See a twinkling harbour light up, sip on mulled wine in front of a crackling fire and embrace the elements with a winter walk on Christmas morning. Whether you are looking for a cosy bolthole for two, or a large family holiday home with all the trimmings, we have properties available for a Christmas to remember.

See 10 festive properties below now with 20% off a five or seven night break.

Ivy Cottage, Watergate Bay, sleeps 10

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break.

Ivy Cottage is a Grade II listed house, located just a two-minute drive from Watergate Bay in north Cornwall. Sleeping 10 guests, it is the perfect celebration for your Christmas 2019 holiday. Put your feet up after a day of exploring in front of the crackling fire and enjoy the original features including wooden floor boards, wooden ceilings, exposed stone work and a comfortable window seat looking out to the front garden.

The kids can take their pick of 5 beautifully designed bedrooms over two floors, while Mum soaks in the bubbly free standing claw foot bath.

On Christmas Day, guests can enjoy drinks in Watergate Bay’s brand new bar – Watchful Mary 12-4.

Find out more about Ivy Cottage.

Ferrypoint, Rock, sleeps 6

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break.

With picture-perfect views over the estuary, Ferrypoint is a firm favourite for those wanting to explore the best of both in Rock and Padstow, north Cornwall. The ferry picks visitors up just a few footsteps down the road, taking you to the twinkling harbour of Padstow. Dine at an abundance of top restaurants including The Mariners a five-minute walk away.

Ferrypoint is a three bedroom waterside apartment sleeping six guests. Its generous living room comes with a large corner sofa big enough for all, leather Swedish Ekornes swivel chair, orange designer egg chair, large Coach House coffee table and a 66-inch wall mounted Smart television for those all important Christmas films.

Find out more about Ferrypoint.

7 Mawgan Bay View, Mawgan Porth, sleeps 6

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break. BOOKED.

Brand new to the Beach Retreats growing portfolio, 7 Mawgan Bay View sits just a few hundred metres from the family favourite Mawgan Porth beach. The house is perfect for entertaining with its super sized corner sofa, spacious kitchen with a double over and large dining table for all. Walk to the Merrymoor Inn for a lunchtime tipple on Christmas Day before heading home to tuck into your delicious Christmas supper.

Don your walking boots and walk off your food with a ramble along the South West Coast Path to Watergate Bay in one direction and the legendary Bedruthan Steps in the other.

Find out more about 7 Mawgan Bay View.

30 Dunes, Perranporth, sleeps 4

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break.

With just a few steps between you and the beach, The Dunes Development is is perfectly positioned for exploring the best of north Cornwall’s coast. You’ll have private access to the beach in front and can jump straight onto the coast path and head to St Agnes and Porthtowan. Dine at Perranporth’s newest restaurant The Summerhouse.

30 Dunes is lovingly furnished throughout with some stunning artwork from Whistlefish Gallery. Both bedrooms and the open plan living space are furnished to the highest standard, ensuring you’ll wake up Christmas morning feeling relaxed after a good nights sleep.

Find out more about 30 Dunes.

The Penthouse at Coast, Porth beach, sleeps 8

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break.

Live the high life this Christmas and wake up just a few paces from Porth beach, situated between Newquay and Watergate Bay. The large open plan living space offers breathtaking ocean views with a large wrap around balcony if you can brave the elements with a mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine. The Penthouse at Coast has four bedrooms big enough for all with beautiful and bright interiors with a luxurious finish.

Head to The Mermaid Inn for a festive drink Christmas Day or walk the coast path to Watchful Mary in Watergate Bay.

Find out more about The Penthouse at Coast.

The Village Eco Lodges, Watergate Bay, sleeps 5

Book a 7 night Christmas stay and arrive to a decorated Christmas tree and bespoke luxury festive hamper.

Choose from a wide selection of our eco lodes this Christmas for a truly memorable stay. The Village development is just a 2-minute walk to the golden sands of Watergate Bay and its collection of restaurants including The Beach Hut and Wax Watergate Bay who have a special Christmas lunch offer running throughout December. Guests will also be a stone’s throw from Watchful Mary, a brand new continental style-bar located on the sea wall. Stop off here Christmas Day between 12-4 for a cocktail or glass of fizz after your blustery morning walk.

Our remaining lodges sleeps 5 guests.

Find out more about The Village.

Cove Cottage, Sennen, sleeps 6

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break.

