Planning a winter wonderland escape to Cornwall this year? Our beautiful corner of the world may be best known for sensational summer holidays, but the winter months are truly a sight to behold too; creating a spectacular landscape of snow-dusted scenery, where you can breathe in the crisp, fresh air and embark on all kinds of adventures. There’s a whole world of magic to explore in Cornwall this winter, so we’ve put together some of our top recommendations for enchanting walks, allowing you to discover the very best of our incredible county during the winter months. Keep reading to find out more…
Image credit: Sykes Cornwall
Our Recommended Winter Walks in Newquay
1) Newquay to Watergate Bay
During the winter months, a walk along Cornwall’s coastline brings the scenes described in Daphne Du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn to life. Winter storms unleash their power as waves crash against harbour walls and the rain lashes against dramatic cliff edges. A walk along the coast is one of the most incredible ways to witness Cornwall in winter, so it’s no surprise that one of our favourite walks to embark on is from the centre of Newquay to Watergate Bay.
This 3.5 mile walk along the coastal path takes just over one hour to complete and leads you past several stunning sights including Tolcarne Beach and Lusty Glaze Beach before you reach Watergate Bay. There, you’ll have a fantastic choice of food and drink to indulge in at Watergate Bay Hotel, in any of their three unique eateries which all boast fantastic views across the water.
Distance from The Beeches Glamping: 10-minute drive
2) Newquay to Crantock Beach
Another fantastic Cornish coastline walk to discover during the winter months is from Newquay to Crantock Beach. This circular walk rewards intrepid explorers with jaw-dropping views of Towan Headland and Pentire Point, both of which boast a particularly moody atmosphere resulting from the colder winter weather. You can start this walk from the town centre next to the train station, where you can pick up the Southwest Coast Path and follow the marked trail up to Towan Head. You’ll head south along the popular surfing hotspot of Fistral Beach, before reaching Pentire. Then follow the footpath around the headland at Pentire Point and be rewarded with fantastic views overlooking Crantock Beach.
Lewinnick Lodge, situated right on the Pentire Headland, is a must-visit pub for unbeatable views across the beach, boasting a fantastic menu of delicious, traditional pub food and drinks. Thanks to the fire, it’s also exceptionally warm and cosy during the colder months, making for the perfect pit stop after a brisk winter walk.
Distance from The Beeches Glamping: 10-minute drive
3) Crantock to Polly Joke Beach
Once you’ve reached the golden sands of Crantock Beach, you may feel like continuing your journey a little bit further. A nearby location which is well worth a visit is Polly Joke Beach, accessible via a 2-mile walk across the coastal path. Slightly off the beaten track, this little sandy cove is a beautiful spot set away from the main activity of Newquay, which serves up dramatic sights during the winter months.
Cornwall’s beaches are a dog-lover’s heaven from October to March, as most beaches lift their restrictions. This means that miles of deserted sandy beaches are opened up for your four-legged friends to race around on golden sand to their heart’s content.
Distance from The Beeches Glamping: 20-minute drive
4) Cardinham Woods
If you love the great outdoors, then a fantastic woodland adventure awaits you this winter at Cardinham Woods. Deep in the rich green forest lie four stunning walking trails, each one tailored to different abilities. There are also three cycling trails for those looking for more of an adrenaline rush, as well as a children’s play area, picnic area, café, and even a forest school! During wintertime, the forest offers a crisp breath of fresh air and magnificent scenery as the backdrop of your walk. It’s the perfect place to bring the whole family (including your four-legged friends) for an enchanting woodland walk.
When you need to take the weight off your feet, you can refuel with a hot drink and delicious, freshly prepared food at the Woods Café. This family-run, independent café has a small but perfectly formed menu with something for everyone to enjoy, including delicious cakes and scones and locally roasted coffee. During the winter, they even have a roaring log-fire to keep you toasty and warm.
Distance from The Beeches Glamping: 25-minute drive
5) The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Due to Cornwall’s mild climate throughout the year, the county’s many famous gardens are a marvel to visit and explore during any season. The magical Lost Gardens of Heligan are open all year round and are a true delight to experience in winter. If you’re lucky enough to visit during a snowy day, you’ll find the gardens coated in a blanket of fluffy icing!
From Friday 14th November until Saturday 3rd January, you can immerse yourself in their enchanting lantern experience, Heligan Night Garden. Take a journey through the magical garden trail, exploring the woodlands and gardens beautifully lit with inspiring installations and lovely lanterns.
Distance from The Beeches Glamping: 30-minute drive
Enchanting Winter Escapes at The Beeches Glamping
If you’re searching for the perfect accommodation option during your wonderful winter retreat to Cornwall, look no further than The Beeches Glamping. Our glamping site is perfectly situated so you can conveniently enjoy all these awe-inspiring walks and much more, and you’ll find our pods festively decorated from the end of November.
Our stunning glamping pods boast every feature you could possibly need for a charming winter break, allowing you to be at one with nature without sacrificing any creature comforts. As well as a fully equipped kitchen, powerful shower, cosy central heating, and dreamy beds, you’ll also find a smart TV and strong Wi-Fi so you can cosy up at night with your favourite film or Netflix show, and a private outdoor area with benches and a firepit so you can toast marshmallows on mild evenings. Three of our pods have wood-fired hot tubs, where you can relax on a clear night with a glass of something sparkling while you look up at the starry night sky.
We are open all of November and the first two weekends in December then we close until the 13th February 2026. Book your charming winter escape at The Beeches Glamping today!