Why Cornwall is the perfect family holiday destination
May half-term marks the beginning of the summer season, and this half-term we have lots of family fun activities on in Cornwall throughout May half-term.
Hendra also has a lot going on with so much family fun on the Park, with our new for 2025 stylish Beach House, serving cocktails and pizza, and the new Deck Bar, with live music and festival vibes.
So if you are coming for a family holiday in Cornwall this May, then make sure you check-out these fantastic events and activities.
Here’s ten family holiday fun activities and events on in May half-term, to make your family holiday in Cornwall the best!
1. Camel Creek, Dino Fest – 24th May – 1st of June
Get ready to walk with the dinosaurs this May half term at Jurassic Creek! Meet incredible life-like dinos in thrilling encounters and take part in roarsome activities!
Of course Camel Creek is fully open for the 2025 season, with all of its wonderful rides, for all ages, indoor and outdoor play, stables, reptile house and petting zoo. Older kids will love the log-flume, vertigo and bigger coasters, and littler ones will love the tea cups, small clown coaster, and play houses. Camel Creek is a great attraction for families, and has something for all ages. A real crowd pleaser.
2. Live music Sessions at Lusty Glaze, Sunday 25th of May and Saturday the 31st of May
Sun, sea, sand and live music: is there a better way to spend your evening in Cornwall? Probably not (apart from at Hendra, of course!). Get some Ibiza beach vibes, from 12pm – 6pm with DJ Groove Smoothy on the Sunday the 25th. Playing a mix of chill, lounge, jazz and funk, whilst you enjoy the beach.
Watch the sun go down with DJ Jazz Mango, playing jazzy, groovy house music, on the 30th of May. Times are approximately from 3pm – 9pm.
This is a great way to experience some local live music, all in the fabulous setting of Lusty Glaze, a privately owned, sheltered cove, just a mile and a half from Hendra Holiday Park.
Let the beats wash over you order a drink from one of the beach bars with takeaway pizzas available too.
Lusty Glaze is accessed via steep steps, children and dogs are welcome, no reservation required – just turn up.
If you like live music, remember to visit the new for 2025 Deck Bar right here on site, which has live music acts throughout half-term!
3. Surf with Fistral Beach Surf School
Summer calls for surfing! The sea is a lot more appealing in sunshine! And Fistral Surf School provides all the equipment, with thick wetsuits, boards to suit you, and friendly and knowledgeable instructors: you will be riding the waves in no time!
There’s a choice of lessons from beginner, intermediate or improver, and children from 8 years up can join the group lessons. Private lessons are available for 5 years plus, and also family lessons.
Check out their website for more information.
4. Lappa Valley
Calling all train lovers, all aboard to Lappa Valley! Just 5 miles from Hendra, enter Cornwall’s hidden valley, full of play and trains!
Climb aboard the train and enter the valley which has more train rides, a multi-level soft play, swan peddle boats, Adventure Golf, play grounds, trampolines and more!
Lappa Valley Railway runs on one of the oldest railway track beds in Cornwall, with remains of the East Wheal Rose Engine House, which dates back to 1846.
A truly unique Cornish attraction which combines Cornwall’s heritage, beautiful scenery and lots of play. A must visit this half-term for your family holiday in Cornwall.
5. Falmouth Food Festival, 23rd – 26th of May, from 10am – 10pm daily with free entry
Take a road trip to the south coast and visit this maritime town, which is home to one of the deepest harbours in the world. This town has a rich maritime history, with the Falmouth Maritime Museum, as well as being home to Falmouth University, and a popular spot for visitors, which gives the town a different feel to it than any other town in Cornwall.
This half-term visit Falmouth Food Festival and experience Falmouth’s, and Cornwall’s, eclectic food scene. Held on the waterfront, with hot food, sweet food, and live music. All senses will be catered for here.
6. Woodland Trails at Cardinham Woods, Bodmin, PL30 4AL
A hidden Cornish gem, which is dog-friendly, with walking and cycling trails.
Little ones will love a Stick Man trail, a beloved child’s story classic. Get your pack for £4 from the Ranger’s Hut, and help stickman find his way back to the family tree with this interactive trail.
Cardinham has a bubbling stream, nice viewpoints, wildlife, and experience a slice of Cornish history with remnants of the former lead mine and clapper bridge.
There’s the Woods Café, perfect for when you have worked up an appetite. You will love this woodland haven, an independently owned café, which has dishes made from scratch with delicious bakes, made each morning.
7. Heligan Wild Week, 24th – 1st of June
In this modern time it can be hard for parents and children to resist screens and get out into the wild. This half-term take the opportunity to get out to Heligan and get rewilded!
There is no better place to tempt children with the wild than Heligan. Go to Heligan’s jungle with one of the longest Burmese Rope Bridges in the country. Trek through the jungle and enter the play zone with zip wires, a play house, swings and the awesome jumping pillows, one for younger ones, and one for older ones. Bounce away that energy and then head over to the farm and see the pigs, goats and more. Re-energise with some refreshments at one of the many food places in the gardens, before donning your war paint, and learning some survival skills like axe throwing or archery (age restrictions and charges can apply).
8. Tudor and Falconry Displays at Trerice Manor, National Trust, Sunday the 25th until Saturday 31st of May
Visit this Elizabethan House, just down the road from Hendra. A gorgeous National Trust Property, complete with a Tudor Garden. Learn about the Tudors tales and traditions from the Tudor Gardener, have a family-friendly game of archery, get dressed up as a Tudor, learn about Tudor dancing and crafts and, on the 29th – 31st, and watch impressive falconry displays and view a beautiful collection of hawks and falcons in the mowhay field with Raphael Historic Falconry. Flying display times are 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Times vary for the events listed, find out more here.
9. Healeys Cyder Farm, near Truro
A perfect family day out for all generations! Meet the farm’s cheeky farm animals, have a tractor ride, indulge in a Cornish cream tea or ice cream in the sunny courtyard, and buy some refreshing Cornish Rattler from the shop, and now there’s even an alcohol free version as well as a 8.4% version for the other extreme!
Find out more here.
10. National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow
Right by the harbour, overlooking Rock, there’s the National Lobster Hatchery which combines fun, educational information and conservation. See the different types of lobsters and conservation in action. This half-term, enjoy an exhibition by Gemma Lessinger all the works on display will all be focusing on the surrounding area, with Gemma live painting there most days. A portion of every sale made during the exhibition will be donated to the important work the Hatchery team are doing to preserve the marine life.
What are you waiting for? Come and book your family holiday in Cornwall this May half-term!
We have a flash sale on at the moment, so call us on 01637 875778 for more information, but be quick, because they are going fast!
