February Half-Term

February half-term in St Ives is a great time to get out and explore Cornwall at a gentler pace. With fewer crowds and that fresh sea air, it’s ideal for mixing relaxed coastal days with easy trips a little further afield. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or with the dog in tow, St Ives makes a brilliant base for discovering a whole range of days out – from scenic spots and coastal towns to indoor escapes for chillier afternoons – all just a short drive away.

Beach Visits & St Ives Surf School –

If sandy toes and salty air are on your half-term agenda, St Ives won’t disappoint. Porthmeor Beach, just a stone’s throw from our luxury self-catering properties in St Ives, is perfect for a morning stroll or even catching your first wave with St Ives surf school. If you fancy exploring further, the town’s other beautiful beaches like Porthgwidden, Porthminster and the Harbour Beach are all just a short, scenic walk away, making it easy to hop from one stretch of sand to the next without ever needing the car.

Ice skates, Art & Butterflies –

For a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor fun this half term, St Ives makes an excellent base for unforgettable day trips. The Eden Project, just over an hour’s drive away, is a must-see, and February marks the final chance to enjoy its ice-skating rink. While you’re there, don’t miss the whimsical Scarecrow’s Wedding exhibition, running throughout the February half-term. For the thrill-seekers, Coast2Coast Karting, located just a short 15-minute drive from our luxury accommodation in St Ives, is the perfect place to burn off some energy, where the outdoor track and powerful karts offer an exhilarating challenge for both beginners and experienced drivers alike.

For a sparkle of Cornish craftsmanship, Cornwall Gold promises a hands-on, family-friendly experience. Try your luck panning for gold, join in a game of bingo, paint your own pottery, or go on the hunt for diamonds. Creative families will also love the School of Painting, where children can get hands-on, making their own origami butterflies. Art lovers, meanwhile, can easily spend hours exploring the Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden. With complimentary access available to our guests, it’s never been easier to enjoy a relaxed, culture-filled half-term day.

Animal Encounters –

For animal lovers, the February half-term is a brilliant time to enjoy some of Cornwall’s best wildlife attractions while staying in St Ives. Newquay Zoo, Blue Reef Aquarium, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, and the Screech Owl Sanctuary are all just a roughly 55-minute drive from our luxury, family-friendly accommodation in St Ives, making them easy and rewarding day trips. Spend a full day wandering Newquay Zoo’s outdoor enclosures, discover colourful marine wildlife and underwater tunnels at Blue Reef Aquarium, or learn about the incredible rescue and rehabilitation work at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. The Screech Owl Sanctuary offers a more hands-on experience, with flying displays and the chance to get close to a wide variety of birds of prey. For something closer to home, Paradise Park is only an 18-minute drive away from our luxury home-from-home properties in St Ives and is ideal for younger visitors, with tropical birds, indoor play areas, and beautifully kept gardens – perfect for a relaxed February half-term day out.

Dog Friendly –

Bringing the dog along this February half-term? You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dog-friendly days out around St Ives. Many local beaches welcome dogs at this time of year, making crisp coastal walks and sandy sniffs a daily treat. The area is also perfect for coastal walks, where dramatic views come as standard – just be sure to keep dogs on leads near cliff edges for their safety. Head inland to Tehidy country park or climb up to Carn Brea for big views and well-trodden trails, both ideal for stretching legs. Godolphin Estate is another favourite, where dogs are welcome on a lead across the estate (everywhere except inside the house and the King’s room), while Penrose Estate and Loe Bar Beach offer a beautiful mix of woodland, lakeside paths and wild coastline. For a gentler wander, Trengwainton Garden is ideal in February, with wide paths, early colour and plenty of spaces to explore together. Book a stay in one of our luxury dog-friendly cottages in St Ives, and you’ll have all these fantastic walks right on your doorstep for a relaxed, pet-friendly half-term break.

Book your half-term coastal getaway now –

February half-term in St Ives is all about slowing down, exploring more, and making the most of everything Cornwall has to offer without the summer crowds. Whether you’re planning beach days, family-friendly attractions, cultural escapes, or scenic walks with the dog, staying in St Ives puts you perfectly placed for it all. With our luxury self-catering accommodation as your base, it’s easy to enjoy relaxed days out and cosy evenings back by the coast, making your February half-term break one to remember.

Come visit us this February half-term!

Paige x