February is one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets. Whilst much of the UK is still in the depths of winter, Cornwall begins to wake up to early signs of spring. Thanks to its mild coastal climate, you’ll find blooming gardens, brighter days and a noticeably warmer feel than elsewhere in the country.

Whether you’re planning a February half term holiday in Cornwall, a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway, or simply looking for a peaceful off-season escape, there’s plenty to enjoy at this time of year. From coastal walks and cosy roast dinners to family-friendly attractions and early spring gardens, February offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Cornwall in February 2026, including ideas for couples, families, and anyone craving a refreshing winter break by the sea.

What to do in Cornwall during the February half term 2026

February half term (Friday 14th February to Sunday 22nd February) promises plenty of family-friendly days out in Cornwall in February 2026.

Ocean Lab at National Maritime Museum Cornwall

When: Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd February 2026

Enjoy hands-on science adventures throughout the week at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth. Including interactive experiments and weird science with Discovering 42, DIY rocket making workshops, make and take robot workshops and a rocket sensory trail. Afterwards, explore the museum galleries, play with model boats and discover the underwater harbour through the viewing window.

Signs of Spring at Glendurgan

When: Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd February 2026

Head outdoors for an interactive self-guided trail around the beautiful Glendurgan Gardens on the Helford River. Follow the winding paths to see budding spring flowers and leaves, listen out for birdsong and explore the garden’s subtropical valleys. This one’s perfect for families and those who enjoy spending time outdoors.

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery Art Trail

When: Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd February 2026

Introduce children to the world of art with the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery Trail in Truro. Explore the galleries, stopping off at different artworks to reflect on them and fill out the art sheet. Afterwards, create your own masterpiece at the Nature Gallery and enjoy family craft activities at the Wild Wonders exhibition.

Curious Creatures at The Minack Theatre

When: Monday 16th to Wednesday 18th February 2026

Join Squashbox Theatre at the Minack for a riotous half term performance including puppets, comedy, live music and plenty of educational content. Curious Creatures is a wildlife park run by zoologist Jeremiah Johnson but he’s lost in the jungles of Africa. Whilst his nephew Craig runs the park in his absence, Craig and the animals get up to all sorts of mischief.

Dinosaur Time Warp Pantomime at St Ives Theatre

When: Tuesday 17th February 2026

Make your way to St Ives Theatre for a family friendly half term production of The Dinosaur Timewarp by Magical Story Elves. This play takes us back in time to meet your favourite dinosaurs, guided by palaeontologist friends, until things go wrong and a giant T Rex is transported to the modern day. Expect a family friendly show full of silliness and adventure.

Swords, Swords, Swords at The Poly

When: Wednesday 18th February 2026

For fans of history, the travelling Swordstorian brings an interactive storytelling adventure, including blades from myth, legend and the past to The Poly in Falmouth. Suitable for ages 5+, you’ll take part in theatre, storytelling, demonstrations and activities meant to inspire and bring the past to life.

Pirates and Fairies Quiz at Paradise Park, Hayle

When: Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd February 2026

One of the best days out in Cornwall for families who love animals, Paradise Park is home to over a thousand birds, including parrots, penguins and eagles. Other residents include an otter family, red squirrels and a whole range of farm animals. Follow the half term pirates and fairy quiz trail to meet the residents and go home with a prize afterwards.

Ice Skating at The Eden Project

When: 1st February to 22nd February 2026

February is the last month the Eden Project’s ice rink is in action, making it a perfect family friendly stop off on your way in or out of Cornwall. Lace up your skates and glide along the ice, then visit the Eden Project afterwards. Highlights include the temperate biomes full of plants and lots of interactive nature-based learning exhibitions. There’s also music, dancing and craft workshops in the Mediterranean biome throughout half term week.

Other things to do in Cornwall during February 2026

Looking for more of the best things to do in Cornwall in February 2026? Then get involved in one of these events.

