It’s all over folks! As we bid adieu to the season of goodwill, we’re left with what some claim is the dowdiest month of the year that also features the most officially depressing day: Blue Monday, which falls on the 20th and was created from an ‘equation’ factoring in dark nights, dreary weather, the post-Christmas blues, and debt.
Whether you’re feeling the full extent of the so-called blues or are in the midst of a minor slump, there’s definitely a certain lacklustre at this time of year, so we’ve come up with some ways to make you feel perkier during your stay in Cornwall this month…
Embrace it!
Take what’s bluesy about January and turn it on its head. Get out of bed when it’s dark and find somewhere beautiful to watch the sunrise before returning to your cottage for a hot coffee in front of the fire – or better yet, get back under the duvet and treat yourself to breakfast in bed. Immerse yourself into the elements by surfing in the rain or hiking in the snow, find somewhere spectacular (and warm) to storm watch, and make the most of the season with pub roast dinners, movie nights, comfort food (Cornish style – we’re talking pasties and cream teas aplenty!) and long candlelit suppers.
Indulge yourself
Choose your holiday accommodation with something extra to look forward to, whether it’s sea views, a hot tub, boutique style, gym or even a swimming pool – gift yourself and your loved ones an extra special out-of-season stay. Book a spa day (or get them to come to you, like The Secret Spa Cornwall), buy tickets for a show or concert and generally incorporate a sense of occasion and self-pampering into each day of your holiday.
Extend that festive feeling
With many towns’ Christmas lights kept on into the New Year, you can gradually ease yourself out of yuletide by attending various post-Christmas events that maintain its magic (like Heligan by Night or Mousehole Christmas Lights - both until 4th January or Lanterns & Lights at National Maritime Museum Cornwall until 5th January).
Try a stint of ice skating at Eden (until 23rd February), the Festive Family Trail at Cotehele (until 5th January), and keep your decorations up that little bit longer (tradition says the 12th night after Christmas, which is the 5th January) – or remove the baubles from but keep your tree potted inside as a green reminder of the festivities (and springtime to come!)
Get active and outdoors
Give yourself a vitamin D and endorphin boost by being outdoors as much as possible during your stay, which will elevate your mood and give you that wonderful back-to-nature feeling associated with restoration and relaxation.
There is a bounty of different alfresco options available, from the ocean and countryside to coastal path, cove, river and rugged moorland – so pick a place and activity to suit and feel the blues evaporate. Create a history tour and visit the county’s plethora of standing stones, cycle Cornwall’s World Heritage Mining Sites and walk sections of the South West Coast Path.
For the ultimate in activity-laden days out, the aptly named, Adrenalin Quarry in Menheniot offers an assortment of fun, from zip wiring, axe throwing and go-karting to giant inflatables at their Aquapark. Alternatively, burn some energy with a trip to a swimming pool or water park (such as Retallack Aqua Park, Waterworld in Newquay, Ships & Castles in Falmouth).
Visit an attraction
Entertain the family with a spot of cinema, soft play or bowling, while Cornwall is home to a host of attractions that are perfect for a January holiday. With many boasting indoor and outdoor spaces, you can take cover or grab some fresh air (weather and mood dependent) at an eclectic range of must-sees including the Eden Project, Bodmin & Wenford and Lappa Valley Railways, Bodmin Jail, Camel Creek Adventure Park, Kidzworld Cornwall, Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Newquay Zoo, Flambards, Land’s End, National Maritime Museum, Paradise Park, Tintagel Castle (and cross the brand new 50 meter-wide footbridge crossing over a 190 foot gorge), Tate St Ives and Wheal Martyn.