For holidaymakers and locals looking for something to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays, Cornwall’s top attractions are offering plenty of family fun to get involved with during the May half term.

From exploring some of the most beautiful sub tropical gardens in the U.K at nearby Trebah and Glendurgan, to visiting museums such as the National Maritime Museum Cornwall to discover their hugely anticipated latest major exhibition, there will be plenty to see and do in Cornwall this May half term.

Read more to find out about some of the best May half-term holiday activities in Cornwall. Dates and opening times may vary so visitors are advised to check attraction websites before visiting.

Seal Sanctuary 

Explore the Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, a place where each seal carries its own unique story. With many viewing points dotted around the site with panoramic views of the Helford River, there are plenty of opportunities to observe the seals play and interact with one another in their rehabilitation pools.

Each year the Seal Sanctuary rehabilitates around 70 seal pups from local coastal waters that  they bring into their specialist Seal Hospital in Gweek. Once the rescued seal pup’s injuries have healed and they reach a healthy weight, they release them back into the wild. 

To find out more, please visit: Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Glendurgan Garden 

There are three valleys of Glendurgan to explore full of beautiful plants and trees. In spring an abundance of beautiful wildflowers fill the sloping sides of the valley, where you can wander through down towards the unspoilt hamlet of Durgan on the River Helford. 

Visit during May half term and go on a bug hunt, create some wild art and plant some seeds. The Nature Activities event is free, however normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Half Term Events: 

Nature Activities: Saturday 27 May – Sunday 4 June

To find out more, please visit: Glendurgan Garden

Trebah Garden

Trebah Garden boasts an extensive network of footpaths spanning four miles, meandering through a collection of rare and unusual plants, transporting you to sunnier climes. Trebah is the perfect destination for both family adventures and peaceful escapes, with visitors enjoying their inspiring spaces and unique events all year round.

To find out more, please visit: Trebah Garden

National Maritime Museum Cornwall 

2023 is a big year for National Maritime Museum Cornwall as it celebrates its 20th birthday, so there is no better time to visit and explore its many exhibitions and galleries. The museum’s highly anticipated latest major exhibition, Pirates, opened in March and explores how popular culture has shaped how we think of pirates today and dives beneath the surface to unearth the truth.

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall will also play host to many family friendly activities this spring half term. Visit the museum to explore The Rock Pool Project’s mobile rock pool and discover curious creatures found on our Cornish coast, or perhaps create paper plate rock pools in Make & Take and join the Museum trail to help find all the hidden rock pool creatures. 

Half Term Events:

Rock Pool Explorers: Monday 29 May – Friday 2 June

Make and Take: Saturday 27 May – Sunday 4 June

Museum Trail: Saturday 27 May – Sunday 4 June

To find out more, please visit: National Maritime Museum Cornwall

Roskillys

A real Cornish working farm on the Lizard Peninsula, take a tour, see the animals and explore beautiful walks, and of course sample some of Roskilly’s delicious ice cream.

The Jersey cows remain at the heart of the farm – providing all the milk required by the creamery to create the famous ice cream we all know and love. Visitors are welcome to watch the cows being milked from the viewing gallery each day, or choose to wander further through the farm to meet a range of animals such as pigs, sheep, geese and chickens – with animal feed bags available to buy from the Croust House.

To find out more, please visit: Roskillys

Koru Kayaking

We know we’re biased but we think Cornwall is one of the most impressive spots in the United Kingdom, from its dramatic coastline to the beautiful in-land waterways. Kayak straight from the hotel’s Helford River foreshore on one of Koru’s guided kayak tours which is the ultimate way to discover the remote beauty on offer in this part of the world.  They offer two hour tours with an experienced guide using sit on kayaks. 

The Helford & Frenchman’s Creek Kayak Adventure launches from the private beach of Budock Vean Hotel and explores the area that was used as inspiration for Daphne Du Maurier’s famous novel.

To find out more, please visit: Koru Kayaking