During May half term in and around Cornwall, National Trust places are hosting an array of family friendly activities. From dressing up in Tudor inspired costumes to beach cleans and learning all about bugs and flowers to a guided art tour, there’s lots to keep the whole family entertained.
What’s more, every time you experience a National Trust day out, you help care for these special places for future generations.
Here is what’s happening near you this May half term, please check property website for opening days and times:
Cotehele
Marvellous Market Gardens trail: half-term at Cotehele
Sat 27 May to Sun 4 Jun. 10am – 5pm
Find out what grows in the Tamar Valley and make your own plant pot. This half-term we’re celebrating the amazing history of market gardens in the Tamar Valley. Pick up a free children’s trail, make your own plant pot, sow a seed and discover all the wonderful things that grow in the garden.
Price: Free. No booking necessary.
Pondlife! at Cotehele Quay
Sat 3 Jun. 10am-1pm
Discover weird and wonderful creatures in the pond at Cotehele Quay with monthly drop-in, pond dipping sessions. Join us as we hunt for the creatures which live in (and on!) the pond. Watch the water closely, or have a go at pond dipping, and identify any insects, fish, or amphibians you may find. First come first served as limited space on the pond platform. Subject to cancellation in event of poor weather. Please check out social media feeds and website nearer each event.
Price: Free. No booking necessary.
Glendurgan Garden
Half Term Nature Activities
Sat 27 May to Sun 4 Jun. 10am – 5pm
Come and join us for some nature-based activities at Glendurgan this half term! Start ticking off some of the 50 things activities list at Glendurgan. Go on a bug hunt, create some wild art and plant a seed are just some of the activities you can take part in.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Lanhydrock
Rhododendrons & Camellias in bloom
Daily. 10.30 am – 5pm
The rhododendrons and camellias are putting on a spectacular show in the Lanhydrock garden so now is the time to enjoy a walk in the late spring sunshine. You can find varieties including ‘Westminster’ and ‘Blue Peter’ all around the formal, higher and woodland gardens.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Trelissick
May half-term trail at Trelissick
Sat 27 May to Sun 4 Jun. 10am – 5pm
Take part in a nature trail around the garden during May half-term.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Trerice
Celebrate 450 years of Trerice
Sat 27 to Mon 29 May. 10.30am – 4.30pm
Trerice is marking 450 years since the rebuilding of the Elizabethan manor house was finished in 1573. Join the team in celebration throughout the weekend and have a go at hobbyhorse jousting and Tudor games.
Other special events throughout the weekend:
Saturday 27 May – Live traditional Cornish and Celtic folk group
Sunday 28 May – Performances from the Trerice choir
Monday 29 May – Get dressed up in Tudor outfits for costume day
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Costume Day at Trerice
Mon 29 May. 11am – 3pm
Join in with our volunteers and get the whole family dressed up in Tudor-inspired costumes made by the volunteer costume group here at Trerice. There is something fit for everyone, not just the kids!
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Archaeological tour of Trerice
Fri 2 Jun. 2.30 – 3.30pm
You can learn about the archaeological and architectural history of Trerice on an hour long guided tour of the gardens. Find out about key features of the property and how they have changed over time, as well as archaeological digs and finds across the whole site.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
Trengwainton Garden
May half term family fun at Trengwainton
Sun 28 May to Sun June (closed Fri & Sat). 10am-5pm
Head to Trengwainton this May half term and you can make fallen flower kebabs and design your own bunting. Collect a stick from the reception and gather fallen flowers as you explore the garden, then pop them in the ground to create a collective piece of wild art in the shape of a butterfly. In the summer house on the Royal Meadow, design your own bunting with the material and pens you’ll find there and peg it out on the string we’ve laid out.
Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.
All images courtesy of the National Trust
