exploring cornwall: A Guide To the best Things to Do in April
Cornwall is beautiful all year round and springtime is the perfect time to experience all that this magical county has to offer.
The mild climate here means that by April spring is well and truly underway. The days are longer, the sun is shining and the cliffs, footpaths and verges are clothed in a colourful tapestry of wildflowers.
So if you’re in need of some vitamin sea after another long grey winter we have plenty of ideas to get you outside in the fresh air.
From beach activities, coastal walks and spectacular natural beauty to unique attractions and fun-filled events, here’s everything you need to know about what to do in Cornwall in April.
Spring Flower Show – Royal Cornwall Showground 1st & 2nd April ’23
Described by the Telegraph as the Chelsea of the South West, this is the largest horticultural show outside London.
Chock-full of ideas to get your gardening year off to a flying start, there’ll be over a hundred specialist nurseries and trade stands to tempt you, not to mention delicious offerings from artisan Cornish food and drink producers.
Explore The Ever-Changing Eden Project
One activity that should feature on every Cornwall itinerary is the Eden Project. This must-visit attraction celebrates everything nature has to offer through an abundance of plants and sculptures for you to explore. What’s more, the ever-changing exhibitions change throughout the seasons, and there’s always some family fun planned for Easter!
Explore The Secret World of Rockpools
Join Polzeath Marine Conservation Society on a Rockpooling Ramble to discover a world of fascinating critters hidden away in the cracks and crevices – 6th April.
Or, if you’d prefer to keep your feet dry, why not help protect marine life by taking part in the Mega Beach Clean on Saturday 8th. All equipment is provided.
Brush Up On Your Cookery Skills at Rick Stein’s
Learn to cook fish like an expert at Rick Stein’s famous cookery school overlooking the water in Padstow. Choose from courses specialising in Asian street food, expert fish cookery or some of the classic dishes from Rick’s famous Seafood Restaurant, to name but a few. Choose from a full or half day. Various dates in April available.
Visit the Magical Lost Gardens Of Heligan
A visit to these magical gardens is a must at any time of year but in April there’s the added bonus of seeing the adorable new-born lambs and piglets down on the rare-breed farm. And during the Easter holidays there’s always some fun family activities to enjoy. A great place to get in touch with nature and dogs are welcome too.
One of the best gardens for colour at this time of year, Lanhydrock is famed for its gorgeous magnolias. You’ll also find camellias, daffodils and tulips flowering their socks off in April. Enjoy a walk around the formal gardens and a wander around the estate and deer park. The house itself is also magnificent and well worth a visit. For the children, there’s always a Cadbury Easter egg hunt, plus there are some fabulous cycling trails around the estate – bikes can be hired on site.
Tucked away in lush countryside near Bodmin, these beautiful gardens are at their absolute best in April, with spring bulbs, rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias galore. Treat yourselves to a bite to eat in the cafe or take a picnic to enjoy in the orchard. There’s even a children’s playground for the little ones with an adorable Wendy house. Great for dogs too.
Wildflowers line the trail in the spring. Keep your eyes peeled for primroses, cowslips, stitchwort, bugle, violets, celandine and wild garlic, whilst overhead you’ll find blossom adorning the blackthorn, hawthorn and apple trees. On or by the water you might see egrets, nesting swans, cormorants, buzzards, oystercatchers and if you’re really lucky perhaps even an otter or seal. Bikes can be hired at various locations along the trail, with tag-alongs available for kids and dogs.
Step Back In Time At Tintagel Castle
No trip to North Cornwall is complete without a visit to Tintagel Castle. Shrouded in myth and legend, it’s a place to fire little ones’ imaginations and there’s always a programme of activities laid on during the Easter holidays. Just crossing the cliff-top bridge is an epic adventure in itself! Dog-friendly. Swords optional but recommended.
Take A Hike On The South West Coast Path
The cliffs are covered in wildflowers in April making this North Cornwall stretch of the coast path even more spectacular. Look out for primroses and wild garlic, dyers greenweed, sawwort and alexanders. Enjoy the heart lifting sound of the skylarks, who’ll be singing their socks off along the cliffs at this time of year and keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Cornish chough and maybe even a puffin or two.
Enjoy a thrilling ride on a RIB out of Padstow to spot some of the amazing sealife along the North Cornwall coast. April is prime time for spotting beautiful minke whales and you may even be lucky enough to see a basking shark. Grey seals and dolphins can also be spotted now. Guillemots and razorbills will be nesting on the cliffs and don’t forget to take the binoculars from your holiday cottage for a view of the puffins nesting just off shore on Puffin Island.
Visit Camel Creek Adventure Park
Fun theme park for younger children near Wadebridge. Lots of rides to choose from, including a log flume, a junior drop tower, a mega slide and a clown roller coaster. And at Easter this year you can meet the Minions in the show arena.
Weigh-hey me hearties! Head to Port Isaac for a weekend of traditional sea shanty performances, including one by the now famous Fisherman’s Friends.
April 21st – 23rd.
