by Team Cherished
Easter is a truly lovely time to escape to Cornwall. The days are stretching out, gardens are bursting into life, and St Ives feels wonderfully relaxed before the buzz of summer arrives. Whether you’re visiting with children, bringing the dog, or simply craving fresh sea air and good food, Easter is one of our favourite times of year here.
To help you plan your spring break, we’ve pulled together some of the very best Easter activities in and around St Ives for 2026 – with all the handy links included so guests can plan ahead.
Carved into the cliffs above Porthcurno, the Minack Theatre is one of Cornwall’s most iconic attractions. Even if you don’t catch a show, the visitor experience alone – with its sub-tropical gardens and breathtaking Atlantic views – is well worth the trip.
Easter marks the start of the Minack’s main season, with performances including:
You can view performances and book tickets here:
https://www.minack.com/whats-on
Tate St Ives is always a popular Easter stop, especially for families. With free entry for under-18s and a brilliant programme of workshops, creative trails and studio activities, it’s ideal for mixing culture with hands-on fun.
Spring exhibitions typically include major names and inspiring displays, making it just as enjoyable for grown-ups.
Plan your visit here:
https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives
If you’re staying in one of our central St Ives cottages, you can easily walk from your front door to the gallery and back again.
Browse our full collection here:
https://www.cherishedcottages.co.uk/cottages/
One place the whole family should be making a beeline for at Easter is I Should Coco. This isn’t just a chocolate shop – it’s a proper St Ives gem, run by Sally and Becky, who hand-make everything on site.
Their chocolate-making workshops are a real winner during the holidays. Pop on your chocolatier hat, learn the tricks of the trade and take home everything you make (the best part!).
Find workshop details here:
https://www.ishouldcoco.co.uk/
St Ives Theatre, home of Kidz R Us, is known for energetic, feel-good productions.
Easter 2026 sees Our House – The Madness Musical hitting the stage from 7 April. It’s packed with iconic songs and a brilliant storyline, and it’s likely to sell quickly.
See what’s on and book tickets here:
https://www.kidzrus.net/
Just a short drive from St Ives, Paradise Park in Hayle is a fantastic family-friendly wildlife park. Home to over 1,200 birds and animals – including penguins, red pandas and flamingos – it’s an easy win with children of all ages.
At Easter, they usually run their Golden Egg Challenge (dates TBC), turning your visit into a chocolatey treasure hunt. There’s also the Jungle Barn indoor play area if the weather isn’t behaving.
Plan your visit here:
https://paradisepark.org.uk/
For something a little different, how about an Easter egg hunt on horseback? Standing Stone Stables, just a few minutes from St Ives, often runs pony-based Easter activities where children ride through woodland searching for treats. No previous experience required – just a sense of adventure.
More information can be found here: https://standingstonestables.ecpro.co.uk/
If you prefer gardens in full spring bloom, there are plenty nearby offering Easter trails and family activities:
Trengwainton Garden (National Trust)
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/trengwainton-garden
Trebah Garden
https://www.trebahgarden.co.uk/
Glendurgan Garden (National Trust)
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/glendurgan-garden
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
https://www.heligan.com/
And just over an hour away, the Eden Project offers a full day of exploration with seasonal activities:
https://www.edenproject.com/
Easter is a brilliant time to enjoy St Ives’ beaches before peak summer crowds.
Porthmeor Beach is the go-to spot for surfers and thrill-seekers. Lessons and equipment hire are available for all levels at St Ives Surf School:
https://www.stivessurfschool.co.uk/
After a session in the waves, warm up at Porthmeor Beach Café with food and drinks overlooking the ocean.
Closer to town, Harbour Beach and Porthminster Beach offer golden sand and calmer waters. When the tide is out, a walk along the South West Coast Path towards Carbis Bay is perfect for stretching legs – especially if you’re bringing your four-legged friend.
Explore our dog-friendly cottages here:
https://www.cherishedcottages.co.uk/dog-friendly-cottages/
If you’re planning an Easter break in Cornwall, staying in one of our Cherished Cottages puts you right at the heart of everything. From cosy studios for two to large family houses and luxury sea-view apartments, we have something to suit every kind of getaway.
Check availability for Easter here and to browse our full collection of St Ives and Carbis Bay properties here: https://www.cherishedcottages.co.uk/
With beaches, gardens, theatre, chocolate and coastal walks all within easy reach, Easter in St Ives really is something special.
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