If you’re heading down to the tip of the South West this summer, then there’s plenty going on to keep you entertained. Whether you’re taking a luxury cottage holiday in Cornwall with the one you love, or have the entire family with you, there are festivals, events and great days out to enjoy. Here are a few of our favourite events happening this summer in Cornwall:   

Padstow Vintage Rally & Country Fair Padstow 3^rd – 5^th July A wonderful step back into the past with some stunning steam engines and vintage vehicles. There are plenty of stalls and entertainment too, and a chance to taste some of Padstow’s freshest fishy feasts.

Penzance Literary Festival

Penzance 8^th– 11^th July One of the South West’s main literary festivals, this four-day event attracts renowned writers and authors for readings, book signings and workshops. A great festival that also includes the spoken word and songs as well as literary endeavours.

UK Surf Rowers League Surfboats Summer Series Newquay 11^th July You can’t talk about Cornwall without mentioning surfing, but this is something a little bit different. Surf rowing teams will be battling each other and the waves in this exciting event. You can also catch the internationally important Boardmasters event from the 5^th – 9^th August.

St Endellion Summer Music Festival Port Isaac 28^th – 7^th August This internationally important music festival brings together symphony orchestras, music stars, choral groups and even brass bands in a celebration of classical and modern music.  

Drawn to the Valley - Artists of the Tamar Valley 29^th August – 6^th September A celebration of nearly 100 local artists living and working in the Tamar Valley region of Cornwall. Visit the website (www.drawntothevalley.co.uk) for details on open workshops where you can see the region’s best established and emerging artists at work.  

Charlestown Regatta Week St Austell 25^th – 31^st July A week of family fun with rowing competitions, donkey rides and a host of music and entertainment for all ages.

Newlyn Fish Festival Newlyn 31^st August Discover the very best in Cornish seafood at one of the UK’s major fishing ports. A delicious day out for foodies, with plenty for younger visitors to do too.  

Falmouth Week Falmouth 7^th – 16^th August One of the largest sailing regattas in the South West, Falmouth Week is an extravaganza of all things nautical. The sailing competitions can be watched from the quayside, while on dry land there’s plenty to keep visitors fed, watered and entertained too, with a fantastic selection of local produce and some great street entertainers, jugglers and clowns for the kids.  

Cornwall Design Fair Penzance 14^th – 16^th August Contemporary designers from Cornwall and around the UK meet and offer a fabulous selection of goods from paintings and sculptures through to textiles, furniture, ceramics and jewellery. A real celebration of skills and artistry.  

Grand Medieval Joust at Pendennis Castle Falmouth 4^th August – 5^th August Knights do battle in full regalia at this traditional jousting competition, while court jesters keep everyone amused and younger visitors can learn all about the history of the castle.  

Fowey Regatta and Carnival Week Fowey 16^th – 22^nd August The Red Arrows make a special appearance at this sailing festival, while on the water boats of all classes battle for victory. Visitors have plenty to see and do back on shore too, with the very best in South West food and drink, and entertainment for younger revellers too.