Things to do in Cornwall this Spring

It can be incredibly beautiful and also peacefully quiet before the busy summer season kicks in. If you want quiet beaches, sparkling scenery and the run of attractions and early season events – spring is the time to come.

See Sensational Spring Flowers

Nothing spells the arrival of spring like the appearance of daffodils, primroses and woodland flowers. There are numerous locations you can visit to see spring colours, especially bluebells which are predominant in the scenic woodlands of Cornwall in late April and early May. Popular places to see carpets of purple bluebells in Cornwall include the Lanhydrock Estate near Bodmin and Tehidy Woods near Portreath.

Stroll Along the Coast

Walking in Cornwall at any time of year is a delight. But it’s a particularly rewarding activity in the spring, when the weather tends to be more settled and you can enjoy mile-upon-mile of spectacular scenery. From Perranporth and St Agnes simply head to the beach and hop on the South West Coast Path in either direction. Or for guided walks and hiking companions check out the Boscastle Walking Week from 30th March to 5th April.

Watch a Surf Contest

The surf community springs into action at this time of year with the first round of surfing contests featuring the UK’s best waveriders. The biggest local contest this spring is the English National Surfing Championships from 4th to 6th May, at either Fistral Beach or Watergate Bay in Newquay, which is a spectacular event to watch if the waves are good. Also at Watergate Bay from 20th – 21st April is the Legend of the Bay contest which pits the best watermen in the sports of kitesurfing and stand up paddle board surfing against each other.

Get a Dose of Drama

If you like to experience a little culture while on holiday, there are various events and performances you should check out while you’re here. You can see some of Cornwall’s finest acting talent in action in a performance of The Secret Garden at the spectacular Minack Theatre from 9th to 19th April. This outdoor theatre is positioned on the cliff-top above Porthcurno Beach, providing a dramatic cultural setting unlike any other.

Feast at a Food Festival

Cornwall is renowned for its quality food and drink, which is celebrated by chefs, restaurants, farm shops and cafes up and down the coast. But if you plan your trip to Cornwall carefully you can experience some of the county’s top food producers and cooks all in one place. One of the biggest culinary celebrations in Cornwall is the Porthleven Food Festival which takes place from 26th to 28th April. This is a big event for this small town, centred around the beautiful south coast fishing harbour. As well as cooking demonstrations and fine food and drink, there will be live music, art workshops and entertainment all weekend long.

Experience Cornish Culture

There are a number of distinctly Cornish celebrations in early May where you can get a taste of the traditional local culture. One of the biggest May Day celebrations takes place in Padstow where the whole town takes to the streets in a colourful and boisterous procession. Flora Day in Helston is also a big day of culture for the town, where locals turn out in their finery in a parade to welcome the start of summertime. Meanwhile, in St Agnes you can see a re-enactment of the Cornish tale of Bolster the Giant in the annual Bolster Day celebrations.

Join a Cycling Sportive

If you prefer to get active while on holiday there are a number of cycling sportives you can join this spring. One of the biggest is the Eden Classic Sportive on the 12th May which departs the iconic biomes on a choice of routes along the south coast of Cornwall. If you’re visiting earlier in the spring there’s also the Cornwall Coast and Clay Sportive on 17th March, offering cyclists a spectacular ride between north and south coasts.

Image credit: Visit Cornwall