Easter in Cornwall
As the county wakes from its winter hibernation, a plethora of easter events mark the start of the warmer months. Get involved with a bit of egg rolling, dog racing or bun baking, or simply stuff your face with some delightful choccies, all in the name of spring!
An absolute must in the Padstow easter calendar, head to Duke Street at 1pm on Easter Sunday with painted egg in hand (hardboiled please!) and join in with the masses as the race begins. Not just a whole lot of fun, this event also raises funds for the RNLI, so brave the seagulls and get rolling!!
Eden always puts on a great easter show, so take the whole family for an egg hunt of epic proportions around the gardens and biomes, as well as crafts and activities for all.
It wouldn’t be easter without chocolate, so head to Lanhydrock house for a proper egg hunt, complete with bunny ears. The trail starts at the Gatehouse and leads around the gardens, so it’s a great way to get the kids out for a walk, with a bit of choccie thrown in!
This is one for when the kids need bribing. A full day of easter activities, as well as all the usual park fun is a great one to have up your sleeve in case it’s all gone wrong. Just give in and enjoy it!!
The main showcasing event for keen Cornish gardeners, the Cornwall Garden Society’s annual spring show describes itself as “the Chelsea of the Southwest”. Featuring show gardens, floral exhibits and plants galore, this is one for the green fingered!
St Agnes Annual Easter dog race
One of the more surreal easter traditions, this race usually takes place on easter Sunday (Date TBC at time of printing) and features a whole lot of dogs chasing a giant bunny up and down the beach. Combine that with a great BBQ and a bit of fundraising for the St Agnes Surf Lifesaving club and you have the makings of a superb day out!
A slightly different pace can be found at the St Endellion Easter festival, now in its 52nd year. Featuring an extensive programme of works performed by world-class conductors, leaders and soloists, this 8-day event takes place in and around St Kew, St Minver and St Endellion.
Once again, an easter triumph from Rogue. Head to the woods for an immersive theatre experience like no other and celebrate the arrival of spring in a magical otherworld.
Not an event, but a must eat…..
Also called a revel bun, these sweet, fruity buns come loaded with a whack of saffron, perfect smothered with lashings of Cornish butter. But let’s face it, everything is better with butter!! Traditionally eaten at special occasions such as easter, these spring-hued buns were historically flavoured with saffron grown in Cornwall’s warmer climate. Give Rick Steins recipe (here) a try at home, or pop to one of our many superb bakeries for a taste of tradition. Just not Greggs. That’s not allowed.
📸 Photo credits: Camel Creek Adventure Park, Eden Project