Easter Half Term in Cornwall
Easter in Cornwall is a breath of fresh air. As the spring flowers bloom and the days grow longer, the rugged coastline becomes the ultimate playground for the school holidays. This year, the Easter break falls between Friday 27th March and Sunday 19th April 2026, providing nearly three weeks of coastal magic.
Whether you’re hunting for chocolate in the woods on horseback or catching a show at the cliffside Minack Theatre, here is your guide to the best things to do in Cornwall at Easter.
St Ives at Easter – Art & Culture
Tate St Ives: STUDIO DO & Emilija Škarnulytė
- Where: Porthmeor Beach, St Ives
- When: 28th March – 19th April 10:00–16:00.
- Cost: Free with gallery admission, Locals Pass or Membership
STUDIO DO: Cosmic Time. Inspired by artist Emilija Škarnulytė, this immersive space allows children to explore nature and cosmic light through dress-up and play. It’s an essential stop for those who enjoy Easter holidays in St Ives with The Cottage Boutique.
Plan your visit: Check out the full Easter schedule at Tate St Ives here.
Leach Pottery
- Where: Higher Stennack, St Ives, TR26 2HE
- When: Throughout the Easter Holidays
- Cost: From £8.00 per person (Discounts available for Cornwall residents)
For a truly “hands-on” experience, head to the world-renowned Leach Pottery. Their highlight is the Young Potter’s Throwing workshops.
The highlight of their seasonal calendar is the Young Potter’s Throwing workshops. These 45-minute sessions are perfect for children and teens (with dedicated slots for 7–11 years and 12–18 years), giving them the chance to get behind a potter’s wheel and feel the clay take shape under the guidance of expert tutors.
If you have younger children, look out for their sensory museum bags and family-friendly activities designed to explore the history of Bernard Leach and the art of pottery in a way that’s fun and engaging for all ages.
Note: These workshops are incredibly popular and have limited spaces, so we recommend booking online via their website as soon as you’ve secured your luxury cottages in St Ives.
Live Theatre: Kidz R Us at St Ives Theatre
- Where: Lower Stennack, St Ives, TR26 1QG
- When: Starting 7th April 2026
Get ready to tap your toes as the award-winning local youth group, Kidz R Us, takes to the stage this Easter in St Ives. They will be performing the high-energy musical “Our House,” which features the iconic hits of the British band Madness.
Set in the heart of London, this Olivier Award-winning show is a perfect family outing, blending a touching story of growing up with the upbeat, nostalgic sounds of “Baggy Trousers,” “It Must Be Love,” and “House of Fun.” Supporting this local theatre group is a great way to experience the vibrant community spirit of St Ives at Easter during your stay.
Book your tickets: Visit the Kidz R Us website to secure your seats for Our House.
Easter in St Ives – Outside Adventures
Easter in St Ives marks the official start of the boating season. Whether you have booked one of our cottages with a sea view or want to actually be on the sea, the harbour front is your gateway to adventure during your St Ives Easter weekend.
- Seal Island (Western Carracks): Head 3½ miles west to visit the local colony of Atlantic grey seals. St Ives Boats (Dolly P) and the Nemo Glass Bottom Boat offer fantastic views—the latter providing a unique underwater window into the marine life below.
- Godrevy Lighthouse: Cruise 3 miles east to the iconic lighthouse that inspired Virginia Woolf. Tiger Lilly II and St Ives Boat Rides (Black Scorpion) offer regular trips here for sightseeing and mackerel fishing.
- High-Speed Safaris: For those who like a bit of speed, Blue Thunder Ribs and Jaws Adventure RIB Ride offer 45-minute “Ultimate Sea Safaris” that explore the coast from Portreath to Pendeen.
Planning Tip: St Ives Easter weekend is especially busy, so we highly recommend booking your boat trip early to secure your spot. Trips are weather-dependent, but most operators offer easy re-booking or refunds if the swell is too high.
Approx. Prices: 1-hour trips from £20–£30 (Adults) / £15–£20 (Children).
Easter Fun on Horseback
- Where: Trencrom Lane, Carbis Bay, TR26 2TA (5-minute drive from St Ives)
- When: 10th April 2026
- Cost: Approx. £35 per person
For a truly memorable Easter in Cornwall, why not do an Easter Egg Hunt on horseback?
Standing Stone Stables offers a wonderfully unique experience where children can take a gentle stroll on a friendly pony through the beautiful Wildflower Woods, searching the woodland for sweet treats left by the Easter Bunny.
Top Tip: Booking is absolutely essential as these sessions are a local favourite. It’s a great reason to stay in one of our Carbis Bay holiday cottages nearby, as the stables are located just around the back of the bay.
