If you choose private hire, you can swim off the boat too when conditions are right.

CASTLES & GARDENS IN CORNWALL

Trebah Gardens

Open every day from 9.30am, Trebah gardens lead down to a private beach on the Helford River. The countless secret corners waiting to be discovered in the beautiful garden offers the perfect escape for all ages. One of the Great Gardens of Cornwall, in spring, Trebah comes alive with a colourful array of 100-year-old rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias. Trebah is one of the gardens that take part in the great magnolia count helping to declare spring in Cornwall.

Tintagel bridge — Photo credit: Hufton & Crow Photography

Tintagel Castle

Immerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle set high on Cornwall’s rugged north coast. Inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur, for centuries this dramatic castle and coastline has fired the imaginations of writers, artists and even the brother of a king. Now it’s your turn to be inspired – complete with a trip across the new bridge.

Caerhays Castle Gardens, Gorran, St Austell

The magnificent gardens and Grade II listed 140 acre woodland at Caerhays, are a spring-time wonderland for visitors. Home to a National Magnolia Collection, the collection even houses a 100 year old Magnolia tree. The gardens also feature many rhododendrons, camellias and trees which are nationally classed as Champion Trees by the Tree Register. Re-opens Monday 10 Feb 2025 after the winter.

Restormel Castle, Lostwithiel

Restormel is said to be one of the most remarkable castles in Britain – and certainly sits among some beautiful countryside near Lostwithiel, with far reaching views across the valley to the river Fowey. The present circular structure, built in the late 13th century, was a luxurious retreat for its medieval owners and was twice visited by Edward, the Black Prince. Now looked after by the English Heritage, don’t miss the new walking trail between the castle and Muddy fave Duchy of Cornwall Nursery where you can pick up a takeaway coffee, or even some plants.

Launceston Castle, Launceston

Launceston Castle is an imposing sight in the town itself, the ancient capital of Cornwall. Building of the castle started soon after the Norman Conquest. It is an unusual keep consisting of a 13th-century round tower built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, inside an earlier circular shell-keep. The castles main function used to be a prison before Bodmin Jail was constructed. After you’ve walked up to the keep and round the town you can also head out on to the moor. See the Hurlers – three fine late Neolithic or early Bronze Age stone circles arranged in a line, a grouping unique in England. Parking is free, but you’ll need to keep dogs on leads due to grazing lambs.

MUSEUMS & ANIMALS

The Seal Sanctuary, Gweek

On the river at Gweek, which is beautiful, find the seals – so full of Cornish character. Pre-booking essential.

National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth

Head to Plymouth’s harbour for the UK’s largest aquarium, with sharks, rays, octopus feeding-time and fascinating jellyfish. They’ve made some changes to their pricing so all tickets now come with a year’s free pass. Locals with a PL postcode always pay the cheaper Saver price, regardless of what time you visit. All 3-15 child tickets are HALF the price of an adult and under 3s go free. Booking essential.

FEBRUARY HALF TERM IDEAS FOR YOUNGER KIDS

Cornwall has some of the most scenic railways in Britain. Soak up the views of glorious beaches, estuaries and wooded valleys. We like the The St Ives Bay Line (from St Erth to St Ives). The The Atlantic Coast Line crosses some of the finest countryside traversing the county from Par on the south coast to Newquay on the north. Fancy a more old-fashioned kinda trip – hitch a ride on the steam railways at Bodmin or the Lappa Valley.

The best Playgrounds in Cornwall have a café nearby for that essential coffee fix whilst you watch them! Head for tried and tested favourites like Cardinham Woods, Lanhydrock, Callestick farm, Tanglewood wild garden near Penzance, Roskilly’s and Trebah Gardens just below Falmouth – or choose a sea view and pack your own tea. My personal faves are Polruan and Port Isaac, both handily next to the car park. The play lawn at Heligan is fab too, although you’ll also have to pay the entry fee, and some of it is closed during the winter. The new playground at Eden is also great if you’ve got a locals pass or annual membership.

OVER THE BORDER

Find the full Devon half term guide here but if you live near the border you might be interested in the following

Guess How Much I Love You™ garden adventure trail, RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington

Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare are hopping over to RHS Garden Rosemoor in 2025. Starting in February half term, and lasting all year, enjoy discovering an interactive garden trail and activities based on the well-loved children’s book Guess How Much I Love You™.

With storytelling, a guided welly walk and planting and craft workshops too, there’s plenty to keep all the family busy this holiday.

Best things to do over Feb half term with kids in Cornwall

You may also like