Things to do in Cornwall in 2026

Love Cornwall? Whether you’re a regular visitor or first timer, 2026 is shaping up to be an especially good year to explore it. Alongside our beaches, coast paths and foodie scene that Cornwall is famous for, this year brings a fresh wave of experiences, re-imagined attractions and standout events that make a holiday here feel both timeless and brand new.

From coldwater swimming and creative workshops to landmark coastal events and outdoor adventures, there are more ways than ever to connect with North Cornwall — whether you’re here for a long weekend or a slow summer stay. With Padstow as your base, here are some of the coolest things to do in Cornwall this year.

Hop Onboard a Sealife Safari

Padstow’s Camel Estuary continues to be one of North Cornwall’s most beautiful playgrounds – and one of the best ways to explore its wildlife-rich waters is onboard a Sealife Safari. Strap in for an exhilarating RIB ride to discover its history, visit the ‘Doom Bar’ and spot all sorts of bird life from gannets and gulls to herons and kingfishers. Or voyage into the open sea to explore the rugged coastline and encounter the likes of seals, dolphins and sunfish.

Brave a Sea Dip and Warm Up in a Beach Sauna

The rise of wild swimming and seaside saunas has changed the way people experience Cornwall’s beaches. Pack your swimmers and combine a coastal walk with a sea dip and sauna session — a simple but unforgettable North Cornwall ritual that’s very much of the moment. Checkout our list of saunas by the sea and feel the benefits of hot and cold therapy by the coast.

Dance With the Obby Oss

Looking to immerse yourself in local culture? The annual Obby Oss festival on 1 May is one of Padstow’s biggest events – a colourful festival of procession, music and dance with pagan roots. Arrive early, soak up the music and energy as the town transforms, and follow the dance of the red and blue Obby Osses, to experience a tradition that feels just as powerful today as it did centuries ago.  

Take a SUP Tour

See the Cornish coast from a different angle on a stand up paddleboard. This gentle activity works your balance and core as you explore the creeks and coves of the coast, and master the skill of paddling. Just across the estuary in Rock, Camel Ski School run SUP lessons, SUP safaris, fun Monster SUP sessions and Paddle & Prosecco evenings. Or you can head to nearby Harlyn Surf School for an Intro to SUP session, SUP coastal tour or test your balance with SUP yoga. 

Join the Party at the Rock Oyster Festival

Hogging a prime location overlooking the Camel Estuary, July’s Rock Oyster Festival beckons families, foodies and music lovers to our favourite summer festival – and it’s right on our doorstep. You don’t have to love oysters to enjoy the smorgasbord of musical mischief, artisan grub, well-being workshops and interactive kids’ sessions. What with Groove Armada, Scissor Sisters and Raymond Blanc taking the stage, we can’t wait.

SURF! Discover 100 Years of Waveriding in Cornwall 

Surfing is one of Cornwall’s most popular watersports – and whatever time of year you visit, you can hit the waves at a plethora of North Coast beaches near Padstow. Whether you choose to surf or spectate, don’t miss the incredible SURF! exhibition at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. Worth every minute of the one-hour drive to Falmouth, here you can dive into 100 years of surfing in Cornwall and get sucked into the wave-lashed vortex of ‘Kernowfornia’.

Celebrate Summer at the Eden Sessions

The Eden Project remains one of Cornwall’s headline attractions – but its ever-changing events and displays make repeat visits just as rewarding as first ones. Alongside the biomes, gardens and immersive exhibitions, why not make one of the Eden Sessions live music events the highlight of your Cornwall break in June or July? With Snow Patrol, The Maccabees and Becky Hill amongst those taking the stage, tickets are set to sell out fast, so book early.

Swim Across the Camel Estuary

For a challenge of a different kind, consider making the long swim across the Camel Estuary in the Padstow to Rock Swim in July. Each year the event raises a huge amount of money for the Marie Curie cancer care charity, as hundreds of participants make the one-mile swim across the estuary to Rock where they are welcomed with a medal, a pasty and entertainment.

Make and Bottle Your Own Gin

Looking to try something new this year? Distill your very own gin in a classic copper pot still, using whichever botanicals you love the most (there are 50 botanicals to choose from, or you can bring your own). Once you’ve been introduced to the process of gin making at Tarquin’s Gin School, you’ll get to bottle, wax and sign your own bottle of gin, for a unique take-home memento from your holiday in Padstow. 

Ride the Camel Trail by E-Bike

The Camel Trail is one of Cornwall’s most scenic cycle routes, and e-bikes have made it even more accessible. Hire a Volt e-bike from Camel Trail Cycle Hire, and it’ll be a cinch to freewheel all the way from Padstow to Bodmin Moor, taking in wooded valleys, riverside paths, coffee stops and pub lunches along the way.

Climb the Walls at Two Indoor Activity Centres

Looking for indoor fun when the weather turns? Test your strength and skills at Tide Climbing Centre – just a few minutes outside Padstow. With bouldering walls and roped routes, it’s suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike, with a great café hangout, to boot. Also, just twenty minutes’ drive from Padstow, the brand-new Rocks Family Activity Centre is opening in Newquay this summer, with an indoor climbing wall, gym and soft play.

Coming to Cornwall in 2026?

Whether you’re here for coastal adventures, foodie days or seasonal events, North Cornwall has something special waiting for everyone. Harbour Holidays offers Padstow’s widest selection of places to to stay — so you’ll be perfectly placed for exploring everything this corner of Cornwall has to offer.