Best things to do in Cornwall April 2026: Easter Getaways and Half Term Events
April breathes new life into Cornwall, with warming weather, blooming landscapes and seasonal Easter activities. An Easter break is the perfect family get together and our self-catered accommodation in Cornwall for up to 16 guests makes group bookings a thing of ease. Children will love the outdoor easter egg hunts around the Cornish countryside, the sandy beaches provide the perfect backdrop for making memories, and the South West Coast Path beckons those looking for a taste of the outdoors.
We’ve dusted our wetsuits off ready for a season of seaside activities and Cornwall’s watersports centres are open again to guide you on coastal adventures. However, if you’re not ready to brave the water there are also plenty of land based activities to keep you occupied.
Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Cornwall in April 2026, including the best easter egg hunts in Cornwall, half term ideas for families, and other things to look forward to throughout the month.
What to do in Cornwall Easter Holidays 2026
We love the Easter holidays in Cornwall (Friday 3rd April to Sunday 19th April 2026) and how those extra days off work and school bring endless possibilities for fun into the week. Coupled with the clocks going forward, lighter evenings also make it feel like we can get so much more out of the holiday. Here’s what’s on in Cornwall to keep you and the kids entertained.
Viking Quest at National Maritime Museum Cornwall
When: Friday 3rd to Sunday 19th April 2026
Where: National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Become an explorer and step back in time to discover the world of the vikings at National Maritime Museum Cornwall’s Viking Quest. Included as part of the admission fee, children can follow the trail – making choices along the way to craft their own adventure. Other activities include viking talks, demonstrations and workshops to make your own viking helmet and shield – plus theatre performances and miniature viking battles on select days.
Egg-stravaganza
When: Saturday 4th April 2026
Where: Killacourt, Newquay
Join in a free family event overlooking the ocean, with Killacourt’s Egg-stravaganza. Including an easter egg trail, free fairground rides for children, facepainting stalls and an outdoor play area there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained all day. Also scheduled are storytelling workshops, and a children’s afternoon disco.
Aberfest
When: Falmouth town
Where: Saturday 4th April 2026
Make your way to Falmouth (one of Cornwall’s most vibrant coastal towns) for a day packed full of Celtic dancing and music at Aberfest. This family friendly event celebrates ties between Cornwall and Brittany with dance displays on the moor and musical performances throughout various pubs and venues in the town. There will also be fun mackerel imagery on display to represent their migration between the coasts of Cornwall and Brittany.
Giants at The Minack Theatre
When: Friday 3rd to Thursday 16th April 2026
Where: The Minack Theatre
Cornwall’s most scenic performance venue, The Minack Theatre, reopens this month for a season of outdoor theatre and musical events. Featuring members of the Minack Youth Theatre, Giants is a reimagining of the legend of Cormoran, the terrible giant of St Michael’s Mount – and promises to light up the imaginations of children and adults whilst also introducing them to Cornish heritage and mythology.
Steve Backshall vs Dinomania at The Minack Theatre
When: Saturday 18th to Sunday 19th April 2026
Where: The Minack Theatre
Great for families and fans of dinosaurs, this outdoor production of Dinomania brings naturalist and adventurer Steve Backshall to the stage for an energetic show full of action, science and prehistoric creatures. Combining Steve’s wildlife knowledge with prehistoric stories and giant dinosaurs roaming the set, prepare to laugh and learn the whole way through.
Best Easter Egg Hunts in Cornwall 2026
It wouldn’t be Easter without heading outdoors in search of eggs. Here are the best easter egg hunts in Cornwall 2026.
Easter egg hunt at Trelissick
When: Saturday 28th March to Sunday 19th April 2026
Where: National Trust Trelissick
The dog-friendly parkland, woodland and winding pathways of Trelissick are one of our favourite National Trust sites, and this Easter they’re hosting a family friendly Easter egg hunt. Collect your trail sheet and bunny ears from the welcome desk and roam the parkland in search of clues, completing the activities so you can find the eggs.
Easter Quest at Pendennis Castle
When: Saturday 28th March to Sunday 19th April 2026
Where: Pendennis Castle, Falmouth
Running every day throughout the school holidays, Pendennis Castle’s Easter Quest provides an interactive trail for children of all ages. Follow the trail, answer the questions and trade your answer sheet for a sweet treat at the end. Don’t forget to enjoy the panoramic views over the ocean and explore the castle exhibitions whilst you’re at it!
