Things to do in Winter in North Cornwall
15 November 2017
I might be biased, but I often think that Cornwall in the winter is the best time of all. In our beautiful county, Cornwall shows its true colours at this time of year. Winter in Cornwall can be both more dramatic and more serene than any other season. It is at this time of year that Cornwall shows its soul to reveal itself as the Cornwall of romantic novels and smugglers tales.
The winter weather in Cornwall means you can enjoy the increasingly popular activity of winter storm watching - when the Atlantic swells are both dramatic and exhilarating. Winds can blow in excess of 70mph and the waves reach 50 feet. With the correct guidance, suitable weather and winter wetsuits, it’s also possible to get out on the water too – such as surfing or sea kayaking – definitely not for the feint hearted, but you’ll feel great afterwards! Read Kate’s blog about a Winter Surfing Session at Polzeath. Suitably battered by the elements you definitely feel you deserve to head back to a snug café or the local pub to enjoy a drink in front of an open fire whilst looking out on to the blues and greys of the Cornish winter.
This is the time of year when most of the visitors to Cornwall have gone. No traffic jams to negotiate, no queuing up to buy your pasty… and best of all, no-one else on the beach – pure bliss. And for the dog lovers amongst you, most of Cornwall’s beaches are dog friendly during the winter.
Not that there’s a lack of entertainment in Cornwall at this time of year. There are great shopping opportunities locally in Wadebridge, Polzeath and Port Isaac. There are Christmas fairs and traditions to tempt you away from the coast for a change of scene, such as the Christmas Festival in Padstow or the Christmas Food Fayre in Bude. One of the loveliest Cornish Christmas traditions happens in the quintessential fishing village of Mousehole – whilst it’s not on our doorstep (about 1 ½ hours drive from Port Isaac), it is definitely well worth the trip. Possibly the most 'Christmassy' place in Cornwall and home to the famous Mousehole Harbour Lights and Tom Bawcock's Eve on the 23rd December. On Boxing Day, Mummer's Day in Padstow is a peculiar little festival involving lots of singing.
Another great Cornish tradition is the Christmas Day swim. Whilst you are obviously free to do this anywhere on your own, people generally prefer to suffer the head-numbingly cold water in a large group. Popular spots to take a Crimbo dip include Polzeath, Watergate Bay and St Agnes.
Oh, and there is another bonus to venturing down to Cornwall in winter - with the exception of Christmas and New Year - prices plummet, just like the temperature. So why not have a treat – we are open all year round at the Green Door Cottages. We very much look forward to welcoming you!