Eating over Easter in St Ives, Cornwall
Where to Enjoy an Easter Sunday Roast
Booking a traditional Sunday roast is an Easter highlight, but with St Ives being a seasonal favorite, booking well ahead is essential to secure a table.
- The Sloop Inn: A legendary local choice for a classic pub atmosphere right on the harbor front.
- The Loft Restaurant & Terrace: Family-friendly with a dog-friendly terrace—perfect if you are staying in our collection of dog friendly cottages.
- Porthminster Kitchen: Located on the wharf, this spot offers a “luxurious” setting with stunning views and high-quality local produce.
- The Balnoon Inn: Just a short drive outside of town, it is renowned for its “epic” portions and high-quality cuts of meat.
- The Gurnard’s Head: Located near Zennor, this is the go-to for a cosy, rural escape with an excellent menu for both roast and seafood lovers.
- Tregenna Castle Resort: For the full resort experience, enjoy a high-quality three-course roast (approx. £29.50) with some of the best panoramic views in Cornwall.
- The Lifeboat Inn: Along with The Loft, this is one of our top picks for those dining with four-legged friends.
More Things to do in Cornwall at Easter
St Ives is a fantastic hub, but the surrounding landscape reveals some of the best things to do in Cornwall at Easter. We have a choice of Carbis Bay holiday cottages nearby if you prefer to be slightly removed from the town centre while remaining close to these top attractions.
Whether you are seeking a quiet stroll through blooming magnolias or an adrenaline-fueled afternoon at a theme park, here are the best things to do in Cornwall at Easter:
The Great Easter Egg Hunt at Trengwainton Garden
- Where: Near Madron, Penzance, TR20 8RZ
- When: 3rd – 19th April 2026 (10:00 – 17:00)
- Note: Closed Fridays & Saturdays, except for Good Friday (3rd April).
Explore the winding paths of this stunning National Trust garden as it bursts into spring color. This year’s trail is all about the creatures that call Trengwainton home. Families can tackle 10 nature-themed activities, from “pin the tail on the bunny” to seed planting for the bees. For £3.50 per trail, explorers receive a trail sheet, bunny ears, and a choice of a Rainforest Alliance-certified dairy or vegan/Free From chocolate egg.
Plan your trail: Find more details and visiting information on the National Trust website here.
Easter Adventures at Godolphin
- Where: Godolphin Cross, Helston, TR13 9RE
- When: 28th March – 19th April 2026 (10:00 – 17:00)
Step back in time at Godolphin, an ancient estate steeped in Cornish mining heritage. Their Easter trail invites you to explore atmospheric gardens and woodland famously carpeted in bluebells. The trail features 10 creative activity stations designed to get children active. Every completed sheet earns a dairy or vegan/Free From chocolate egg. After the hunt, take a stroll up to Godolphin Hill for some of the most breathtaking panoramic views over West Cornwall.
Plan your visit: Find more details and booking information on the National Trust website here.
The Minack Theatre: Drama on the Cliffside
- Where: Porthcurno, Penzance, TR19 6JU
- When: Easter 2026 Season Opener
A short, breathtaking drive leads you to the Minack Theatre, carved directly into the granite cliffs overlooking Porthcurno Bay. This Easter holiday in Cornwall, the Minack opens its 2026 main season with two fantastic family-friendly productions: Giants (3rd – 16th April), bringing local folklore to life, and Widdershins (7th – 9th April), a captivating performance filled with magic and mystery. Even if you aren’t catching a show, you can book a “Visit Us” ticket to explore the famous sub-tropical gardens.
Book your tickets: Explore the full performance schedule and book your visit at the Minack Theatre website here.
Paradise Park’s Golden Egg Challenge
- Where: Hayle, TR27 4HB
- When: 3rd – 19th April 2026
Treat your family to a “cracking” time at this award-winning wildlife sanctuary. The Easter Golden Egg Challenge takes you on a quest around the park to meet over 1,200 birds, including parrots and penguins. Don’t miss the rare red pandas or the Fun Farm for pygmy goats and guinea pigs.
SPECIAL OFFER: Book your tickets online and use code ‘EASTER’ at the checkout to SAVE £3 per person on standard single tickets!
Book your tickets: Visit the Paradise Park website to book and apply your discount code.
Plan your Easter holiday with The Cottage Boutique
Ready to start your spring adventure? Whether you are looking for a cosy hideaway for two or a large family retreat for your Easter holiday in Cornwall, we have the perfect base for your escape. Browse our full collection of St Ives holiday cottages to find your ideal home-from-home.
If you need a little local advice on more things to do in St Ives at Easter, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly local team at The Cottage Boutique – we’re here to help you plan an Easter break you’ll never forget.