Easter egg trail at Tregwainton
When: Friday 3rd to Thursday 16th April 2026
Where: Tregwainton Garden, Penzance
Featuring 10 activities throughout the garden about the creatures living there, Tregwainton’s easter egg trail includes popping the tail on the bunny, birdy bean bag toss, seed planting and a guess the footprints quiz. Follow the trail and complete the trail sheet to win a chocolate egg.
Dragon egg trail at Enys Gardens
When: Friday 3rd to Thursday 16th April 2026
Where: Enys Gardens, Penryn
The beautiful Enys Gardens open their gates for the season on 1st April 2026, with their dragon egg trail starting over Easter weekend. Collect your explorers map at the entrance along with a Cornish dragon egg identification chart, then solve the code word to complete the challenge.
Other things to do in Cornwall during April 2026
Beyond the best family friendly days out in Cornwall, April 2026, there’s plenty more going on. Check out these Cornish events taking place over the bank holiday weekend and throughout the month.
Hall for Cornwall
When: Various dates throughout the month
Where: Hall for Cornwall, Truro
Choose from a range of fantastic shows at Cornwall’s largest theatre The Hall for Cornwall. April 2026 brings the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour (Wednesday 15th to Thursday 16th April 2026) for an unforgettable evening of adventure on screen and comedy performances from Harry Enfield (Thursday 2nd April 2026), Nigel Havers (Friday 3rd April 2026) and Greg Davies (Monday 6th to Saturday 11th April 2026). Plus, energetic musical tributes to Radiohead (Tuesday 14th April 2026) and the Electric Light Orchestra (Friday 17th April 2026).
Waves of Change at National Maritime Museum Cornwall
When: Thursday 2nd April 2026
Where: National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth
Learn about the intersection of surf culture, contemporary art and environmental activism with a talk from artist Andy Hughes. Including a display of Andy’s recent art, filmwork and photography connected to the global plastic pollution crisis (plus work from others) Andy reveals how visual art is crucial in the fight for environmental and ocean conservation.
Rattler Fest
When: Friday 24th and Saturday 25th April 2026
Where: Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, Truro
An adult celebration of Cornwall’s best-selling cyder, Rattler Fest promises a weekend of revelry, where live music and silly competitions like yodelling and Rattler olympics will keep you entertained. Expect celebrity DJs, silent discos and plenty more – then jump in a taxi back to The Cornish Place afterwards.
Porthleven Food Festival
When: Friday 24th to Sunday 26th April 2026
Where: Porthleven Harbour
One of Cornwall’s best gatherings, Porthleven Food Festival is a highlight of the spring calendar and we strongly recommend you visit. Including dozens of food stalls from local street food businesses and an artisan market full of the best Cornish suppliers, this event truly brings you a taste of Cornwall. You’ll also enjoy live cookery demos, celebrity chef masterclasses and live music – all together bringing a family friendly, delicious, community-centric weekend.
Fisherman’s Friends at The Minack Theatre
When: Sunday 26th and Monday 27th April 2026
Where: The Minack Theatre
Dive headfirst into Cornish culture with a live performance from sea shanty singers The Fisherman’s Friends at The Minack Theatre in Porthcurno. Sing along to your favourite Cornish anthems and hear stories packed full of banter for a one-of-a-kind evening.
Cornish Myths and Legends at Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery
When: Tuesday 31st March to Sunday 1st November 2026
Where: Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery
Check out Cornwall Museum’s brand new exhibition, Cornish Myths and Legends (appropriate for all ages), for a deeper dive into Cornwall’s mysteries. Using Cornish folklore, art and artefacts, you’ll discover another side to this ancient land, the stories which have been passed down through the years and how they tie in with the Cornish landscape.
Where to stay
Whether you’re looking for a quick spring escape, a family get together or to get away for the April Bank Holiday weekend (Friday 3rd April to Monday 6th April 2026), our luxury self-catered holiday cottages provide a scenic and central base for exploring both coasts of Cornwall. Get in touch for more information or book now.
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