Whether you’re taking a half term trip with kids in tow or planning a romantic Valentine’s Day break for two, here’s a selection of activities, events and eateries for an unforgettable February break in Cornwall.
Keep the kids entertained
If you ask us, half term is all about finding activities that will tire out the kids well before bedtime, so you can embrace some much needed downtime. With that in mind, here are a couple of the best family-focused things to do this half-term in Cornwall.
Watching, listening, creating. Eden’s half term children’s book festival gives kids of all ages the chance to immerse their senses in a world of stories. Let Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers take you on a theatrical journey through the author’s greatest works. Work with Eden’s Storytellers to craft your own tale. Set off on an Everywhere Bear trail, then hear from the authors and illustrators behind books like Horrible Histories and Stinkbomb & Ketchupface. And of course there’s a whole lot more to be explored across Eden too.
As part of its ‘Things to do before you’re 11 and ¾’ campaign, the National Trust is hosting an event for rangers in the making at New Polzeath (AKA Baby Bay). If you and your kids have green fingers, this is the perfect family day out. Take the ferry over to Rock, marvel at the sweeping views of Padstow, then try your hand at cutting back gorse and blackthorn scrub to boost biodiversity in the area. The event is run by National Trust Rangers, so you’re bound to learn a thing or two. Once you’ve worked up a hunger, huddle round the fire and tuck into some flame-baked spuds for lunch – perfect for beating the chill.
Be sure to book your places in plenty of time: 01208 863821.
Romance is alive and well in Padstow
Cornwall’s rugged coastline, bracing winds and crashing seas make it a setting ripe for romance. Padstow and its surrounding villages are no exception. Find yourself a cosy cottage like Grove Cottage or swanky apartment like 8 Samphire then take your pick of the town’s many romantic restaurants. Here are just two perfect Padstow spots for lovebirds new and old.
BinTwo, Padstow
Chocolate? Tick. Wine? Tick. A luxurious location in the heart of Padstow? Tick. Padstow’s BinTwo restaurant is hosting a chocolate and wine tasting evening on Valentine’s Day that promises to send you swooning. According to BinTwo, while the process of fermenting features in the making of both wine and chocolate, the characteristic bitterness of chocolate and the tannins of wine can create a power struggle on the tastebuds. But the team have found some wonderfully tantalising twosomes, ready and waiting for you to try. And, featuring the likes of freshly caught lobster, handpicked crab and Cornish charcuterie, the dinner menu is bursting with fresh, local flavours – best enjoyed with a view of the harbour and your loved one by your side.
Appleton’s on the Vineyard, St Issey
In our humble opinion, nothing says ‘I love you’ like an afternoon of wine tasting followed by a glorious dinner designed by a top chef. If you agree, then Trevibban Vineyard and Orchard is just the place for your Valentine’s treat. Whether you stay nearby or take a taxi to St Issey, spend the final hours of daylight wandering the vines and sampling fine wines before taking a seat at a table for two in Appleton’s restaurant. Run by John Appleton, former head chef at Fifteen Cornwall and London, the menu is made up of the finest seasonal ingredients, cooked simply and elegantly – fusing the best of Cornwall and Italy. Cheers to that. And cheers to you.
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