Category: Activities

Christmas in Cornwall

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, Cornwall is a magical time at Christmas. The county is lit up with lights, the fields are dusted with frost and the festive cheer is in full swing. What better time to wrap up warm head outside for a winter holiday you’ll never forget!

We provide the accommodation, you wrap up warm and Cornwall does the rest!

Here’s what’s on over the Christmas period:

Ice Skating at Eden Project
19 Oct – 2 Jan

 

Meet Father Christmas and real reindeer, enjoy an enchanting lantern parade whilst sipping hot chocolate and ice skate at Eden Project.

Truro City of Lights
20 November

Head to the most south-Westerly city in England and see the streets alight with a festive light parade.

Trereife Christmas Fair
22 Nov – 24 Nov

Over the weekend you can enjoy fantastic shopping, great food and arts and crafts all under the cover of a warm marquee. There’s nothing like Christmas shopping to get you in the festive spirit.

Santa Fun Runs
27 Nov – 14 Dec

In Land’s End, Padstow and Falmouth a whole sea of santas will be partaking in an annual fun run to raise money for Cornwall Hospice Care.

27 November- Truro (Late Night Santa Run)
30 November – Land’s End
1 December – Newquay (Santa’s on the Beach)
7 December – Wadebridge-Padstow (Santa Cycle)
7 December – Padstow
8 December – Heartlands
14 December – Falmouth (Super Santa-Day)

Fowey Christmas Market
29 Nov – 1 Dec

This beautiful seaside town hosts a festive weekend full of entertainment, food and drink and plenty of opportunity to pick up some great Christmas gifts.

Padstow Christmas Festival
5 Dec – 8 Dec

Head to Padstow, only a few miles from our properties at Beach Retreats to embrace the festive season. See this Cornish fishing harbour come to life with celebrity chefs, culinary delights and festive fun.

Mousehole Christmas Lights
14 Dec – 4 Jan

Probably the most talked about display of festive lights in Cornwall. Mousehole really put on a dazzling show by lighting up the entire harbour, in and out of the sea.

Which event will you attend this Christmas?

Things to do this October half term in Cornwall

Halloween is the theme this October half term in Cornwall.

If you and your family are coming to Cornwall this October half term we’ve got you covered. With so much going on in the county it’s hard to know what to do, but we’ve narrowed it down to five great half-term activities that the kids and grown-ups will love!

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

1. Eden Project

Halloween is also the theme at the Eden Project this half term, where kids can make potions, protection charms, carve pumpkins and learn about creatures of the night. On Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th October, Eden Project will be hosting the Little Monsters’ Ball ; get your fancy dress on and join them for a fang-tastic evening with a boneshaking disco on the ice rink. Buy your tickets here: http://www.edenproject.com/

Halloweden, Eden Project

2. Maritime Museum, Falmouth

Enter the world of search and resuce and discover the real life experiences of men and women saving lives on the Cornish coast. Climb aboard a Sea King helicopter, explore a lifeboat and hit the ‘beach’ on a quad bike. On October 31st children are invited to explore the museum by torch light, make monster masks and bloodcurdling badges from 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Buy your tickets here: http://www.nmmc.co.uk/

Check out more of what Falmouth has to offer by staying in one of our bespoke retreats in Falmouth.

3. Visit a National Trust event

Godolphin is hosting ‘Halloween Happenings’; join the spooky spiders and wicked witches in their activities throughout the garden on 26th October from 10am.
Or join Lanhydrock for a spooky trail; follow the clues around the gardens to win a prize. 26th – 31st October from 10am – 4pm.
But if you are ready for a fright visit Cothele, from 6pm on 26th October, and explore the ‘haunted’ house and meet paranormal members of Devon’s undiscovered. Remember to bring a torch.
More events and information here.

4. Explore one of 200 beaches

Cornwall has over 200 beaches to discover all with different qualities. Check out the beaches close to your Beach Retreats home such as Watergate Bay and Mawgan Porth and let us know what you find in the rockpools and sea caves. Or take to the water for a surf lesson; autumn is a great time of year to learn to surf, the water is warm and the surf is clean and consistent.

Start November with a bang by exploring the best local firework displays for Bonfire Night, offering spectacular shows and festive fun for the whole family.

Getting Active in Cornwall | Classes & Activities

We are often asked about fitness classes and activities around Cornwall. Although you are on holiday and indulging in some much needed rest and relaxation there are plenty of ways you can get out and get active in Cornwall.

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a swimming pool? Check out our cottages with a swimming pool for a relaxing getaway.