Oozing with traditional fisherman’s cottage charm, Cove Cottage is perfect for a romantic escape to the coast. It has been beautifully restored to offer great modern comfort whilst retaining immense period character with slate floors, deep window seats, exposed stonework and a huge fireplace. While Sennen beach is just a few yards down the road, the picture-perfect St Ives is a short drive away where you are sure to find plenty of festive cheer in the abundance of restaurants and bars on the water’s edge.

Find out more about Cove Cottage.

 12 Pearl, Fistral beach, sleeps 4

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break.

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Newquay this Christmas as you sleep just moments away from the world renowned Fistral beach. Storm watch from the comfort of your own sofa while sipping on something bubbly as you celebrate the festive period. The town’s shops, restaurants and pubs are just a 10 minute walk away. Head to the Red Lion for a cosy bar, complete with a roaring fire and delicious pub grub. Rick Stein’s Fistral and The Fish House are just a minute’s walk in the opposite direction.

12 Pearl is a contemporary apartment with a stylish open plan living space. There are two spacious bedrooms making it ideal for a small family or couples.

Find out more about 12 Pearl.

Sandy Toes, Porthtowan, sleeps 4

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break.

A contemporary apartment just a few paces from the beach, meaning you’ll wake up to the sound of crashing waves on Christmas morning. Sandy Toes has calming interiors throughout with breathtaking views over the beach below and the Atlantic rollers. Porthtowan sits at the foot of high cliffs on north Cornwall’s rugged coast. The village has a lovely relaxed, off-the-beaten-path feel, with a very pretty sandy beach backed by cliffs. There’s a handful of cafes, pubs and restaurants, plus surf hire and lessons and great walks to neighbouring beaches along the coast path to keep you busy.

Find out more about Sandy Toes.

9 White Lodge, Mawgan Porth, sleeps 7

Save 20% on a 5 or 7 night Christmas break.

Last but by no means least, we have 9 White Lodge set in a prime position overlooking Mawgan Porth. The apartment is newly interior designed with sumptuous beds, large corner sofa and a comfortable dining area. Choose from an abundance of restaurants on Boxing Day including The Merrymoor Inn.

Padstow and the famous 7 bays are just a short drive away, while Bedruthan and Watergate Bay can be reached along the coast path.

Find out more about 9 White Lodge.

Search all remaining Christmas properties. 

Embrace the festive season with a trip to Padstow’s annual Christmas Festival

 

See this Cornish fishing village come alive with celebrity chefs, culinary delights and festive fun. Padstow Christmas Festival returns Thursday 5 to Sunday 9 December 2019. Book your winter or christmas break online or call our team on 01637 861 005.

All images ©James Ram

The free-to-attend spectacle has grown into one of the largest food festivals in Cornwall, with 45,000 visitors expected across the four days.

This year sees 65 separate cookery demonstrations, workshops and masterclasses happening across two stages, with culinary names from Rick Stien, Paul Ainsworth, Nathan Outlaw and James Martin confirmed to attend.

If that’s got you hungry then there will be over 100 festival pop-up food stalls running alongside Padstow’s many restaurants.

But it’s not all about the food.

The popular Christmas market will also be open from midday Thursday with stalls featuring arts, crafts, food and drink producers from across the south west. Padstow’s shops and galleries will be open for extended hours offering special discounts throughout the four days.

Yuletide entertainment thoughout the weekend includes the arrival of Santa on his horse drawn Victorian bus, a spectacular fireworks display, live music, carol concerts and a lantern parade. Join hundreds of festival-goers for Santa’s Fun Run in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care. Runners dressed as Father Christmas will be accompanied by cycling Santa’s who will arrive by bike along the Camel Trail.

Chef Paul Ainsworth says: “Padstow is a very special place and Christmas is a very special time. I urge everyone to add this to their ‘one of life’s experiences’ list as it’s something that I promise you will fall in love with, and give you the Christmas spirit that little bit earlier.”

A full schedule of events can be found on the website.

www.padstowchristmasfestival.co.uk

Book your winter or christmas break online or call our team on 01637 861 005.

Join us in October and receive a complimentary South West Coast Path Association Membership pack to enjoy during your visit…

If you’re visiting in October and booked your holiday after 20th August 2019, you are eligible to receive a complimentary South West Coast Path Association Membership pack or a Love Louie doggy pack for your four-legged friend.

With over 250 miles of coastal trail to explore in Cornwall alone, The South West Coast Path is one of the most spectacular walking destinations in the UK. Whether you use it to walk the dog, have family picnics, to escape on holiday for some fresh sea air or enjoy it as a serious walker, becoming a member is one of the best ways you can help to protect and champion the South West Coast Path. As well as being the ultimate source of support and inspiration for exploring the Coast Path, your membership goes a long way to helping care for all 630 miles of England’s longest National Trail for everyone to enjoy, now and in the future.

