Winter is well and truly here, but there’s no need to hibernate until spring – if you plan a winter break you can discover a whole new side to Cornwall.
Traditionally Cornwall is a place for long summer days on the beach but nowadays there is so much more to enjoy in the colder months. Enjoy storm watching from a cliffside hot tub, enjoying hearty pub food as the waves crash nearby and huge, wide open empty beaches all to yourself.
Here are our top recommendations for a weekend winter getaway in Cornwall.
Storm watching
Dig out your hiking books and go for a walk while you enjoy watching the waves crash below and marvel at the skill of the die-hard surfers who are out even in the deep heart of winter.
Take a look at the South West Coast Path website for some suggestions for great winter walks in Cornwall. Do take care not to get too close when the waves are very high though, there are always freak waves which can wash onlookers out to sea.
Enjoy a winter spa break
Cornwall has some of the country’s most beautifully located spas. You can enjoy watching the waves from a pool or hot tub at some wonderful spas on the coast ranging from the Watergate Bay Hotel spa, to the Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth, the Headland Hotel in Newquay, the Carbis Bay Hotel near St Ives and many more.
Discover Cornwall’s winter gardens
While they’re undoubtedly at their best in the spring, Cornwall’s sub-tropical climate means there’s still lots to see in winter. Trebah with its beautiful lake is particularly interesting to visit in the winter, and Glendurgan and Heligan are great to visit all year round.
Explore Cornwall with your dog
Plan a dog friendly holiday and explore Cornwall’s beaches with your four-legged friend. Dogs are welcome on most beaches until Easter, and if you head off the beaten track you might even find your own private stretch of sand.
Ride Cornwall’s off-road trails
Get on your bike and enjoy crowd-free cycling on Cornwall’s cycle trails. Try the Camel Trail or the Coast to Coast Trail from Portreath on the north coast to Devoran on the south. Or, go off-road at Lanhydrock or Cardinham Woods.
Get your skates on
Try ice skating at the Eden Project. The ice rink at Eden is a winter wonderland and an experience not to be missed. There are sessions for everyone from toddlers to experienced skaters (open until mid-February).
Capture the county on your camera
From frost-covered moorland to stormy seas, Cornwall shows a different side to its character in the winter.
Go underground
Try something different and visit one of Cornwall’s underground attractions, like Carnglaze Caverns or Geevor Tin Mine.
Ready to plan your next weekend away in Cornwall? Take a look at our availability calendar to find out more and book your perfect break.
Happy holidays!
