As the weather gradually warms and the Easter season kicks into life, a springtime staycation in Cornwall might be just what the doctor ordered.

From its world-class sandy beaches to the charm and character of the harbour towns, there’s so much to see, do, visit and, of course, taste!

Here’s our guide to everything you could want to know about visiting at this time of year: weather you can expect, events in 2024, things you might like to get up to (don’t worry, we’ve considered four-legged family members too!) as well as places to stay.

What’s the weather like in April and Easter time in Cornwall?

As it’s at the south of the British Isles, Cornwall typically enjoys slightly warmer, milder weather than many other places in the UK in April and at Easter. Expect an average daily temperature of 8°C, with average highs of 12°C common — perhaps not quite t-shirt and shorts weather, but pleasant and getting warmer.

By late April and the start of May you’re not being unreasonable to expect an average temperature of 11°C, with average highs of 14°C — definitely getting there.

With flowers are beginning to bloom, you’ll have almost an extra four minutes of sun every day. At the start of April Cornish sunset is at 7:50pm, but reaches 8:35pm by the end of the month.

However, as we know all too well, springtime sun can be quite fickle. As there’s an average of 10.5 days of rainfall in Cornwall in April, always brace yourself for a shower.

What are the sea temperatures like in Cornwall in April and at Easter?

Sea temperatures follow a similar trajectory to the weather in April; gradually warming, becoming more welcoming to swimmers and surfers. From 9.4°C in March, by April Cornwall sees average sea temperatures of a not-too-spine-chilling 10.5°C, with a maximum of 12.3°C. Getting back towards wetsuit weather for those dedicated enough.

The best things to do, see & visit in Cornwall in April and at Easter

You might like to sample the sounds at St Endellion Easter Festival, feed the rabbits at Macdonald’s Farm, try some traditional ‘egg rolling’ in Padstow, go on an egg hunt at Lanhydrock or just enjoy the bluebells in bloom at Enys.

Whether you’re with the kids, the canines or you’re just planning a romantic day out, everyone can enjoy Cornwall at Easter time. This isn’t an exhaustive list, of course, but just a few of our favourite things to get up to!

By the way, before we start, many events and attractions are yet to confirm the dates on which they’re going ahead in 2024. We’ll be updating this guide continually in the runup to Easter, so be sure to bookmark this page and check back soon for the latest dates (as well as any other events we spot!).

Get seasonal at the 51st anniversary of the St Endellion Easter Festival

Cornwall has quite the acoustic tradition, and there’s no better place to experience it than at the St Endellion Easter Festival. It’s located at the remote, 15th-century Collegiate Church of St. Endelienta in St Endellion, near Port Isaac.

Taking place in 2024 from 30 March - 6 April, this year is the 51st anniversary of the musical bonanza, with the organisers promising a spectacle of sound.

Soak up the chamber, orchestral and choral concerts with some of the leading soloists in the country. Taking the family to an event like this will be music to your ears.

St Endellion is a scenic two-mile stroll from Port Isaac, so you can enjoy some of the springtime flowers on your way!

Visit newborn spring animals at Macdonald's Farm

Looking to keep the little ones entertained and amazed this spring? Then a day trip to Macdonald's Farm near Padstow (PL28 8LT) is a must!

The Easter lambs, chicks and bunnies will be out to play waiting to be greeted — and that’s not to mention the goats, alpacas, ponies, ducks and geese. The kids can also enjoy the play area pony rides, take a spin on the pedal kart track and ride a miniature train. All you could need for a perfect family Easter day out, right?

Open from 8 am to 9:30 pm most days, well-behaved furry family members are more than welcomed too (just make sure they’re on a lead!). The farm asks for a donation fee for looking after the animals — just £3 for adults and £2 for children — so you’re sure to have some leftover cash for a bite to eat and drink at the farm café.

If that wasn’t enough family fun, then you might like to head to Porthcothan bay for some sandcastle building or other seaside excitement — only a 10-minute walk away.

Choose a section of the South West Coast Path for an April seaside stroll

Looking to soak up Cornwall’s world-class shores, some refreshing springtime air and spot the flowers in bloom? Then lace up the walking boots and tackle a section of the South West Coast Path (usually labelled ‘SW Coast Path’ on smartphone navigation apps). It’s the perfect way to wind down and connect with nature.

A 630-mile natural trail — the UK’s longest — the SW Coast Path traces the entire coast of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. Depending on which part you head to, you’ll find rugged coastal cliff tops, sweeping Blue Flag beaches, rolling sand dunes, shady glades under imposing tree tops, undulating Cornish countryside — and even a water-powered railway.

Wherever in Cornwall you’re planning to escape to, you won’t be far from a spellbinding saunter. There are some truly mind blowing and breathtaking sights to be seen — too many to mention. It might be easier if we point you in the direction of our guide to the best walks and sections along the South West Coast Path!

Get active and hang ten on the Cornish coast

As the springtime sun starts to make itself increasingly familiar and sea temperatures begin to climb (admittedly, slowly!), it might be time for you dedicated surfers to slip into your wetsuits.

Since Cornwall is blessed with so many beautiful beaches, you might appreciate a helping hand choosing… don’t miss our guide to the best beaches for surfers of all abilities in North Cornwall. If you’re a complete novice, not to worry — there are some truly excellent surf schools in the region, a few of which we’ve listed.

