10 Things to do in Cornwall this February Half-Term

Updated: 21st January 2025

Wondering what to do for February half-term? Ditch the expense and hassle of overseas travel for a family break in Cornwall. Here spring comes early, the beaches and attractions are crowd-free, and you can bag a holiday cottage at a snip of the cost than in peak season. From two-wheeled adventures to indoor attractions, here are ten things to do in Cornwall this February half-term…

1. Cycle the Camel Trail, Padstow – Bodmin Moor

February is the perfect month to freewheel along one of Cornwall’s most popular cycle routes on a fun family adventure. Unsurprisingly the (mostly) traffic-free Camel Trail gets congested in the warmer months, as families, walkers and wildlife enthusiasts flock to its 18-miles of disused railway that wends between Padstow and Bodmin Moor. Hit the trail in February and you can enjoy the stunning estuary views and magical woodland to yourselves, pausing for fish and chips at the harbour, cream tea en route, and a hearty family feast at the historic Borough Arms near Bodmin. It’s mostly flat too, so it’s perfect for little legs and is a safe route for taking kids on their first cycling adventure. 

2. Visit the Seal Sanctuary, Gweek

Over winter, large numbers of grey seal pups are found stranded on the Cornish coast, unable to make it back into the wild due to injury or malnourishment. The Sea Life Trust offers a sanctuary for rehabilitation, nursing the seal pups until they are ready to head back into the ocean. On a visit to this picturesque setting on the edge of the Helford, you can see rescued seals dipping and diving their way to recovery, learn all about grey seals and other species, and encounter lots of marine wildlife including sea lions, otters, penguins, crabs and starfish.

3. Hike along the South West Coast Path

With the upcoming release of The Salt Path film, adapted from Raynor Winn’s bestselling novel about walking Britain’s longest coastal trail, the South West Coast Path is sure to attract even more walkers than ever this spring. This makes February the perfect time for a coast walk with the kids before the crowds descend on this picturesque path. Our favourite family walk from Padstow begins by crossing the estuary to Rock on the Black Tor ferry, then following the coast to Daymer Bay, returning over the grassy knoll of Brea Hill and the wonky-steepled St Enodoc Church. Or, from Padstow’s quayside, head west along the coast to Gunver Head, keeping an eye out for hawks, buzzards and seals en route past Butter Hole and the collapsed sea cave of the Pepper Hole.

4. Get Connected at Porthcurno’s Museum of Global Communications

Did you know that a remote cove in Cornwall is at the heart of worldwide communications? Discover the wild beauty of Porthcurno, where you can often spot dolphins and seals, and find out about Cornwall’s vital role at the heart of global communications. The PK Museum hosts a week of interactive family activities, and while you’re in Porthcurno you can catch a family-friendly adaptation of Shakespeare’s Tempest in a Teacup at the cliff-edge Minack Theatre. 

5. Learn to Surf, Mawgan Porth

During winter the waves are more consistent and there are fewer surfers in the water – making it the perfect season to learn to surf, increase your wave count and work on your wave-riding technique. Get lessons from KingSurf in Mawgan Porth, about 10 minutes from Padstow, where the instructors promise to keep you as toasty during winter as they do during summer surf sessions. Using high-tech wetsuits, gloves, booties and hoods, you’ll barely even notice the cold air and water temperatures, so with expert tuition and no crowds to contend with, you’ll be riding waves like a pro in no time at all.

6. Explore the Underwater Kingdom at Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay

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. You can 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. Children, especially, love exploring the underwater world of the aquarium.

7. Hike Up Rough Tor and Brown Willy, Bodmin Moor

Take a walk on the wild side and step out onto the 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. Other than hiking, there are a whole host of outdoor activities to get the whole family out in the fresh coastal air and boost your wellbeing during your stay.

8. Get your Skates on at the Eden Project, St Austell

Needing little introduction, the Eden Project is Cornwall’s megastar all-weather attraction. February half-term is the last chance to take a twirl around the winter ice rink, alongside a smorgasbord of immersive exhibits and workshops to whisk you away into a world of natural and scientific wonders. Not forgetting the Mediterranean and Rainforest biomes, England’s fastest zip wire and plenty of finger-licking treats to keep you fuelled up.

9. Step into oceanic adventures at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth

Boats, helicopters, pirates and sea life… experience maritime adventures with your feet firmly on dry land. At the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, you can take the helm of a model sailing boat, check out the underwater gallery and climb aboard a rescue helicopter. With interactive exhibitions as well as Science of the Sea shows, a Museum Trail and art workshops for families, it’s no wonder that this is one of our favourite south coast attractions for February half-term. In the heart of Falmouth – home to the world’s third deepest harbour – there’s no better place to lap up the maritime heritage of Cornwall and beyond.

10. Art and Beach Life in St Ives

February is our favourite time to visit the beaches and galleries of St Ives, without the throngs of tourists that crowd the golden sands, cobbled streets and arty haunts throughout the warmer months. Arrive via a scenic train ride from St Erth, soaking up the eye-popping views that have lured so many artists to this fishing village. Beach hop via the harbour for a Cornish pasty or ice cream to Porthmeor beach and the Tate St Ives. Listen to the echo of the waves from the entrance of this world-class gallery, delve into exhibitions and family activities, and take a seat in the top-floor café to gaze out at the coastal scenery that inspired much of the art on display.

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.