What’s on around North Cornwall for February half-term 2016

If you’re lucky enough to be spending spring half-term in North Cornwall, there are plenty of events to keep your entertained – (If you’re still looking for a place to stay, two of our boutique cottages, Treneglos and Penhale, are still available).  From sheep to snowdrops, trains to choppers, read more to see our round-up of our favourite events – if we’ve missed one, let us know in the comments below.  We will keep this page updated as more local events are announced.

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Stick Man and Ice Rink at Eden
Saturday 13th – Sunday 21st February

This half-term at Eden, younger children will love meeting Stick Man, the ever-popular Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler character. Discover how he overcomes encounters with playful dogs and nest building birds and take part in Stick Man inspired crafts, games and Pooh stick racing. Older children can pick up essential survival techniques from our experts including how to shoot a blowpipe and make a fire, and get close up to some visiting minibeasts.  There will also be the Eden ice rink that is open throughout the winter.


Big Sheep Lambing Live
Saturday 13th – 21st February
Big Sheep, Abbotsham, Bideford, Devon EX39 5AP

As well as the usual family friendly activities and play areas, there is will be a special itinerary of events for half-term. 

    Live Sheepy shows including Sheep Show, Shearing, Beer Show and the Milking Show,
    4 rides for all the family including the Twister and Piggy Pull Along
    Ewetopia Indoor Playground
    Animal Barn with many newborn baby lambs just born or due imminently
    Winter Fun with Skating, snowboard simulator, tobogganing


Love Wildlife at Heligan
Saturday 13th- Sunday 21st February
Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan, Saint Austell, Cornwall PL26 6EN

This February half term discover how to transform your garden into a welcoming home for wildlife.   Birds, beetles or frogs?  Butterflies, snakes or even a hedgehog! They’ll show you how easy it can be to create homes and provide food to attract a variety of creatures.  Take part in one of our free workshops! (Located in the Steward’s House Tearoom. Daily 10am -4pm)

    Make a mini bug hotel.
    Make a tasty hanging bird treat.
    Create your very own seed bomb.
    Check out our Wildlife Village (Located in the Stewards garden. Daily 10am – 4pm)
    Join us on our Great Heligan Bird watch (Located in The Hide. Daily 10am – 4pm)

All activities are included in normal admission prices.

Wonderland at Dingles
Saturday 13th  – Sunday 21st February, 10am
Dingles Heritage Fairground Centre, Milford, Lifton, Devon PL16 0AT

Joining in the fun will be a juggling white rabbit, unicycling Mad Hatter and a conjuring Queen of Hearts.
Curiouser and curiouser!  Don’t fall down a hole this half term, come and join in the Mad Hatters Tea Party at Dingles!  Don’t forget your fancy dress.  (Free admission for children in Alice in Wonderland or Pirate costume if accompanied by a paying adult.)  Lots of fun for all the family.  Normal admission charges apply – book in advance for big savings.  Vintage rides, stalls, arcade, etc, all open (using tokens, at small additional


Steaming Into Bude – Bude Railway 1898-1966
February 3rd – February 23rd 10am – 4pm
Bude Castle, The Wharf, Bude, Cornwall EX23 8LG

A fascinating exhibition for train lovers and a rare chance to see how the railway looked all those years ago in Bude, using materials from the archives.


Cornwall Air Ambulance Open Day
Saturday 13th February, 11am – 4pm
Cornwall Air Ambulance Base, Trevithick Downs, Newquay TR8 4DY.

A rare opportunity to see the Air Ambulance helicopter up close and meet its crew.  FREE entry and parking available, donations welcome.  Pop-up shop and Teddy Tombola.  Raffle, tea, coffee & cake.


Giant Bric-a-Brac, Jumble & Book Sale
Saturday 13th February, 10am
St Stephens Community Hall, Roydon Road, Launceston, PL15 8HL

Mountains of Bric-a-brac, piles of jumble, thousands of books, numerous children’s toys and games.  bargains in all departments.  Entry 20p, a mug of tea or coffee and biscuits £1, all in aid of St Stephen the Martyr Church, Launceston.  Enquiries / donations: Eve Gabriel 01566 775216


Lostwithiel Antique Fair
Sunday 14th February, 10am – 4pm.
Lostwithiel Community Centre, Pleyber Christ Way, Lostwithiel, PL22 0HA

One of Cornwall’s oldest and most popular antiques fairs is holding its regular event at Lostwithiel Community Centre.  Dig out those heirlooms.  50p admission. Free parking. Refreshments available all day.  Contact Arna for details on 07891828197.


Snowdrop Sunday at Pencarrow
Sunday 14th February, 10am – 4pm
Pencarrow House, Bodmin, Cornwall PL30 3AG

Pencarrow is hosting a Snowdrop Sunday on 14th February raising funds for the Bodmin Hospital and Canine Companions.  The gardens will be open between 10am-4pm. Entry by donation, and as always dogs are welcome in the grounds.  Teas, coffees, and light lunches will be available on the day with the Peacock Cafe open between 10.00am and 4.00pm.  Situated on the B3266, just off the main A389 between Bodmin and Wadebridge


Family scrub and spuds
Wednesday 17th February, 10am – 2pm
Lundy Bay near Polzeath

Bonfires, potatoes, toasting marshmallows; the National Trust will be offering the lot.  Bring along the family and help them in their efforts to reduce gorse and blackthorn and help the wildlife living in our valuable coastal habitats around Lundy Bay. As a thank you for your efforts they’ll cook up a jacket potato lunch on the bonfire.  Booking details:  Call 01208 863821 to confirm arrangements.


Rag Rug Workshop
Wednesday 17th February,  11am – 3pm
Tintagel Old Post Office, Tintagel, Cornwall

Join our rag rug volunteer group for the day to learn the art of rag rugging.  Booking not needed Free event (admission applies, National Trust members free).

Cornwall Air Ambulance Charity Fashion Show
Friday 19th February, 7pm – 9pm
The Eden Project, Bodelva, PL24 2SG

As students of Plymouth University who study at the Eden project, we are holding a charity fashion show in support of Cornwall Air Ambulance.  Tickets are £5 and this includes a welcome drink!  There will be a selection of clothes kindly provided by Cornwall Air Ambulance which you will see on the models and will be available to purchase after the show. There will be a bar at the venue selling refreshments and a selection of pasties.