MAY
Our Sporting Life exhibition, Maritime Museum
Discover how Great Britain cemented its place as the world’s most successful Olympic and Paralympic sailing nation. Wednesday 2nd May – Sunday 24th June.
Finn Festival 2012, Falmouth
The two-week regatta includes the Finn British Open Championships and the Finn Gold Cup, with great shore-side entertainment. Friday 4th – Friday 18th May.
The du Maurier Festival 2012, Fowey
10 days of entertainment with Star Names, Talks, Walks, Theatre and Concerts celebrating the town’s most famous literary resident, author Daphne Du Maurier. The Festival attracts the great & the good from the world of literature and entertainment. Wednesday 9th – Sunday 20th May.
Olympic Torch Relay
The Olympic Torch Relay will start its tour of the UK at Land’s End. The Flame will then visit locations across Cornwall before reaching Plymouth in the evening. The planned route is as follows:- Land’s End, Sennen, Newlyn, Penzance, Marazion, Rosudgeon, Ashton, Breage, Helston, Falmouth, Truro, Newquay, St. Stephen, St. Austell, Stenalees, Bugle, Lanivet, Bodmin, Liskeard, Saltash and Plymouth. Each of the communities that the torch travels through will be organising their own events and activities to celebrate the occasion. In addition there will be a number of other opportunities for residents and visitors to make the most of this once in a lifetime experience. Further details will be available closer to the time. Saturday 19th May.
Bonsai Show at Trelissick Garden
See the Cornwall Bonsai Societys Annual Show with exhibition plants, handy hints and expert knowledge of how to grow your own. Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th May from 11am. Normal admission charges apply.
NGS Open Day: Riverside Cottage, St. Clement, Truro
Small garden on beautiful St Clement Estuary. Cottage garden. Small Victorian orchard and nut walk with wildflower areas, borders and vegetable patch. Steep paths and steps but plenty of seats. Walk through to C13 St Clement Church and ‘living churchyard’. Sunday 20th May from 1pm – 5.30pm.
NGS Open Day: Navas Hill House, Mawnan Smith
8½-acre garden divided into various zones; kitchen garden with greenhouses, potting shed, fruit cages, orchard; 2 plantsman areas with specialist trees and shrubs; walled rose garden; ornamental garden with water features and rockery. Seating areas with views across wooded valley, not a car in sight! Sunday 20th May from 2pm – 5.30pm.
NGS Open Day: Marsh Villa Gardens, Par
Traditional English garden with mature trees, shrubs, lawns and overflowing flower beds. 100-yd hornbeam avenue divides garden, separating many different planting schemes. Enjoy marshland walks and natural water features. 3 acres full of ideas for budding gardeners. Sunday 20th and Monday 21st May from 10am – 6pm.
St Ives Food & Drink Festival
A celebration of Cornish food & drink. Taste, try, meet, buy – enjoy the finest flavours and tastes that Cornwall has to offer, see some of the best chefs in the county giving cooking demonstrations. Monday 21st – Monday 28th May.
JUNE
Fal River Festival
Celebrating life on the river Fal, this 10-day festival encompasses over 150 events which range from music and drama, the arts and heritage to rowing races, triathlons and wildlife walks. Friday 1st – Sunday 10th June.
NGS Open Day: Creed House, Creed
5-acre landscaped Georgian rectory garden; tranquil rural setting; spacious lawns. Tree collection; rhododendrons; sunken cobbled yard and formal walled herbaceous garden. Trickle stream to ponds and bog. Natural woodland walk. Restoration began 1974 – continues and includes recent planting. Sunday 3rd June from 10am – 5pm.
NGS Open Day: Bowling Green Cottage, Wendron
2-acre garden compromises informal cottage-style planting, rose beds, perennials and shrubs. Woodlands to explore with wetlands and resident timid moorhens. Mining heritage enhances this tranquil haven which is both exciting and serene in parts. Colour, contrast and creativity abound on this once windswept spot. Sunday 3rd June from 1pm – 5pm.
Cornwall Hospice Care Annual Fete, Godolphin
Come along and grab yourself a treat at this CHC fund raising event. Sunday 3rd June from 2.30pm. Normal admission charges apply.
