Autumn has approached us; the temperature is cooling, and the leaves are changing colour. For some, this time of year may make you want to curl up on the sofa with a hot drink. However, the vibrant colours of autumn make it the perfect season time to head outdoors and explore the coast and countryside.
Our dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall are the perfect base for those who love to explore the outdoors, all the while staying amongst cosy luxury! Located close to Cornwall’s best beaches and heritage sites, we highly recommend wrapping up and heading out for a walk so you can see some of the best of the county as it falls under autumn’s spell.
Read on to see where the best places are in Cornwall for a walk this season!
Lizard Point
Helston
An easy walk at the most southerly point in Britain. It is short and suitable for children and dogs, and much of the route is clearly signposted.
Highlights
Starting from the Lizard lighthouse, the route takes you to Lizard Point, where you might be able to spot seals in the cove below.
Further along the coast path, you may be lucky to see Cornish choughs. When you get to Old Lizard Head, you can see out towards Kynance Cove to the west, and Shetland ponies and cattle graze on the coastal slopes.
You can head inland after passing Old Lizard Head, following a path that will take you back to the lighthouse, or stay on the coast path a little longer.
COVID-19
Lizard Point is currently open. However, The National Trust report that the info hut, retail space and The Wildlife Watchpoint remain closed until further notice.
Depending on the weather, the toilets may also close, so this is worth bearing in mind when planning your route.
Opening Times
Lizard Point can be accessed 24 hours of the day.
Glendurgan Garden
Falmouth
Another National Trust site, Glendurgan Garden offers a stunning display of autumn colour at this time of year, and there are other unusual sights and scents to come across on a walk.
Highlights
We suggest having an afternoon out in the garden, taking the time to walk along the paths and stopping to admire the plants.
Some highlights include the Katsura tree, which originates from Japan and has bright colours in October. You may also notice the smell of candyfloss as you pass by the tree
You also won’t want to miss the tulip tree. The giant tree is one of the oldest in the garden and turns a lovely colour in October. The lovely yellow leaves will brighten even the dullest day!
COVID-19
To visit Glendurgan Garden, your visit should be booked in advance with the National Trust, especially during peak times such as the weekend and bank holidays. The morning also tends to be a busier time to visit, so secure your place to avoid disappointment.
Opening Times
Garden and car park: 10:30am–5pm
Trelissick
Truro
The dog-friendly estate is perfect for those who are visiting Cornwall with their dog who will love the vast space to play in!
Highlights
The estate has miles of woodland and open countryside to explore, and you can alter your walk based on time and ability.
You can stroll through the parkland or take a long trek through the trees. In the parkland, livestock can be found grazing, so it is important dogs are kept under control.
The cafe at Trelissick is dog-friendly too, perfect for when you stop for lunch.
COVID-19
If you are travelling to Trelissick by car, it is essential to book your car park space ahead of arrival. However, if you are arriving by foot, bike or bus, no booking is required. The house at Trelissick is currently closed.
Opening Times
Car park: 9am- 5pm
Garden: 10am- 5pm
Penrose
Helston
Have a ramble through Penrose, making your way through a tree plantation and extensive parkland; the huge estate is lovely to walk through all year round.
Highlights
The route starts from the car park and takes you down the fenced driveway. As you continue down the drive, you will reach a Victorian bath house and the stream.
Cross the stream over the footbridge and make your way into the woods, following the woodland path.
From the path, you have views over the parkland, and you will end up on the drive again, looping back around and taking you back to the car park.
COVID-19
The Penrose is free to access throughout the day. If you are driving to the car park at Penrose Hill or the surrounding National Trust car parks, please be aware the spaces cannot be booked in advance.
Opening Times
Estate: Dawn till dusk
Godolphin
Helston
Head up to the top of Godolphin Hill, which has views over west Cornwall.
The area around Godolphin has a long history, dating to the Bronze Age, and you can see signs of the hundreds of years of human activity in the dips and dents beneath the gorse and heather.
Highlights
The popular walking route takes you past the Slips, a narrow lane with its walls covered in plants, then by old pits and mine shafts until you reach the old deer park.
When you reach the summit of the hill, there are breath-taking panoramas of the area. On clear days, you can see St Michael’s Mount to the south and St Ives Bay to the north.
COVID-19
The house and outer buildings at Godolphin are currently closed. However, the estate and garden are both open in throughout the day. Visits should be booked ahead of your arrival. Peak times include weekends and bank holidays, so bookings will be necessary at these times to prevent disappointment.
Opening Times
Estate: Dawn to dusk
Garden: 10am to 4pm
West Pentire and Holywell Walking Route
Newquay
In the South of Newquay, between West Pentire and Holywell, the coastline is varied with beautiful flora, and you can view grey seal pups in the autumn months.
Highlights
The route is lovely all year round, as there are wildflower fields to see in the summer and migratory birds in the winter.
As you follow the coastal path, you can see the sea crash on rocks below, and spy sandy beaches in the distance.
Closer to Holywell, there is an Iron Age fort to stop at and explore, before the path heads back inland, as it circles back to the starting point of the route.
COVID-19
The South West Coast Path is a public route and can be accessed 24 hours of the day.
Which prime locations in Cornwall will you be adventuring this season? Why not share your adventures with us on our social media channels!