Best days out in Cornwall in the summer holidays 2025
Cornwall has long been a favourite destination for summer holidays, offering plenty to enjoy for the whole family. With its slower pace of life, beautiful scenery and wide-open spaces, it’s an ideal spot to unwind. But while relaxation is easy to find, there’s also no shortage of things to do. Sunny days are for beach adventures and sea swims, while cooler days invite exploration through coastal towns, flourishing gardens and historic landmarks.
In this blog, we include our suggestions for the best days out in Cornwall during summer, plus a list of events to enjoy during the first week of the summer holidays.
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Summer holidays at The Cornish Place
Summer is when Cornwall is at its busiest, with visitors flocking to its shores – and while accommodation can be found in the most popular towns like Padstow, Newquay and St Ives, the busyness of these towns is overwhelming for many.
Equidistant from Cornwall’s north and south coast, our luxury holiday cottages place you in prime position to discover the best of Cornwall away from overcrowding and bad traffic. It’s a place of respite, where you can relax surrounded by birdsong and 26 acres of Cornish countryside – while also having easy access to many of Cornwall’s most popular visitor attractions or days out exploring.
Our pet-friendly and family-friendly accommodation includes self-catering amenities with light and airy open plan designs. Plus plenty of outdoor space for children and pets to play, outdoor hot tubs and places to feast al fresco.
Whether you’re visiting as a family, a couple or as part of a larger group, The Cornish Place is perfect for enjoying the best days out in Cornwall during the summer holidays, while also ensuring you have a place to relax in between adventures.
Regular events in Cornwall during the summer holidays
Throughout the summer a range of events will be taking place regularly for you to take part in. Here are some of our favourites:
Tregothnan River Garden Tour
Tregothnan Estate Tea Tours, Cornwall
When: Monday to Friday throughout July and August
Cornwall’s unique microclimate makes it home to some of the most impressive gardens in the country, including the Europe’s largest tea garden. Found near Truro, Tregothnan Estate has been running for almost 700 years. Join a tour any day Monday to Friday throughout the summer to learn more about the history of tea making, pick your own tea leaves, see the orchards and visit the Jungle Garden which has been hidden for 25 years.
Art in the Park at Penlee Gallery
Penlee Gallery, Cornwall
When: Every Thursday in July and August
Throughout summer, Penlee Gallery is hosting a range of ‘art in the park’ events so you can get creative with the whole family. Including making mini prehistoric monuments with dough, painting, drawing, and even making origami, these events take place in a relaxed outdoor setting, immersed in nature. Book your place online to be part of the fun.
Rockpooling at Castle Beach
Rockpools, Castle Beach, Falmouth
When: TBC
Falmouth’s Castle Beach is one of the best places for rockpooling at low tide. Hundreds of tiny pools offer a glimpse into the underwater world, which is fascinating for adults and children alike. Throughout the summer, a number of rockpool rambles are taking place, so keep an eye out via Falmouth Marine Conservation Group for the next one to be announced. Afterwards, enjoy a coffee and an ice cream from the café at the back of the beach.
Squashbox Theatre at Helston Coronation Park
Helston Coronation Park, Helston, Cornwall
When: Regular performances in July and August
Head to Helston’s Coronation Park for a series of free, family-friendly events running throughout July and August. Most weeks, you can catch Squashbox Theatre – a fun, educational, and inclusive performance perfect for children and their grown-ups. Bring a picnic blanket or a chair and enjoy the open-air entertainment, with shows including ‘Songs for Explorers’, ‘Tales from the Trees’ and much more.
Summer fun and games at Pendennis Castle
Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, Cornwall
When: Saturday 19th July to Sunday 31st August
One of Cornwall’s best-preserved fortifications, a trip to Pendennis Castle combines fascinating exhibits with jaw-dropping views over Falmouth Bay. Throughout the summer, a series of events will take place including everything from soft play and mini golf to den building and archery. Plus, a legendary jousting competition running from Tuesday 5th to Thursday 7th August.
