As the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, winter in Cornwall can feel particularly harsh. However, with the right mindset and activities, this season can be just as enjoyable as the rest of the year. This year we’re allowing ourselves to slow down, whilst embracing activities which are best enjoyed during the winter season. Cosy nights in, winter adventures and days spent relaxing are all calling our names.
Adopting a positive mindset is key to embracing and even enjoying this season, rather than viewing it as a time to put everything on hold. Instead of viewing winter as a time of limitation, we’ve pledged to see it as an opportunity to explore new activities, both indoors and outdoors, that bring joy and nourishment.
Here’s what we will be doing to ensure we enjoy this winter season.
Renowned for its picturesque seaside charm in the summer, Cornwall unveils a more untamed beauty in the darker months. As autumn and winter roll in, the dramatic storms sweeping in from the Atlantic transform Cornwall into one of the UK's top storm-watching destinations. This season invites you to witness a different kind of splendour – one that inspires awe and amazement as nature displays its raw power. Imagine wild winds, towering waves, and the refreshing spray of the ocean as you explore the Cornish coastline in a whole new light.
Top storm-watching destinations: Cape Cornwall, Porthleven, Godrevy and Towan Headland.
What’s more fascinating than gazing into the night sky and contemplating the vastness of the universe? November to March offers the best opportunities to observe celestial objects, when nights are longer, and it gets dark earlier. November and December are also great for watching meteor showers, the best time being an hour before dawn. Be sure to check the weather forecast before planning a stargazing night. Clouds and rain can significantly reduce visibility, potentially preventing you from seeing anything at all. For the best experience, go stargazing on or within a few days of a new moon, as the less visible the moon is, the more stars you will see.
Best place for stargazing in Cornwall: Bodmin Moor was awarded Dark Sky Status in 2017, hailing it as one of the best stargazing locations in the UK.
Winter is the perfect time to hone your culinary skills, and what better way to do so than by embracing Cornwall’s rich culinary heritage? The colder months provide an ideal opportunity to explore traditional Cornish recipes and enjoy the comfort of home-cooked meals. We also love how food brings people together, so why not invite your loved ones to join in with sampling your wares. Share stories, laugh, and enjoy the fruits of your labour around a cosy dining table.
What we’re cooking: Homemade Cornish pasties never go amiss, nor do hearty soups and stews. When we fancy a sweet treat, saffron buns and Hevva cake taste and smell amazing.
With the departure of most tourists, autumn becomes a favourite time for many to visit the beach. Dog bans are lifted, and the Cornish waters reach their warmest in October, making it an ideal time for wild swimming. Sunny days are perfect for a dip, but frolicking in the waves with friends during a rain shower can be equally exhilarating. Swimming in the ocean also helps build cold resistance, preparing us for the cooler months ahead. Many groups in Cornwall swim throughout the winter, viewing it as both a challenge and a wonderful way to spend time with friends. And the best part? You can warm up and refuel afterwards with coffee and cake on the sand.
The best places to swim in autumn are dependent on the weather and wind. Join a local swimming group to ensure you swim safely whilst making new friends.
Indulge in a rejuvenating spa day to escape the winter chill. Cornwall boasts a variety of luxurious spas where you can unwind and rejuvenate. Enjoy a range of treatments, including soothing massages, revitalising facials, and detoxifying body wraps. Many spas also offer thermal experiences such as saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs, perfect for easing muscle tension and improving circulation. With some spas offering breathtaking sea views, you can soak in a hot tub while watching the waves crash against the shore. Embrace the tranquility and let the serene surroundings and expert treatments refresh your body and mind.
Our favourite spa experiences: St Moritz Hotel Cowshed Spa, St Michael’s Hotel Hydrothermal Experience and The Headland Hotel Rebalance Spa Half Day.
There's nothing quite like curling up next to a roaring fire with a good book. Escaping into another world feels like a factory reset, and winter is the perfect time to indulge in this cosy pastime. This year, we’re making reading irresistible by creating a dedicated reading nook in our home. Whether it’s adorning your favourite chair with cosy blankets, transforming your bed into a reading sanctuary, or carving out another corner as a literary haven, we encourage you to do the same. Make your space inviting and comfortable and let the magic of a good book transport you to new adventures.
What we’re reading: Cornwall based author Jo Jakeman has just released their new thriller, One Bad Apple. Set in an exclusive private school, Jo’s fifth novel combines a classic murder mystery with all the politics of the school gates and the drama of parents’ WhatsApp groups. The perfect autumn/winter read.
A weekend walk in winter is one of our favourite things to do. The paths are quieter, the weather cooler and it feels great to breathe in the fresh air. Working up a sweat and rewarding ourselves with a hearty meal afterwards never loses its satisfaction. Whether it’s exploring a new section of the coastal path, or revisiting a familiar trail, an off-season walk provides a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with nature. So, wrap up warm and head outdoors for a dose of crisp air and serene views. We’ll see you on the trails!
