Planning your 25th – 29th May half term in Cornwall?
Discover the best things to do in St Ives and across Cornwall this May bank holiday and school holidays.
May Half Term & Bank Holidays in Cornwall
The town buzzes with a friendly, local energy over the May half term with the bank holiday weekend extending until Monday 25th. And as each day grows longer, May half term in St Ives becomes one of the most magical times to visit the Cornish coast
Whether you are looking for serene coastal walks, bustling seasonal events, or simply a relaxing family break, there are endless things to do this May half term in St Ives. It is the perfect destination for families to reconnect against a backdrop of turquoise waters and golden sands.
Things to do in St Ives this May Half Term
From world-renowned art galleries to the hidden corners of the harbour, St Ives offers a diverse range of activities for all ages. During your stay, you can immerse yourself in the creative spirit of the town at Tate St Ives or spend your days exploring the rugged South West Coast Path. Our guide covers everything from the best family-friendly beaches to the most exciting May bank holiday events in St Ives.
St Ives Beaches & Family Days Out
Harbour Beach: Situated in the heart of the town, it is the best spot for traditional crabbing and watching the boats come and go.
Porthmeor Beach: A favourite for active families, perfect for surfing lessons, rock pooling at low tide, and enjoying a sunset dinner at the beachside café.
Porthminster Beach is a top choice for families this May, and it’s about more than just the golden sand. It is one of the best-equipped beaches in town, ensuring you have everything you need for a full day out without having to trek back to your cottage.
- Amenities: You’ll find convenient toilets and beach pod rentals, making it much easier to manage a “home base” for the day.
- Family Perks: There is a 19-hole pitch and putt green right behind the beach for a bit of competitive family fun.
- Food & Drink: If you want a sit-down meal, the renowned Porthminster Cafe restaurant is right on the sand. For something quicker, there are two takeaway options – the Beach Bar’s outdoor kitchen and the cafe’s takeaway window – perfect for grab-and-go fish and chips or ice cream.
- The Beach Bar & Outdoor Kitchen: Perfect for a laid-back vibe, this newly refurbished spot offers a vast array of gins, beer, and cocktails for the adults while being entirely dog-friendly.
Explore our collection of dog-friendly cottages in St Ives.
Family Activities in St Ives
Tate St Ives: Leach Pottery Takeover Saturday, 23rd May to Sunday, 31st May 2026 – The gallery hosts a special “Studio Do” collaboration with Leach Pottery. Families can participate in hands-on art and community workshops designed specifically for all ages.
Barbara Hepworth Museum: Saturday, May 23rd to Sunday, May 31st, 2026, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden offers specific interactive ways for families to engage with the art and garden.
Family Activity Trails: You can pick up a Hepworth Family Activity Trail pack at the front desk for £3. These are designed for adults and children to use together while exploring the sculptor’s former home and studio. The pack includes a sketchbook and art materials.
Art Adventurers Town Trail: For families who want to explore beyond the garden, a Town Trail map is available for £3. It guides you through St Ives to learn about local artists, with activities like making marks on the beach and finding patterns in nature.
Story Player: The museum offers a digital “Story Player” collection of audio resources that you can listen to during your visit to learn more about Hepworth’s life and work.
St Ives Boat Trips: Daily excursions depart from the harbour (weather permitting). The most popular is the 1-hour Seal Island trip to see the Atlantic grey seal colony, while longer 2-hour Sea Safaris head toward Godrevy Lighthouse or Land’s End. These trips are dog-friendly, and children under one go free.
Porthmeor Surf School: May is an excellent time for beginners to catch their first waves with professional coaching right on one of the town’s most iconic beaches.
The Island Lookout & Coastguard Station: A great spot for a family hike, where kids can spot passing ships and learn about maritime history from the National Coastwatch volunteers.
Stay nearby in one of our St Ives holiday cottages for May half term.
Local Events & What’s On in St Ives
St Ives Food & Drink Festival: 15th – 17th May 2026 – While just before the main half-term week, this is a major highlight for the May bank holiday season. The Beach Stage: Enjoy free live music all weekend from local favorites and emerging talent. The 2026 lineup includes Tom New, Karl Phillips, Maisy Grace, and Freshly Squeezed.
St Ives Farmers’ Market: The Island centre, Island Road. Catch this local favorite on May Bank Holiday Monday for local produce and crafts; from fresh bakes, preserves, cakes, beauty products and jewellery to Cornish fish, organic veggies, cheese & olives.
For the littlies, St Ives Library also schedules storytelling and craft sessions during the school holidays.
Stay in town for an artisan breakfast with one of our luxury cottages.
Things to do in Cornwall this May Half Term & Bank Holiday
While St Ives has plenty to keep you occupied, during the May half term in Cornwall, the wider county is full of adventure. Beyond our town’s borders, you’ll find world-class family attractions, historic landmarks, and stunning outdoor adventures.
It’s a great time for day trips to discover the varied landscapes, from the lush Eden Project to the rugged north coast surf hubs. Our guide covers everything from the best family-friendly beaches to the most exciting May bank holiday events in Cornwall.
Family Attractions & Days Out
If you’re looking to explore further afield, Cornwall has a packed calendar for the May 25th – 29th, 2026 school half-term week.
Eden Project: Lloyd of the Flies – The Biomes will be taken over by characters from the Aardman animated series. Families can take part in “miniature mayhem” with interactive trails and bug-themed workshops.
The Great Estate Festival: 29th – 31st May 2026 – Located at Scorrier House, this is one of Cornwall’s best family festivals. It features a Victorian Sports Day, circus skills workshops, and a large bouncy castle area alongside major music acts.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan: Wild Week – Expect a week of outdoor play where children can learn survival skills and engage in creative “wild” activities in the heart of the gardens.
Paradise Park: Just a short drive from St Ives, this wildlife park is perfect for a half-term afternoon to see the flying displays and explore the JungleBarn indoor play area.
Camel Creek Adventure Park:A fantastic day out for younger children with a mix of rides, indoor play, and animal encounters.
Our Carbis Bay holiday cottages are just a short drive away.
Coastal Towns & Day Trips
Falmouth: Home to the National Maritime Museum, quirky independent shops, and beautiful waterfront strolls.
Newquay: Known for its world-class surf beaches like Fistral, as well as the Blue Reef Aquarium and Newquay Zoo.
Padstow: A picturesque harbor town famous for its culinary scene and access to the scenic Camel Trail.
Enjoy the May bank holiday in Cornwall with a stay at The Cottage Boutique.
More Seasonal Events Across Cornwall
Trelissick (Feock): From May 27–30, the walled garden hosts Raphael Historic Falconry for traditional falconry displays and flying demonstrations.
Bedruthan Hotel & Spa: Their “Under The Sea” and “Bugs and Butterflies” themed week includes spring-themed crafting (flower crowns and wings), silent discos, and Cornish storytelling.
Mega Slip and Slide (Truro): For high-energy families, this 120-meter slide launches from a 4.5-meter tower. Slide with their single or double rings or grab one of their indestructible body boards for an adrenaline-pumping ride like no other!
Plan your trip with The Cottage Boutique
Ready to make some memories? At The Cottage Boutique, we are local experts who love helping families find their perfect home-away-from-home. Whether you need a large sea view house for a big family reunion or a cosy apartment for two, we have the perfect base for your Cornish adventure. Browse our collection of St Ives holiday cottages and get in touch with our friendly team today to start planning your May half term break.
