1. Embrace the elements – Cornwall is stunning and unpredictable in winter, the air is crisp and rich with smell of seasalt and drifting wood smoke, the coastline is alive with the restless ocean waves and although it can be chilly, there is a real sense of warmth that radiates from the whole community. Every walk becomes an adventure and no two days are the same.
2. See Cornwall in a different light – For a very special peek into a mysterious, after dark Cornish experience, tiptoe around the Lost Gardens of Heligan at night. The Heligan Night Garden experience is one you won’t forget, and runs from14th November to 2nd January.
Find out more about the Heligan Night Garden here.
Another must-see, ‘illuminating’ attraction is the dazzling Mousehole light display from mid December throughout the festive season. Historic, quaint and full of Christmas spirit, the little harbour of Mousehole attracts vistors from far and wide for it’s annual display, and must be experienced.
Read about the Mousehole Christmas lights here.
3. Step inside stories of a magical world – Experience ‘Dead of Night’ by Rogue Theatre, follow magical paths into the woods whilst listening to enchanting tales told by the woodland spirits themselves.
Find out more about Rogue Theatre here.
4. Fill stockings with handmade, unique presents – There are so many Christmas markets and craft faires to discover throughout Cornwall; Our top picks are the Fowey Christmas Market from 8th-10th December, and Truro Christmas Street Market from Wednesday 29th November.
See the full list of festive markets here.
5. Festive ride on a steam train – Childrens favourite! Take them on the Bodmin steam railway and create dreamlike memories of riding the steam train and receiving presents from Santa himself.
6. Get your skates on – The Eden project holds its own magic in wintertime as it plays stage to a giant ice rink. Book your place and slide on over!
Find out times and days here.
7. Heave ho! Stumble into a Sea Shanty – We love a good shanty! St Ives will host more than 20 shanty groups spread over two days in November, with all proceeds going to the RNLI and Childrens’ Hospice South West. These hearty, traditional songs of toil, hardship and a life on the ocean waves always stir the soul and give goosebumps! 24th/25th November.
Find out more about the Shanty Shout here.
8. A healthy dose of Christmas spirit – Theatre is an understated element in Cornwall and this is the time for our theatre groups to go a little wild! Not to be missed are ‘Dancing in a Winter Wonderland’ at Truro’s refurbished Hall for Cornwall, featuring stars from TV’s Strictly Come Dancing and the magic of Peter Pan at Hall for Cornwall.
9. Find a warm, cosy pub and stay a while – One of Cornwall’s understated winter pleasures. Take a long walk along the coastal path from St Ives to Zennor and reach the very cosy Tinners Arms. Further on you’ll find The Gurnards Head, both pubs with log fires and dog friendly.
10. What’s the rush? Make the most of the beautiful site, extensive leisure facilities and wonderful restaurant and bar at Una. There’ll be a festive buzz in the air and, should you wish, you can join in Christmas Fayres, crafty workshops, charty carol evenings with the St Ives Community Choir.