Best things to do in Cornwall August 2025
August in Cornwall is summer at its peak. Golden beaches fill with laughter, the South West Coast Path is brimming with colour and wildlife, and the sea turns a warm, inviting turquoise – perfect for a refreshing swim. With the coastline at its most dazzling and the countryside full of verdancy, it’s a glorious time to explore.
From energetic festivals to relaxed family days out, August is packed with things to do. And with the summer bank holiday rounding off the month, it’s also a great time for a last-minute getaway at our luxury holiday cottages in Cornwall.
Read on for our top picks for what to do in Cornwall this August, including ideas for the late summer bank holiday.
The Cornish Place in August
The Dairy Cottage decking and hot tub
The Cornish Place offers self-catered holiday cottages perfectly positioned with easy access to Cornwall's north and south coast. However, whilst it’s easy to reach all of the summer events, we’re set within the countryside on an old dairy farm, making it possible to avoid the summer crowds. In August, the Cornish Place is a sunny haven, where you can make full use of our outdoor hot tubs and courtyard areas for relaxing. We’re family and dog-friendly all year round and have plenty of recommendations to help you get the best out of your Cornwall holiday experience.
The best things to do in Cornwall August Bank Holiday 2025
The late summer bank holiday weekend (Friday 22nd August to Monday 25th August) promises fun days out for both families and adults.
Sky Bar at St Agnes
Sky bar, Cornwall
When: Friday 22nd August to Sunday 25th August 2025
Party the weekend away at Sky Bar, a pop up beach club on Beacon Drive in St Agnes. Expect amazing sea views, fiery sunsets and a night full of great music. Tickets are individual to each day with artists including High Contrast, Hannah Wants and Gok Wan. There’s no camping at Sky Bar, but it's just a short taxi ride away from The Cornish Place, meaning you can rest well at our self-catered holiday cottages in between the dancing.
When seagulls saved the world
Seagulls Puppet Show
When: Sunday 24th August 2025
For some family-friendly daytime fun, head to Falmouth for an outdoor puppetry show with original songs and music. This mischievous performance is perfect for children 4 years old and up, and the Princess Pavillion is a gorgeous venue, with pretty gardens and a bandstand right next to the seafront. Tickets include an optional drop-in puppet-making workshop before the show, where children can make their own seagulls from toilet roll and string, adding a creative element to the bank holiday playfulness.
Archery and BBQ evening
Archery evening and BBQ
When: Sunday 24th August 2025
For more fun and games, make your way to Falmouth Hotel for an archery and barbeque evening. Set in beautiful grounds overlooking the coastal scenery, it's a perfect setting to relax in. Free archery workshops will take place from 5.30pm to 7.30pm with guests above 4 years old welcome. There will also be plenty of food and drink on offer including meat, veggie and vegan barbeque options. No pre-booking required.
Other things to do in Cornwall August 2025
Cornwall is full of exciting things to do throughout August. Here are some of our favourite events and activities to look out for.
Beach BBQ with live music at Trebah Garden
Trebah Gardens, Cornwall
When: Friday 1st August and Friday 29th August 2025
Visit a private beach in one of our favourite Cornish subtropical gardens for a relaxing summer barbecue. Including live music, a choice of burger and free roam of the gardens, this promises to be the ultimate family-friendly summer evening. Don’t forget to bring your picnic chair and swimming stuff so you can go for a midsummer dip. There will also be a bar selling alcohol and ice cream.
Outdoor cinema on the Lizard
Unique open air cinema
When: Friday 1st August and Friday 29th August 2025
Make your way to the Polurrian Hotel for a unique open-air cinema experience this August. Perched on the cliffs of the Lizard Peninsula your movie backdrop will be stunning views over the English Channel. There are three different screenings per day (at 12:30, 4:30 and 7:30) with a different film being shown at each time. There’s a movie menu with favourites like popcorn and fizzy drinks, plus the choice to snuggle up on a blanket or choose a drive-in option to watch from your car.
Twelfth Night at Carn Marth Amphitheatre
Carn Marth Theatre Quarry
When: Tuesday 5th August 2025
Presented by the much-loved Miracle Theatre Company, this rendition of Twelfth Night will be performed in an outdoor amphitheatre. Bring your picnic blankets and settle in surrounded by nature to watch this contemporary take on a Shakespearian classic. Just a stone’s throw from The Cornish Place this promises to be a joyful, chaotic comedy, which will leave you both smiling and laughing. If you can’t make this date, keep an eye out for other locations where the company is performing throughout the month.
