If you’re coming to stay at one of our beautiful cottages in St Ives this Easter, you’re in for a treat! The holidays are always packed with family-friendly activities here in Cornwall, and this year is no exception.
After a long winter, it’s time for you and your brood to emerge into the Cornish sunshine. Prepare to tire the kids out with days of Easter egg hunts and spring nature trails – and that’s just the beginning!
We’ve compiled a guide to the best family days out around St Ives and further afield to help you plan your stay. And, if you haven’t booked your Easter break yet, browse last-minute availability here. We’d hate you to miss out on all the fun!
Cornwall’s Best Easter Egg Hunts
We’re suckers for a great Easter egg hunt, and there’s plenty to choose from. National Trust properties are always a brilliant bet, and three of our favourite – Godolphin, Trelissick and Trengwainton – all have nature-inspired activity trails which will encourage kids to explore every corner of these gorgeous gardens and historic estates. The chocolate eggs are always delicious too…
For something a bit different, we love the Dragon Egg Trail at Enys Garden on the edge of Falmouth. Described as a “family experience for the curious, brave, and kind” read the story of The Cornish Dragon Society, solve the riddle and help preserve the magic!
Also in Falmouth, English Heritage’s Pendennis Castle is hosting a Easter Adventure Quest which involves hunting for clues in the grounds of this coastal castle fortress which was established by Henry VIII.
On the north coast, at dramatic Trevaunance Cove (St Agnes), The Driftwood Spars pub is hosting The Great Bunny Escape. Search for clues around the cove and unlock the secret code – all profits go to the local food bank, so you’ll be giving back too.
Other fun family activities
We’re thrilled that St Ives Kite Fest is returning for 2024! Spend a day designing and making your kites together on Saturday 23rd March (this is optional, any kites can be brought along), before the big Flight Day on The Island a week later. Guaranteed to blow away the winter cobwebs!
At Tate St Ives, Art Explorers packs and ‘Tate Shapes’ activity cards are available during the holidays to help engage younger visitors with the displays.
At one of our favourite local pubs, The Mexico Inn, there’s a Children’s Easter Bonnet Decorating Workshop which sounds delightful! Wednesday the 3rd April is the date for your diaries; there’s only 50 spaces available and pre-booking is required. See The Mexico’s Facebook page for more info.
There’s also a famous duck race in St Erth, which takes place along the pretty stretch of the River Hayle which runs through the village. Sponsor a plastic duck and cheer them on to glory!
A day at the theatre
We highly recommend a trip to The Minack Theatre at Porthcurno, about a 45min drive from St Ives. The outdoor theatre itself is an impressive enough sight; hewn into the rock, this incredible amphitheatre overlooks a beautiful and dramatic stretch of Cornish coastline. Carrie’s War (suitable for children aged 8+) is showing during the Easter holidays.
Our favourite woodland nymphs are up to mischief again in Tehidy Woods. Rogue Theatre’s seasonal productions are always utterly immersive and compelling, just be prepared to scamper through the woods in search of the actors and sets! According to Rogue, Wild Awake is an “adventure of wild imaginings and a spellbinding tale from nature’s dreams.” From 29th March to 9th April in Tehidy Woods, which is a 20min drive from St Ives via Hayle.
If a more traditional theatre experience is what you’re after, try Hall For Cornwall in Truro. Bluey’s Big Play is sure to be a hit with little ones, while Pop Princesses is guaranteed to have you all singing along.
Shop with local artisan producers
Cornwall’s finest food, drink, arts, and crafts producers will be out in force on 30th March at the BIG Truro Market which is held on Lemon Quay in the heart of the city.
These monthly markets are a collaboration between Truro Farmers Market and Cornwall Shop Small, and feature fresh seasonal produce, street food, live music and entertainment. Cornwall Shop Small represents a host of amazing local artisan makers so also expect to find everything from handmade jewellery to sustainable fashion, vintage homewares to organic skincare products.
Keep the holiday buzz going!
While it’s possible to visit the Eden Project in a day from St Ives, most of our guests opt to do this one on the return journey and keep that holiday feeling going a little longer! This year Eden’s Springfest promises family games and crafts for all ages, including a neon Milk Bottle Skittle Alley, Scavenger Hunt obstacle course, a Marble Labyrinth, chocolate trail, pop-up market and under 5s play zone.
The outdoor play areas at the Eden Project are epic, not to mention all the fun you’ll have exploring the Mediterranean and Tropical Biomes.
Love the idea of a screen-free holiday? Read our guide to ditching the devices and enjoying every moment in St Ives here.
