A winter trip to Cornwall promises the best of both worlds: days spent outdoors surrounded by nature, with a sprinkling of adventure. Then, cosy afternoons spent next to a restaurant fireplace and evenings curled up in your pyjamas.
With the raw untamed landscapes at their mightiest, Cornwall in winter is a true spectacle to behold. Cornish Christmases are something out of a storybook and the following months offer a lesser-seen side to the county that is full of seasonal romance.
If you’re ready to wrap up warm and embrace the best of the season, winter can be one of the best times of year to visit Cornwall. Here are the top things to do during the winter season.
Kynance Cove
Best for: Spectacular landscapes
Kynance Cove may be Cornwall’s most photographed location, but few people know that the best time to visit is in winter. The beach is often quiet and the landscape is at its most spectacular. Watch waves crash onto the perfect white sand and be amazed by the raw power of the ocean. But don’t forget to time your visit with low tide if you plan on walking along the shoreline. The area around Kynance Cove, known as the Lizard Peninsula, is also a spectacular place for stargazing during the winter months. There’s minimal light pollution making for interrupted views across the cosmos, especially at Mullion Cove and Kynance.
Mousehole
Best for: Harbourside charm
When you close your eyes and imagine a perfect Cornish fishing village it’ll probably look something like Mousehole. Here, teetering cottages peer over the harbour with views stretching towards St Michael’s Mount (also an excellent place to explore in the winter months when it’s quieter). The cobbled streets house galleries and giftshops, whilst the coastal walks allow you to appreciate the best of the surrounding National Landscape. Especially when followed up by one of Cornwall’s best Sunday lunches at local pub The Old Coastguard. But what makes Mousehole truly spectacular in winter is its famous spectacle of Christmas lights, which have been a tradition in the village since 1963. Visit in December or early January to enjoy this special coastal treat.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Best for: Magical light displays
For another spectacular light display, head to the Lost Gardens of Heligan for their Night Garden between November and January. Although a much-loved destination throughout the year for its romantic history, farm animals and 200-acre estate and gardens, the Night Garden Trail provides a feast for your senses which is quite simply jaw-dropping. Led by the soft glow of lanterns, you’ll make your way through the gardens and a series of installations that celebrate the natural world, including larger than life animals, intriguing soundscapes and glittering tunnels of light. For some added winter magic, don’t forget to roast marshmallows on the fire pit and sip mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Mevagissey
Best for: Seafood and empty beaches
Cornwall’s second largest fishing port and an excellent launchpad for the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Mevagissey is a fantastic Cornish winter destination in its own right. During this time of year, you’ll see the authentic side of a Cornish fishing village, where boats still head out from dawn to dusk in search of their next catch. With five pubs to choose from, cosy up next to a roaring fire whilst watching the comings and goings of the village. Or enjoy a relaxing stroll on the nearby beaches of Portmellon, Pentewan, Polstreath or Goran Haven, which you’ll likely have all to yourself. Make sure you tuck into some locally-caught fish and seafood whilst you’re there too – you won’t find better quality anywhere else.
Newquay
Best for: Elemental escapes
Known as a summer surf destination, Newquay has plenty to offer in the winter too. In fact, winter is the best time for surfing here, when you can watch talented locals riding the waves whilst you stroll along a quiet beach or the South West Coast Path. The best way to describe Newquay in winter is elemental, where you can appreciate the power of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the towering cliffs. The low-lying sun creates an often ethereal light combining with the elements to make the scenery mesmerising. After soaking up the landscapes, enjoy an afternoon tea overlooking the ocean, browse the independent high street shops and galleries, or make your way to Blue Reef Newquay Aquarium. Alongside its numerous beaches, Newquay also has a fabulous food and drink offering and plenty of cosy pubs to hunker down in.
