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What’s On: May Half-Term at Polmanter

2nd May 2025

We’re looking forward to the May half-term holidays in Cornwall, and there’s a lot going on at Polmanter and in St Ives this year.

 

Here’s a look at what’s on in Whitsun for 2025.

What’s on at Polmanter

May half-term marks the start of summer fun at Polmanter.

From now on, The Stable Bar is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with a snack menu served between two and five in the afternoon for those essential top-ups.

And the best place to enjoy a slice of pizza or an ice cream sundae? Poolside, of course! Our swimming pool opens just in time for half-term, and there’s no better place to spend a sunny afternoon (especially now you can order refreshments via our app from your poolside lounger).

The indoor and outdoor play areas, tennis courts and putting green are also open, and this year, we’re launching football golf up at the sport field (bring your own ball and have a go for free). The shop and reception will be open until 8pm every day, and the bus into town begins its hourly service.

During May half-term week, we’re hosting events at The Stable Bar.

Here’s the 2025 programme:

  • Tuesday 27th May – Liz’s Quizzes, from 8pm: Join St Ives famous quiz master Liz, to test your general knowledge. Prizes up for grabs too!
  • Wednesday 28th May – Kids’ Party, 3-5pm: Perfect afternoon fun for the little ones with party games, music and circus skills. Recommended for children up to 12 years old
  • Thursday 29th May – Bingo!, from 8pm: Play for a line or full house to win cash prizes, while raising money for a local charity.
  • Friday 30th May – Live Music, from 9pm: Enjoy a laid-back evening of liver acoustic music from local talented musician, Liam Jordan
What’s on in St Ives

Catch our bus service into town to enjoy St Ives’ beautiful beaches, lively restaurants and appealing independent shops. There’s plenty to do in St Ives during Whitsun half-term week, from surf lessons on Porthmeor Beach* to art classes at St Ives School of Painting. Take a boat trip out towards Seal Island* or hire the Mega SUP from Ocean Sports and explore the Carbis Bay coast under your own paddle-power.

*Discounts available for Polmanter guests. Please speak to reception.

There are child-friendly activities at Tate St Ives, or book a family activity at the Leach Pottery. Fabulous local theatre company Kidz R Us is putting on a production of Footloose or spend a relaxing afternoon at the Royal Cinema.

What’s on in West Cornwall

It’s just a short drive to Penzance, Hayle and the western coast from Polmanter, making it easy to explore West Cornwall. Local National Trust properties St Michael’s Mount and Trengwainton Garden have family-friendly events on over half term, and there’s a Wildlife Hero Quiz at Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary in Hayle.

Beautiful Porthcurno is one of our favourite places to spend a day. Enjoy a fascinating morning at PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications before settling down to a matinee at the spectacular clifftop Minack Theatre. Swim in the Jubilee Pool in Penzance (the stunning lido celebrates its 90th birthday that week!) or paddle in the pretty harbour in Mousehole.

What’s on further afield

If you fancy a day out, you’re not far from the A30 at Polmanter, and there’s a lot on across the county this May. Younger children will be super-excited to meet the Octonauts at the Eden Project this half-term, while enjoy families can simply enjoy exploring this incomparable space. Eden’s sister attraction, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, is hosting its popular Wild Week event again over the school holidays.

Bustling Falmouth is always a good day out, and there seem to be more independent shops and eateries to discover every time we go. National Maritime Museum Cornwall has just launched its epic exhibition about surfing, and will be running its fascinating Rock Pool Explorers sessions for younger visitors. Pop up to Pendennis Castle for half-term fun and games, and check out the holiday events at family-favourite attractions like Newquay Zoo, Blue Reef Aquarium and Screech Owl Sanctuary.

Book now for May half-term!

If you’re thinking about spending May half-term at Polmanter, there’s still time.  Take a look at our camping and touring availability using our online interactive map.

We welcome 1 and 2 night bookings in advance, so no minimum stay is required throughout the week, making it easy to plan for a quick getaway.

Online booking couldn’t be easier, or give us a call if you’d like help to plan your early summer holiday.