A guide to Cornwall's main events and festivals through the camping season, April to October, with tips on planning around them from Boscastle.
Cornwall has a packed calendar of festivals, shows and traditions, many with roots going back centuries. Timing your camping trip around one can make a holiday really memorable. Here's a month-by-month guide to some of the best-known events during our camping season, which runs from April to October. Dates change from year to year, so always check the official event websites before you plan your trip.
April
April is the start of the season. Easter brings the first big wave of visitors, with Easter egg trails and family events at many attractions, including National Trust properties. The countryside is waking up, with spring flowers on the clifftops and in the hedgerows. See our spring camping guide.
May
May Day in Padstow
Padstow's 'Obby 'Oss celebrations on May Day are one of Cornwall's oldest and most famous traditions. Two 'osses dance through the decorated streets, accompanied by music and singing, from early morning. It gets extremely busy, so arrive early or consider staying on the edges. See our Padstow guide.
Flora Day in Helston
Helston's Flora Day, usually held on or around 8 May, sees the town's famous Furry Dance processions through the streets. It's a long way south of us, but a remarkable spectacle.
Spring bank holidays
The two May bank holiday weekends are busy across Cornwall, with local events, fairs and markets.
June
The Royal Cornwall Show
The Royal Cornwall Show takes place each June at the showground near Wadebridge. It's a huge celebration of Cornish farming, food and countryside life, with livestock, crafts, food stalls and entertainment. See our Wadebridge guide.
Golowan Festival
Penzance's Golowan Festival in late June celebrates the midsummer with music, art and the colourful Mazey Day parade.
July
July brings the start of the summer school holidays. Many towns and villages hold carnivals, regattas and fêtes through the summer. Look out for posters in local shops and pubs.
August
Boardmasters
Boardmasters in Newquay is a large music and surf festival held in August. It's a big event, and roads and campsites around Newquay get very busy. See our Newquay guide.
Regattas and sailing weeks
August is regatta season, with sailing events in harbour towns such as Falmouth and Fowey.
Newlyn Fish Festival
The Newlyn Fish Festival is usually held on the August bank holiday Monday, celebrating the fishing industry with seafood, cookery demonstrations and harbour events.
September
September is quieter after the school holidays, but still has plenty going on. The St Ives September Festival brings music, art and literature to the town. Many local food and drink festivals take place in late summer and autumn. See our St Ives guide.
October
October brings autumn colour and fewer crowds. Look out for food festivals, harvest events and Halloween activities at attractions during the half-term holiday. See our October camping guide.
Events all season long
Alongside the big dates, there's plenty happening every week of the season. Farmers' markets, open gardens, guided walks, gig rowing races and live music in pubs all add to a stay. Many National Trust and English Heritage sites run family trails in the school holidays. Local noticeboards, shop windows and parish magazines are often the best places to find out what's on.
Local events near Boscastle
Smaller events take place in and around Boscastle, Tintagel, Camelford and Bude through the season, including village shows, carnivals and fundraisers. Ask us at reception for anything happening during your stay.
Tips for planning around events
- Check dates first. Many events move each year.
- Book early. Campsites near big events fill up quickly.
- Expect traffic. Allow extra time on event days.
- Use park-and-ride where it's offered.
- Have a backup plan for bad weather.
- Go early. Arrive before the crowds for the best experience.
What to pack for an event day
- Waterproofs and a warm layer, even in summer.
- Comfortable shoes for crowds and walking from car parks.
- Water, snacks and suncream.
- Cash, as some stalls may not take cards.
- A charged phone, and a meeting point agreed with your group in case you get separated.
Getting there on busy days
Big events bring heavy traffic on Cornwall's main roads and narrow lanes. Leave early, use park-and-ride where it's offered, and expect slow journeys home in the evening. See our Cornish lanes guide for tips.
Escaping the crowds
If you'd rather avoid busy events, plan around them. Choose quieter days for popular towns, and spend event days on the coast path or quieter beaches. See our quiet camping guide.
When to visit
Our best time to visit Boscastle guide covers the season month by month, including the weather, crowds and what's on.
Staying nearby
Our farm campsite near Boscastle is open from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 per night and children 5 and over are £5. Call 07967 605392 to check availability.
Frequently asked questions
When is May Day in Padstow?
On 1 May each year. It gets very busy, so arrive early.
When is the Royal Cornwall Show?
Each June, at the showground near Wadebridge. Check dates before you go.
When is Boardmasters?
In August, in Newquay. Check dates each year.
Are there events near Boscastle?
Yes, there are smaller local events through the season. Ask us at reception.
For agricultural shows and carnivals near us, see our shows and events calendar near Boscastle.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
Coming with friends or another family? Read about small group camping in Cornwall at Lower Pennycrocker Farm before you book.
Coming over the Easter school holidays? See Easter holiday camping in Cornwall for dates and booking tips.