St Agnes Victorian Street Fair
Good old fashioned event with lots to offer to all age groups, including colourful stalls run each run by a charity with stallholders dressed in authentic Victorian costume. Monday 4th June.
Royal Cornwall Show
A top agricultural show, the Royal Cornwall Show is the county’s biggest annual event and is full of exhibits and activities which offer so much in the way of entertainment, competition, information, shopping and all that’s best in food and farming. Thursday 7th – Saturday 9th June.
NGS Open Day: Homefield, Fraddam, Hayle
Small enchanting garden divided into rooms filled with colour and interest. Herbaceous borders, hostas, roses, grasses. Small lawns, seating areas, water features and Pompeiian oven. Sunday 10th June from 1pm – 5pm.
NGS Open Day: Godolphin, Godolphin Cross, Helston
A near-miraculous survival from C14 and C16, unchanged by fashions through the centuries. The garden is not about flowers and plants but about the surviving remains of a medieval pattern. Acquired by the National Trust in 2007. Friday 15th June from 10am – 4pm.
Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival
Shanty Singing will take place at venues across Falmouth including Custom House Quay and Events Square with live performances by dozens of groups from all over Cornwall, the UK, Holland and France. Friday 15th – Sunday 17th June.
Murdoch Day, Redruth
Redruth’s annual celebration of its most famous citizen, inventor William Murdoch. The programme of events includes children’s dance and art procession, all day music and entertainment, street market, old tyme fair and much more. Saturday 16th June.
Golowan Festival, Penzance
The Golowan Festival has become the most colourful community festival in the South West, blending Cornish tradition with contemporary imagery and ritual. Saturday 16th – Sunday 24th June.
NGS Open Day: St Michael’s Mount, Marazion
Walled and terraced gardens are set against a dramatic backdrop of some 200ft from base of castle. The recently replanted wall gardens were built in C18 while many exotic succulents and other semi-tropicals flourish in the terraces. Sunday 17th June from 10.30am – 5pm.
NGS Open Day: Brea Mor, Ashton, Helston
Situated on side of Tregonning Hill overlooking Mounts Bay. Wide variety of trees, shrubs and perennial plants. Fern garden, 2 ponds, roses. 2 small vegetable gardens. Garden set up for birds, bees and butterflies. Sunday 17th June from 2pm – 5pm.
NGS Open Day: Godolphin Hill Gardens, Helston
Set high on the southern slope of Godolphin Hill, this natural, informal and bio-diverse 3 acre garden has evolved over 20 years, working with nature rather than against it. Long borders containing large variety of species, shrubs and rambling roses along with herbs and herbaceous perennials. Wildlife pond, wildflower meadow, cut flower garden all surrounded by hedgerows which are positively spilling over with rambling roses. Sunday 17th June from 2pm – 5pm.
NGS Open Day: Carminowe Valley Garden, Gunwalloe
Overlooking the beautiful Carminowe Valley towards Loepool this abundant garden combines native oak woodland, babbling brook and large natural pond with more formal areas. Wildflower meadow, mown pathways, shrubberies, orchard, nectar beds, cutting garden, kitchen garden, summerhouse. Enclosed cottage garden, tulips in spring and roses early summer provide huge contrast. Friday 22nd June from 11am – 4.30pm.
NGS Open Day: Primrose Farm, Skinners Bottom, Redruth
Rambling informal cottage-style garden with woodland glade. Mature trees and shrubs, herbaceous and mixed borders. Pond with cascades and trickling fountain. Patio area with exotic plants. Gravel path to pergola with scented climbers and summerhouse. Vegetable patch and wildlife pond. New secret garden. A plantsman’s garden. Saturday 23rd June from 1pm- 5pm.
St Merryn Steam & Vintage Rally
St Merryn Steam and Vintage rally is held annually. The first rally was held in 1980 to raise money for the local church, now continues raising money for local charities. Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th June.
