May in Devon & Cornwall
The flowers are blooming, the local cider is brewing, and festival season is warming up! May in Devon and Cornwall is a dream for lovers of beach festivals, art trails, food, music, exploring quirky local traditions and tucked-away gardens – this month is packed with reasons to get out and about.
Grab your diary, and dive into our round-up of events not to be missed in Devon and Cornwall this May 2025, starting with Devon, happy reading…
WHAT’S ON IN DEVON IN MAY 2025…
Ilfracombe Art Trail
📍 Ilfracombe, North Devon
🗓 10-11 May | ⏰ 10am–5pm
Wander through Ilfracombe’s winding lanes and meet local artists and crafters in their homes, studios, and galleries. Expect everything from paintings and sculpture to handmade gifts. It’s a lovely, relaxed way to explore this seaside town and get inspired.
🎟 FREE!
🔗 More info
Tip: Wear comfy shoes – there’s a bit of walking involved but the coastal views are dreamy.
2. Plant Heritage Spring Fair – RHS Rosemoor
📍 Great Torrington, EX38 8PH
🗓 11 May
A must for plant lovers! Browse rare and unusual plants, many not available in regular nurseries, and chat to local growers. Entry is included in normal garden admission.
🎟 From £13.85 (Free for RHS members)
🔗 Book tickets
Tip: Get there early to snap up the rarest finds and enjoy lunch at the lovely Rosemoor café.
3. Pigstock 2025 – North Devon’s Ultimate Family Festival
📍 The Big Sheep, Abbotsham EX39 5AP
🗓 Sat 17 May 🐷
Music, food, funfair rides and farmyard animals? Yes please! This one-day family-friendly festival features epic entertainment including Sonique, Bez (from Happy Mondays), Molly Hocking, and more. Plus, free access to The Big Sheep attractions all day.
🎟 Tickets from £24.50 | 🎪 Camping from £10 per night
🔗 Book now
Tip: Grab your ticket early and consider camping – it’s the perfect mini family getaway.
4. Tunes in the Castle
📍 Powderham Castle, Exeter EX6 8JQ
🗓 23-25 May 🎶
A dreamy castle setting with a massive 00s throwback line-up? Say no more. McFly, Dizzee Rascal, Blossoms and Pixie Lott lead the charge at this three-day family-friendly music festival with medieval activities, wellness workshops, circus fun, and more.
🎟 Day tickets & weekend passes available
🔗 View tickets
Tip: Kids under 5 go free! Fancy dress is encouraged for full medieval vibes.
5. Clovelly Seaweed Festival
📍 Clovelly Village, EX39 5TA
🗓 Sun 25 May
Seaweed is having a moment! Learn about its health benefits, sample seaweed snacks, explore the quirky fishing village and enjoy street performers and live music.
🎟 Standard Clovelly admission: £9.50 adult, £5.50 child
🔗 Tickets here
Tip: Get hands-on with seaweed cookery demos and wellness workshops – surprisingly fascinating!
WHAT’S ON IN CORNWALL IN MAY 2025…
1. Flora Day, Helston
📍 Helston TR13
🗓 Thurs 8 May
This ancient spring festival is pure Cornish magic. Locals dress up and dance through the streets (and even into shops!) to drive out winter and welcome spring.
Expect greenery, bells, brass bands, and folklore.
🎟 FREE!
🔗 Event website
Tip: Get there early – the main Floral Dance starts at 7am sharp!
2. Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature
📍 Fowey PL23
🗓 9–17 May
Daphne du Maurier’s hometown hosts this brilliant festival, with author talks, panel debates, secret gardens, and creative workshops galore.
This year’s guests include Bryony Gordon, Louis de Bernières and Veronica Henry, with live music kicking things off from Mad Dog Mcrea.
🎟 Event prices vary
🔗 Check the line-up
Tip: Book early for the headline events — they often sell out.
3. St Ives Food & Drink Festival
📍 Porthminster Beach, TR26
🗓 16-18 May
Free daytime entry makes this beachfront festival a must for foodies. Stroll along the sand while enjoying demos, food stalls and live music.
Evening Sunset Sessions require tickets.
🎟 Daytime FREE | Evening tickets from £15
🔗 Get tickets
Tip: Bring a picnic blanket for sunset vibes and seaside eats.
4. LostFest, Lostwithiel
📍 Lostwithiel PL22
🗓 Sun 18 May 🎪
A delightfully quirky one-day celebration of music, dance and street performance! Morris dancers, choirs, market stalls, and local food – plus headliners The Cabarats for 2025.
🎟 FREE!
🔗 LostFest website
Tip: There is a parking at Gillyflower Farm up Cott Road off the A390. It will be well sign posted and is about a 20-minute walk from town. If possible, come by train, as there is no parking in Lostiwhiel town centre and roads in the town centre are closed 06:00 – 18:30.
5. Pentillie Castle Spring Garden Open Day
📍 Saltash, PL12 6QD
🗓 Sun 18 May | ⏰ 11am-5pm
Wander through 55 acres of historic woodland gardens at this peaceful open day in support of Saltash Community Kitchen. Enjoy cakes and tea in the Castle and soak up river views.
🎟 £7.50 (under 16s go free)
🔗 Book here
Tip: Dogs are welcome on leads and parking is free!
Plan Your May Adventure…
Whether you’re dancing at dawn in Helston, hunting rare plants in Rosemoor, or partying at a castle to Dizzee Rascal, May 2025 is packed with adventures across Devon and Cornwall…
Don’t forget your sunscreen and rain coat – you never know what the weather is doing in the South West!
Thank you for reading, happy adventures…
Need somewhere to stay nearby? Discover affordable accommodation at Coast and Country Parks this May:
View Accommodation in Cornwall
View Accommodation in North Devon
