Spring is a wonderful time in Cornwall; the weather is getting warmer, but it's still quiet, with deserted beaches, footpaths and moorland. The spring flowers are emerging, lambs are out in fields, and the sea is beginning to calm down from the wild winter storms.
Many of churchyards of our ancient churches and hedgerows are filled with wildflowers in Spring so these can make for some particularly nice walks and some great photography. In late March and throughout April the churchyard at Minster has spectacular daffodils. Wooded valleys such as Trebarwith Valley, Rocky Valley and the Valency Valley are filled with primroses in April and bluebells in May.
Along the coast path blackthorn, primroses and gorse provide the first burst of colour in April, followed in May by thrift (sea pinks) and sea campion which carpet the cliffs in pink and white flowers. See our walks page for some circular walks you can do from Park Farm which include some spectacular stretches of coastline, or some shorter walks starting a few minutes drive away.
Don't be deterred by possible April Showers - see our page of things to do on a rainy day and our interactive map of things close by you can nip out to between showers. There are also plenty of good pubs which serve locally-brewed ales and home-made food from local produce which provide an inviting shelter whilst a shower passes over.
In Britain, Spring reaches Cornwall first in late February-early March and sweeps north through the country at about 15 miles per day. If you're a wildlife fan you might like to take part in the Nature's Calendar survey or activities on the BBC Springwatch website, and you may even be the first person in the country to spot a particular sign of Spring. See our wildlife page for good places nearby for nature walks.
Migrating birds start arriving in mid March and in April are out and about doing courtship displays. By early May the dawn chorus is at its peak. See the birds section of our wildlife page for some reserves with bird hides. Spring is also a good time to go sea kayaking to see the seabirds roosting and rearing their chicks and peregrine falcons doing their aerial courtship displays over the cliffs. The best time to see puffins is from April-July.
The warming influence of the Gulf Stream washing our shores means many of the National Trust gardens are in full bloom by May. The stately homes and gardens open in March, so spring is a great time to visit them without having to contend with the crowds of summertime. Nearby Pencarrow House has one of the collections of Camelias in the country which provide the first big burst of bloom, followed by huge collections of Rhododendrons and Azalias. Also quite close by, Lanhydrock has both stunning formal gardens and massive grounds full of many flowering trees.
During the first week of May, a number of ancient pagan festivals take place such the Padstow Obby Oss and Helson Furry (or "Floral") Dance. These derive from the Celtic festival of Beltane which marked the beginning of the summer season when the herds of livestock were driven out to the summer pastures.
In late spring, cornflowers are out in the hedgerows and along the coastpath and butterflies are out feeding on the nectar from the wildflowers. On a sunny day the bridleway from Condoldon Barrow to Trewarmett is fluttering with many species of butterfly.
On the higher ground of Bodmin Moor, Spring arrives much later, breaking into flower during June. You can take in the scenery, and explore huge numbers the Neolithic and Bronze Age remains, either on foot or on horseback.