Visit the Hall for Cornwall

When: Various dates throughout February

Watch a show and Cornwall’s top performance venue, the Hall for Cornwall and be blown away by the theatrics. February highlights include smash-hit musical The Bodyguard (Tuesday 3rd to Saturday 7th February); Peter Andre in The Best of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons (Thursday 12th February); Queenz: Drag Me to the Disco! (Friday 13th February) and Hamlet by the Royal Shakespeare Company (Tuesday 24th to Saturday 28th February). Whatever your preference there is guaranteed to be a show you will love.

Tate St Ives Teylu Festival

When: Sunday 8th February 2026

Bring the whole family along for a day of making, playing and performing at Tate St Ives Teylu Festival. Inspired by contemporary folklore and Cornish heritage, children will create their own monsters out of scrap, record their own myth and join a monster procession through the galleries. Afterwards, explore the heritage of Cornwall’s clay country with a brick-making workshop. Then wrap things up with a Cornish storytime.

The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay at The Poly

When: Wednesday 25th February 2026

Part of Kendal Mountain Tour, The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay film follows a group of local explorers as they venture into Cornwall’s forgotten mines over a period of two years. Beyond adventure, the project is about the importance of community, men’s mental health and the strength of belonging. Watch the film at The Poly in Falmouth then meet the crew and the filmmakers in a Q&A session.

The best gardens to visit in Cornwall in February 2026

Whilst much of the UK is still in winter mode, Cornwall enjoys an early start to spring. Cornwall’s spring gardens burst into colour in February, with their famous magnolia trees coming into bloom – making it one of the best months in the year to visit them and an exceptionally romantic thing to do. There are five official “spring gardens” you can visit in Cornwall, and once all five garden’s champion magnolias are flowering, spring is officially declared.

Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith

A 26 acre sub-tropical paradise with a private beach, Trebah Garden is our favourite of Cornwall’s spring gardens. Often, Trebah’s champion magnolia tree is the first to start blooming, alongside rhododendron and camellias. Other events to look out for during the month include an exhibition on contemporary printmakers (23rd January to 23rd February 2026).

Trewidden House & Gardens, Penzance

Offering 15 acres of maze-like trails, home to five champion magnolia trees, Trewidden House & Gardens is also home to a fantastic collection of tree ferns, azaleas and camellias, many of which are over 100 years old. They’re open from February to October 2026 and the first magnolia tree to bloom produces beautiful magenta flowers.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan

Heligan Gardens — Lost Gardens og Heligan

Cornwall’s largest spring garden, the Lost Gardens of Heligan provide 200 acres of rambling woodland, curated gardens, wildflower fields and farmland. Visit in February to see daffodils and crocus starting to flower along with the champion magnolia trees. There’s also a fantastic Earth Photo exhibition on throughout the entire month and guided tours of their beaver enclosure on Tuesday 17th February 2026 during half term week.

Caerhays Castle and Spring Gardens, Gorran Churchtown

Caerhays Estate — Caerhays Castle and Spring Gardens

Including 140 acres of coastal trails and woodland walks, Caerhays Castle and Spring Gardens are only open from 16th February to 15th June 2026, when the gardens are at their most resplendent. See the Plant Heritage National Collection of Magnolias with over 600 different varieties on show and over 80 record sized trees.

Trewithen Garden, Truro

Trewithen Garden is open from the 1st March to 30th September in 2026, which means you may have a chance to visit if your trip to Cornwall starts in late February. One of five 'International Camellia Gardens of Excellence' in the UK, Trewithen is known for its early blooms and rare species of camellia. An exploration of the woodland paths and glades during spring will also introduce you to magnolia flowers the size of dinner plates.

Looking for somewhere to stay?

Whether you’re planning a family half term break, a romantic Valentine’s getaway, or simply to soak up the serenity of being by the coast, The Cornish Place offers a peaceful farmland retreat with luxury holiday cottages in Cornwall for you to call home. Get in touch to learn more or book your stay via our website.

Best Things to Do in Cornwall in February 2026: Half Term Breaks, Valentine’s Day & Early Spring Escapes