Tregew Farmer’s Market
The Food Barn, Flusing, Cornwall
When: Every Saturday 9 am to 1 pm
Found between Flushing and Mylor, Tregew Farmers Market brings together over twenty local suppliers in delicious, locally-sourced and sustainable produce. Expect quality meats, cheeses, drinks, bread and veg perfect for whipping up a storm in your self-catered holiday accommodation. The market is family-friendly and dog-friendly and has a relaxed yet buzzing atmosphere.
Family-friendly days out in Cornwall during the first week of the summer holidays
If you’re looking to kick off the summer holidays with a trip to Cornwall, here are our favourite events taking place just a short drive from our accommodation during the first week of the summer holidays.
Dragon Boat racing
Falmouth Dragon Boat Racing
When: Saturday 26th July
A one-of-a-kind free event with food, drinks and dragon boat racing, this is an exciting spectacle to behold. Make your way to the Working Boat in Falmouth in the morning to watch the start of a day-long series of events where brightly coloured dragon boats race up and down the river. Cheer them on from the river banks while enjoying a festival-like atmosphere oozing with community spirit.
Truro Comic Con
Truro Comic Con
When: Saturday 26th July
Taking place at the Ben Ainslie Sport Centre at Truro School, Truro Comic Con promises a day full of comics, games and cosplay. Featuring a selection of traders, street food, board games and axe-throwing, you’ll also find displays of your favourite games. Including everything from anime and Minecraft to Monsters Inc and Ironman. Plus plenty more things to geek out on.
Watch Twelfth Night at Trebah Gardens
Trebah Gardens, Cornwall
When: Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th July
Miracle Theatre is one of the UK’s most renowned theatre groups. Known for their innovative and comedic performances, this rendition of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night promises to be a contemporary yet accessible show suitable for all ages. Bring your own picnic to the event, which will take place immersed in one of Cornwall’s most beautiful subtropical gardens in an open air amphitheatre.
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Active days out in Cornwall during the summer holidays
Cornwall’s coastline and waters provide an endless supply of stunning scenery, secret coves and turquoise waters to discover. Try out one of these active adventures in between the days out listed above to make the most of the coastal location.
Hike the South West Coast Path
Engine house ruin, Cornwall
For an active exploration of the Cornish coastline, the South West Coast Path has walks for all abilities. Whether it’s a short mile-long amble along the seafront or a challenging hike across the cliffs, you’ve got plenty of options. The South West Coast Path traces the entire Cornish coastline, meaning there are hundreds of miles of trails to discover. Read our blog for more information on the best days out on the South West Coast Path.
Cycle the Bissoe Trail
Bissoe Trail, Cornwall
If you’re eager to cover slightly more ground, the Bissoe Trail starts in Devoran, less than a 15-minute drive from The Cornish Place. Bring your own bikes, or hire them from Saint Piran Café part way along the trail, where you can also leave your car. The full trail is 18 kilometres one way, from Devoran on the south coast to Portreath on the north coast. If you opt for the full route, treat yourself to a sea swim and an ice cream on Portreath beach before cycling back.
Paddleboarding at Gyllyngvase
Paddleboarding at Gilly Beach, Falmouth, Cornwall
If you prefer to explore from the water, head to BluPaddle Co at nearby Gyllyngvase beach. A well-established paddleboarding location, Gyllyngvase’s clear, calm waters make it easy to spot fish swimming around the reefs, and there are also plenty of caves to explore in the area. Options include lessons, tours or straightforward rental, meaning you can have fun no matter your experience.
Kayak the Helford River
Kayak the Helford River, Cornwall
If serene creeks and estuaries are what you’re looking for, Koru Kayaking runs tours of the peaceful Helford River. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful wading birds lining the water’s edge, boats sailing along the river, ancient oak woodland and if you’re lucky, perhaps a seal or a porpoise. The route visits Frenchman’s Creek, inspiration for Daphne du Maurier’s famous novel or towards Falmouth Bay, where you can see subtropical gardens tumble towards the water.
Book your stay
Ready to organise your summer break in Cornwall? Book your stay at our family-friendly accommodation, where you can experience the best of the region and make memories that will last a lifetime.