10 reasons to visit Cornwall off season
Summer in Cornwall is wonderful. Stretching out on golden sand, swimming in clear blue waters and eating fresh, locally caught fish al fresco is the stuff that dreams are made of. But Cornwall’s offseason has its own special qualities and attractions. Miles and miles of beaches with barely a soul on them, misty moorlands, raging seas and old pubs with roaring fires all create an evocative ambience that’s hard to beat. With fewer people around, Cornwall in autumn and winter gives you the space to breathe. Here are 10 very good reasons to leave the county to the sunseekers in summer and visit Cornwall in the quieter off season.
1. You’ll have Cornwall’s beaches to yourself
Cornwall’s beaches can become rather like a game of sardines in the summer months, as holidaymakers flock in their droves to jostle for their own bit of golden sand. We get it – there’s nothing more pretty and uplifting than a Cornish beach in the sun. But trust us, an empty Cornish beach on a crisp, cold day is even more rejuvenating. Imagine wrapping up warm and walking for miles along a stretch of coastline with just stunning views and seabirds for company. Try Harlyn, Constantine or Mawgan Porth on for size.
2. Cornwall’s gardens will still be flourishing
Cornwall’s temperate climate means that its glorious gardens are absolutely still worth a visit. The explosion of colour from the spring bluebells and summer rhododendrons will have long subsided, but autumnal golds, reds and yellows and winter greens and silvers will be on show. Head to the Lost Gardens of Heligan for sub-tropical jungle splendour and Cotehele for stunning valley views.
3. You can hunker down for storm watching season
Winter means it’s storm watching season in Cornwall. Savage seas and wind-whipped waves are thrilling to watch from the safety of a pub with a roaring fire. There’s something about the monster waves rolling in, sea spray shooting high, and the boom as they crash against the rocks that’s scary and life-affirming, all at the same time. With 600 miles of coastline to choose from, there’s always somewhere to indulge your passion for the elements. Need some inspiration? Here are 10 places to go storm watching in Cornwall.
4. You can enjoy peaceful coastal walks
Cornwall’s coastline comes into its own in winter. Fewer tourists and dog walkers means uninterrupted stomps and no jostling at the best viewpoints. Tramp along the glorious South West Coast Path in either direction and take in the fresh air and far-reaching vistas. Whether you’re walking under crisp, blue skies or slate-grey clouds, the scenery will always be breathtaking. Walk from Marazion to Mousehole for a glimpse of St Michael’s Mount through ethereal mists, or St Ives to Zennor, where you can thaw out in the Gurnard’s Head pub.
5. You can settle in by the fire at an old smugglers’ inn
Cornwall does a lot of things well, but its pubs have to be up there with the best of them. Nothing beats braving the Cornish elements, whether you’ve been walking, surfing or swimming, then finding sanctuary in a proper old pub, drink in hand. Steeped in Cornish history and brimming with atmosphere, there are oodles of olde world drinking establishments to frequent throughout Cornwall. We like the Blue Peter in Polperro for maximum smuggler charm.
6. You can feel festive with Cornwall’s Christmas lights
Twinkly lights get us all in a festive mood when the dark and dismal season’s upon us. The little fishing village of Mousehole is famed for its gorgeous festive harbour lights, with a sea serpent and Celtic cross among the displays. Angarrack, a small village near Hayle, shows 12 illuminated displays depicting the 12 days of Christmas.
7. You can indulge in unlimited beach dog walks
Many Cornish beaches ban dogs during the summer months. Take advantage of no restrictions in the off-season and enjoy watching your pup scamper, sniff and explore to their heart’s delight. Read our guide to Cornwall’s best dog-friendly beaches and take your pick.
8. You can treat yourself to Cornish comfort foods
One of the nicest things about winter in Cornwall is the food. After surfing in cold seas or a long, bracing moorland walk, you really deserve that Cornish pasty or a cream tea with lashings of Cornish clotted cream. Why not have both?! Or head to a pub and indulge in a Sunday roast, with locally sourced meat, vegetables and buckets of atmosphere. Here are five of the best Sunday roasts in Cornwall to try.
9. You can jump in the waves for an epic surf
It may seem counter-intuitive, but learning to surf in the winter is way better than the summer months. First, the waves are at their consistent best because of low pressures pushing swells up from the Atlantic. Second, the latest wetsuits will keep your toasty-warm. Third, the waves will be far less crowded. Try Fistral Beach Surf School in Newquay for year-round lessons.
10. You can swim in the sea in October
The sun has been warming the sea all summer and it reaches its highest temperatures throughout September and October, perfect for swimming but without the summer crowds. Stay safe and opt for a seasonally lifeguarded beach or head to one of Cornwall’s stunning tidal pools, quarries and rivers.
Search over 180 holiday cottages throughout Cornwall and start planning your autumn or winter break – we have everything from cosy cottages with real fires and romantic boltholes for couples, to dog friendly homes and spacious family-sized properties.