Best things to do in Cornwall March 2026: Lesser Crowds and Early Spring Events
Helford River, Cornwall
If you’re looking to beat the seasonal crowds, March is one of the best months to visit Cornwall’s most popular locations. Beaches are still blissfully empty, despite the early spring sun and key attractions like Pendennis Castle and St Michael’s Mount are without the masses of people who flock there in the summer months.
With lengthening days there’s more time to get outside and the spring gardens are at their best, but the evenings are just long enough to enjoy cosy nights next to the fireplace too – meaning a trip to Cornwall at this time of year gives you the best of both worlds.
Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Cornwall in March 2026, including active days out, local events and family friendly activities.
Family friendly days out in Cornwall March 2026
Including local festivals and one-off events, here’s the best things to do with children in Cornwall in March 2026.
St Piran’s Day Celebrations
When: Thursday 5th March 2026
Where: Across Cornwall
A highlight of the Cornwall cultural calendar, St Piran's Day is a celebration of Cornwall’s patron saint. Town processions with marching bands will take place in Falmouth, Truro and Redruth – along with singing of traditional Cornish songs. At Perranporth, there’s a procession across the sand dunes to the old St Piran's Oratory and at The Hall for Cornwall, The Oggymen will be performing a vibrant collection of songs linked to Cornish heritage. Wherever you go, don’t forget to grab a pasty and join in on the family friendly entertainment.
Biofluorescent Night Walk at Trebah Garden
When: Thursday 20th to Friday 21st March 2026
Where: Trebah Garden
Back by popular demand, this one-of-a-kind adventure introduces you to glow in the dark species at Trebah Garden. Equipped with a UV torch you’ll be guided along the trails and discover an astonishing amount of wildlife, which glows in all kinds of colours from red and orange, to fluorescent green, blue and purple. Including fungi, insects and plants, you’ll be amazed by what you see and it makes for a fun, educational activity for both adults and children (age 8+).
Kite Fest St Ives
When: Saturday 29th March 2026
Where: St Ives Island
Embrace good old-fashioned fun, with one of St Ives’ most colourful community events – a kite display by local families and children. Make your way to the island between 1 and 3 pm to see the sky dance with colour, and feel free to bring your own kite if you want to join in on the fun. Afterwards, stroll along the town beaches, head to the Tate Gallery or grab a bite to eat at Porthmeor Beach Cafe to make a full day of it.
Health and wellbeing events in Cornwall March 2026
Embrace the season and the bridge from winter into spring, with one of these active and healthy events.
Falmouth Half Marathon
When: Sunday 15th March 2026
Where: Falmouth
Cheer on the competitors of Falmouth Half Marathon from Gyllyngvase beach or Falmouth sea front, and enjoy the energetic positive energy that comes with this annual event. If you prefer to run yourself, there are a great selection of beautiful park run venues in the area, including at Penryn University, Trelissick Gardens and Penrose Estate.
Deep Blue Silent Disco Yoga at National Maritime Museum Cornwall
When: Friday 20th March 2026
Where: National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth
Connect to the rhythms of nature with this one-of-a-kind yoga experience, accompanied by immersive ocean soundscapes. Suitable for all levels, this uplifting flow will be led by a local experienced yoga teacher and invites you to be transported to relaxation through the ebb and flow of movement. Afterwards, you’ll have exclusive out of hours access to the museum’s SURF! exhibition, which explores the culture and history of waveriding in Cornwall over the last 100 years.
Spring Wellbeing Day Retreat
When: Sunday 22nd March 2026
Where: Trebah Garden
Set your intentions for the months ahead, with an outdoor wellbeing retreat at Trebah Garden. You’ll join others for a day of journaling, meditation and friendly discussion whilst taking in the gorgeous views of the Helford River. After a lunch at the gardens, the afternoon includes a restorative yoga practice and a gratitude session to channel these intentions, leaving you feeling positive and energised for the spring and summer seasons.
Winter Wellbeing and Wild Food Day
When: Sunday 15th March 2026
Where: 7th Rise, Roseland
Rewild yourself with this foraging and wild food day on the banks of the stunning Fal River. You’ll be joined by local experts as they introduce you to edible plants, flowers, roots and herbs from the seashore, woodlands and hedgerows. Plus, a few non-edible types to help broaden your understanding of the local environment. Afterwards, cook your finds on an open fire and share a meal with the rest of the group.
