Although Cornwall is by far at its most popular during the summer season when every coastal resort is packed out with tourists, the region is an underrated place to visit in the winter. Short breaks in Cornwall take on a different charm in the winter when the landscape views are moody and atmospheric, but a cosy village pub has never felt more welcoming.
Here are just six reasons to visit the county for enjoyable Cornwall Christmas holidays with your family!
Spectacular Storms
Though many see the unpredictable weather as a turn-off, it’s well worth embracing the stormy weather for some of the most dramatic views of Cornwall. It’s one of the best places in the UK to see the truly majestic power of the UK’s weather, whether you go to watch enormous waves crash against the rocks or see the rain pour down from the comfort of your accommodation.
Wild Walks
There’s nothing better than a refreshing winter walk through some spectacular landscapes out in the crisp winter air. The South West Coast Path surrounds the entirety of Cornwall’s coastline, while you can enjoy some hillier walks up on the rolling moors. Illuminated by the winter sun, you’re sure to discover some beautiful places on your travels, especially in the morning when there is still mist in the air and frost on the plants.
Dog-Friendly
Cornwall becomes much more dog-friendly in the winter, especially on the coast, where many more beaches are open to dogs during the winter months. Your four-legged friend will simply love running around, playing on the beach and splashing in the water! You will also find several pubs and cafes near the coast that are dog friendly, perfect for a hot chocolate for you and a quick nap for your dog!
Wonderful Wildlife
The change in seasons and climate means that you can expect to find a whole different variety of wildlife in Cornwall during the winter, from wildflowers to migrating sea birds. At this time of year, one of the highlights has to be spotting grey seals and their pups, which can be seen on the beaches between September and December. The mild climate also means that many things you’d normally expect to first see in spring arrive during the winter in Cornwall, from butterflies to daffodils.
Celebrating Christmas
With its many quaint towns and villages, Cornwall is a simply wonderful place to visit during the festive season. The village of Mousehole on the south coast, for instance, offers a truly magical Christmas lights display, featuring more than 7000 lights illuminating the harbour depicting whales, fishing boats and more. Then there are the Christmas markets that pop up in several of the county’s towns and villages, where you can pick up some delicious treats and handcrafted gifts for your loved ones.
Superb Surfing
Cornwall boasts more than 300 miles of incredible coastline and has been heralded as one of the best places in the whole of the UK to get a good surf in. Several surf schools are open throughout the year if you are new to the sport, while more experienced surfers can enjoy some fantastic waves at Widemouth, Fistral and many more beaches. Just remember your wetsuit, as the water is very cold!
Updated October 2017