Bootcamps

Motive8me at Watergate Bay
Every Wednesday morning from 7.30am – 8.30am at Watergate Bay.
Come rain or shine Motive8me bootcamp will be on the beach ready to start your morning properly. All abilities welcome!
£5 per session.
More information here or email info@motive8me.com

Bootcamp TR7
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7.00am – 7.45am at Newquay Sports Centre.
£3.50 per session.
More information here or email bootcamptr7@gmail.com

AJ Fitness
Start and finish the week right with AJ Fitness bootcamp at Mawgan Porth.
Mondays and Fridays 7.00am – 8.00am
£4 per session, advance booking is advised due to limited spaces.

Spinning Class at Watergate Bay Hotel

Each Tuesday and Thursday at 8.00am throughout the summer, Watergate Bay Hotel run cardio cycle classes. Sessions are 40 minutes long, with an experienced cardio cycle instructor and are suitable for both beginners and the experienced.
£6 per session.
To book your place please call 01637 860543 option 3 or email swimclub@watergatebay.co.uk

Synergy Yoga

Come and absorb yourself in nature. Each Saturday from 7.30am – 8.30am, Synergy Yoga will host beginner yoga lessons on the grass at Pentire, opposite The Bay Hotel, overlooking Fistral Beach.
£5 per session.
You will need to bring a mat or large beach towel.

Tennis

Hire a court for the day at Heron Centre, Newquay. With both indoor and outdoor courts this activity is not weather dependant. Rackets and balls are also available to hire for the day.
Find out more here.

Horse Riding

What better way to explore Cornwall then by horse. Take a group ride through the countryside on either a trek or a hack. Children, beginners and experienced riders all welcome.
Find out more here.

Watersports

Make the most of being so close to the Atlantic Ocean and get in the water. Try a variety of different watersports incluiding surfing, kitesurfing, hand planing and SUP.

Surf schools:
Extreme Academy at Watergate Bay
King Surf School at Mawgan Porth

Want to stay in Newquay? Have a look at our luxury holiday properties in Newquay.

Browse our beach locations to find your favourite active spot, and keep an eye on our special offers page for discounted stays by the sea.

Explore the beauty of new traditions with our guide, inviting you to embrace fresh experiences and create lasting memories along the Cornish coast.

King of the Castles

From the birthplace of King Arthur to Henry VIII’s chain of formidable fortresses, a world-famous 12th-century island fortification to striking ancient strongholds, take a trip back in time with some of our favourite castles in Cornwall.

Tintagel Castle, Tintagel

Perched on the rugged, sea-lashed cliffs of the North Cornwall coast, these dramatic ruins are said to have been the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur. With settlements here dating back at least as far as the late Roman period, this iconic place is steeped in history and it’s easy to imagine yourself part of the mythology as you navigate the steep, craggy paths and explore the mysterious nearby Merlin’s Cave.

Pendennis Castle & St Mawes Castle, Falmouth

Like grand, twin gate posts marking the entrance to the Carrick Roads from the open sea, Pendennis Castle in Falmouth and St Mawes Castle, on the opposite headland, are some of the best preserved of Henry VIII’s coastal artillery fortresses. Built in the mid 16th century to help guard against attack from France and Spain, their fascinating story continues up to the 20th century when they saw significant action during the First and Second World Wars. Take in both castles in one day using the hourly ferry service across the Fal estuary.

Check out more of what Falmouth has to offer by staying in one of our bespoke retreats in Falmouth.

St Michael’s Mount, Penzance

Surely one of the most recognisable castles in all of the UK, the sight of St Michael’s Mount emerging from the mists of Mounts Bay on a crisp winter’s day is stunning to witness. The craggy island, completely cut off from the mainland at high tide, is home to a magnificent medieval church and castle as well as a small residential community. Cross the cobbled causeway to start your adventure, catch the boat if the path has disappeared under the waves, or simply sit and soak up the fantastic view over a cream tea in nearby Marazion village.

Carn Brea Castle, nr Redruth

You’ll be hard pushed to find a castle experience quite like Carn Brea. This imposing 14th century building, which seems to grow directly from the giant outcrop visible from many miles around, was given its current facelift in the 18th century when it was modelled into a folly-like hunting lodge. Rather unbelievably, the castle is now home to a Middle Eastern restaurant where you can dine by candlelight enclosed by the thick granite walls and warm welcome of a genuine Cornish castle.

Visiting Cornwall for a workcation? Have a look at our holiday lets perfect for extended stays and working.

Discover perfect large self-catering family holiday lets for summer, offering spacious accommodations and unforgettable experiences along the Cornish coast.

