Sightseeing
Cornwall has one of the most beautiful countrysides in Britain, with over 300 miles of coastal paths, many ancient structures and striking natural landscapes
What to do
For some Christmas shopping try the following markets, all taking place at the Piazza, Lemon Quay, Truro
Food and Craft Fair, 20–21 November
Made in Cornwall Christmas Fair, 25–28 November
Truro’s Victorian Christmas, 9–13 December
The Eden Project in Bodelva is an unforgettable experience, the huge global garden contains colours and beauty usually only seen in the rainforest. Both educational and breathtaking there are plenty of places to play, eat and take the time to stop and admire our natural world.
There are many trails in Cornwall just waiting to be discovered – one of the most well-known is The Camel Trail in North Cornwall or visit the Bude Canal in Bude. Both offer the chance to experience beautiful coastal scenery and countryside by foot or bicycle across the rugged moorland, village landscapes and idyllic wooded valleys.
Of course you can’t go to Cornwall without a walk on the beach, and with the dog ban lifted on most beaches during winter, it’s an excellent runaround for everyone.
Mystery surrounds the Roman Settlement and English Heritage site Tintagel Castle – it’s rumoured to be the place where King Uther Pendragon seduced Queen Igraine of Cornwall and the legend of King Arthur began, follow “Arthur’s Way” to see the ruins.
For more beautiful architecture visit Pendennis Castle. Built in the 1540s for King Henry VIII, it continued to be used right up to World War II. Experience the sights and sounds of battle in the interactive exhibition at the Royal Artillery Barracks, or explore the cells and descend through the secret tunnels. It’s also a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery with a Cornish Cream Tea.
Getting around
80 per cent of Cornwall is surrounded by water, many passenger and car ferries operate around the county, and it’s a fun way to get around and take in the beautiful views.
Food and drink
On post-stormy days kids will love beachcombing the botanical playgrounds – try Talland Bay, or Sennen Cove Beach is one of the most attractive in Cornwall. Here you can enjoy the beautiful sunset at the award-winning Beach Restaurant with a glass of wine and a locally sourced meal looking out onto the beautiful ocean.
A short walk from the Land’s End hotel, you can indulge in the ‘Best Roast on the Coast’ at the First and Last Inn, famous for its past clientele; smugglers, pirates and shipwreckers!
Where to stay
For some much-needed luxury try the five-star Woodlands Country House owned by famed food writer Hugo Woolley and wife Pippa. With panoramic views of the Cornish countryside and coastline, delicious breakfasts – including Kedgeree, Eggs Mimosa and Huevos Rancheros – to wake up to, you’ll never want to leave!
To truly experience Land’s End’s mystical beauty visit the Land’s End Hotel, on the tip of west Cornwall’s coastline with spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean. The charming, traditional hotel is unchallenged in its unique location.
Relaxation
There’s still plenty to do in Cornwall during the colder months, lying on the beach might be out but food, drink and taking it easy is in, the quaint pubs are beckoning!
What to do
Porthmeor beach in St Ives is a half mile stretch of golden sands and clear blue sea, keep an eye out for the seals! If it’s too cold for a sea swim, St Ives Leisure Centre has a range of water and gym activities and offers free swimming for the over-60s.
Truro Cathedral in its Gothic Revival architectural style stands beautifully at 250 foot in the Georgian town centre, with three towers and spires. The choir is one of the best in the country and they’re extremely proud of their three organs. As the only city in Cornwall Truro also offers a great opportunity to indulge in a spot of shopping. Consider the villages less visited, try Portscatho Beach for the view over Gerrans Bay and the boats or St Agnes with it’s four beaches and dramatic coastal walks. Take your paints and create beautiful pictures from the distinctive landscapes or snap charming photographs along the coast. St Agnes has a wealth of galleries, arts and craft shops and a craft trail. The Tate Gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden in St Ives also have some great examples of local art. The tiny fishing village of Mousehole has retained its original character to become one of Cornwall’s most picturesque hamlets. Perfect for setting up your easel with a beautiful harbour and small beach. Take a walk, or a ferry if the tide is in, to the fairytale castle St Michael’s Mount, part of the National Trust.
