on 23/01/2023
Cornwall has long been buzzed about for it's miniature golden coast and sub-tropical climate, but how does one make the most of the county when the weather isn't exactly 'sub-tropical'.
This is our list of the best activities in Cornwall in winter for holiday-makers and locals alike.
Though there is a compelling argument that the true surf season of Cornwall occurs in the summer, when you cannot move in Newquay without fear of being hit by a surfboard. The true peak of the waves comes in winter. As long as your armed with a thick winter wetsuit and a can-do attitude, this is the time to hit the shoreline.
It is also a fantastic time to learn how to surf. With great waves in abundance and surfers in (comparitively) small numbers, there is a fantastic oppertunity to get out into the water with a surf school and take your time to get your balance just right. Surf schools like St Ives Surf School and Wavehunters in Polzeath offer daily group and individual lessons year-round and can be booked for sessions via their websites.
If you are a beginner interested in learning more about the Cornish surf scene we recommend checking out our blog on getting started here: Surfing in Cornwall | A Beginners Guide
Another attraction that is even more magical when it isn't covered in tourists is Tate St Ives. The gallery is a love letter to 20th century abstractionism and a history book on St Ives' role within it. It offers a magical perspective on the inspiration that St Ives has been to world-renowned artists like Barbara Hepworth and does as much within the confinds of award winning achitecture. It is a fabulous day out, perhaps even more so during Cornwall's quiet season.
You can book your day ticket on their website now for just £10.50 or sign up for a membership in order to visit year-round with no charge.
At third in our list is the ever-present queen of Cornish tourism. The Eden Project is colder in the winter, this is true. However, it's also true that the domes of the Eden Project are built to replicate the tropical climates of South America and are quintessentially toastie inside.
The Eden Project is made up of glass domes that mound from a valley of Cornish forrests. The global project was started in the late nineties, and aproached a barren pit of clay hidden in the hills of Cornwall with the goal of educating, planting and conserving our world into being a more connected and sustainable one.
Twenty years on, Eden makes an illuminating visit at any time of year and is a breathtaking feet of architecture, engineering and conservation. It's also just nice to be able to take your time and quietly walk around the gardens during the less busy months.
In keeping with the theme of ecology- The Lost Gardens of Heligan are wonderful in their own right. They're also absolutely massive. Heligan takes up over 200 acres and is home to hundreds of easter eggs (not literally) from sleeping giants to Mario-esque monsters.
The Gardens are open from 10am to 5pm every day and we recommend packing your wellies and setting aside over an hour to make sure you get the most out of their magic.
(Photo Credit: @StuCornell on Instagram)
Our final recommendation is perhaps our most important. Cornwall is constantly called beautiful for a reason. And you'd be doing yourself a disservice to visit at any time of year and not take in some of the nations most stunning views.
In January, our walks of choice are those that are short, panoramic and by the sea. Specifically, a walk around Wheal Coates and down to Chapel Porth Beach offers an incredible view of the Celtic Sea. Wheal Coates has already been dusted by snow a few times this January and a walk around the surrounding path can be done in under half an hour.
The sound of the crashing waves and view of the seemingly endless sea is a great way to spend a winter's afternoon. The Instagrammers among you will also be able to get a sunset pic that will really set your timeline on fire -so that's good aswell.
And that's our list! Let us know what activities you are partaking in this winter on Instagram (@select_cornwall) and comment below if you think there's any big ones we might have missed!
