Your guide to visiting Cornwall in February – 2023 guide

Recently updated for 2023!

February is a wonderful time to visit Cornwall for many reasons but I think the best reason is that it’s so quiet down here compared to other times of the year. Winter in Cornwall is a fun time to holiday here for all.

I’ve experienced Cornwall through all the months of the year. February is great because the nights are getting lighter, some attractions begin to open again (many take the whole of January off for maintenance and a break) but it’s still quiet. The main thing for many is that you can have a much cheaper holiday compared to the summer months.

Whether you’re looking for a break with the kids, a romantic Valentine’s getaway or just want to see somewhere new, a February holiday in Cornwall could be perfect!

If you’re tempted to take a break here and wondering if it’s a good time to visit Cornwall, I hope you’ll find this post about visiting Cornwall in February helpful in planning.

What should you consider before visiting Cornwall in February

While I’d love to simply say that February is the perfect time to visit, pack your bags and get down here, I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t some issues about coming down to visit Cornwall at this time.

Weather

Weather in Cornwall is rarely cold enough to snow (although we’ve recently had some snowy days in 2022/2023 winter!) but it can be very damp and still pretty cold and grey. You’ll want to make sure you bring warm clothes, waterproof jackets and shoes and perhaps a flask!

February can still see some very cold snaps and it might touch freezing point or dip below making some frosts.

You do typically get some stunning sunny days through February though where the sky is a bright blue. Grey is probably more common though!

February Half Term

You also have the February half term to consider when you’re planning your holiday.

For 2023 the main dates for most English schools are between Monday 13th – Friday 17th February although you might find some schools are the week before.

This might impact by a) making holiday accommodation more expensive and b) making attractions busier.

(For those looking ahead – 2024 half term dates look to be 12-16th February, but check with your local authority)

Attractions

Many attractions in Cornwall don’t open for their summer season until the Easter period which means visiting in winter could leave some disappointed if what they want to see isn’t open.

I advise you to check their website, because they may well decide to shut for maintenance over some weeks in the winter. Many do this in January but some might spill over into other winter months.

Things to do in Cornwall in February

Please also check my ‘things to do‘ articles as I can’t fit everything here and it might depend where you’re based as to what you might want to do

Beach

We can’t talk about things to do in Cornwall at any time without mentioning the beach!

With it being so much quieter and colder it’s a perfect place to take a bracing walk. You’ll still see stunning blue seas, crashing waves and plenty of surfers out too.

Most beaches are dog friendly at this time of year. As always check the tides!

Coastal walks

No matter where you decide to base yourself in Cornwall you’ll have a number of coastal walks available to you.

Winter brings a bit of muddy pathways so bear that in mind before you head out. Some paths aren’t too bad but some can be pretty tricky. Also make sure to stay away from headlands in stormy weather.

Mining Heritage

Many coastal walks can bring you up close and personal with the mining heritage of Cornwall.

Levant Mine and Beam Engine runs pre booked tours every Monday & Wednesday in February.

East Pool Mine runs pre booked tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays in February

Many others such as Botallack and Wheal Cotes have ruins you can explore on a coastal walk.

Go on a steam train

Bodmin & Wenford railway starts running again in February so you might like to see what they have on offer when you are there.

For 2023 they also are running a Murder Mystery evening for the 14th & 15th February – something a little different for Valentines day!

Eden Project

The Eden Project is open throughout February. and also has ice skating sessions going on too.

In Cornwall for Valentines day? Why not book a romantic meal at the The Eden Project? See details here.

Tate Gallery

For visitors to St Ives I recommend a trip to Tate St Ives. They have a number of events and special exhibitions on in February for both members and non members

St Michaels Mount

Visits to St Michael’s Mount restart at half term, so the second half of February. You do need to book in advance here if you’d like to visit and tickets are released mid January.

St Ives Feast Day

Watch an old Cornish traditional procession through the streets leading to the ‘Hurling of the silver ball’ which is a form of rugby! This takes place in St Ives every February and is in remembrance of St Eia, the patron saint of the town.

The 2023 date is set to be Monday 6th February at Guildhall, St Ives. See here for details.

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February Half Term – what’s on for kids?

These events and ideas are for 2023 February half term.

Eden Project

The Eden Project is a fab day out for all kids and adults alike. Up until the 19th February you can also do ice skating there so perfect for a half term treat. Book here.

Seal Sanctuary, Gweek

The Seal Sanctuary is a great place to go to watch the feeding times and talks they have on. They also have a conservation club that’s for 7-12 years during half term either for 3 days or just for one day. Check their website for details.

Bodmin Jail

Bodmin Jail has a number of tours on right now with some seasonal ones too. They are mostly for older kids – 8+, but parental discretion advised.

For 2023 they have a 100 years – 100 stories event, which celebrates 100 years of history there.

National Trust properties

Lots of National Trust properties in Cornwall might not be fully open but their grounds are for some great winter walks.

Cotehele, near the Devon border, has a little gardeners’ family trail through most of the month (4th-26th February) so perfect for inquisitive kids.

Newquay Zoo

The Zoo in Newquay is open throughout February and is a great place for all kids. They do feeding talks as well so look out for those to learn more about the animals they have there.

Pendennis Castle, Falmouth

Pendennis Castle is a fun place to explore in Falmouth with plenty of space for kids to run around and pretend to be knights. They are open the whole of half term week in February but just weekends around that.

Minack Theatre

The wonderful Minack Theatre on the side of a cliff is one not to be missed for all ages. It’s not just for show and they do some performances throughout the year.

From 13th – 20th February 2023 ‘The Sea Show’ is on for families to enjoy. Book tickets here.