February Half Term Fun in St Austell

8 ideas of fun things to do for all the family in St Austell this half term.

Love Heligan – celebrating 30 years of The Lost Gardens of Heligan 19-27^th Feb

2022 marks 30 years since The Lost Gardens of Heligan first opened – since then four generations have visited, enjoyed, and fallen in love with the magic of the gardens. This half-term, the Heligan team will be sharing their stories of the garden and what they love best – and inviting visitors to do the same. Especially for children is the ‘Love Heligan’ tent on East Lawn, home to a collaborative art piece which will take shape inspired by the stories visitors share about their love of Heligan over half-term. Booking in advance is essential. 

Dig Deep at Wheal Martyn

Learn about St Austell’s clay heritage with Wheal Martyn’s new activities programme, inspiring exhibitions and beautiful outdoor grounds. Get creative with clay from Monday 21st to Friday 25th February; unleash your family’s painting, making and creating skills with hands-on activities inspired by the story of china clay mining in Cornwall. You can also bring home your very own hand-crafted clay miner at the end of the day and know all about the history and stories behind it. In the grounds, follow the new ‘People of the Industry’ trail by spotting life size cut outs of clay workers and delving into their history as you find them. And on the 19th and 26th February, join performer, storyteller and artist Jane Pugh for a guided walk followed by a fun, creative workshop.

Get crafty with Flookan Ceramics – Feb 25^th

Join a ceramics class and have ago at making your own porcelain jewellery. Expert Brigid DeSaulles will be leading the session, in St Austell’s historic Market House, on Friday 24^th Feb from 5-7pm. Book via Instagram @flookan_ceramics. £20 per person.

Moomin at Eden – 19-27^th Feb

There is a magical Moominvalley at the Eden Project this half-term! Expect plenty of storytelling, a Moomin trail, a puppet show, plus many more activities – it promises to be a fun packed day for the whole family. Pre-booking is essential (and you’ll need to show a locals pass or pay to enter Eden itself too).

Get you skates on – until Feb 27^th

Slots for ice-skating at Cornwall’s largest winter pop-up, at The Eden Project, are still available until the end of February – indoor fun for all the family! Then explore the biomes and grounds, before stopping by the cafe for a selection of tasty treats. Just remember to book online in advance (and you’ll need to show a locals pass or pay to enter Eden itself too).

Discover Charlestown’s Harbour and beaches, then stop by Short & Strong café

Explore on foot the historic Georgian harbour village of Charlestown, spot for boats and wildlife from the Quay, then take a stroll on either of the two beaches (could even go in for a dip if you’re feeling brave! But only if it is safe, remember to check the weather forecast!). Don’t miss out on stopping by Short & Strong café – which is re-opening with a new-look just in time for half-term – it is the go-to spot for delicious coffee and cakes in the village. With indoor and outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot to watch harbour-life pass you by. Expect a relaxed environment where dogs welcome too, with friendly staff and a tasty menu of homemade cakes, meals, pastries, and quick snacks.

Best for brunch and lunch – The Longstore, Charlestown

Overlooking the picturesque Georgian Harbour, The Longstore offers a buzzy dining experience and a ‘locally sourced, big on flavour philosophy’ when it comes to the food. Specialising in big cuts, dry-aged steaks, and flavoursome fish dishes there is plenty of choice and a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes too – and that’s before you get to the cocktails! Book ahead for Saturday Brunch or Sunday Lunch over half-term.

Explore King’s Woods – then stock up on essentials at Trevithick & Trays Farm Shop 

Nature’s playground at its finest! Walk or cycle the trail through King’s Woods, along the river and down into the village of Pentewan. The spectacular woodland offers a rich ground of flora and look-out for early bluebells popping up in the spring! Free parking available, great for all ages and dogs welcome too. Trevithick and Trays Farm Shop is the perfect spot for a post-walk coffee break (and the log burner makes it extra cosy on rainy days!)  and the farm shop next door offers lots of delicious local produce, perfect for taking home.