10 Things to do in Cornwall this February Half Term

Think you’ve left it too late to plan a February half-term getaway? Swap the hassle and cost of overseas travel for a last-minute family break in Cornwall. With early-spring sunshine, empty beaches and attractions, and Padstow holiday cottages still available at a fraction of peak-season prices, it’s the perfect time to escape.

What is there to do in February? From two-wheeled adventures to indoor attractions, here are ten things to do in Cornwall this half-term.

1. Neon Jungle Roller Skating at Heligan

Image courtesy of the Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan are a must-visit whatever time of year you visit Cornwall. But February brings with it a little extra magic. Alongside quiet trails and the first signs of spring bursting into bloom, you can also lace up your skates and hit the Neon Jungle Roller Skating Rink.

Fun for all ages and all weathers, this undercover experience pairs a playlist of retro hits and future classics, with a neon jungle backdrop inspired by Heligan’s restoration story. As you glide beneath the glowing foliage, we’re willing to bet that roller skating in a retro-futurist neon jungle wasn’t already on your half-term to-do list.

2. Cycle the Camel Trail

February is the ideal time to jump on two wheels and tackle one of Cornwall’s best-loved cycle routes. In summer, the mostly traffic-free Camel Trail buzzes with walkers, wildlife watchers and families, but visit in February and you’ll have its 18 miles of old railway – stretching from Padstow to Bodmin Moor – largely to yourselves.

The easygoing route wends along the estuary and through enchanting woodland, with cream tea and pub stops on route. There are plenty of bike hire options in Padstow and Wadebridge, and if you want an even smoother, faster ride, why not hire e-bikes for the whole family?

3. Visit the Seal Sanctuary

Get up close to sea life at the Cornwall Seal Sanctuary.

For a wild day out head to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, and meet playful sea lions, curious otters, waddling penguins, and rescued grey seal pups learning to dive back to the wild.

Over winter, many of Cornwall’s seal pups end up stranded along the coast, injured or malnourished, and this Sea Life Trust sanctuary on the edge of the Helford gives them a second chance. Alongside these incredible animals, you can explore interactive exhibits, learn all about Cornwall’s marine wildlife, and discover crabs, starfish, and other fascinating sea creatures.

4. Coast Path Walk With Cosy Pitstops

February is one of our favourite months to hit the South West Coast Path while it’s blissfully crowd-free. And with plenty of pitstops to fuel up on route, there’s no need to lug backpacks filled with snacks for the whole family.

Our favourite family walks from Padstow? Head west to Stepper Point, stopping for just-out-the-oven scones at the Rest-a-While Tea Garden.Keep an eye out for buzzards and seals en route, and cut back across the fields once you reach Butter Hole. Or, hop on the Black Tor ferry from Padstow Harbour to Rock and tread the coast path to Daymer Bay, returning over the grassy knoll of Brea Hill for fireside food and drink at The Mariners.

5. Connect at PK Porthcurno

Image courtesy of PK Porthcurno

The kids don’t have to stop learning just because school’s out. Why not take a drive to West Cornwall and discover how a remote cove near Land’s End became the heart of worldwide communications? The PK Museum is hosting a week of family activities for half-term, using interactive exhibits and workshops to take you on a journey into the connected world.

While you’re there you can step out onto the wild beauty of Porthcurno beach, and catch a Squashbox performance of Curious Creatures at the cliff-edge Minack Theatre. 

6. Learn to Surf

Photo courtesy of KingSurf

Think summer’s the best time to start surfing? Think again. February brings empty waves, powerful swells, and plenty of whitewater – perfect for learning to pop up and manoeuvre your board.

With high-tech wetsuits, gloves, booties, and hoods, the cold barely matters. Add expert tuition from KingSurf in Mawgan Porth, and you’ll be riding waves like a pro in no time.

7. Hike Up Rough Tor and Brown Willy

Ramble to Cornwall’s highest peaks for stunning views. Photo by Hayley Lawrence.

Get the whole family out in the fresh February air and take a walk across rolling winter moors to scale Cornwall’s two highest peaks – Rough Tor and Brown Willy. A circular route takes you to the top of Rough Tor where you can enjoy gob-smacking countryside and coastal views all the way along the ridge to Showery Tor, where you drop back down into the valley before tackling the ascent of Brown Willy – Cornwall’s highest peak at 420m. 

8. Ice Skating and Scarecrows at Eden

Needing little introduction, the Eden Project is Cornwall’s all-weather megastar. No matter how many times you’ve visited, there’s always something new to discover – making it a brilliant choice for February half term. Alongside the iconic biomes and natural-world wonders, it’s your last chance to take a spin on the winter ice rink.

Families can also dive into a packed programme inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Scarecrows’ Wedding. Expect hay crafting, storytelling, dancing and live music, as Eden throws a joyful wedding bash where the whole family are invited.

9. Maritime Adventures at NMMC

Photo courtesy of National Maritime Museum

Whether your crew is into surfing, sailing or swashbuckling tales of pirates, Falmouth’s National Maritime Museum Cornwall is packed with indoor adventure. Travel through 100 years of British surfing in the Surf! exhibition, take the helm of a model sailing boat and peer into the underwater gallery – all without worrying about the weather.

February half term brings even more to explore, with the hands-on Ocean Lab inviting curious minds to get stuck in. Expect fizzy rocket making, a giant mechanical maze, mind-bending experiments and a family-friendly museum trail designed to spark imagination and discovery.

10. Dive Under at Blue Reef Aquarium

You don’t have to get wet – or even dip a toe in the ocean – to come face-to-face with Cornwall’s marine life. Undercover at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay, you can encounter the likes of sea cucumbers, spider crabs and sea turtles, in displays that take you from the craggy Cornish shores to exotic coral reefs.

Watch the giant octopus at feeding time and learn more about the sea creatures through informative talks, but the highlight is the underwater tunnel where you can eyeball stingrays, reef sharks and all sorts of colourful fish.

Find the perfect coastal cottage for your half-term family holiday in Cornwall

Harbour Holidays has an array of holiday cottages in Padstow and the surrounding area that make the perfect base for a half-term break in Cornwall. Search our collection and head to crowd-free Cornwall this February.