Cornwall Seal Sanctuary
Best for: Fans of wildlife
A trip to the Helford River is romantic at any time of year with its tranquil estuaries, hidden coves, and picturesque villages. But during the winter it's also home to one of Cornwall’s best wildlife attractions. Nestled amongst the leafy reaches at the head of the river, you’ll discover the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. They rescue stranded and abandoned seal pups from around the Cornish coast and rehabilitate them before releasing them into the wild again. During winter, your visit will allow you to get up close and personal to these beautiful animals, along with the sanctuary’s permanent residents. Want to see more wildlife? Walk along the river paths for the chance to see herons, cormorants, shags and a whole host of wading birds. And of course, keep an eye out for seals swimming in the wild.
Penzance
Best for: History and culture
If history and culture is more your bag, Penzance has plenty to do. However, it’s still within easy access of some of west Cornwall’s most scenic spots so you get the best of both worlds. The high street is lined with Georgian and Victorian facades, whilst Chapel street is home to quirky buildings like the Egyptian House and old piratey pub The Admiral Benbow. Penlee House Gallery & Museum offers insight to the famous Newlyn School of Painting alongside contemporary works, whilst its alleys conceal a further collection of super galleries, delis and independent shops. Just outside of Penzance lies Chysauster Ancient Village, one of the UK's best-preserved prehistoric settlements. If you’re there for the winter solstice, Montol Festival sees thousands flock to the streets for an eccentric reimagining of the old traditions of the twelve days of Christmas.
Kiln Sauna, Falmouth
Best for: Winter wellbeing
Each winter, beachside saunas pop up around the Cornish coast providing the ultimate solution to winter wellbeing. Kiln Sauna on Gyllyngvase beach in Falmouth is amongst the best, where you can heat up next to a traditional wood-fired stove whilst gazing through the window across one of Falmouth’s best-loved beaches. If you’re feeling brave, jump in the sea afterwards for the ultimate rejuvenation, then warm up with a coffee or a hot chocolate at the award-winning Gylly Beach Café where you can enjoy more views across the ocean. Don’t forget to head into Falmouth town, where you’ll discover award winning eateries, pubs aplenty, and attractions like the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.
St Agnes
Best for: Windswept walks
Once a prosperous mining town, St Agnes is now better known for its surf, strong sense of community, and abundance of wildlife in the ocean and along the cliffs. In winter, you’re just as likely to see a seal bobbing in the coves below as you are another person on the coastal path. Purple heather and reddish bracken line the walking trails, but you’ll probably be distracted by the spectacular views over the sea, or by the crumbling engine houses which make this landscape so unique. Driftwood Spars provides the perfect place to warm up with a drink afterwards, or you can soak up more seaside scenery from the beach cafes at Trevaunance or Chapel Porth. In the town, there are plenty of souvenir shops along with the award-winning St Agnes Bakery and England’s Pub of the Year (2024) The Peterville Inn.
Bodmin Jail
Best for: Rainy day out
Once a centre of Victorian Crime and Punishment and where the Crown Jewels were hidden during WWI, today Bodmin Jail provides a thrilling day out for fans of mystery and history. One of Cornwall’s most popular visitor attractions, a winter visit dodges the crowds whilst also adding to the spooky atmosphere. Take your pick from award-winning tours, paranormal experiences, and the immersive Dark Walk which uses technology and special effects to recreate what it was like to live in an 18th century prison. Beyond the jail, Bodmin’s wild and wonderful landscapes during the winter months are a thing of their own – and the nearby Jamaica Inn and Smugglers Museum is at its most atmospheric this time of year. Stay near Boscastle for easy access to Bodmin, whilst staying in a coastal haven.
Padstow Christmas Fayre
Best for: Foodies
Cornwall is host to a fabulous selection of Christmas markets throughout November and December, but top of the list for a winter break has to be Padstow Christmas Fayre. Taking place from the 4th to 7th December you can expect (free to attend) cooking demonstrations from over fifty chefs, including local legends Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth. Padstow harbour will be lit up with gorgeous twinkling lights and there is live music and ticketed feast events across a range of venues. Beyond the Christmas festivities, during winter a visit to Padstow offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the Camel Trail, surrounding landscapes and to dine in some of Cornwall’s most famous restaurants without the crowds – though double check the dates beforehand as some open for less days each week during the winter season.
Ready to plan your Cornish winter escape? Browse our range of holiday cottages in Cornwall for the ultimate cosy accommodation.