If you’re planning a holiday in Cornwall, there are several delightful Cornish traditions you can experience. Cornwall is known for its rich cultural heritage, and here are some of the best Cornish traditions to try.

Cornish Pasty

A trip to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without indulging in a traditional Cornish pasty. These delicious baked pastries are typically filled with beef, potatoes, swede (rutabaga), and onions. They are a local specialty and can be found in many bakeries throughout Cornwall.

May Day Celebrations

May Day (1st of May) is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Cornwall. The towns and villages come alive with processions, traditional dancing, and the famous ‘Obby ‘Oss’ (Hobby Horse) celebrations. The villages of Padstow and Helston are particularly renowned for their May Day festivities.

Cornish Wrestling

Take part in or witness the ancient sport of Cornish wrestling. It involves competitors wearing Cornish wrestling jackets and trying to throw their opponents to the ground. Various wrestling events and tournaments are held in different parts of Cornwall, showcasing this unique sport.

St. Piran’s Day

St. Piran is the patron saint of Cornwall, and St. Piran’s Day is celebrated on March 5th each year. This day is marked by parades, processions, music, and traditional Cornish food. You can join in the festivities, wear a black-and-white flag representing St. Piran, and enjoy traditional Cornish music and dance.

Cornish Mining Heritage

Explore Cornwall’s mining history by visiting attractions like the Geevor Tin Mine or the Levant Mine and Beam Engine. Learn about the important role mining played in Cornwall’s past and how it shaped the local communities.

Cornish Folk Music

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Cornish folk music scene. Look out for local pubs or venues hosting live music nights featuring traditional Cornish songs and instruments like the fiddle, accordion, and tin whistle. The lively and heartfelt music will give you a taste of the local culture.

Trevithick Day

If you happen to visit Cornwall on the last Saturday in April, don’t miss Trevithick Day in Camborne. It’s a celebration of Richard Trevithick, the Cornish engineer who pioneered steam-powered transportation. The town comes alive with steam engines, parades, exhibitions, and street performances.

Sea Shanties

Cornwall’s rich maritime heritage is often celebrated through sea shanties. You might stumble upon a local pub hosting a sea shanty sing-along, where you can join in and enjoy the lively and rousing songs that were once sung by sailors.

These are just a few of the many Cornish traditions you can experience while on holiday in Cornwall. Embrace the local culture, try the traditional food, and engage with the friendly locals to make the most of your visit.

Visit our availability page to see when you can hire one of our vans to explore are experience these traditions. You can also Visit Cornwall for more information on what’s on and where.