Where to stay
Cornwall’s luxury eco retreat, the Scarlet Hotel, offers light airy spaces for a real break away. The sustainable accommodation has 37 bedrooms and a spa with many facilities and treatments including journeys to restore, reenergise and detoxify. Their restaurant is cheffed by local Michelin star winning Ben Tunnicliffe who changes the menus daily. Previous highlights include rabbit and damson stew and mulled cider jelly.
The Majestic four star Metropole Hotel is the ideal place to explore the beautiful fishing village of Padstow, with scenic views over the Camel Estuary and town. The 58 bedrooms contain everything you need for a good night’s sleep. And with an AA Rosette for the food, which is prepared using local produce, dishes such as pan fried fillet of Cornish silver mullet and chargrilled local asparagus with truffle hollandaise are worth the visit alone.
If you’re looking to relax for a bit longer, Roseland Parc Retirement Village has a unique combination of leisure, social and care facilities. Situated at the gateway to the Roseland Peninsula, Roseland Parc comprises of 59 apartments and cottages for people aged 55 and over. Residents have exclusive access to a wealth of communal facilities and a range of living options and care packages to ensure their optimum independence.
Food and drink
Rick has four restaurants in the small fishing port of Padstow, The Seafood Restaurant, St Petroc’s Bistro, Rick Stein’s Café and Stein’s Fish & Chips. He also owns a delicatessen, a patisserie, a seafood cookery school, forty hotel bedrooms and his latest acquisition, a pub in St Merryn, The Cornish Arms.
Getting around
For a more relaxing way to enjoy the Cornish countryside sit back on board a steam locomotive on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway. Chug along on a special trip to visit Santa in his grotto for a present and a mince pie from 5–24 December, or enjoy a Christmas lunch in your carriage from 6–20 December.
Fun
Staying active to keep the chill out of your bones is a great idea when you’re near the coast, so brace yourself for some action and adventure
What to do
Springfields Fun Park and Pony Centre in Newquay is perfect for younger families. Ponies, lambs, go-karts, rowing boats, trampolines, aerial glides, the Puddle Duck Pond, an astra wave slide and a death drop slide are just some of the activities to keep your little ones (and not so little ones!) entertained. Cornwall is a haven for active pursuits with wind and wave sports you’ve probably never heard of. Try the Camel Ski School in Rock or the Adventure Centre at Lusty Glaze beach in Newquay if you’re looking for a range of water, cliff and land-based activities all in one place.
The Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station in Helston offers a fun, educational and interactive glimpse into the future. Meet the resident robot, watch the 3D television, and take a tour on an eco-friendly and easy to use Segway.
The Doctor Who Exhibition and Museum in Land’s End is a great day out, containing many of the actual props, costumes and monsters. You can get up close to the Doctor’s most famous enemies, including The Slitheen, Sontarans, Cybermen, and the Daleks.
Getting around
Check the return ticket policy, some activities offer cheaper, or even free, returns if you visit again that year and buy on the day.
Food and drink
The Cornish Cyder Farm in Penhallow near Truro offers the chance to see how they make their cider, and their forty plus varieties of fruit products including country wines, jams, preserves, brandy and spirits. There’s a coffee shop for the essential Cornish Cream Tea or take the tractor ride to view the full scope of fruit and apple orchards in the valley.
And for another museum with a delicious difference the St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre in St Austell presents an interactive learning, and drinking experience. You can watch the brewing process first hand and sample their award-winning ales.
Where to stay
Visit the Watergate Bay Hotel and Extreme Academy, set on the fantastic long sandy Watergate Bay beach stretching over two miles. The hotel design is beach influenced with coastal colours and a laid-back vibe. Each room is different but many offer great views of the sea and all have unique stunning details. Visit the Academy and book the extreme day (£75) to get your adrenaline fix. And if your stay in Cornwall has left you dreaming of your own apartment on the beach with stunning sea views try Downderry a few miles east of Looe. The Cornish Collection has a range of modern apartments, cosy cottages and seafront homes here featuring all the high quality mod cons, as well as HD TV, Sky and underfloor heating throughout. With a balcony, car parking, and a restaurant, pub and general store nearby the area offers many land and water sports, as well as a beach.
