8 activities for Easter in Cornwall

From 6th-12th April 2026, music fills the spring air at the prestigious St Endellion Easter Festival near Port Isaac. This long-running celebration of choral and orchestral music – set inside the ancient walls of the Collegiate Church – is a feast for the ears and the soul, with performances ranging from Beethoven symphonies to Bach masses. It’s the sort of experience that feels timeless and uplifting, perfect for a quiet Easter evening or a cultural highlight during your stay.

Heligan’s gardens are a joy in spring, when hidden corners burst into blossom and winding paths open into views full of colour and light. Wander among rare trees, through the wild flowers meadow or along the jungle trail and discover early spring blooms, curious sculptures and gentle wildlife. The gardens feel especially beautiful at Easter, with that blend of anticipation and awakening that only nature at this time of year can offer.

At Glendurgan Garden near Falmouth, an Easter Adventures trail invites families to explore this classic National Trust landscape in a playful way. Hidden clues and seasonal treats make it feel like a scavenger hunt through history and hedges, with a cosy cafe stop waiting at the end. Gardens at Easter are soft and green, the maze feels racier after winter and every walk feels like a small discovery.

No Easter list in Cornwall is complete without mentioning the Eden Project’s spring activities. Between late March and April, the giant biomes come alive with family-friendly games, creative trails, craft activities and even chocolate hunts that thread through the rainforest and Mediterranean worlds. It’s the perfect blend of education and fun – and a brilliant rainy-day option too, with plenty to keep kids (and adults) enchanted for hours.

Easter is the perfect time to try surfing in Cornwall – the beaches feel spacious, the water’s waking up after winter and you get that fresh-start feeling the moment you zip up a wetsuit. Head to beginner-friendly spots like Harlyn Bay, Perranporth, Sennen Cove or Gwithian, and book a lesson with a local surf school. Expect laughter, a little wobbling and that proud “we actually did it” feeling, followed by hot chocolates and sandy snacks on the beach.

Spring in Cornwall brings the coastline to life, and Easter walks feel even more exciting when you turn them into a “spotting mission.” Take binoculars (or just your best squint) and look for seals, seabirds and the first signs of wildflowers along the cliffs. Great family-friendly routes include Godrevy to Gwithian, Pentire Head, Rame Head, or Lizard Point, where the views are big, the paths are manageable and every corner feels like a reveal. Bonus: dogs love it, kids love it and grown-ups love the head-clearing sea air.

Easter is prime rockpool season. The sea retreats and suddenly the coast becomes a treasure hunt. Pick a calm, family-friendly beach like Porthminster or Treyarnon Bay, and spend an hour exploring the edges. You’ll find tiny crabs, sea anemones, glistening shells and seaweed forests. It feels like nature’s own aquarium, no ticket required. Pack a towel, a change of clothes, and prepare for that happy, windswept chaos that comes with real outdoor fun.

There’s something about getting on a boat that makes a day feel special, even if it’s only a short crossing. Easter is a beautiful time for a ferry trip because the water is calm, the air is crisp, and the views feel extra clear. Try the Falmouth to St Mawes ferry for an easy adventure with minimal effort, or hop across the water for a wander, an ice cream, and a harbour-side lunch. It’s family-friendly, dog-friendly and delivers maximum “we’re on holiday” energy.