Should the lure of crunchy-leafed walks, coppery vistas, and the glow of crackling fires call to you, why not start planning an unforgettable autumn holiday? A dazzling jewel between the sun-kissed days of summer and the slumber of winter, this seasonal gem is one of the best times of year to visit Cornwall. Promising all kinds of magic to enjoy, it’s just perfect for those cosy cottage getaways filled with slow mornings sipping hot brews and relaxed afternoons exploring in the crisp air.
If you can’t wait to pull on your favourite layers and head out into the auburn embrace of autumn, here are some of the best places to visit in Cornwall this season.
Cardinham Woods
Best for: Woodland walks and bike rides
One of the best woodlands to visit in Cornwall, the 265-hectare Cardinham Woods near Bodmin beckons for autumn adventures. Perfect for wooded walks, it features a number of family and dog-friendly footpaths that twist and turn through the trees, past beautiful viewpoints and unique historical relics. Making this leafy destination even more tempting is the network of cycling and mountain biking trails that weave through the woods. Composed of hard-packed gravel, the mountain bike trails offer a particularly unique challenge for those looking for two-wheeled adventures. From the 6-mile Bodmin Beast for intermediate bikers to the mile-long Hell’s Teeth for experienced off-pisters, there is something for everyone. Round off your visit with a mug of something warming at Woods Café, a well-loved spot nestled within the trees.
St Ives
Best for: Arts, crafts, and beautiful beaches
No matter what interests you, there’s always something to inspire in St Ives. From sampling its sea-view restaurants and browsing its boutique shops to enjoying lovely walks, there’s endless possibilities for slow autumn days. Under crisp blue skies, St Ives’ beaches are especially enchanting and offer an unrivalled way to connect with the landscapes. In the centre of the town, Harbour Beach is overlooked by restaurants and pubs, making it a great choice for sandy wanders before meals. A short walk away along the coast path, Carbis Bay is also a dream for walks in the fresh sea air and is dog-friendly in autumn. If rain clouds make an appearance, you can visit one of the town’s galleries, including the Tate St Ives, which showcases the works of local artists alongside international icons.
Tintagel
Best for: Legendary local folklore
Famed for its dramatic coastline and fascinating folklore, Tintagel boasts one of the most storybook-worthy settings in Cornwall. With lots of things to do, its most famous attraction has to be Tintagel Castle. Overflowing with history, this Cornish castle perches on a rocky promontory above the sea and dates back to the 1200s – though its original foundations date back much further. Long entwined with myth and lore, it is most famously connected to the legendary King Arthur and Excalibur. Cross Tintagel’s footbridge to reach the castle, ready to explore its salt-crusted remains and discover its ancient tales. You can also visit nearby Merlin’s Cave from the beach below. With plenty to capture your imagination in the daytime, this castle is also believed to be one of the most haunted in Cornwall.
Eden Project
Best for: Ice skates and jungle dates
For one of the best days out in Cornwall, pop the Eden Project on your autumn itinerary. A magical garden in Cornwall, the Eden Project is renowned for its enormous tropical biomes filled with exotic plants. Home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest, its bubble-esque biomes flourish with over a thousand different species of plants. For a wonderfully warming autumn attraction, head to its Mediterranean and rainforest hubs to walk the corners of the globe. In the jungle biome, you can even cross a treetop walkway to get a bird’s eye view of the luscious medley below. For a more timeless autumn feel, you can visit Eden’s ice-skating rink which opens in October and runs until February each year. Pull on your warmest layers and get your skates on to enjoy this magical setting.
Falmouth
Best for: Food and festivals
The south coast idyll of Falmouth is a magnetic destination with walks, beaches, galleries, and gardens galore. As well as the town’s many places to visit, it’s Falmouth’s foodie offerings that make it especially inviting. All around its bunting-lined streets, characterful pubs and cool bars, dog-friendly restaurants, and waterside cafés serve up delicious treats. From local dishes rustled up with seasonal produce to world-favourites infused with mouth-watering spices, every taste is catered for. Adding a fun twist to celebrations is the Falmouth Oyster Festival. A huge hit on the county’s food festival calendar, Falmouth Oyster Festival usually takes place in October each year and promises a shucking good time with food demos, tasting sessions, and lots of live entertainment.
