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Cornwall’s most rambunctious festival, a spring journaling workshop, guided cliff-top garden tours, and a party in the sand dunes. You’re absolutely spoiled for choice for things to do in Cornwall in May.
Obby Oss, Padstow
Padstow’s picturesque harbour and narrow streets come to life at one of the UK’s longest-standing festivals. Obby Oss celebrates the Celtic feast of Beltane and the arrival of summer with a decorative display of flowers, flags, street performers, drums and costumes. It’s one of the free things to do in Cornwall in May, with no cost to attend. Obby Oss welcomes visitors of all ages to take part in a traditional day in Padstow’s calendar of events.
Thursday Cocktail Club at The Alverton, Truro
Clock off and Cocktail Club with us, with for two for £12 tipples every Thursday. We’re hoping for a May full of blue skies and sunshine, perfect for making the most of our suntrap terrace and private gardens. The bar team are prepped, the glasses are chilled, and we’re ready to shake up some of your favourites from 5pm until late, to get your weekend started early.
Spring Journaling Workshop at The Working Boat, Falmouth
Spend a morning in the spring sunshine scribbling, doodling, and drawing at Journal For Joy’s spring workshop, hosted by The Working Boat pub at the Greenbank Gardens in Falmouth.
Starting at 10am, gather in the company of friendly, like-minded individuals, guided by founder of Journal For Joy and author of Hometown Journal, Hannah, as she shares her techniques, prompts, and tips for practising gratitude and mindfulness through the medium of creative writing. Tickets are £35 and include the workshop, lunch, and a hot drink.
Gardening on the Edge at The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno
On Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout May, indulge your green fingers on this guided gardening tour around the plants and flowerbeds of the unique, cliff-edge setting of the Minack Theatre.
Nestled along the west coast, one of the Minack’s Head Gardeners Jeff or Claire will share their tips for coastal gardening, how they manage the unpredictable conditions in their oceanside oasis, and provide more insight in this guided walk around.
Fowey Festival of Arts & Literature, Fowey
A hotly anticipated event in the estuary town of Fowey, literary lovers need to add this to their list of things to do in Cornwall in May. Over the course of nine days there will be a whole host of comedy shows, writing workshops, readings and seminars from authors, plus musical performances and the annual art trail.
Tunes in the Dunes, Perranporth Beach
Headliners McFly, Craig David, and Ocean Colour Scene are taking to the stage at this year’s Tunes in the Dunes. Let your hair down, dance in the sand, and enjoy a few drinks as the sun sets over the ocean at this annual beach festival on the North Cornish coast.
Cyanotype Workshop at The Art Room, Redruth
This month, try your hand at a new craft and learn the art of cyanotype. One of the oldest photographic printing processes, it uses a camera-less technique that involves UV light and specific chemicals to create striking blue prints. Dating back over 180 years, it’s a lesser-known skill that The Art Room in Redruth is sharing at this morning workshop.
Open Studios, Cornwall
Sneak a glimpse into secret studio worlds as some of Cornwall’s most talented artists throw open their doors for Open Studios. Find your way along a distinctive trail of orange Os that each invite us to peep behind the scenes where potters, painters and makers share their skills, processes and creative experiences. Here’s your chance to take inspiration, find that perfect piece, and experience the power of creativity in Cornwall. From The Lizard to Looe, Penzance to Port Isaac, you’ll find these curious spaces in beautiful places all across the county.
The Great Estate Festival, Scorrier House
Last on our list of things to do in Cornwall in May is the county’s most rambunctious and enchanting festival. Returning for another year of whimsical frivolities on the lawns of Scorrier House, discover Tarquin’s secret gin garden, a silent disco in the woods, spicy burlesque dancing, and circus performances, plus live music, wellness workshops in the zen den, glitter balls hanging from trees, and after dark parties. Pack your flower crowns, sparkliest outfits, and join in this carefree festival of creativity, freedom and fun for all ages.
Enjoy our seasonal break, from £149 for you both, including a Cornish cream tea or two tipples. Valid from 1st April until 5th June 2024.
For a tea-riffic treat, head to The Alverton for the ultimate elegant afternoon tea in Cornwall. £22 per person, including tea or coffee.