To convince you to get festive Kernow-style, we’ve listed seven reasons to visit during Christmas and New Year. This is indeed a special time to visit Cornwall, as the season has so many unique qualities, which is enhanced by Cornwall’s stunning coastline, impressive food & drink offering and slightly warmer climate.
And if you want a place to stay during Christmas or New Year, we have a collection of lovely homes to hunker down in.
1. Escape the madding crowds
Winter gives you something that you’ll never find in summer, space to enjoy the beaches, villages and coastlines without the queues and crowds. You can find splendid isolation.
2. Space at your favourite restaurants
In summer you might struggle to get your preferred place at your favourite restaurant. In winter, you have the pick of the litter.
Cottage pick: anything in Port Gaverne is seconds from an award-winning pub and a short stroll from the many places to dine out in Port Isaac, including the Michelin star chef Nathan Outlaw
3. Getting the hygge feel
After a blustery walk or fresh dip in the sea, there’s nothing like warming yourself in your cosy holiday cottage, chalet, barn or apartment. There are a range of unique places that make perfect bases for this type of winter adventuring. Some even have a wood-burners for extra warmth and ambiance.
Cottage pick: Mowhay Barn (pictured above) is a cosy conversion with hygge interiors set to the max.
4. Storm-watching
Winter storms are a spectacle, with gargantuan Atlantic waves crashing against the exposed peninsula of Cornwall. Porthleven (pictured above) is particularly famous for making the headlines. Top cottages to watch big waves in comfort include:
- Port Gaverne: Lower Tregudda with views of Cornwall’s rugged north coast.
- Coverack: Epic View perched on an exposed headland in the Lizard
- Gwithian: Dune Lodge with views across St Ives Bay
5. The Christmas day dip
Join the locals in an icy Christmas day dip. Needless to say, you’ll deserve your Christmas dinner after a few moments in the cold Atlantic blue.
Cottage pick: Castaway Cottage in Gwithian has an outdoor shower to warm up after a fresh sea swim!
6. Cornwall loves dogs!
Most dog bans run to the end of October, so by this time all your favourite beaches will welcome your furry friend(s) too.
7. Surfing the seasonal swell
This time of the year sees a good share of swell for all those who love riding the waves. Even better, you don’t need to share the line up with hundreds of other surfers and you can usually find space for yourself. Just remember to pack your winter wetsuit, booties, gloves and hood — because it’s going to be cold!
Cottage pick: The Bolthole is above the famous Sunset Surf café in Gwithian and offers free surfboard hire.
