February half-term is a promising and exciting time to visit Cornwall: the days stretch ever so slightly longer, with signs of Spring dotted all around. Of course, it’s the first school break of the year, and what better way to start your 2023 adventures than with a family trip to Cornwall. 

Don’t shy away from everything that a Cornish winter getaway has to offer. Our beaches will take your breath away any day of the year, and you can still enjoy all your favourite activities, such as surfing, paddleboarding, and sea swims… just don’t forget a wetsuit!

Many of Cornwall’s attractions are open all year round and they have an exciting range of family activities on offer for the February half-term. 

See some of our top picks below, and check out our ‘what’s on’ pages for even more. 

Little Gardener’s Family Trail

National Trust Cotehele 

4th - 26th February

Discover the magic of Cotehele Gardens on the Little Gardener’s Family Trail. Become a Cothele gardener yourself by sowing seeds, smelling herbs, watching out for wildlife, and uncovering nature treasures. 

The best bit? It’s free to take part (admission applies). 

Click here to find out more. 

Doodletastic 

Eden Project

11th - 19th February

Epic art activities are top of the to-do list at the Eden Project this February. 

Eden has joined forces with the team behind Tom Gates, the popular book and TV series, to bring you a half-term filled with colour, fun, and lots of doodling!

During the event, children will be inspired to get creative Tom Gates-style by making their mark on some wacky food sculptures in the Mediterranean Biome, and following a brilliant bug trail through the Rainforest Biome, leaving no leaf unturned.

Exciting and entertaining workshops will also be taking place, where visitors will learn tips and tricks on how to doodle and draw. 

To celebrate, Eden will be extending their usual free entry for children under five to all those aged 16 or under, allowing every adult visitor to bring a child for free. 

The workshops are an additional charge of 50p, with spaces available to book online.

Click here to find out more. 

Deer Safari

Boconnoc Estate

12th & 15th February

Experience life on the wild side of Cornwall this half-term with a Deer Safari at Boconnoc Estate with their own expert ranger Ian Berry. Then, it’s your turn to become a Boconnoc Deer Ranger.

Hop aboard the tractor trailer for a fun ride to the Boconnoc Deer Park where families can learn all about the beautiful deer that live on the estate. Ian will explain all about the important tasks of a deer ranger, from poop detecting to protecting the habitat of these magnificent creatures. 

Afterwards, children can take part in craft activities in the stable yard, enjoy a warming hot chocolate and toast marshmallows on a fire pit. 

Click here to find out more.

Lands End Coaster

Running daily 

Explore Cornwall by bus this half-term. The Lands End Coaster will take you on an unmissable adventure. Choose to sit up on the open top deck, or warm up downstairs as you take in the best of West Cornwall. 

 The circular route will go via Penzance, St Ives, St Just, Sennen, Land's End, Porthcurno, and Newlyn.

Xtra Dimension VR

Open Daily

Set off on your own virtual adventure and escape to another reality this half-term. 

With a range of virtual experiences and games, there’s something for all the family to enjoy. What will you choose? 

 Find out more here.

Sweet Dreams and Hibernation

Lost Gardens of Heligan 

11th - 19th February 

Uncover the Lost Gardens of Heligan during the half-term as they celebrate the special season of rest, recuperation and hibernation. 

Follow the family ‘Who sleeps in a bed like this?’ trail, get crafty in the ‘Counting Sheep’ tent, and learn more about the regenerative power of sleep. 

While the first day of Spring isn’t officially until March, you will start to see signs of this joyful season in Cornwall during February. As you wander the gardens, keep a lookout for the bright daffodils and glossy camellia blooms.

All activities are included within the Garden Admission price and are free for Local and Member Pass holders.

Click here to find out more. 

Science of the Sea 

National Maritime Museum

11th - 19th February

 Family-fun is arriving at the National Maritime Museum with a BANG this February. With science shows, Make & Take sessions, and an explorer trail, there’s lots to keep you busy during the half-term. 

 The fun starts with the museum trail, which will run from Saturday 11th - Sunday 19th February. Your task is to find out which sea creatures use bubbles to survive. Search the museum high and low for six hidden lab coats, all which contain the answers you need. Find them all to get a prize. 

The Make & Take sessions will also run from Saturday 11th - Sunday 19th February. Get arty with colour and water to create your own colourful sea creatures by using chromatography. 

Then, build your knowledge at the interactive family science shows, where you will find out more about the science of water, the nature of atoms and molecules, and much more. The shows will be running from Monday 13th - Friday 17th February. 

What’s more is that the Science of the Sea activities are free as part of the museum’s annual admission fee. Pay once and get in free for a year, when you can take part in more family activities, explore the galleries, and begin your voyage into maritime history. 

Find out more here.

Adventure Holiday Club

Via Ferrata 

13th - 17th February

 The little thrillseekers of the family will have an exhilarating time at one of Via Ferrata’s holiday camps. With everything from canoeing and climbing, to zip-wiring and archery, there’s no chance of hearing the dreaded ‘I’m bored’ this half-term!

Find out more and book your place here.

Guided Wildlife Walk

National Trust Cotehele 

19th February

Top off your half-term in Cornwall with a fascinating winter wildlife walk at Cotehele. Spy the early Spring flowers, hear more about the work of the busy rangers, and spot wildlife as you explore the Cotehele Estate. 

This family-friendly event is free to attend and is a perfect way to round off the half-term week in Cornwall. 

See their website for more details.

SEAL PUP MANIA! at The Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Key activities include:

Stories with Seals 

Join Lily the Seal in our underwater viewing area for a special daily reading of 'Stardust' - a story all about a pup caught in hard times!

Weigh the pup competition

Take part in our new competition to guess the weight of the pup in our hospital! Donate £1 and the closest winner will land a special prize.

Conservation Club (13th – 15th Feb, £120pp)

Discover a whole new world when you learn about our marine residents, seal pup rescue, conservation and more with this 3-day club. To book, call 01326 221361 or visit their website

Bodmin Keep

Entry times throughout the week are 10am-4pm 

Free Museum Entry | Tuesday 14 Feb

Museum Trail Mon-Fri | From bugles to morse code, how the army sends information and orders has evolved over the years. Learn more about communication through the ages with our new museum trail. (Free)

Invisible Ink Tues 14 Feb | Sending messages in secret is an important part of military communication. Learn how to make invisible inks using household items. Use these to write secret messages on Valentine’s day! (£2)

Letter Writing Tues 14 Feb | Be inspired by the heartfelt souvenirs in our collection and write a letter or a note to a loved one. (Free)

Morse Code Weds 15 Feb | Sending secret messages is an important part of military communication. Try some morse code challenges with licensed CW operator, Kelvin from Footsteps of Discovery.  (£3)

Meet A Collector Weds 15 Feb | Meet William, a keen collector of uniforms, kit, and firearms dating from the 1930s - 1950s.  Learn about some of his collection highlights and what inspires him. (Free)

Army Outreach Thurs 16 Feb | Find out about a career in the Army with the friendly Outreach team! (Free)

D-Day Dodgers! Sat 18 Feb | Meet re-enactors in this living history display! The D-Day Dodgers depict a Mortar Platoon of the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry during the Italian Campaign in 1944. (Free)