What does the pack include?

• The latest edition of the Complete Guide to the South West Coast Path

 

• Two issues of ‘Trailblazing’ magazine– in spring and autumn

 

• Monthly e-newsletters – full of the latest news and stories about the Path

 

• Car sticker

 

• Discounts at the Coast Path online shop – great for walking essentials and gifts

 

• 15% off Cotswold Outdoor in store and online, 15% off Runderwear online, 15% off Sunday Afternoon Hats online and 10% off in store at Go Outdoors South West stores

 

• Solo walking networks for women and men – e-mail or call the office to sign up

 

• An invite to our Annual General Meeting

 

• Free completers certificate and badge when you finish the Path!

 

• RRP £25.80

Take in the UK’s finest coastal scenery with some tempting cafes to stop off at and refuel. It is the perfect mix of tangled hair, invigorating walks and hot chocolate stops this autumn.

This is the second year Beach Retreats are supporting the South West Coast Path and all it has to offer. Last year you may remember us visiting a record 47 beaches in Cornwall on the summer solstice (longest day of the year) to raise money for the coast path. You can read about our journey here.

Terms and Conditions

• Your contact details will be shared with the South West Coast Path Association in order to fulfil your new membership.

 

• The South West Coast Path will deliver your membership pack to your home within 10 working days.

 

• No cash alternative.

 

• Only available for new bookings that depart in October 2019.

 

• Only available for new bookings that are made after 20 August 2019.

 

• Offer is non transferable if your booking is cancelled or postponed.

 

Join us on the beach in October with your four legged friend and receive a complimentary goody bag for them on arrival.

We’ve teamed up with our friends at Love Louie to offer new guests that depart between 1-31 October a complimentary gift box for their fury friend (on new bookings only made after 20 August 2019) or a South West Coast Path Membership. This wonderful gift includes the following:

Love Louie are a small family business based in the South West, they started their boxes when their toy obsessed Dachshund Louie would get bored easily when he could quickly destroy toys bought in pet shops and became uninterested in the usual treats. They then created a monthly subscription service where new goody boxes for dogs would be delivered to subscriber homes each month.

Love Louie provide the highest quality toys and treats because our beloved pets really do deserve it. They guarantee savings on the RRP and the best part is they are the only company in the UK to donate 15% of all sales to an animal charity of your choice. As well as having rescue dogs of their own and helping their local rescue centre for many years, in the past year alone Love Louie has raised over £4000 for Animal charities all over the world and managed to prevent their local Animal Rescue from having to close its doors.

All the items in the box have been researched, chosen for their high quality and have been tested by their own pets before even being considered for inclusion in the Love Louie boxes. Louie personally loves testing the durability of the toys! Each box will contain a minimum of 6 items. This will be a variety of toys, treats and accessories, all boxes will be suitable for various dietary requirements. Treats are wheat free, grain free, dairy free and low fat.

Find out more about Love Louie.

 

For more inspiration on things to see and do in Cornwall check out our dog-friendly blog.

Terms & Conditions

• One Love Louie box per booking

 

• Box contents may vary and may not be as the picture shown.

 

• No cash alternative available.

 

• Only available for new bookings that depart between 1-31 October 2019.

 

• Only available for new bookings that are made after 20 August 2019.

 

• Pets are to be supervised at all times with all items supplied.

 

• Beach Retreats and Love Louie LTD will except no responsibility for damages caused and any product defect should be reported to the manufacturer directly.

 

• Please follow safety guidance and advice which can be found on each individual item.

 

• • Offer is non transferable if your booking is cancelled or postponed.

 

 

The almighty boom. The brackish smell. The exhilarating power. Spurting geysers of foam; lines of huge waves stacked up to the horizon; wind whipping your face. The humbling sense of insignificance… Nothing beats the raw elemental thrill and timeless romance of witnessing huge thundering seas crashing relentlessly onto Cornwall’s dramatic coastline.

Storm watching can be fun and exciting but it’s vital to put your safety first. The winter weather can bring high winds and huge waves, so it’s important to keep a safe distance. Storms in Cornwall can be highly dangerous, so check tide times, be cautious and don’t take any risks.

