Spring arrives early in Cornwall, the first proper sign coming with the characteristically Cornish daffodils in February. And as the landscape starts to flush with life once again, it’s a magical time of year to get out and about for walks.
Blooming Magnolias mark the early arrival of spring.
Cornwall is always head and shoulders ahead of the rest of the country when it comes to shaking off its winter coat and thanks to the Great Gardens of Cornwall we’ve now got proof. They’ve been keeping an eye on the Champion Magnolia campelli trees at six gardens across the county and will officially declare spring to have sprung when all six have at least 50 blooms.
It’s always wonderful to see the first flush pink emblems of spring at their absolute best, so get along to Caerhays, Trebah or Heligan, super quick and catch them at their best.
It’s the perfect time to see seals
We’re not the only ones who are pleased to be saying goodbye to winter and a big hello to summer; grey seals have also been feeling the wrath of the cold, winter storms. Coinciding with their breeding and pupping season, winter has brought troublesome adventures to many of them, but thankfully the marvellous Cornish Seal Sanctuary has been on hand to pick them up along the Cornish coast.
Get along to the Sanctuary now (early spring is the best time to see pups) to catch these beautiful creatures as they are treated to a spot of rehabilitation before they are released back into the wild. If you mention you are staying with us at Polurrian on the Lizard, you’ll receive a 10% discount on entry fee!
Roadsides are ablaze with colour
Daffodils and primroses have been casting roadsides and fields alight in a blaze of colour since for some weeks now (despite the snow!) and they’re still looking more than a little spectacular. Take in the spring displays from behind the wheel on a coast and country drive.
Here’s a whole host of things to get stuck into this spring with our pick of the activities across Cornwall.
Come rain or shine we have some wonderful suggestions on how to spend that all important quality time with family and friends, including four-legged ones.
So, if you’re planning a trip, look at what’s on and make the most of your time here.
All the events listed below are within an hour’s drive of the Polurrian and many are completely free of charge too!
- All year round – Dog-friendly Beach Cleans:
Polurrian Beach and coastal paths are just a short meander from the hotel to enjoy a nice walk or a little paddle in the sea. We’re passionate about looking after the environment and have partnered with Friends of Polurrian Beach, together we organise monthly beach cleans, it’s a fabulous way to spend time together and what you find washed-up never ceases to amaze. ‘Hard work should be rewarded with good food’ so we provide a delicious spread of refreshments including homemade cakes, teas and coffees. Check our events page page for regular updates & information.
- All year round – Surf Lessons with Dan Joel Surf
Where: 5 minutes from the Polurrian on the Lizard
If you’re looking for a more adventurous activity, you can experience the thrill of surfing at the beautiful Poldhu Beach, Mullion. Surf lessons are provided here for both adults and children by DanJoelSurf in partnership with the National Trust and voted in the top 5 surf schools in UK by The Times!
Poldhu Café is the perfect spot whilst you’re down on the beach to grab a notorious mega hot chocolate. Yum.
- St Piran’s Day Celebrations in Cornwall 5 Mar to 8 Mar 2022
Celebrations take place across Cornwall to honour St Piran, one of the most popular patron Saints. Be it an open air play, a singalong in a pub or a procession through a town, just look out for a black and white flag.
- Porthleven food Festival 22 Apr 2022 to 24 Apr 2022
Following a two year break due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the popular free Festival will once again welcome top chefs, food providers and musicians from across the South West to the harbourside of Porthleven. - Fowey Festival of Art & Literature – 6 May 2022 to 14 May 2022
Exciting programme includes talks, interviews, creative and practical workshops, exhibitions, presentations, theatre, musical concerts, an Art trail, guided walks and river cruises to enjoy, inform, challenge and inspire the imagination. - Helston Flora Day 7 May 2022Flora Day takes place every year on 8th May (except when the date falls on a Sunday or Monday, which is Market Day, when it then takes place on the Saturday before). It is a celebration of the passing of winter and the arrival of spring. It is one of the oldest British customs still practised today and see’s massed dances through the streets of the town and the performance of the Hal an Tow pagent.The midday dance is perhaps the best known and was traditionally the dance of the gentry of the town. Today the men wear top hats and tails while the women dance in their finest frocks. Traditionally, all dancers wear Lily of the valley, Helston’s symbolic flower. The gentlemen wear it on the left, with the flowers pointing upwards, and the ladies wear it upside down on the right. Did you know?In January 1978 a vocal version of the Flora Dance tune by DJ Terry Wogan reached number 21 on the UK singles chart.
