The coast is looking blooming marvellous. Not only is the countryside alive with lush greenery, the hedgerows are peppered with wildflowers and the fields full of crops, but there’s also an action-packed array of events to pop in your diary this month and next.
Stand Up Comedy in a Cave, St Neots, June 1
If you like underground comedy, this is a chance to see it, well, truly underground!
You can’t get a much cooler venue for a spectacular night out than at Carnglaze Caverns in St Neots, it literally is a balmy 10 degrees. Lined-up to give your chuckle muscles a workout are top comic’s Craig Campbell, Adam Bloom, Louis Burgess and Britain’s Got Talent 2018 Finalist, Micky P Kerr.
Bring a coat, a cushion and a pocket full of cash for the bar for a night out to remember.
10degrees.laughitoff.co.uk
Dick V Dom at the Eden Project, St Austell, Half-term
Now don’t say we didn’t warn you, but ‘bogies’ abound at the Eden Project this half-term as everyone’s favourite rascals Dick and Dom blast into the biomes. Included in the entry price, your little terrors can enjoy an hour of zany antics from the CBBC favourites as they bring their ‘In da Bungalow’ show to the stage.
The fun starts the moment you arrive as you're assigned your team, then it’s time to battle it out with interactive games, songs and general insanity and that’s before the show starts!
Callestick Farm, near Truro
No visit to Cornwall would be complete without indulging in some award-winning ice cream. For an afternoon treat, why not head to Callestick Farm, home of the Parker family since 1953. The family have produced ice-cream from their own handed-down recipe using free-range milk. With a 300-strong grass-fed herd that graze naturally on the farm, you can meet the cows, see the process and then sample an ice cream or two. With a tearoom too you can have a wander then head back for a cream tea. Now that’s what we call a nice afternoon.
Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebride. 6 June to 8 June
For many, the Royal Cornwall Show is the highlight of the year in Cornwall’s busy calendar. This famous agricultural show brings the great and the good of the farming community together to display livestock, produce and socialise. The show offers a plethora of attractions from the action-packed main ring to the stands and stalls to browse for the best Cornish produce. With its own fairground, live music, stunt displays, as well as the outstanding flower tent, this three-day event is a real taste of the Duchy. A word to the wise is expected to queue on both arrival and exit as practically everyone in Cornwall will be there!
Newquay Zoo 50th Anniversary, May 26
It’s an extremely special year for Newquay Zoo as it celebrates 50 years of fun, fascination and fantastic conservation. The zoo opened to the public in 1969 and to mark the occasion it is hosting a very special party taking you back to that swinging era. As well as a 60s theme you can expect food, face painting, music and games as well as theme-enrichment for the animals (this is a zoo that has in the past made papier-mâché zebras for its lions!). It’s also the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane with a special exhibition leading you through the zoo’s passionate journey to where it is today.
Prideaux Place, Padstow
If you’re looking for some culture and charm why not take a jaunt up the coast to Padstow to the historic mansion of Prideaux Place. Since 1592 the same family have lived in this stunning Elizabethan manor, which now offers visitors a chance to take a peek inside. Here you’ll find not only antiques, tranquil grounds and a deer park, but you’ll also have the chance to make friends with the resident teddy bear and his friends who have their own quirky views of country living.
Wilder Festival, Porthtowan. May 26
If your trip to Cornwall was about getting back to nature, you’re in luck, as Cornwall Wildife Trust host their Wilder Festival this half-term at Mount Pleasant Eco Park, near Porthtowan.
Discover all about Cornwall’s magnificent nature, wildlife and countryside through workshops and advice. There’ll be foraging and feasts, live music and street food as well as a chance to meet the animals from Feadon Farm Wildlife Centre.
Add some wild art, a forest school and welly-wanging and you’ve got a really wild day out, naturally!
With free entry and the challenge to dress as your favourite woodland animal, insect or marine-themed outfit, grab a picnic rug and get back to nature!
www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
Polperro Festival, Polperro. June 15 to 22
Celebrating the coming of summer, the Polperro Festival is a feast for the senses (as well as the stomach). Revived over 20 years ago, the week is a mixture of old traditions combined with new community spirit looking to share this beautiful south coast village with visitors.
The free festival combines live music, arts and crafts, comedy as well as the lighting of the solstice bonfire. However, the real spectacle of the week is the colourful village carnival which culminates with the choosing of the ‘mock mayor’, the winner of which is then wheeled through the town, stopping at each inn before being dunked in the sea!
Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay. May 29
Of all the creatures in the Blue Reef Aquarium, there’s one that’s causing a bigger splash this half-term. For one day only, the aquatic centre on the coast of Newquay will unveil a real-life Cornish Mermaid. Madison the mermaid will be meeting, greeting and posing for pictures with little visitors throughout the day. Madison will then tell some exciting tales of adventure and fun from under the sea with her friends. There’s also a special mermaid gift for visitors.
Book your Cornwall from £58 per adult, per night. Children's discounts apply. www.sandsresort.co.uk/book.