Things to do in Cornwall this summer

Join the Fun of the Carnival

If you’re lucky enough to visit Perranporth this Saturday (27th July), you’ll be welcomed by a vibrant scene as locals in colourful costumes sing and dance through the streets during the annual carnival parade. Perranporth Carnival is one of the town’s biggest summer events when the whole town turns out to have fun and raise money for local charities. If you miss this one, don’t worry, as St Agnes Carnival takes place the following weekend on Saturday 3rd August.

Jump in the Sea

If this run of good weather continues you will want to cool off in the sea. Whether you want to brave the waves on a surf lesson, take the leap on a coasteering trip or just dip your toes in a rock pool, there are some great ways to have a splashing good time in Cornwall. Here at Perranporth we have two excellent surf schools who can teach you the basics of wave riding, while bathers will enjoy the tidal swimming pool accessible on the rocks at low tide.

Discover the Earth’s Story

This summer, the Eden Project will host a series of events and activities to celebrate the Earth’s past, present and future. Here you can discover the Earth’s most weird and wonderful creatures, meet a life-like mountain gorilla, clamber through the new Minibeast Mansion play area and take a virtual reality safari. The park’s ecological message runs through the daily storytelling, science workshops and family challenges in this special summer event.

See Theatre in Spectacular Surroundings

Spend a summer’s evening watching a theatre with a view at one of the outdoor performances in Cornwall. At Bedruthan Steps Hotel on Saturday 3rd August you can see Illyria theatre group’s Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves overlooking the sea at Mawgan Porth. Meanwhile, Kneehigh will be in residence on the beach at Carlyon Bay throughout August for their summer Asylum series of shows. Or book tickets for one of the performances at the Minack Theatre for entertainment with a stunning backdrop of the coast at Porthcurno.

Get an Adrenalin Fix

Families with a sense of adventure will enjoy the local theme parks in Cornwall, which have a packed calendar of events and plenty of exciting rides for all ages. Younger kids will enjoy the mini train rides at the Lappa Valley Miniature Railway, while older kids will enjoy the more extreme roller coasters, big drops, log flumes and giant swings at Flambards and Camel Creek.

See Pro Surfers in Action

The annual Boardmasters festival in Newquay is a chance to see some of the world’s top pro surfers in action at the world-famous Fistral Beach. Since it was established in 1981, the event has attracted some of the top names in surfing who compete against a handful of hopeful locals. During Boardmasters week (7th – 11th August), the beach car park is turned into a large festival space with skateboarding and BMX demos, food and drink stalls and live music. The competition runs alongside a huge three-day music festival held nearby at Watergate Bay.

Take a Dip in an Art Deco Lido

While most people will take a dip in the sea during a summer holiday in Cornwall, there is another swimming experience to be enjoyed at the Jubilee Pool in Penzance. This old-fashioned lido is an architectural gem, and has been wonderfully restored in recent years to offer swimmers safe swimming areas on the seafront in Penzance. The fresh seawater pool includes a children’s bathing area and paddling pool for toddlers.

Hang Out at a Festival

Cornwall is alive with the sound of music during the summer. There are regular gigs at the Watering Hole, right on the beach in Perranporth, and at other local venues. The county’s best music festivals also take place during the heat of the summer. Our pick of the summer for laid-back vibes is and cool tunes is the Secret Gin Garden at Scorrier House on Saturday 24th August. This one-day festival will feature an eclectic mix of acts, headlined by the Magic Numbers and the Brand New Heavies.

Still thinking about heading to Cornwall for summer holidays but have not booked your accommodation yet? Check our latest availability and properties here.

Image: Bedruthan Hotel