May Half Term in Cornwall: Where to Stay & What to Do
March 17, 2025Your May Half Term in Cornwall awaits, where carefree days unfold at your own pace. Picture slow mornings playing on peaceful sands, afternoons filled with rock pool adventures or shoreside lunches, and evenings that push bedtime a little later, with sea-view dining over breathtaking sunsets.
Handpicked by us to ensure that parents can unwind, children have fun, and families come together, you’ll find only the most special spaces in our curated collections. From countryside cottages with hot tubs among the trees, to contemporary coastal retreats with swimming pools above the waves, browse our collections and start planning an exciting family break this May half term in Cornwall…
- Why Spend May Half Term in Cornwall?
- Location Inspiration: Where to Explore and Stay in May
- Events for all ages, and where to stay nearby
Book May Half Term
Reasons to book Cornwall for May half term?
- May half term in Cornwall is quieter than the summer, yet just as beautiful: Enjoy the calm of Cornwall before summer sets in. Fewer visitors mean more space to explore, uncrowded beaches, and a slower pace for quality time together.
- You’ll be immersed in nature: Our luxury holiday homes for May half term are located in natural playgrounds – on coastal paths, in wooded valleys, above secluded coves and beside wildflower meadows. All of these locations are good for the mind, body and soul.
- It’s an exciting month for food lovers: Enjoy ‘field to fork’ flavour with ‘pick-your-own’ strawberries just coming into season, and Nancarrow Farm hosting Farm Lunches and Suppers in their courtyard throughout May.
- It’s super child-friendly: From Heligan’s Wild Week, to running free on the beaches as Cornwall warms up, leave the screens at home and let the little ones unleash their wild sides!
Where to stay for May half term in Cornwall, and what to do nearby…
Laid-back Porthtowan
Within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Porthtowan is the perfect base for a relaxed family break, filled with fun:
- Walk the beautiful cliff path with Moomaid of Zennor ice creams in hand
- Join a surf lesson at the popular water sports beach
- Tuck into a sunset supper of nachos at the much loved (and dog-friendly) Blue Bar
- Discover nearby St Agnes and Trevaunance Cove
- Visit Etherington’s Farm Shop to pick up some pasties, and head west to St Ives, or North to Perranporth!
Highviews, Porthtowan
Sleeping 8 with amazing sea views, a spacious garden (with sunken trampoline), and a tempting hot tub, Highviews is a family oasis for May half term.
- Dog friendly
- The local beach of Porthtowan is just down the road, and has Blue Flag Status
- The owner of Highviews is an interior designer, made obvious through the beautifully beachy interiors
Lovely Lanhydrock
National Trust’s Lanhydrock Estate is at its best in spring, with snowdrops and bluebells. Explore the house and its formal garden, and cycle the scenic parkland. In and around the area there’s plenty of nature-centered activities to enjoy.
- Walk in Cardinham woods, following The Gruffalo Trail and stopping at The Woods Cafe
- Take a refreshing dip in Respryn River on a calm day
- Hop over to Fowey
- Visit Restormel Castle and swing by the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery for unique plants, afternoon tea and a treasure trove of a homeware shop.
Little Cutmadoc Farm, Lanhydrock
Nestled within the serene Lanhydrock Estate, Little Cutmadoc Farm offers a perfect blend of country charm and contemporary style for 8 guests:
- Surrounded by 10 acres of private grounds and its own lake, enjoy peace, privacy, and a luxurious hot tub.
- Dog friendly
- Explore Fowey and Lostwithiel
Family Fun in Far West Cornwall
Explore the natural beauty of Cornwall’s wild west, from the white sand beaches of Porthcurno to the vibrant culture of Penzance.
- Take a dip in Penzance Jubilee Pool, recently featured in ITV’s Playing Nice.
- You could read The Mousehole Cat together before visiting the characterful fishing village of Mousehole, and spot Tom Bawcock’s statue by the harbour
- Watch ‘Journey to the Stars’ at the Minack Theatre (26th-28th), where storytelling and music takes children and adults to distant galaxies, all in the unique open-air setting overlooking the ocean.
The Carthouse, St Buryan (near Penzance)
Inspired to do better by our planet? Designed to give both you and the environment an easy time, The Carthouse is a very Instagramable home, boasting strong eco-credentials and enviable interior design.
- Wood fired hot tub
- Dog friendly
- Sleeps 6
- Eco-Conscious credentials (including sustainably sourced construction and up-cycled furnishings)
The Lizard Peninsula
Discover The Lizard’s rugged beauty this May half term, with authentic fishing villages, crystal-clear waters, and family-friendly beaches.
- Explore Mullion’s historical village, picturesque harbour and sandy beach
- Experience the world-famous hotspot of Kynance Cove, before it gets too crowded
- Visit Housel Bay – a secluded cove, reached via the South West Coast Path from Lizard Point, the most southernly point of mainland Britain.
Tresawle, Housel Bay
An architect-designed retreat with soaring glazing framing seascapes from every room. If you plan to spend May half term in Cornwall, it’s a great opportunity to experience our latest Gem, Tresawle.
- Join the coast path from the end of the garden and walk to the beach
- Sleeps 10
- Dog friendly
- Interior designed by Gems Interiors – take a peek inside!
Events in Cornwall: May Half Term 2025
Cornwall Open Studios
24th–26th May, across Cornwall
An opportunity to meet the artists and explore inside some of the most famous art studios across the Duchy. From ceramics, to paintings, to glass works, local artists open their doors to the public, allowing you to see how they create their works.
Heligan Wild Week
24th–31st May, Lost Gardens of Heligan
From wildlife encounters to hands-on workshops, Heligan Wild Week is the perfect opportunity to explore nature in a fun and educational way. Forget the Switches and Play Stations, Heligan promises to re-wild your child!
Chyrond, Veryan
Sleeps 6, 1 dog, just 20 minutes from Heligan
A recently refurbished roundhouse, Chyrond blends stunning textures and natural materials for a relaxing retreat. The peaceful garden, surrounded by hedging and flowers, offers a perfect place to unwind. Explore nearby beaches and the beautiful Roseland Peninsula.
Tudor Week at Trerice
National Trust’s Trerice Manor, Newquay
Step back in time this May half-term at Trerice Manor, where history comes to life with a mix of activities. Children can experience the drama of Tudor tales, enjoy thrilling falconry displays, and get involved in their costume days.
Compass North, Pentire
Sleeps 10, 2 dogs, 10 mins from NT Trerice
This interior designed, sea-facing escape is just five minutes from Fistral Beach. With spacious rooms, five ensuite bedrooms, a sociable kitchen, games room, and stunning sea views, it’s the perfect family retreat. Enjoy the garden, dine al fresco, or explore nearby Gannel River or Crantock village.
Jurassic Creek Week
Camel Creek, Wadebridge, 26th May – 1st June
Walk with the dinosaurs and experience thrilling dino encounters during May half term at Camel Creek Adventure Park close to Wadebridge, Padstow and Mawgan Porth.
Porthilly, St Merryn
10 minutes to Mawgan Porth, 20 minutes to Wadebridge
Sleeping up to 8 guests with an EV charger and hot tub, Porthilly is an outstanding modern day beach house offering a wonderful sense of light and space against the sea and coastal views backdrop.