Things to do in Cornwall for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Near Me
By Carly Jones
Planning a little getaway for the mammoth 4 day bank holiday weekend in celebration of the Queen’s record breaking 70 year reign? Or just looking to get out in the fresh air to cement the start of summer? We’ve curated 5 activities with something for everyone to celebrate in true Cornish style or get your blood pumping for the holidays.
There are some stand out National events with preparations well underway to get ready for the extravaganza that is this year’s Platinum Jubilee. With Queen Elizabeth becoming the longest serving Monarch on the throne, it is a big holiday for many. Cornwall is no exception when it comes to having a slew of events lined up for the festivities, and after years of uncertainty, the excitement is building for people to get out and enjoy the start of the summer season. We would be remiss here at Newquay Activity Centre if we didn’t think the best way to start off an extra-long bank holiday weekend was to get out in the great outdoors. If you really want to get a new perspective of this great historical landscape, we can’t think of a better way than from the water. After enjoying some outdoor adventures we have selected some events where you can fill up on food or boogey the night away.
Cornwall Kayaking
Start your weekend off by channeling your inner explorer, imagine adventuring through secret coves and smugglers caves all while taking in the breathtaking scenery Newquay has to offer. With an abundance of wildlife and marine ecology (you might even be able to wave to the resident grey seal population), Newquay has a rich and interesting history to enjoy along your route.
The possibilities are endless and the tours are ever changing as our professional instructors assess weather conditions and adapt to group needs. Whether exploring coves, rapids and crags along the shoreline of The Gazzle, or taking in the serenity with a gentle paddle along The Gannel, there are options for everyone. Kayaking is for all ages and abilities, no experience is necessary as you will be guided every step of the way.
Check out our range of kayaking tours.
Cornwall Street Food Festival – Newquay
After an epic day on the water you will have built up a hefty appetite, and what better way to satisfy it than with a selection of goodies from Cornwall Street Food Festival. With an incredible cliff side location at Barrowfields, above Lusty Glaze Beach, this festival is only a short walk across town from Newquay Activity Centre. The team at Street Food Warehouse have enlisted some of the best local and national street food vendors to ascend on the beachside location, providing options to satisfy even the pickiest of cravings. From insanely fresh seafood sourced sustainably and presented by Got Crabs Cornwall, to hearty Jamaican fare by The Real Ting, and a mouthwatering selection of juicy burgers from Meat Meets Bun. Vegetarians, vegans and sweet tooth’s aren’t forgotten either at this festival of food.
With over 25 vendors to select from, including a pop up craft beer and cocktail stand for the adults among us, this is sure to keep you coming back all weekend long. Entry to the festival is free, however you will need to book your Newquay Street Food Festival tickets.
The Great Estate Festival – Redruth
Fancy getting your festival vibes on this long weekend? The Great Estate Festival is taking on its 5th year with glamping, live music, cabaret shows, participatory workshops, and magical trails. Set in the exclusive country grounds of Scorrier House, with multiple stages and quirky hidden gems dotted through the woodland estate, the family friendly camping event is packed with artistic talent. This year is headlined by iconic Welsh rockers Manic Street Preachers, still going strong in their 36th year. Both camping and day passes are available if you fancy the full immersive experience or just dipping your toes back into some festival fun.
The full line up of bands, shows, trails, workshops, food, kids activities, vintage activities & fairground, Hip Hop Karaoke, The Secret Gin Garden, and the Woodland Silent Disco can all be found at The Great Estate Festival
Coasteering Newquay
An activity that combines climbing, swimming, jumping and exploring the local ecology, coasteering can be run in a multitude of ways and require varying skill levels and abilities. Coasteering is considered by many as a challenge by choice style of activity, never putting more pressure on the individual than they are comfortable with but also encouraging pushing their boundaries in a safe environment with qualified and dialed-in instructors. Most of us have been told off by our parents for jumping in the see from rocks, but when you have the proper guidance from our qualified instructors it can be one of the most exhilarating experiences with ever-changing features and new discoveries.
You’ll learn a whole range of super cool skills including wild swimming, technical traversing and how to safely swim, climb and clamber through sea caves. You’ll also learn how to negotiate sluices, natural rapids and big gully wash troughs. Along the way you will meet and greet a variety of marine life that our trained and animated team of instructors will be excited to teach you about.
Whether you want blood pumping jumps, a history lesson, or a genteel eco tour, we have an activity for you, check out our range of coasteering routes.
Eden Project – The Big Jubilee Lunch
Over this long weekend, Cornwall’s iconic Eden Project is hosting a half term break full of educational fun. With a focus on the pollination practices of our tiny bee buddies along with entertainment from CBBC Blue Peter Gardener – Lee Connolly, better known as The Skinny Jean Gardener, and culminating in The Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday 5th June.
The Eden Project has been hard at work assisting in getting communities involved in their own Big Jubilee Lunch events as part of official celebrations for HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. You can either participate in your own celebrations, check out their detailed listing of events in your area, or go directly to Eden’s Big Lunch. They are offering free entry on Sunday 5th to Eden to take part their celebrations where you can bring your own lunch, purchase tasty treats from one of their outlets, or enjoy one of their special Jubilee Picnic Boxes. To book free entry on the Sunday visit The Big Jubilee Lunch at Eden Project.
