Late Summer, Spring and Autumn Holidays in Cornwall.
Cornwall is not just about those lazy, sunny days on the beach. It has so much more to offer especially in the quieter out of season months, this is when it sheds the summer hustle and bustle and becomes wondrously free to roam and explore.
Cornish Holiday properties are in fantastic locations around Cornwall offering the ideal opportunity to get away from it all. Have some peace and quiet enabling you to relax and unwind while being warm and cosy at a fraction of the cost you would pay in the summer months.
Rock opposite Padstow (Credit – Visit Cornwall – Adam Gibbard)
Open every day of the year you can simply pick your preferred dates, book online direct with us and look forward to a wonderful stay. If its a last minute get away you are looking for just book this through our website or get in touch and our friendly team will be pleased to help.
Many attractions are open during this time and the sea can actually retain a lot of its warmth from the summer months in the autumn, so if you do fancy a swim it’s a great time to visit.
Cornwall is one of the first places to feel the effects of spring with flowers blooming earlier than other areas. Its mild and temperate climate can have an exotic feel as the area is able to cultivate species of plants not often grown in other areas of the country.
There are some wonderful gardens to visit; the likes of Heligan or the Eden Project along with the slightly less well-known Glendurgan, Trengwainton, Trebah or Trelissick and other National Trust gardens.
The Eden Project (Credit – Visit Cornwall – Matt Jessop)
The Mud Maid at the Lost Gardens of Heligan (Credit: Visit Cornwall – Toby Strong)
Many gardens have a café or tea shop where you can relax in the warm and shelter to discuss the wonders you have just seen or perhaps sit and gaze out the window at the beauty all around you.
If you ever have the good fortune to find yourself in Cornwall in the winter, consider yourself very lucky, as to many this is the best time of year of all. Winter in Cornwall can be both more dramatic and more serene than any other season. It’s an ideal time to unwind, relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The run up to Christmas offers a host of Christmas markets for those special, unique, and locally produced gifts for your loved ones. By making a purchase not only are you finding a wonderful present, but you are supporting and helping local families and communities.
Also take the time to travel around and see the Christmas lights which can be found in many towns and villages, don’t forget the famous Mousehole Christmas Lights which decorate the harbour and properties throughout the village.
If you are lucky enough to be staying over new year, then look out for the fireworks which you can watch from a safe vantage point on the cliffs and see them light up the night sky.
Quite the spectacle.
Walking in Cornwall
Walking in Cornwall is a wonderful way to explore and see things that perhaps would otherwise pass you by.
The coast path can take you to secluded bays and beaches as well as showing you glimpses of the bygone age of mining. Keep your eyes peeled as you may see a seal bobbing off shore, lying on a beach or even a basking shark or dolphin just off the coast. There are also lots of birds that visit the Cornish shores and can often be seen nesting precariously on the cliffs.
Alternatively you have Bodmin Moor and also Dartmoor just over the border in Devon which offer great walking inland. The tors and natural beauty of the moors can be breath-taking in the autumn, winter and spring.
A great website and App to use is www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk which gives a wonderful range of walks suitable for all ages and abilities. Linked to GPS it also helps guide you to find your way around.
Bodmin Moor (Credit: Visit Cornwall – Adam Gibbard)
The South West Coast Path at Port Issac (Credit: Visit Cornwall – Adam Gibbard)
St Michaels Mount
If you haven’t been before, St Michaels Mount is definitely worth a visit. If you have been before it’s still a fabulous place to come back to. If you are National Trust members, it’s even better as it won’t cost you to get in.
Opening times and ordering your tickets is online, but even if the castle is closed you are still very welcome to walk across the causeway and around the island.
St Michaels Mount (Credit Visit Cornwall – Matt Jessop)
Some other attractions which are open in Cornwall in the quieter months are:-
The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth.
A fascinating array of boats, hands on activities, exhibitions, science, stories and history. Perfect for a rainy day!
The Eden Project
Explore massive covered Biomes to trek through the world’s largest indoor rainforest and immerse yourself in the calm fragrance of the Mediterranean Biome. Enjoy extensive Outdoor Gardens, contemporary artworks, performance and storytelling. Discover places to rest, play and eat, and pick up inspiring ideas to take home on how to care for the planet that cares for you.
Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay
Explore the aquarium and the fascinating creatures that call it home. Head indoors to the ‘comfort’ of the shark tunnel for a slice of marine wildlife action. Make sure you catch some of the daily talks and feeds on your visit
Minack Theatre, Porthcurno
A fascinating, working open air theatre, pearched high up on the cliff above Porthcurno beach. Even if the performers have packed up for the season the beauty of the Minack Theatre and Porthcurno Bay is still well worth a visit. You must book in advance as its very popular.
Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek
Winter is pup rescue season for the Cornish Seal Sanctuary which means it’s a great time to visit to see this rehabilitation centre at its busiest.
sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org
Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan
Pull your wellies on you’ve got 200 acres of garden history, mystery and romance to discover. Thirty years ago, Heligan’s historic gardens were unknown and unseen; lost to the brambles of time since the outbreak of WW1. It was only the chance discovery of a door in the ruins that led to the restoration of this once great estate. Today, The Lost Gardens have been put back where they belong: in pride of place among the finest gardens in England.
Trebah Garden, nr Falmouth
Take a walk down to the private beach and warm up with some homemade soup in the café. It’s what winter days are made for!
Experience the magical essence of a sub-tropical Cornish garden, steeped in heritage, creativity and the spirit of innovation.
Four miles of footpaths wind through dazzling exotic planting, transporting you from a little corner of England to sunnier climes. The private beach, and the countless secret corners waiting to be discovered in the garden, offers the perfect escape for all ages.
Paradise Park, Hayle
Welcome to Paradise Park, a haven for wildlife and a great family day out. The conservation work of this wildlife sanctuary doesn’t stop for the winter and nor does the fun. Visit for wildlife encounters and indoor fun in the Jungle Barn.
National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow
This marine conservation charity does vital work to conserve lobster stocks. See teeny tiny baby lobsters as they are given a helping hand to grow before being released into the sea and make friends with the resident giant lobsters.
What makes it unique is that their work is specifically related to a commercial species – The European Lobster and in the last few years they have successfully established themselves as a centre of expertise on a global scale.
Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm, nr Truro
There’s nothing like a drop of Cornish Scrumpy to warm you up on a winter’s day! See it being made and say ‘hi’ to the friendly farmyard animals.
Deep in the heart of the Cornish countryside, a family-run farm that’s been lovingly making award-winning cyders, wines, spirits, juices, preserves, and sauces for nearly 40 years.
Newquay Zoo
Visit in the winter and catch the animals showing off different behaviours with the change in seasons. Discover hundreds of the world’s most amazing animals, living among the beautiful gardens at Newquay Zoo. One of Cornwall’s most exciting visitor attractions in the heart of Newquay, it’s a place to roam, discover, learn and get in touch with nature.
Cornwall is wonderful at any time of year especially in the quieter months. We hope to welcome you very soon.
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Glorious Cornwall, stay with us and you will never want to go home!
Here at Cornish Holiday we offer wonderful, self-catering accommodation. Cornwall has dramatic coastlines, years of mining history, rugged moorland, attractions and theme parks. There really is nowhere better than Cornwall to spend time and create memories which will last forever. Cornish Holiday properties are inspected every year and receive a star rating by Visit England. Also being members of PASC (Professional Association of Self Caterers), you can feel reassured and have peace of mind when booking your stay.
Every year Cornish Holiday donate to Cancer Research UK and by staying with us helps fund vital research.