Boardmasters Festival
Boardmasters main stage
When: Wednesday 6th August to Sunday 10th August 2025
Boardmasters is one of Cornwall’s best music festivals, set across Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach. Expect five days of live music, flaming sunsets and ocean views, with this year’s lineup including Raye, Central Cee, The Prodigy, Nelly Furtado and Franz Ferdinand. Fistral hosts world-class surf competitions and skate shows by day, whilst the clifftop main site comes alive with performances across twelve stages. A favourite for first-time festival-goers and seasoned music fans alike, it’s a high-energy celebration of summer by the sea. Or, there’s the option to drop off the older kids and relax for the weekend before picking them up afterwards!
Falmouth Week
Falmouth week events
When: Friday 8th August to Sunday 17th August 2025
A highlight of the Cornwall calendar, Falmouth Week brings a whole host of events, musical performances and pop up stalls for all to enjoy. It’s tied in with Falmouth’s sailing regatta, which means as well as 10 days of shoreside entertainment you can also watch a huge range of sailing vessels race up and down the river for a full week. From family-friendly daytime activities to adults-only themed nights out, you’re sure to discover something that entertains you. Highlights include the Pink Wig Parade, Marching Carnival and a DJ set from Craig Charles. Check out the full schedule of events here.
Family-friendly days out in Cornwall August 2025
For more ideas on family-friendly days out in Cornwall in August 2025, check out these local events and outdoor activities.
Summer at Stithians Lake
Sailing on Stithians Lake
When: Monday 28th July to Friday 29th August 2025
For an adventurous water-based experience, make your way to Stithians Lake. This August they have an action-packed activity programme suitable for all ages and abilities. The lake itself is beautiful with plenty of walking and cycling trails surrounding it. Plus, the opportunity to try your hand at windsurfing, sailing, kitesurfing and other watersports. Including ‘give it a go’ sessions, there’s also equipment hire and an on-site café, making it the ideal venue for a fun family day out.
Children’s Pottery: Mythical Creatures
Poly Pottery workshops
When: Monday 4th August to Monday 5th August 2025
These creative classes cater for children between 3 and 14 years of age. With all of the materials provided, they’ll get to explore form, colour, and textures, whilst making their own mythical creatures out of air-dry clay. Taking place each Monday throughout August, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to secure your spot. Don’t forget to check out the Poly’s other events whilst you’re visiting too – which include everything from art exhibitions to film viewings to other talks and workshops.
Red Arrows in Falmouth
Red Arrows over Cornwall
When: Wednesday 13th August 2025
Be wowed by spectacular air displays as the RAF’s Red Arrows come to Falmouth at the height of Falmouth Week. They’ll be flying over the bay, so find yourself a spot along the seafront, up at Pendennis Point, or one of the hotel lawns so you can see their acrobatics and fly-bys. The Red Arrows are a highlight of the Cornwall calendar and are a hit with people of all ages, so get there early to be sure you don’t miss them.
Dinosaur World at The Hall for Cornwall
Dinasaur World Live, Hall for Cornwall
When: Tuesday 12th August to Thursday 14th August
Embark on a ‘roarsome’ Jurassic adventure live on stage – an interactive experience the whole family will enjoy. Featuring enormous, life-like dinosaurs and a fun-filled story of discovery in uncharted lands, this show blends entertainment with education. Little explorers (and grown-ups too) will learn fascinating dino facts along the way. Don’t miss the post-show meet and greet for a chance to get up close with your new prehistoric pals.
Cornish Place Pop up Feast
The Glasshouse at The Cornish Place
When: Friday 15th August
To celebrate our 5th Birthday, the inimitable Rupert Cooper (Philleigh Way, Cove Cafe, Borgia Bull) is popping up for a sumptuous four course feast in The Glasshouse, our new space for growing and long table dining. Please bring your friends for a chilled summer evening feasting in the stunning Cornish countryside at a long table under festoon lights with a welcome cocktail from our friends at Loveday Gin included and other drinks available from our Paddock bar. As there are just 26 tickets available, you will need to be quick - Rupert's feasts are legendary. BOOK HERE
Where to stay in Cornwall
Perfectly positioned in the centre of the county, our holiday cottages provide easy access to all of Cornwall’s best events. Whether you’re here for a family summer holiday, or a quick break over the August Bank Holiday weekend, our private cottages are the perfect launchpad for experiencing the magic of Cornwall.
Book your stay with us today so you don’t miss out on the Cornish summer sunshine.