Pubs with Music and Comedy in Cornwall

Driftwood Spars, St Agnes

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a swimming pool? Check out our cottages with a swimming pool for a relaxing getaway.

The Driftwood Spars on the coast in St Agnes has a more traditional pub feel and has been putting on live music for almost 50 years. With everything from folk to reggae, the Driftwood Spars have hosted bands that went on to become household names, such as Reef and Feeder – so you may well be seeing the next big thing as you sip your pint. The food here has a good reputation, too – and they’ve even got their own microbrewery so real ale fans will be happy.

Check out more of St Agnes and explore our luxury St Agnes holiday cottages. 

Driftwood Spars, St Agnes

Driftwood Spars
Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0RT, Tel. 01872 552 428

 

Less formal still are Thursday evenings at the Bowgie Inn near Newquay. The weekly jam session is a lucky dip of style and quality, but you might just be treated to a real gem. It’s a venue that’s popular with locals and visitors alike; a pint at one of the garden tables overlooking Crantock beach always makes a good sundowner.

Bowgie Inn, Newquay

The Bowgie Inn
West Pentire, Crantock, Cornwall, TR8 5SE, Tel. 01637 830363

 

The Blue Bar, on the beach at Porthtowan, holds regular comedy nights throughout the year, usually on the last Thursday of the month. The acts can be edgy, so it’s definitely an over-18 door policy. The Blue Bar is relaxed and friendly, there’s a good menu, an even better view and tables outside if the weather is being kind.

Blue Bar, Porthtowan

Blue Bar
Eastcliff, Beach Road, Porthtowan, Cornwall, TR4 8AW, Tel. 01209 890 329

Looking for a fantastic restaurant in Cornwall? Check out some of our favourite restaurants with stunning sea views.

St Ives, Cornwall

St Ives has long been associated with art but the days of snapping up a good original painting for a pittance are long gone. What you will find in St Ives are a number of good quality galleries selling local pieces, many of which are from established local artists. The price tags of the most exciting pieces can be seriously budget-blowing, but a browse can often unearth some lovely and affordable artisan crafts. Poppy Treffry is the sweetest gallery with textiles and ceramics at reasonable prices – you’ll see hand-embroidered iPad ‘cosies’, mugs and teapots and framed pictures.

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a hot tub? Check out our cottages with a hot tub for a relaxing getaway.

Worth a peek is the Art Space Gallery near the harbour. This is owned by a cooperative of local artists, all with very different styles and working in a variety of mediums. The displays change each month, so there is always new work to see.

If the art vibe of the town has piqued your interest but an original is not on the financial agenda, the shop at the iconic Tate Gallery has good reproductions of lots of the work from the famous ‘St Ives School’ of artists, as well as books, pottery and other lovely gifts. The café here has extraordinary views over the old town and out to sea; it’s a good spot for a break and if you only want to visit the shop and café here, you don’t have to pay for entry to the gallery itself.

St Ives has a growing gourmet movement and there are some excellent independent shops stocking edible treats. I Should Coco is a dangerously addictive place full of hand-made artisan truffles created in St Ives; their two week shelf life tells you how pure the ingredients are – no nasty preservatives here. The Digey Food Room is a deli/café combination that specialises in Cornish and Continental foods. You can relax with coffee and cake then take home some top-notch ingredients for dinner later. And if the seaside is making you crave ice cream, the Moomaid of Zennor parlour has the best; the milk comes from their own herd at the farm just down the road. With flavours like blackcurrant cheesecake and seasalt caramel, you might want several scoops.

To make an event of lunch, try the Porthminster Beach Restaurant. Just outside the main hub of St Ives and sitting right on the sand, the emphasis is on seafood here, although there are good choices for meat-eaters and vegetarians. The food is simple but made with excellent ingredients and the location is dreamy.

Thinking about staying in St Ives? Have a look at our luxury St Ives holiday properties.

Explore further

Art Space Gallery
The Wharf, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1PU, Tel. 01736 799744

Poppy Treffry
Drill Hall, Chapel Street, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2LR, Tel. 01736 795494

Tate St Ives
Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1TG, Tel. 01736 796226

I Should Coco
39 Fore Street, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1HE, Tel. 01736 798756

The Digey Food Rooms
6 The Digey, St ives, Cornwall, TR26 1HR, Tel. 01736 799600

Moomaid of Zennor
1 Wharf Road, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1LG, Tel. 01736 799285

Porthminster Beach Restaurant
Porthminster Beach, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2EB, Tel. 01736 795352

 

Discover the perfect romantic getaway in Cornwall with our guide to where to stay for couples.