When you think of a holiday in Cornwall, it’s likely you picture blue skies, bright sunshine and summer at the seaside. The county is a popular destination throughout the summer months – but being residents, we enjoy it in all seasons, so we know that it makes a fantastic holiday at other times too!
Over the winter season, Cornwall has a very different feel to the summer peak, with shorter days, fewer people and fewer holiday attractions open. However, it does have many other features that make it a brilliant holiday destination.
Cornwall may not be well known for winter holidays, but this is why we think that visiting over the winter months is a great idea.
The peak season crowds have left
We love Cornwall in the summer, but it is undeniably busy here over the warmer months. As a result, it’s easy to find yourself in amongst crowds of fellow holidaymakers at an attraction, or with multiple obstructions to your view across the sea when enjoying the beach. It’s all part of the fun, but for those who prefer a calmer, more secluded experience, Cornwall in winter means that having the beach to yourself or walking without coming across another soul is a far more common occurrence.
The weather is mild
Cornwall is one of the warmest areas of the UK over the winter months. Because it sits on the eastern edge of the Gulf stream, we tend to enjoy temperatures that are comparable to Mediterranean holiday spots such as Nice at this time of year. The mild climate is a real draw for many and makes it a winter break you can enjoy without being distracted by the cold – and still warm enough to be able to comfortably explore!
It’s still beautiful
As a result of Cornwall’s mild climate, it stays looking lovely throughout the seasons, particularly in our magnificent gardens. Locations such as The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Trebah Gardens and some of our stunning National Trust sites tend to see year-round colour, so there will always be beauty in visiting even after summer’s blooms have long gone. It’s not unusual for daffodils to begin to show themselves in December!
It’s storm-watching season
The climate may be generally mild, but the county gets its fair share of storms to add some drama to the weather, and this presents an opportunity for something particularly exciting: storm watching. There’s something both exhilarating and relaxing (the latter only if you’re safely distanced from the action!) about watching waves crash against harbour walls and lashes of sea spray mix with rain on the wind. There are plenty of lovely spots to watch the natural world create a spectacle.
Wonderful winter walks
Whatever time of year, we’re not short on fantastic walking routes, and winter just brings a new beauty to the views along the way. A crisp winter’s day with blue skies provides a perfect opportunity for exploring on foot, whether it’s a bracing hike or more of a gentle stroll. We love the South West Coast Path with its wonderful views of windswept bays combined with seaside promenades and harbours.
Cornwall is at its most dog-friendly
Cornwall is an excellent location for a dog-friendly holiday, but during peak season there are often dog bans in place on some of the more popular beaches and at some attractions. In the winter months, however, many of these lift so that your four-legged friends can enjoy the county to its full potential too.
It won’t break the bank
Winter accommodation prices in Cornwall can often be much lower than in the peak summer months, so if you are looking for a more cost-efficient way to discover the county, the cooler months are the ones to do it. There are even some attractions that offer off-peak pricing at this time of year to help you make the most of your time and parking tariffs are reduced (sometimes free!).
Cornwall does Christmas brilliantly
If you love getting into the festive spirit, you can’t go wrong with Cornwall as your winter destination of choice. Many towns are decked out in Christmas lights, but there are some truly wonderful displays that are particularly notable; the famous Christmas lights of Mousehole are well worth a visit, Angarrack in West Cornwall puts on a lovely display, and our own home town of Padstow does a beautiful job of Christmas decorations too. There are also lots of brilliant Christmas events in Cornwall, ranging from markets and light switch-ons to large celebrations at some of the county’s top attractions.
You can go with the flow
Visiting a popular destination often means that careful planning is required if there is somewhere in particular you are set on visiting or eating at. This is certainly the case in Cornwall in the height of summer; being a food hotspot, the most desirable restaurants get booked up quickly (as do ticket time slots at some attractions). During a winter holiday, however, you’ll tend to find you have your pick of dining experiences without needing to book or plan too far in advance, and are much more likely to be able to get a walk-in table.
It’s a prime time for peace and relaxation
With the lower visitor numbers, beautiful scenery and more laid-back approach to planning, winter is a particularly restful time in Cornwall. This peaceful atmosphere makes it a wonderful choice if what you are looking for from your holiday is to decompress or relax; a low-key break where you can explore, wander, or just be.
Does a winter holiday in Cornwall sound like your cup of tea? If you’re looking for a seasonal winter break and are interested in holiday homes in Cornwall, we’re sure we can help.
