Discover the best days out in Cornwall this summer – we’ve put together a round up of brilliant events at the county’s top tourist attractions to inspire you with ideas to make memories as a family.
Here’s some of the best family days out for the school summer holidays, from A Pirates Life for Me at The National Maritime Museum Cornwall to the arrival of Superworm at The Lost Gardens of Heligan, from adventure golf at Land’s End to Beach Explorers at Tate St Ives.
Dates and opening times may vary so visitors are advised to check attraction websites before visiting.
We will continue to update this page as we discover new events, so please do keep checking back for new information.
A celebration of the work of artists Jenny Beavan and Stuart Thorn, who have created joint and individual work reflecting on Cornwall and the china clay industry for 25 years.
The Mevagissey Quaynotes perform live at Wheal Martyn. Expect tight harmonies and a bright ‘acappella’ sound from this four-man group.
Get creative with a range of hands-on, clay-inspired fun – from pottery painting (choose from three items) to pinch pot making, or modelling your own nature-inspired clay creature, there’s lots of variety at different price points.
Become a Seal Superstar and make your pledge to protect our oceans this summer at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary!
There are many wonderful things to experience at Wheal Martyn! Sights, sounds, smells and history. Follow the trail and discover the clues to piece together your very own summer treasure.
Discover a day jam-packed with every flavour of play with Trengwainton’s Summer of Play activities.
Join us this summer at PK for a fantastic array of family-friendly activities! 🏁 Cable Ship Racing. 🚢 Build your very own cable ship. 🎨 Craft your own brushes and get painting. 🔎 Become a communications expert on our Mini PK tours.
Join the team from Canoe Tamar for a guided family canoe trip along the River Tamar.
As part of our Summer of Play, we’re hosting free yoga and yogalates all summer long.
As part of our Summer of Play, we’re hosting free family yoga and yogalates all summer long, for adults and kids.
Dive into an ocean experience at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary with 25% off full ticket price when you book in advance online! Cornwall’s fun family day out with seal rescue at the heart of everything we do.
Join us at the Westernmost point of Cornwall for a thrilling cocktail of pyrotechnic wizardry and vibrant explosions lighting up the skies above Land’s End every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 25 July – 31 August 2023 at 10:00pm!
Join us at the Westernmost point of Cornwall for a thrilling cocktail of pyrotechnic wizardry and vibrant explosions lighting up the skies above Land’s End every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 25 July – 31 August 2023 at 10:00pm!
Join us at the Westernmost point of Cornwall for a thrilling cocktail of pyrotechnic wizardry and vibrant explosions lighting up the skies above Land’s End every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 25 July – 31 August 2023 at 10:00pm!
Join us at the Westernmost point of Cornwall for a thrilling cocktail of pyrotechnic wizardry and vibrant explosions lighting up the skies above Land’s End every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 25 July – 31 August 2023 at 10:00pm!
Join us at the Westernmost point of Cornwall for a thrilling cocktail of pyrotechnic wizardry and vibrant explosions lighting up the skies above Land’s End every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 25 July– 31 August 2023 at 10:00pm!
Join us at the Westernmost point of Cornwall for a thrilling cocktail of pyrotechnic wizardry and vibrant explosions lighting up the skies above Land’s End every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 25 July– 31 August 2023 at 10:00pm!
Join us at the Westernmost point of Cornwall for a thrilling cocktail of pyrotechnic wizardry and vibrant explosions lighting up the skies above Land’s End every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 25 July– 31 August 2023 at 10:00pm!
Join us at the Westernmost point of Cornwall for a thrilling cocktail of pyrotechnic wizardry and vibrant explosions lighting up the skies above Land’s End every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 25 July– 31 August 2023 at 10:00pm!
Join us at the Westernmost point of Cornwall for a thrilling cocktail of pyrotechnic wizardry and vibrant explosions lighting up the skies above Land’s End every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 25 July– 31 August 2023 at 10:00pm!
