5 Things To Do On A Summer Evening In Cornwall

Summer’s officially here and one thing I look forward to the most is endless warmth, long days, and plenty of sunshine. Cornwall is beautiful all year round but when the weather behaves itself, it comes to life more than ever. There’s plenty of options available for how you spend your summer evening in Kernow.

It seems every year more wonderful opportunities present themselves; evenings become livelier and packed with different offerings across the county. Whether you’re local or are visiting Cornwall on holiday, here are 5 things to do on a warm, summer evening. 

Summer Evening Cinema With A Difference 

There are 2 options for outdoor cinemas in Cornwall. The first comes from Open Air Cinemas who organise drive-in and outdoor cinematic experiences throughout the summer. There are 3 venues across Cornwall – Porthminster Beach and Porthmeor Beach in St Ives, Polzeath Beach on the north coast, Carnglaze Caverns near Liskeard and Jubilee Pool in Penzance.

These are proving more and more popular each year, all you have to do is rock up with your munchies and make yourself comfortable. It’s a good way of spending a summer’s evening, with friends of family. I love immersing myself into a good film, whether I’ve seen it before or not. Tickets are reasonably priced too and there are plenty of viewings throughout the Summer. I would advise to book early as tickets get snapped up. I think it’s a stroke of genius that you can watch Baywatch on Porthmeor Beach. It’s tempting to turn up in a red one piece, but alas I don’t have one! 

The other cinematic option is Film on the (King Harry) Ferry, situated on the Fal River. Films have previously been fitting for the venue, you know like The Perfect Storm and Jaws. The films and dates are usually released in the summertime. Again book early if you want to watch a film on the water.  

Sundowner Sessions

Newquay continues to be a favourite holiday destination in the Summer. If you’re heading over that way I’d recommend you check out the live music Sundower Sessions at Lusty Glaze. The Times have already acknowledged it as the most picturesque music venue in the UK so you know you’re in for a treat. Lusty Glaze sits below deep cliffs so to listen to quality tunes on a summer’s evening feels quite intimate. It’s a chilled and beautiful setting. Previous performers include Morcheeba, Razorlight and Guy Garvey. The range of live music is varied so there’s bound to be something that appeals. 

Feast Nights

More Cornwall based businesses are jumping on the whole feast night thing every year. Personally I think it’s a wonderful idea to indulge in some al fresco dining with good company and wine flowing, all while the sun goes down. 

The obvious choice here is of course The Hidden Hut. Situated on The Roseland, overlooking Porthcurnick Beach, you can sit and bask in the beauty of your surroundings while tucking into some excellent grub. The Hidden Hut feast nights are great fun and delicious. You’re well looked after – blankets and hot water bottles are available too should it be a little chilly. Due to popularity, it’s very difficult to get tickets though. You need to be logged in to the ticket site and ready to go at the strike of 12. You literally have seconds to secure your place.

The Hidden Hut isn’t your only option. Not far from there is Philleigh Way Cookery School who have Woodfired Sessions, where high quality food is served in a countryside setting. Near Truro Nancarrow Farm hold feast nights, and in west Cornwall, Godrevy Cafe have started Foodie Thursdays with a full and generous menu. Similarly, the Hungry Horsebox Co. are holding food get togethers on Gwithian Beach. 

Well worth a visit, I’d say. 

A Summer Evening Picnic or BBQ 

When I think about my childhood summers, images of endless days on the beach and seaside picnics with cheese and cucumber sandwiches (with sand) come to mind. For me, a summer evening picnic comes with much joy and a sense of freedom. It doesn’t need to be complicated. If you’re in Cornwall there are plenty of beaches, coastal views, or secluded spots to choose from. My favourite thing to do is to fire up a beach BBQ. It’s even more fun when there’s a group of you. The kids play happily for ages while you watch the sun go down with a cool beer. It’s all chilled. 

A Summer Evening Run

For the more energetic amongst you, Freedom Racing organises Summer Sessions, a series of 10k runs in Cornwall over the summer. They all take place in the evenings (I love an evening race) and have already started. They’re usually in coastal locations, and are renowned for their chilled out and friendly atmosphere. You need to enter in advance, so there’s an element of planning. I’m all set to run the Godolphin 10k in August and the Portreath 10k in September and I’m really looking forward to it. 

Some Cornish villages host their own races. In May we have the Sticker 5, with a Cornish pasty for all finishers. And Tywardeath comes to life in July with their 7 mile Tywardreath Trotter. You can enter on the day for both of these running events. Even if you don’t run, come along and be part of the cheerful and enthusiastic atmosphere. Us runners like a happy crowd.  

Do check out their respective websites for more information. I’m guessing few shandies afterwards is the order of the day.

Of course there are so many more things to do in the summer in Cornwall, this could be a rolling blogpost. You may have your own way of spending your evenings in Cornwall, what’s your favourite?