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Things to do in Cornwall this May
The “Don’t miss this” edition…
May is when Cornwall starts to stretch out a little... Longer evenings, warmer air, and that feeling that something good is beginning to happen.
If you’re here this month, or planning to be, here’s what we’d quietly tell a friend not to miss.
8th May
Helston Flora Day
It’s not just an event. It’s a vibe!
A traditional Spring festival- Dancing in the streets, live bands, families dressed up, the shops are open- It’s joyful and a little bit chaotic in the best way possible!
Go early, soak it up and don’t over plan it- just go with the flow!
For a proper day in St Ives:
15th-17th May
St. Ives Food & Drink Festival
Situated right on Porthminster beach, and honestly…. It’s a dream.
Think an amazing array of local artisan foods, celebrity chefs, cooking demos, family entertainment, spectacular sea views, live music, and that laid back St Ives energy we all love.
You can dip in and out, or graze all day and just soak up the atmosphere-
One of those “this is why we come here’ kind of weekends.
All year around
Tate Gallery
If the weather turns (or even if it doesn’t), this is always worth it.
Light filled spaces, ever changing exhibitions, and the kind of calm that makes you slow down for a minute.
Tate St Ives will feature a major exhibition of Lithuanian-American artist Aleksandra Kasuba: Shelters for the Senses(opening 2 May 2026), showcasing her work across seven decades.
Other highlights include exhibitions by Halima Cassell (featuring geometric sculptures) and the Leach Pottery Takeover
Pair it with coffee and a wander afterwards and you’ve got a perfect reset!
Find out more here
For a slower weekend potter
Cornwall has many beautiful Gardens you can visit which are all at their very best in the month of May-
The Eden Project, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Trebah Garden, Trelissick, Caerhays and many more are all in full bloom and make you feel like you’ve been transported to another world.
There are many local makers markets scattered throughout Cornwall, a mix of beautiful things, good food and those accidental finds you didn’t know you needed.
Little Surf comps are starting on the run up to Boardmasters, along with music nights and pop-up events.
Nothing too huge, but enough to give you that “Summers nearly here” buzz.
A Little note from us…….
This time of year you’ll mostly find us where we’re happiest,- In the shop, doors open, music on and everything smelling quietly lovely.
If you’re nearby please pop in! we always love seeing familiar faces, and new ones too!
And if you happen to be heading a little further afield, you’ll also find us tucked inside the beautiful Eden Project Shop, Polgoon vineyard & The Cornish food store, to name just a few, which makes for some pretty perfect days out themselves.
From Cornwall with love: And remember to take a moment to yourself this spring!