Join us at the Westernmost point of Cornwall for a thrilling cocktail of pyrotechnic wizardry and vibrant explosions lighting up the skies above Land’s End every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 25 July– 31 August 2023 at 10:00pm!
Join us at the Westernmost point of Cornwall for a thrilling cocktail of pyrotechnic wizardry and vibrant explosions lighting up the skies above Land’s End every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 25 July– 31 August 2023 at 10:00pm!
Join us at the Westernmost point of Cornwall for a thrilling cocktail of pyrotechnic wizardry and vibrant explosions lighting up the skies above Land’s End every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 25 July– 31 August 2023 at 10:00pm!
Join Newquay Zoo for breakfast and experience the sights and sounds of the zoo before it opens to visitors.
Join Newquay Zoo for breakfast and experience the sights and sounds of the zoo before it opens to visitors.
This exciting all-day event celebrates the mythical Beast of Bodmin and its iconic moorland home. Hosted by Bodmin Jail Museum, you’ll experience lantern-making, crafts, face-painting, a beastly procession, circus performers and a firework finale.
This August at the Minack, enter the enchanted world of Tom’s Midnight Garden, a haunting tale that has captivated generations of children. When his younger brother catches measles, ten-year-old Tom is sent into quarantine at […]
Sponsored by Starling Bank, the National Trust’s Summer of Play invites families to experience Trust places in new and exciting ways. Taking place over the summer school holidays and set against the backdrop of the […]
‘How to catch a rainbow’ story sessions with author Naomi Jones on 27 July and 9 August 2023. The story session will begin in the walled garden with a reading of the story by Naomi. […]
Enjoy a summer jam-packed full of family fun and games at Trerice, from racing round an obstacle course, getting arty and trying on some Tudor-inspired costumes.
Hand feed colourful parrots, see macaws fly free, plus new ‘Parrots of Paradise Quiz’ this summer from 1st July to 4th Sep 2023. Challenge yourself to learn about the intelligent parrot family and the conservation work of Paradise Park.
A super adventure is in store at The Lost Garden of Heligan this summer with a brand-new trail inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s renowned picture book, Superworm. The trail is created in partnership with brand owners, Magic Light Pictures.
Travel around the world of plants at Glendurgan.
Join us in August as we make art outside inspired by the wonderful seaside environment of Porthmeor Beach and artists from our current exhibitions at Tate St Ives.
Be an Art Explorer this holiday at Tate St Ives!
Come and join us at The National Lobster Hatchery this summer holiday to experience science first hand in our Lobster Lab! Interactive activities for all ages, educational games and put your knowledge to the test. Included in all existing and entry tic
Join author Naomi Jones on 27 July and 9 August as she shares her story ‘How to Catch a Rainbow’ at Trelissick. Enjoy a reading of the story in the Walled Garden, search for rainbow […]
Three newly-refurbished rooms have recently reopened at the National Trust’s Lanhydrock house, outside Bodmin, including those of eldest son and heir Thomas Charles ‘Tommy’ Agar-Robartes, who died in action during the First World War. Building […]
Experience the exhilarating spectacle of speed and skill as four legendary knights compete in the Grand Medieval Joust.
Go back in time and get close to the action, as medieval knights compete in the ultimate test of strength and skill.
Ahoy, me hearties! Set sail for Pendennis Castle this summer and get ready for a spectacular adventure on the high seas.
This exciting, highly-charged production of one of the world’s greatest dramas is performed by students of the Minack Theatre Acting Academy.
Come and celebrate the sea with tall tales, silly slapstick, fantastic facts, live music and songs – unmissable fun for children and adults of all ages!
Grab your Jubjub bird, and your best mad hat, and prepare yourself for the belly-laughing quest of a life time. This is the Jabberwocky as NEVER seen before.