Whether it’s hurricanes tracking north from the Gulf of Mexico or intense winter storms raging off Newfoundland, October to February sees some colossal swells build and travel unhindered for thousands of miles across the Atlantic before slamming into our cliffs, beaches and sea walls. As long as you’re wrapped up warm and perched in a safe vantage point, storm watching has to be one of Cornwall’s most enthralling winter pastimes.

TOP 5 STORM WATCHING SPOTS

Porthleven

Arguably the daddy of Cornish storm watching spots, this historic fishing village sits on an exposed stretch of southwest facing coastline – and takes the full force of howling southwesterly storms straight on the chin. Porthleven is the pin-up of the Cornish storm watching scene: photographs of monstrous waves breaking over the church on the pier and mountains of backwash slapping back from its cliffs frequently adorn the national newspapers and news channels when a big sou’wester rolls in. Truly has to be seen to be believed.

 

The Cribbar, Newquay

Just off the end of Towan headland, the Cribbar reef is a big wave surfing spot of near-mythical proportions. It rarely breaks, but when it does the waves can be over 30ft high. It’s difficult to judge the scale of these huge walls of water until you see a surfer dwarfed by their towering faces. Recent years have seen a number of hardy surfers using jet-skis to tow in to these watery beasts – and the atmosphere amongst spectators on the headland is something else.

 

Bedruthan Steps, Mawgan Porth

The dramatic rock stacks at Bedruthan beach, Mawgan Porth, stand testament to the power of the waves that have carved out their impressive, jagged forms over the millennia. Standing atop Carnewas cliffs and watching foaming seas pounding these outcrops on a stormy day is sure to blast out every last cobweb.

 

Blowhole, Porth

Cross the narrow footbridge onto Porth Island, at the tip of Trevelgue Head, and if you’re lucky you’ll see one of Cornwall’s finest blowholes spouting explosively. It’s at its most impressive around mid tide, and can be spectacular when there’s a big swell (please be careful crossing the bridge, mind!). The remains of a prehistoric settlement and windswept, panoramic views give the place a forlorn allure.

 

Trevose Head

Lurching out into the Atlantic just west of Padstow, this exposed promontory commands panoramic views towards Newquay to the south and the Camel estuary to the northeast. At the far tip sits a gleaming white lighthouse, perched above gigantic cliffs of grey granite that rise sheer from the sea to a height of over 150 feet. This solitary spot is a breathtaking place to witness nature’s incredible power as winter storms smash into the cliffs below.

With beaches for bounding along, some 500 miles of coast path for waggy-tailed walks and plenty of paw-friendly pubs and attractions, why leave your four-legged friends at home when you visit Cornwall?

Hayley Spurway and Ziggy the dog reveal some of their favourite destinations on the doorstep of our dog-friendly holiday lets. View all of our dog-friendly properties.

TREBARWITH STRAND, nr Tintagel Caves

When the tide ebbs Trebarwith Strand beach is a gem for families and dogs alike. As the tide floods in to reach the foot of the rugged cliffs, you can either retire to the dog-friendly Port William Inn, or take a walk over the cliff-tops towards Tintagel and clap your eyes on eye-popping scenery, historic quarries and the sea-lashed ruins of Tintagel Castle.

MAWGAN PORTH, North Cornwall

A sandy runway flanked by dramatic cliffs and exposed to the full force of the Atlantic swells, Mawgan Porth beach is a year-round beauty for windswept beach walks, rock-pooling and dipping paws in the surf. When they’ve had enough of chasing balls and sea gulls, follow the wooded valley inland to Retorrick Mill, for a wood-fired feast in a dog-friendly, bohemian setting.

HOLYWELL BAY, nr Newquay

With giant sand dunes for tumbling down, a stream to paddle in and frothy Atlantic waves pounding the shore, Holywell Bay is an idyllic playground in every season. Backed by wildflower meadows, miles of heathland, and offering stunning coast path walks to hound-friendly coves in both directions, this is dog-walking territory at its best.

PORTHKIDNEY SANDS, nr St Ives

While bucket and spade brigades descend upon neighbouring Carbis Bay and Hayle Towans, Porthkidney Sands remains untouched by the masses, reserving its dune-backed beauty for a handful of dog walkers and their energetic companions. No wonder the locals have dubbed it ‘Happy Dog Beach’.

TRELISSICK, nr Falmouth

The National Trust’s Trelissick Gardens are home to miles of footpaths zigzagging through 300 acres of parkland and woodland nudging the River Fal. Opt for a half-hour stroll or four-mile walking route, pausing to play fetch on a sheltered beach and finishing up at the Crofters Café, where dog biscuits and water bowls will be waiting.