Tehidy Woods
Best for: Autumn colours
Pull on your thickest socks and cosiest boots and set forth on an autumnal walk in Tehidy Woods. A beautiful stretch of woodland nudging the county’s north coast, this magical woodland is a great place for solo wanders and family outings alike. Walk through the woods to explore its 9 miles of footpaths that meander through 250 acres of trees. With several different access points around the woodland, such as North Cliff and South Drive, it offers a nice and easy way to immerse in nature and enjoy the ever-changing colours of the seasons. To warm you up, you can make a little pitstop at the dog-friendly Tehidy Woods Café, where a range of seasonally inspired delights are served, including plenty of hot drinks.
Bude
Best for: Beach trips and ocean dips
One of the best things about autumn is the way the county adopts a much slower pace. This is particularly noticeable on Cornwall’s beaches, where great swathes of sand can often be enjoyed with only a few other people scattered around. In Bude, you can find a collection of these big sandy beaches perfect for blustery walks in the sea air. As well as those within walking distance of the town, there’s also several more a short drive away, meaning there’s always somewhere to walk, surf, or simply soak up the views. To make your autumn escape extra special, time a low-tide trip to Summerleaze beach with a sea pool dip. Carved into the rocks, Bude Sea Pool provides year-round bathing in a semi-natural tidal pool on the edge of the ocean.
Lost Gardens of Heligan
Best for: Tranquil gardens
The Lost Gardens of Heligan cover an impressive 200 acres of bosky estate near Mevagissey. One of the best places to visit in autumn in Cornwall for leafy walks and peaceful gardens, it welcomes visitors of all ages to soak up its atmospheric setting. For an exotic touch, amble along avenues of red acers under giant, ruby-coloured leaves. For more familiar footpaths, trace the garden’s trails through mature native woodland filled with English oaks, gold beeches, and sycamores. To add a novel twist to Heligan adventures, you can also head over in time for one of the attraction’s events, including its Autumn Harvest Festival. During this annual event, look out for produce from the gardens and estate, as well as tasting sessions, cooking demonstrations, and cider tasting.
Marazion
Best for: Fairytale views
Overlooking the beautiful Mount’s Bay, Marazion in West Cornwall sits pretty in a storybook setting. An idyllic village by the sea, Marazion is made all the more fairytale by the unmistakable silhouette of St Michael’s Mount. A historic island castle, St Michael’s Mount is an iconic sight along the coast and is well-known for its 900-year-old castle surrounded by steep gardens shrouded in subtropical vegetation. Several hundred feet from the shore, it’s connected to the mainland at low tide via a cobbled causeway that disappears when the sea returns. In autumn, Marazion and its honey-coloured beach make for a wonderful place to stroll, while from October each year, access to the Mount’s harbour and village is free to visit during select opening hours.
Truro
Best for: City culture à la Cornwall
For those dreamy autumn days where nothing but the creamiest hot chocolates, fullest bookstores, and cutest boutiques will do, turn your attention to Truro. Cornwall’s only city, Truro sits at the top of the Truro River in the heart of the county and calls for everything from bottomless brunches to leisurely shopping. Wander along the cobbled streets and step inside some of the many shops and cafés to escape the autumnal chill, ready to scour shelves and menus for local wares and fare to enjoy. From well-known high street names to independent hubs, there’s all sorts to capture your interest. Should you feel like continuing your adventure, you can also visit nearby Trelissick, home to riverside dog-friendly paths through autumn trees.
Ready to begin your autumn adventure? Explore our cosy holiday cottages in Cornwall and start planning your dream escape!