White water wave riding isn’t the only way to enjoy and get active on Cornwall’s mesmerising shores, of course. You might like to try coasteering, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding — or just a good old walk to fill your lungs with the sea breeze.

With your four-legged friends? Fido’ll love running free. Check out our guide to dog friendly beaches in North Cornwall. In another blog, we’ve also honed in on Newquay’s pro-pup coastal hotspots.

Let the Easter good times roll in Padstow!

Every year, on Easter Sunday, people gather at Duke Street in Padstow at midday for a game of egg rolling — a quirky, traditional Easter activity that raises money for the Padstow Lifeboat.

This egg-cellent little event encourages children to get creative, decorating hard boiled eggs and before setting them on a journey down the hill. In previous years, the nearby Tesco has allowed kids to decorate their eggs in-store.

Whilst you’re in Padstow, you might also want to take the short walk to Prideaux Place.

Last year, the stunning Elizabethan manor house re-opened to all on Easter Sunday, providing the perfect opportunity to explore its blooming gardens and deer park filled with beautiful spring flowers.

Go on a colourful bluebell walk at Enys Gardens

Nothing says spring quite like appreciating those flowers in bloom — and one of Cornwall’s oldest gardens is the perfect place for it.

Enys Gardens is a historic hidden gem whose meadows carpet delightfully with bluebells each year. This spectacular spring show makes for a great family photo opportunity.

After your exploits through its 30 acres of woodland, gardens and lakes, you can regroup in The Garden Cafe to swipe through your shots. The gardens and the collection of buildings are open to the public on 1 April — just in time for your Easter holiday in Cornwall.

Last year, the garden hosted its own Easter egg hunt, so we’re sure there’ll be some more suitably festive events in store for this year. We’ll update this blog when we know more.

Enjoy an Easter egg hunt and springtime saunter through Lanhydrock

Whether you fancy a relaxing Sunday stroll or a big Easter time adventure, there is something for everyone at this National Trust treasure.

Nestled in the Cornish countryside, you’ll find Lanhydrock, a late-Victorian mansion — magnificent in its own right — but what really comes to life in spring is the glorious gardens.

Split into three routes, traverse the 900 acres of historic woodland and riverside, punctuated by the plethora of springtime snowdrops, cyclamen and crocuses. During Easter, Lanhydrock also runs an Easter egg hunt for the little ones to enjoy. What a treat!

Experience Easter excitement at The Eden Project

One of Cornwall’s premier tourist attractions, The Eden Project rarely disappoints — and, true to form, they pull out all the stops at Easter.

Last year, the international art exhibition See The Invisible visited. Artwork was projected onto the huge biomes, springing Cornwall into light and allowing visitors to enjoy a real interactive masterpiece.

With the springtime bloom well underway, The Eden Project is guaranteed to be covered in beauty, and there’s always loads of activities at Easter. Just be sure to check back here for the latest news on this year’s Easter excitement nearer the time.

Head to The Minack Theatre for a springtime show

Catching a show at the magnificent open-air Minack Theatre is pretty special at any time of year, but the Easter lineup always takes things to the next level.

Whilst 2024’s Easter events and shows are yet to be released, you can be assured of a magical experience regardless of what’s laid on. Be sure to check back on this blog as well as The Minack Theatre’s ‘what’s on’ page.

Lose yourself at Newquay Zoo’s Easter eggstravaganza

Every April, you can pretty much bank on an exciting Easter event for animal lovers making its way to Newquay. Last year’s springtime shindig consisted of a clue-hunting eggstravaganza — accompanied by armadillos, zebras, lions and tigers — with suitably themed prizes up for grabs.

The zoo’s always a fun-filled, added-value day out for the little ones and, let’s be honest, great fun for the grown-ups too, so be sure to check back on this blog nearer to Easter for the latest details.

Wondering where to stay in Cornwall?

Planning a family getaway? Or thinking about holiday home ownership — so you can return time and again? Now, you might call us slightly biassed, but we think our four luxury holiday parks in Cornwall are the best place to stay.

Whichever one you choose, you’re perfectly placed, a moment from fabulous coastlines and charming Cornish harbour towns — so you can make the very most of this glorious region, however long your stay.

Whether you’re touring or camping, booking a luxury lodge or even staying in a shepherd’s hut, we offer a range of accommodation — and all of our Cornish parks are completely pet friendly.

Which park will you pick for your next holiday?

• Padstow Holiday Village — Surrounded by undulating rolling countryside and within a mile of the harbour’s many culinary delights, including Rick Stein’s Michelin-starred eateries.
• Sun Haven Holiday Park — Mawgan Porth’s idyllic Blue Flag beach and sweeping shores are a short stroll through woodland from, with Newquay no time away. Ideal for surfers and South West Coast path strollers.
• Penmarlam Lodge & Holiday Retreat— Boasting iconic views of Fowey and its estuary, with ample opportunity for maritime and coastal exploration in South Cornwall.
• Parbola Holiday Park— Two ticks from the world-class surfing and dog-walking hotspots of The Towans, with Hayle and St Ives in super easy reach.