‘Tales from the Trees’ is a terrific tangle of puppetry, storytelling, live music and comedy, with a theme that embraces natural history, folklore and ecology.
There will be thrills and spills galore, but also lots of laughs, plenty of puppets, songs, slapstick, tall tales and crazy characters – all presented in that unique Squashbox style!
Join Cornish performer and Makaton teacher Rebecca Hulbert for an inclusive children’s theatre show featuring original stories by a team of award winning and published children’s storybook authors, with key word signing woven throughout.
This summer, explore Eden to connect with family and friends in fun, hands-on activities – from outdoor games and storytelling, to den building and a board game compendium!
Skillywidden is a celebration of the wildlife and faery myths of Cornwall, using Squashbox Theatre’s distinctive mix of puppets, songs, storytelling and cabaret, with a strong environmental message.
Across Cornwall, National Trust places are alive with the promise of warm summer days, lazy weekend picnics and trips out with family and friends. There’s loads on offer this season, from archaeological tours to archery […]
Join our Wildlife Walks volunteer, Andy, on a fascinating ramble around the Cotehele estate. Booking essential. This event is free. Call 0344 249 1895 Sundays, 18 June,16 July and 20 August 2023, 11am to 1pm […]
The National Trust is launching an Explorer Pass that will allow access to four of its key places in Cornwall for up to 14 days in one convenient ticket. Available from 27 May to the end […]
Myths and MonstersPresented by Squashbox Theatre 14 August – 6 September, Mondays and Wednesdays only at 4pm Adults £10 Under 16s half price Babes in arms free Suitable for Age 4+ Running time – 60 […]
The Scottish PlayPresented by John Brolly21 July – 8 September, Fridays only at 4pm Adults £10 Under 16s half price Babes in arms free Suitable for young children Running time – 60 minutes A witch’s […]
Curious Creatures Presented by Squashbox Theatre 17 July – 9 August, Mondays and Wednesdays only at 4pm Adults £10 Under 16s half price Babes in arms free Suitable for Age 5+ Running time – 60 […]
Check out our afternoon storytelling events for families with young children. New tales and old favouritesevery week during school holidays. See website for details.
3 – 6 JulyMeasure for Measureby William Shakespearepresented by Moving Stories Liberty and justice, corruption and innocence. Shakespeare’s timeless tragi-comedy set among the darkcorners of the corridors of power could have been written for today.
7 – 9 JulySeth Lakeman West Country folk musician Seth Lakeman returns to the Minack for three days.
10 – 11 JulyLullaby of the Tidesby Jan StroudA Minack Education project In a land suffering from a terrible drought, the village children embark on a quest to find the Rainmakers and save their country. […]
12 – 13 JulyAntigoneby Sophocles translated by Don Taylorpresented by the Minack Acting Academy In the battle of opposing ideologies there are no winners. One of the world’s greatest dramas performed by students of the […]
Wednesday 5 July, 7 – 9pm, Adult £20.90, Child £12.10 Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood make their first forays into the exciting world of Regency society. This exquisite and […]
15 JulyStars on the Cliffsidepresented by the Minack Musical Theatre Academy An epic journey through musical theatre history as the Minack Musical Theatre Academy students perform classic songs from your favourite shows.
