Visitors from near and afar flock to Cornwall during the summer months to experience the county’s sun-soaked coastline and blissful beaches. But many visitors don’t realise how wonderfully wild Cornwall is in the winter months. Keep reading to discover our top 5 reasons to visit Cornwall this winter…
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Cornwall in Winter
1) Quiet, dog-friendly beaches
Although it’s definitely not sunbathing weather here in winter, you’ll be rewarded with beautifully quiet and serene beaches, where people are few and far between. Seasonal dog bans are lifted and miles upon miles of beaches become available to dog walkers – we guarantee your four-legged friends will love running around on Cornwall’s wintery beaches!
Newquay is home to 12 distinct beaches, with each one providing a wonderfully unique experience in the winter months. Our favourites include Fistral Beach, Whipsiderry Beach, Tolcarne Beach, Watergate Bay Beach, Porth Beach, Crantock Beach, Newquay Harbour Beach, Great Western Beach, Holywell Bay Beach, Polly Joke Beach, Perranporth Beach and Mawgan Porth Beach.
2) Wonderful winter walks
The scenic beauty of Cornwall in wintertime is best discovered by foot. Wrap up warm in your woolly hats and scarves and head for the stunning South-West Coastal Path to take in those spectacular views of the wintery Cornish countryside.
Cardinham Woods is a beautiful destination for winter walks in Cornwall, with miles of dog-friendly trails to explore. We love walking this circular 3.5-mile route around Pentire Headland in the winter months to take in those awe-inspiring views. Or, if you’re looking to explore another side of Truro this winter, try out this great walk around the county’s capital city and the Old Newham Railway.
3) Cosy pubs with roaring fires
At the end of a long wintery walk, there’s nothing better than enjoying a refreshing pint and delicious food beside a crackling fire. Cornwall is home to some of the UK’s prettiest pubs, many of which have open fires to enjoy during the colder months.
Some of our favourite cosy pubs with roaring open fires or rustic log burners include The Plume of Feathers in Mitchell, The Tartan Fox, The Two Cloombs and Jamaica Inn in Bodmin.
4) Winter wildlife
Cornwall is a haven for wildlife all year round; but in the winter months, there are some key wildlife highlights to look out for. You may be less likely to spot sharks and dolphins in our shores – but seals, migrating birds and some magnificent mammals can be seen during the colder months.
Discover a wide range of birdlife during the winter months, including finches, tits, nuthatches, and woodpeckers. Birds of prey such as buzzards and hen harriers regularly circle Cornwall’s wintery skies. Grey squirrels can commonly be seen, as well as badgers, deer, otters, and foxes. You may still be able to catch glimpses of common dolphins and whales, but you’re more likely to see grey seals coming up to shore to rest. Look out for wading birds such as herons, ducks, egrets, and geese, too.
5) Fantastic festive events
Cornwall really knows how to put on a show at Christmas time! Our county is home to some amazing indoor and outdoor attractions which help to celebrate the festive season year after year.
Head to the Shipwreck Treasure Museum in Charlestown this Christmas as it transforms into one of the most family-friendly festive places in all of Cornwall. If personalised Santa experiences are more your cup of tea, we recommend visiting Camel Creek for magical festivities throughout the park. Christmas at the Eden Project is not to be missed, with an all-new immersive music and light experience. Or climb aboard the Bodmin & Wenford Railway for a Christmas Murder Mystery and story time with Santa!
Click here to book your winter break in the heart of Cornwall!