Cornwall likes to celebrate the bright warm days of spring with gusto, so you'll find plenty of special and unusual events to join in for Mother's Day, Easter and May Day. Sunny days see beaches packed with surfers and sandcastles while public gardens are at their very best.
If you like flowers, you'll love the primrose-garnished hedgerows, beds of daffodils and woodland banks swathed in surreal colour as bluebells bloom in abundance. National Trust gardens are full of colour with many established azaleas, magnolias and camellias in full bloom in the mild damp Cornish climate.
You can celebrate this very floral season with Posy Making at Trerice for Mother's Day or perhaps attend Helston Furry Day when the traditional Floral Dance is performed in the streets.
Early in the season there's the Falmouth Spring Festival with walks and arts events, along with the Cornwall Home Show for DIY-ers and interior designers to enjoy at the delightful Kingsley Village near Fraddon. Easter Weekend is a popular time for visitors looking for a short weekend break in Cornwall.
Cultural festivals liven up Spring in Cornwall
Cornwall proudly defends its culture and history with local events such as Trevithick Day in Camborne. The local engineer and inventor, Richard Trevithick, was born in the area and his inventions are celebrated with a Steam Rally and a Maidens and Miners Dance.
Make time to pop down to the Trereife Food and Craft Fair, usually held over the Easter Weekend in the beautiful grounds of this historic manor. Another Easter tradition for over 40 years is the St Endellion Easter Music Festival. Held over 10 days, this classical music event attracts professional musicians from all over the UK to gather and make music at the tiny Collegiate Church of St Endellion near Port Isaac.
Early May sees the extraordinary Pee Whip Ceremony take place in St Ives, and then there's the historic Mylor Oyster Gathering to join in near Falmouth. Cornish food of a different kind is celebrated big time at the Eden Project when it hosts the World Pasty Championships.
Cornish Arts Festivals keep musicians and writers busy in Spring
Readers, writers, artists and musicians can feast on a series of highly regarded festivals which include book events, workshops and art exhibitions. The Liskeard Vital Spark Arts Festival is one of the first of the season and always attracts many appreciative visitors. In April there are 8 days and 8 aspects of the arts at the well-named Art8 Newquay Festival, followed in May by the St Ives Literature Festival.
The Fowey Festival of Words and Music (formerly the Daphne du Maurier Literary Festival) attracts comedians and nationally acclaimed musicians and writers to perform in the erected marquees. This is followed by the equally impressive Fal River Festival with 150 arts-themed events to join in during the 10-day festival.
Enjoy a dog-friendly welcome in Cornwall
Finally, animal lovers are definitely not forgotten. If you're renting a holiday cottage in Cornwall during early May, bring the dog and head down to the Port Eliot Dog Festival on the St Germans Estate and join in the Whippet Tea Party. There are plenty of great walks to be enjoyed with your four-legged friend along the South West Coast Path or along the still-deserted sandy beaches.
One beach your dog may not be quite so welcome is Watergate Bay in mid-May when Polo on the Beach weekend is a fun weekend of music and equestrian sports.
Don't just read about it! If your Bank Holidays or spring weekends are looking pretty boring, why not book a last minute spring break in Cornwall and join in the fun!
What image does Spring in Cornwall conjure up for you? Pale primroses, choppy seas, or something else? We'd love you to share your spring activities with us.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.