16 – 21 JulyTwelfth Nightby William Shakespearepresented by Illyria Viola is shipwrecked in Illyria, a land where nothing makes sense. Her only chance for survival is to make use of herquick wit. It could all […]
24 – 27 JulyBlithe Spiritby Noël Cowardpresented by Ilkley Playhouse Life and the afterlife get complicated when Charles and Ruth find themselves haunted by the jealous ghost of Charles’s first wife in Noel Coward’s classic […]
28 JulyLeskyn KernowCornwall’s Big Band Made up entirely of Cornwall’s finest jazz musicians, and led by musical director Patrick Bailey, the big band will lead you through an evening of swing band classics, plus a […]
30 July – 3 AugustCaptain Corelli’s Mandolinby Louis de Bernières, adapted by Rona Munropresented by Shattered Windscreen This stage adaptation of Louis de Bernières’ best-selling epic novel, set in occupied Kefalonia, is a gripping tale […]
4 AugustThe Winner Takes It Allby Pandvani108presented by the Crick Crack Club Tricksters, deities, strange childhoods, complicated marriages and cosmic crises collide in the hands of theever-exuberant Pandvani108 ensemble. If you like your long stories […]
6 – 10 AugustA Streetcar Named Desireby Tennessee Williamspresented by Next Stage Theatre Company Tennessee Williams’ masterpiece, set in the jazz-soaked streets of New Orleans, is a powerful and iconic portrait of love, lust and […]
18 – 19 August13 : The Musicalby Jason Robert Brownpresented by the British Theatre Academy &Minack Education It’s tough being a teen. When 13 year old Evan Goldman moves from New York to Indiana, he […]
11 AugustThe Breathpresented by Midnight Mango The Breath is guitarist Stuart McCallum and singer/ flautist Ríoghnach Connolly . References to Celtic history and cultural loss are woven into a bewitching collection of songs that span […]
4 – 8 SeptemberEvitamusic by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Tim Rice. Presented by Helston Theatre Company Who can resist Rice and Lloyd Webber’s epic musical life of the backstreet girl who becomes the First […]
22 August – 1 SeptemberTom’s Midnight Gardenadapted by David Wood from the book by Philippa Pearce. A Minack Theatre Production When Tom is packed off to spend the summer with his dull relations, he has […]
25 AugustSarah McQuaid “One of the most instantly recognisable voices in current music … Shades of Joni Mitchell in a jam with Karen Carpenter and Lana Del Rey.” —Trust The Doc
11 – 15 SeptemberThe Threepenny Operaby Bertolt Brecht and Kurt WeillEnglish translation by Robert David MacDonaldnew lyrics translated by Jeremy Samspresented by OVO It’s a bumper day in the beggary business – thieves areon the […]
20 September – 5 Octobero-region and the Minack Theatre present theKneehigh production of FUPbased on the novel by Jim Dodge A hilarious and heartwarming tale of a Grandaddy, his Grandson and an ass-kicking duck who […]
Soak in fantastic views and fresh air whilst helping to keep our beautiful beaches along the Helford River clean.
Soak in fantastic views and fresh air whilst helping to keep our beautiful beaches along the Helford River clean.
Head along to Wheal Martyn Clay Works and enjoy a theatre improv session! Learn about different forms of theatre and discover how theatre and history combine. Hear tips for storytelling and scene creation, create your […]
This summer discover a wealth of treasures at Wheal Martyn and on your summer holidays! Create fantastic things out of clay or paint and decorate your own treasure chest.
A celebration of the work of artists Jenny Beavan and Stuart Thorn, who have created joint and individual work reflecting on Cornwall and the china clay industry for 25 years.
This performance teams up Cornish folk star Will Keating alongside world renowned banjo player John Dowling.
The Lemonaires are a male voice acapella group based in Mylor Bridge, Cornwall. They sing of their homeland, fishing, farming and mining with the passion you would expect from proud Celtic men.
Discover weird and wonderful creatures in the new pond at Cotehele quay with monthly drop-in, pond dipping sessions.
★★★★★ ‘Go and see Hal Cruttenden, he’s got something to say and he’ll make you laugh a lot!’ Daily Mirror ★★★★★ ‘Funniest he’s ever been’ Sunday Times ★★★★ ‘The comedy gift that keeps on giving’ Scotsman
Grab your flippers and snorkel and join the Dummies diving from bathtubs to beaches on this wild aquatic ride!
In this latest major exhibition from National Maritime Museum Cornwall, explore how popular culture has shaped how we think of pirates today and dive beneath the surface to unearth the harsh & terrifying truth.