NGS Open Day: Arundell, West Pentire, Crantock
A garden where no garden should be! – on windswept North coast National Trust headland between 2 fantastic beaches. 1 acre set around original farm cottage. Front: cottage garden. Side: small Mediterranean courtyard. Rear: rockery, shrubbery, more cottage garden leading to pond, stream and bog garden, herbaceous borders, Beth Chatto gravel garden, small pinetum and spectacular exotic garden. Sunday 24th June from 1pm – 5pm.
NGS Open Day: Trevoole Farm, Praze-an-Beeble
The gardens are nestled around C18 smallholding. Old farmhouse and shade garden, charming courtyard of restored granite buildings. Old orchard and herb garden. Patchwork potager. New bog garden, Victorian greenhouse, shepherd’s hut cottage garden and rose walk. Sunday 24th June from 2pm – 5pm.
Mevagissey Feast Week
A blend of traditional and contemporary events which brings the whole community together and welcomes hundreds of visitors to share in its unique celebrations. Sunday 24th – Saturday 30th June.
J-Class Regatta, Falmouth
First J-Class Regatta in the UK since the rebirth of the class, hosted by Royal Cornwall Yacht Club. For the first time in history, at least six of these magnificent 1930s classic yachts will compete in Falmouth. Monday 26th – Saturday 30th June.
NGS Open Day: Roseland House, Chacewater
The 1-acre garden is a mass of rambling roses and clematis. Ponds and borders alike are filled with plants, many rarely seen in gardens. National Collection of clematis viticella cvs can be seen in garden and display tunnel, along with a huge range of other climbing plants. Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July from 2pm – 5pm.
JULY
NGS Open Day: Godolphin Hill Gardens, Helston
Set high on the southern slope of Godolphin Hill, this natural, informal and bio-diverse 3 acre garden has evolved over 20 years, working with nature rather than against it. Long borders containing large variety of species, shrubs and rambling roses along with herbs and herbaceous perennials. Wildlife pond, wildflower meadow, cut flower garden all surrounded by hedgerows which are positively spilling over with rambling roses. Sunday 1st July from 2pm – 5pm.
NGS Open Day: Brea Mor, Tresowes Hill, Ashton, Helston
Situated on side of Tregonning Hill overlooking Mounts Bay. Wide variety of trees, shrubs and perennial plants. Fern garden, 2 ponds, roses. 2 small vegetable gardens. Garden set up for birds, bees and butterflies. Sunday 1st July from 2pm – 5pm.
The Pendennis Cup, Falmouth
Four days of competitive racing in Falmouth Bay for an impressive range of superyachts. Monday 2nd – Saturday 7th July.
Sea Salts & Sail Festival, Mousehole
Mousehole’s biennial Sea Salts and Sail Festival revives old traditions and celebrates the heritage of West Cornwall’s most famous fishing village, providing a day out for all the family. Friday 6th – Sunday 8th July.
Padstow Vintage Rally
Annual event featuring steam and vintage vehicles, arena shows and fairground. Friday 6th – Sunday 8th July.
Summer Fete at Godolphin
Come and experience an authentic village fete in the historic surroundings of Godolphin. There will be a multitude of activities,refreshments and entertainment throughout the day. Saturday 7th July from 10am. Normal admission charges apply.
Cornish Cricket Festival 2012, Truro
Top cricket returns to Truro, with an England Women’s One Day International against India, and a Men’s Twenty match between Somerset and Cornwall. Sunday 8th July.
NGS Open Day: Waters Edge, North Corner, Coverack
Coverack, on the unique Lizard Peninsula, is a Conservation Area and SSSI. Small, narrow, sheltered garden, lush and blue in July with swathes of agapanthus. Hidden seating, stream, pond and artist’s studio to enjoy. Homemade cakes on terrace with stunning views of harbour, beach and sea. Thursday 12th July from 2pm – 5pm.
NGS Open Day: Arundell, West Pentire, Crantock
A garden where no garden should be! – on windswept North coast National Trust headland between 2 fantastic beaches. 1 acre set around original farm cottage. Front: cottage garden. Side: small Mediterranean courtyard. Rear: rockery, shrubbery, more cottage garden leading to pond, stream and bog garden, herbaceous borders, Beth Chatto gravel garden, small pinetum and spectacular exotic garden. Sunday 15th July from 1pm – 5pm.
