Back

What’s On 2025: May Half Term at Polmanter

24th April 2025

We love an early summer getaway, and there’s always so much to do in Cornwall in May. The weather is usually pleasant, and while most visitor attractions are now fully open, they’re not as busy as they are in high season.

 

There’s family fun for the half-term hols, along with more relaxing activities for the quieter weeks.

Here’s a bit more specifically about what’s on in Cornwall for May 2025.

St Ives Food and Drink Festival 2025

This annual celebration of local food and drink is held at its usual venue of Porthminster Beach

over the weekend of 16, 17 and 18 May. We love this event, with its beach-food stalls and live music. Catch a cookery demonstration from Cornish and national chefs at the Chef’s Fire Pit or if you fancy something more hands-on, take part in a workshop. We’re excited about the Spritz Master Class and intrigued by Friday’s BBQ DJ, T Bone Chops…

For 2025, St Ives Food  & Drink festival is hosting ticketed evening music sessions. The headliners are DJ Normal Jay, folk and blues duo Ferris & Sylvester and hip hop act The Scribes. There’s also support artists each evening, including St Ives musician Bailey Tomkinson. The daytime festival and entertainment are free to visit; however, there’s a charge for the Sunset Sessions. For the full programme, visit the event website.

Falmouth Food Festival

If you miss St Ives Food & Drink Festival, don’t worry – there’s another foodie event later in May, the Falmouth Food Festival. This is one of Cornwall’s newer food festivals, established in 2023, and it’s already gained a reputation as one of the county’s must-visit free events. It’s held over four days on 23 – 26 May, and you can find out more on the Falmouth Food Festival website.

 

Source: St Ives Food and Drink Festival Facebook page
Du Maurier Fowey Literature Festival

The du Maurier Fowey Literature Festival is a week-long celebration featuring author talks, exhibitions and music performances. This year, guest writers at the famous festival include Dr Tessa Dunlop, Kate Williams and Iain Dale. There are also tours, workshops and film screenings.

The festival runs from 9 – 17 May, and tickets are on sale now from the festival website. It’s just over 50 miles to Fowey from St Ives, and we recommend using the park and ride service as the town gets very busy!

May Day Celebrations

Cornwall’s most famous May celebrations are Padstow’s Obby Oss Day (1 May) and Helston’s Flora Day (8 May). Both are fascinating and lively displays of old May traditions, and if you get chance, go along at least once. Both events do get very busy, and you’ll need to have a transport and parking plan in place!

For a less frenetic May celebration, pop into St Ives on the May Day bank holiday. There’s a parade and maypole dancing, and we never miss this fun and friendly celebration of the summer.

 

Source: Discover Helston
May half-term fun in Cornwall

If you’re coming to St Ives for the May half-term holidays, there’s lots on for families in Cornwall. From walking in the bluebell woods at Godolphin House to seeing Horrible Histories live at Hall for Cornwall, there’s plenty to entertain the kids during the holidays.

The Octonauts are coming to the Eden Project, and the Rock Pool Explorer sessions return to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth. Make fallen flower art at National Trust Trengwainton outside Penzance, or hire bikes for a trip around the Lanhydrock estate near Bodmin.

Days out with a difference

The arrival of summer brings the opportunity for outdoor adventures. Ocean Sports Carbis Bay is open full time from 1 May if you want to try your hand at SUP or kayaking, or see West Cornwall from a different angle with Newlyn-based Kernow Coasteering. If this all sounds a bit too extreme for your tastes, combine time in the great outdoors with a fascinating experience in the kitchen by booking a foraging workshop with Fat Hen wild cookery school.

Develop your talents or learn new skills with St Ives School of Painting, which offers short courses and sessions for artists of all ages and stages. There’s a full and varied programme at the incomparable Minack Theatre this May, including music from Seth Lakeman and a production of Northanger Abbey.

 

Source: National Maritime Museum Cornwall
A Polmanter holiday in May

Great news – we open our outdoor swimming pool on 17 May, so you can enjoy a lovely dip in the fresh air (or an equally refreshing poolside drink …)

The Stable Bar will extend its opening hours from Monday 19th May, and transition to all-day daily service (breakfast, lunch and dinner) from Saturday 24th May. Our famous Sunday Roasts will continue throughout May, except for Sunday 25th May during half-term.

And if you’re visiting during May half-term, we’ve got a good selection of entertainment lined up for everyone:

  • Tuesday 27th May – Liz’s Quizzes, 8:00pm

  • Wednesday 28th May – Kids’ Party, 3-5pm

  • Thursday 29th May – Bingo!, from 8pm

  • Friday 30th May – Live Music, from 9pm

For further information on opening times, menus and entertainment, visit polmanter.com/eat.

Book now!

If you’re thinking about heading to St Ives this May, it’s not too late – 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 – including for May half-term! Easy for those quick getaways.

If you fancy upgrading to our luxury self-catering accommodation, we’ve got some rare availability in our hot tub cottage Morwenna and modern apartments – with a 20% discount across all available weeks.