Arts and cultural events in Cornwall March 2026
With longer days and awakening landscapes, March is the perfect time to embrace creativity – whether that’s channeling your own inspiration or attending one of Cornwall’s arts and cultural events.
Jane Southern Art Exhibition at National Maritime Museum Cornwall
When: Friday 30th January to Sunday 19th April 2026
Where: National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Through an exhibition titled ‘How Painting Changed My Life’, Jane Southern’s landscape paintings explore the positive role art can play in mental health recovery. A lifelong photographer, Jane took up painting five years ago to help her overcome grief and a series of traumatic events, and this exhibition is a real and raw exploration of her journey as an artist and the underlying themes of her work. Expect a series of artworks alongside film interviews and personal insights.
Springtime Strings at Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery
When: Sunday 1st March 2026
Where: Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, Truro
Make your way to the newly refurbished Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery for an immersive musical performance to usher in the spring. Springtime Strings sees the return of The Jopes Ensemble (some of the finest musicians in the South West) for a programme which encompasses everything from classical Venetian music to 20th century folk. Other museum events in March include an evening with award-winning author Patrick Gale (20th March) and a talk from local historian Nigel Baker about the nearby Kea Gardens (18th March).
Falmouth International Arts Festival
When: Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th March 2026
Where: Various venues throughout the town
Head to the seaside town of Falmouth, famous for its arts university and creative talent, for the Falmouth International Arts Festival 2026. Featuring an award-winning schedule of adult and family friendly events, you’ll find everything from theatre and film to music and dance, plus a range of participatory workshops. Highlights include playful astrology-inspired bingo sessions, grassroots performers and a range of local and international acts.
Falmouth Spring Flower Show
When: Saturday 21st to Sunday 22nd March 2026
Where: Princess Pavilions
We’re looking forward to this uplifting community event which is centred on all things that bloom, including radiant floral displays, beautiful artworks and floral-inspired photography. Perfect for horticultural enthusiasts or anyone with an interest in gardening, this event is free entry and will also host a range of competitions. There’s a cafe onsite and the venue is just a stone’s throw from the Falmouth beaches and coastline.
Watercolour workshops at Trebah Garden
When: Thursday 5th March and Wednesday 11th March 2026
Where: Trebah Garden
If you’re looking to hone your own creative skills, there are two watercolour workshops in March in the horticultural haven of Trebah: one focussed on learning to paint and the other focussed on botanical watercolour. Both are led by experienced local artists and include practical tuition, which will be tailored to suit each individual’s skill level.
Other events in Cornwall March 2026
Looking for more things to do in Cornwall in March 2026? Check out these events in Truro.
BIG Truro Market
When: Saturday 14th March 2026
Where: Lemon Quay, Truro
Returning for the 2026 season, BIG Truro Market restarts the second Saturday of the month and will be bringing a series of small, local producers and creators to the heart of Cornwall’s capital. For fans of shopping and eating, there’s plenty to enjoy including over 60 stalls selling everything from arts, sustainable homeware, fashion, lifestyle wares and vintage finds to artisan food and drink from Truro Farmers Market.
Hall for Cornwall
When: Various dates
Where: Hall for Cornwall, Truro
It’s always worth checking what’s on in Cornwall’s largest performance venue and this month there’s plenty to see at the Hall for Cornwall. Highlights include a standup comedy performance from Sue Perkins (1st March), a dynamic Shakespearean inspired dance performance by Shobana Jeyasingh Dance (13th March) and plenty more comedy, musical and theatrical performances.
Looking for somewhere to stay?
Nestled into the Cornish countryside, The Cornish Place offers luxury self-catered accommodation in Cornwall for up to 16 guests. Choose from our range of cottages, complete with log burning fires and underfloor heating for a cosy retreat during your March getaway. Book now or get in touch for more information.
Want to stay up to date with what’s on in Cornwall? Sign up to our newsletter using the form below for monthly event schedules and top tips for holidays and weddings in Cornwall.