NGS Open Day: Waters Edge, North Corner, Coverack
Coverack, on the unique Lizard Peninsula, is a Conservation Area and SSSI. Small, narrow, sheltered garden, lush and blue in July with swathes of agapanthus. Hidden seating, stream, pond and artist’s studio to enjoy. Homemade cakes on terrace with stunning views of harbour, beach and sea. Sunday 15th July from 2pm – 5pm.
NGS Open Day: Trenarth, High Cross, Constantine
4-acre garden around C17 farmhouse in lovely pastoral setting, not a road in sight or sound. Year-round interest. Emphasis on unusual plants, structure and form. Courtyard, listed garden walls, yew rooms, vegetable garden, traditional potting shed, orchard, new woodland area and gravel garden with panorama of dioramas in July. Sunday 15th July from 2pm – 5pm.
Stithians Agricultural Show
Cornwall’s biggest one day agricultural show provides a full day out for the whole family. Monday 16th July.
NGS Open Day: Waters Edge, North Corner, Coverack
Coverack, on the unique Lizard Peninsula, is a Conservation Area and SSSI. Small, narrow, sheltered garden, lush and blue in July with swathes of agapanthus. Hidden seating, stream, pond and artist’s studio to enjoy. Homemade cakes on terrace with stunning views of harbour, beach and sea. Friday 20th July from 2pm – 5pm.
Lafrowda Festival, St. Just
Lafrowda Festival is a celebration of entertainment and the arts in St Just. The 2012 event will have an Olympic theme. Friday 20th and Saturday 21st July.
NGS Open Day: Chygurno, Lamorna
Beautiful, unique, 3-acre cliffside garden overlooking Lamorna Cove. Planting started in 1998, mainly South hemisphere shrubs and exotics with hydrangeas, camellias and rhododendrons. Woodland area with tree ferns set against large granite outcrops. Garden terraced with steep steps and paths. Plenty of benches so you can take a rest and enjoy the wonderful views. Well worth the effort. Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd July from 2pm – 5pm.
NGS Open Day: Poppy Cottage Garden, Truro
Situated on the beautiful Roseland peninsula, this 1-acre garden is a plantsman’s paradise. Planted for year-round interest and divided into rooms, its intense planting of shrubs and herbaceous under-planted with bulbs provides colourful and intriguing surprises around every corner. Small orchard with ornamental ducks and chickens. Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd July from 2pm – 5.30pm.
Marazion Carnival
Live music, dancers, Punch & Judy, games, a tug-of-war competition, a barbeque, cream teas and lots of stalls as well as a noisy and colourful procession through the town. Sunday 22nd July.
NGS Open Day: Waters Edge, North Corner, Coverack
Coverack, on the unique Lizard Peninsula, is a Conservation Area and SSSI. Small, narrow, sheltered garden, lush and blue in July with swathes of agapanthus. Hidden seating, stream, pond and artist’s studio to enjoy. Homemade cakes on terrace with stunning views of harbour, beach and sea. Sunday 22nd July from 2pm – 5pm.
NGS Open Day: Bonython Manor, Helston
Magnificent 20-acre colour garden including sweeping hydrangea drive to Georgian manor (not open). Herbaceous walled garden, potager with vegetables and picking flowers; 3 lakes in valley planted with ornamental grasses, perennials and South African flowers. A ‘must see’ for all seasons colour. Tuesday 24th July from 2pm – 4.30pm.
Penzance Literary Festival 2012
A Literary Festival for the ‘literary community’ of West Cornwall, its main attractions aren’t TV celebrities but interesting people who say and do interesting things. With 80 events in small venues, there is something for everyone! Wednesday 25th – Sunday 29th July.
Charlestown Regatta Week
A week of events including watersports, games and entertainment, raising funds to benefit the people of the village of Charlestown. Saturday 28th July – Friday 3rd August.
Padstow Carnival Week
Padstow celebrate carnival week in style with activities, quiz, music and more. Fun for all! Monday 30th July – Sunday 5th August.