COAST PATH WALK: ZENNOR TO GURNARD’S HEAD

Nothing beats an invigorating stomp along the South West Coast Path with pit stops at dog-friendly pubs. Set out from the 13th-century Tinner’s Arms in Zennor and discover mermaids’ coves and the remains of an Iron Age castle on route to The Gurnard’s Head, an ends-of-the-earth type of place where you can kick off your walking boots and chill out with the dog at your feet.

TREMENHEERE SCULPTURE GARDENS, nr Penzance

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly day out with a dash of art and culture, hounds on leads are welcome to explore Tremenheere’s sub-tropical landscapes peppered with art installations inspired by nature. Bound beneath towering canopies, climb grassy knolls and gaze out over Mounts Bay, before tucking into homemade cake and Cornish produce at the Lime Tree Café.

GWYNVER, Sennen

Wild, remote and gob-smackingly beautiful, Gwynver is paradise for bona fide beach lovers and their four-legged pals. Fortunately, a thigh-burning flight of steps between the car park and beach deters anyone who isn’t serious about setting foot on the coarse white sands and scrambling over wave-hewn granite boulders to dip their toes and paws into the Caribbean-blue sea.

Do you know any other great dog-friendly beaches or walks? Let us know by joining us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Book your dog-friendly, self-catering holiday with Beach Retreats.

It’s not just ice cream and Cornish pasties on the menu between surf sessions and building sandcastles. These family-friendly beach cafés and restaurants serve up the likes of smoothies, superfoods, share platters and seafood beside the waves. 

Kota Kai, Porthleven

In view of the fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, and just footsteps from Porthleven’s sandy beach, at Kota Kai you can kickback for coffee and cocktails in the lounge, pop in for a leisurely brunch or sit down for a slap-up dinner. Chef Jude Kereama, star of the Great British Menu, is renowned for his signature Asian-fused dishes using the finest ingredients from land and sea. With an innovative children’s’ menu and a family room where kids can hangout playing table football and other games, at Kota Kai he’s created a relaxed family environment where you can enjoy some of the best food in Cornwall.

Find out more about Kota Kai, Porthleven.

Life’s a beach, Summerleaze Beach, Bude

Beach café by day and sophisticated seafood restaurant by night, Life’s Beach – or L.A.B. – has become somewhat of a local foodie star over the last two decades. You can’t sit much closer to the shoreline at Summerleaze; in fact, at high tide you can watch the surfers glide past as you enjoy sundowners and seafood. Whether you pick a classic fish dish, Cuban sandwich or Detroit dog from the menu, rest assured you’ll be tucking into the freshest ingredients from local suppliers, while soaking up gob-smacking sea views. Here, life really is a beach.

Find out more about Life’s a beach, Bude.

 

Porthgwidden Beach Cafe, The Island, St Ives

Little sister to this seaside town’s famous Porthminster Café, the Porthgwidden is a more relaxed and intimate affair – but with the same delicious cuisine and stunning beachfront location. Sit on a beachside bench with an Italian coffee and cake while the kids build sandcastles, or head to the upper deck and take a seat inside for some of the Med- and Asian-style seafood and a crisp glass of Sauvignon. Whichever you choose, enjoy a side order of stunning views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy lighthouse.

Find out more about Porthgwidden Beach Cafe, Bude,

 

Catch, Mawgan Porth

There’s nothing like padding straight off the beach and sinking into a comfy surfside sofa or stylish seaside restaurant to refuel and relax. At Catch you can drop your surfboard by the door and bask on the terrace with a coffee or cold beer, or grab a table for a seafood feast. From classic British breakfasts and simple sandwiches, to post-surf feasts and seafood specialities, this beach-house bar and grill is a family favourite from sun-up to sundown.

Find out more about Catch, Mawgan Porth.

 

Poldhu Beach Cafe, Poldhu Cove

Bang on the family Mecca of Poldhu Cove, this buzzing little beach café serves breakfast baps, finger-licking lunches and Poldhutastic hot chocolates 363 days of the year. Whether you’ve been riding the waves with the surf school next door, hunting for treasure on nearby Dollar Cove or creating sand sculptures on the beach, it’s the perfect pit stop for rumbling tums. Every Friday in summer enjoy stone-baked pizzas served with Cornish cider or a glass of bubbly, while listening to live music on the beachside deck.

Find out more about Poldhu Beach Cafe, Poldhu.

Find your Beach Retreats self-catering holiday.