A week isn’t really long enough to fit it all in: but pick and mixing is certainly fun. With a mid-month birthday ourselves, we know all about Cornish days out in February – whatever your age.
Sunny scamperings and blustery landscapes, spring blooms and cosiness: Tom’s Cottage brings it all…
Outdoors
- Tintagel Castle: one of English Heritage’s most visited sites. Home of King Arthur legend locally (don’t miss Merlin’s Cave below at low tide). Also in the area: St Nectan’s Glen waterfall and the National Trust’s Rocky Valley wooded coast walk
- The Camel Trail: 17-mile multi-purpose trail along the River Camel. From the edge of Bodmin Moor to Wadebridge and onto Padstow, the full length is an achievable yet memorable cycle ride. Scenery changes along route, with different birds to spot (and a good dog walk too!) Bike hire available at various points, including child and dog trailers/seats.
- Cornish Rock Tours: sea adventures at Port Gaverne (our local beach). Guided coasteering, SUP and sea-kayaking; complete with wetsuits. Some of the Tom’s Cottage Christmas guests enjoyed this – it’s not just a summer thing, although the professional’s opinion on sea conditions would always be best observed. Fancy a surfing lesson instead? Head to Polzeath and try out either Wavehunters, Surf’s Up or George’s
- Lanhydrock Parkland walk: this National Trust house may not come out of hibernation till Easter but its estate trails are a walkers’ paradise with the Stable Café usually open. Designated mountain bike trails too. While in the area (if you’ve the legs) also visit Cardinham Woods. Run by Forestry England there’s endless walking and cycling trails, an excellent Woods Café and lots of wildlife interest.
In-betweeny days
- Bodmin Railway: Cornwall’s only full-size steam train. Take a heritage ride along the Wenford line (dogs usually welcome). Operating for February half term prior to full opening in the spring, with some specials happening in March.
- National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow. Take the ferry from Rock to make a real outing of it – entering the harbour by boat. While in Padstow try one of Rick Stein’s eateries or walk the cliff to Harbour Cove (Tregirls) and Hawkers Cove.
- Port Isaac: our local fishing village and home of both Doc Martin and The Fisherman’s Friends. Find Squeeze Belly Alley, poke around the harbour and visit the Golden Lion. Eat at a Nathan Outlaw restaurant – be quick to book a spot at New Road though: Michelin stars or not, it’s closing at the end of March (the Fish Kitchen will continue serving unaffected).
- Explore Boscastle and Port Quin, and eat at St Kew Inn or St Tudy Inn (who can resist a country pub?)
Indoors
- Bodmin! It has a surprising number of wet weather activities. There’s Bodmin Jail which may only suit certain tastes but has won various experience awards, Discovery42 arts, science and sustainability museum (also award winning) and Super Tramp trampoline and soft play. If escape rooms are your thing there’s Housetrap or Dreadlock We’d normally recommend Bodmin Keep - Cornwall’s Military Museum but we’re unsure if their refurbishments will be ready for February.
- The Regal Cinema, Wadebridge. The latest film or live streaming on the big screen – get lost in it. Just add popcorn, an ice cream and fresh coffee.
- Swim at Wadebridge or Camelford leisure centres. It may seem odd swimming undercover in Cornwall, but it was a real February treat 40 years ago: when we had to travel further afield for a swimming pool!
- Take a day trip to The Eden Project, The Story of Emily, The Tate St Ives or the National Maritime Museum
Tom’s Cottage
The fun doesn’t stop there though – back at base there’s a real holiday vibe. There are board games (and space to play together) and quiet corners to chill with a book. There’s a den for study or work and a kitchen that sings for a bake-in. There’s a smart TV and wraparound gardens, a woodburner (as well as central heating). It’s cottage cosy with farmhouse proportions, with a spacious back kitchen for boots, coats and damp dogs. There’s doorstep parking (with EV charger), fibre Wi-Fi and a downstairs bathroom as well as the upstairs one.
Cornwall
February in Cornwall is all about empty beaches and the early spring climate, country pubs and dramatic seas. There’s room to play and places to cosy-up. Adventures to be had and together-time to relish.
February events
All Feb Free-range pricing at The Lost Gardens of Heligan (pay whatever entrance fee you fancy!)
6th–22nd 2026 Winter Olympic Games - great viewing on the BBC (check out our Olympic Spirit blog)
7th-8th Pencarrow Snowdrop open gardens
14th–21st Cornish half-term
14th Valentine’s Day
15th Tretawn Farmers Market, St Kew Highway 10am-12.30
17th Shrove Tuesday (pancakes with clotted cream)
20th-21st St Teath panto:Tethalot, 7pm & 2.30 matinee Saturday
22nd Crocus Sunday St Teath churchyard (refreshments in church) 2.30-4.30pm
24th Port Isaac Community Cinema screening of Summer in February, 7pm The Village Hall
28th Global Pasty Championships, The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Tom’s Cottage is available with Classic Cottages
