Celebrate New Year in Cornwall

A break in Cornwall at New Year can be as quiet or as vibrant as you like, as there are lots of New Year’s events and parties to enjoy or you could escape the crowds and spend time on the beach or enjoy the solitude of the coast.

But with so many options how do you decide what to do and where to go? Here are our suggestions for things to do and places to visit in Cornwall for New Year’s Eve and into New Years’ Day.

New Year’s Eve in Newquay

The streets of Newquay come alive on New Year’s Eve and turn into one great big fancy dress party. Here you’ll see hundreds of people dressed up in elaborate costumes as they move from bar to bar celebrating the end of 2018 and the start of 2019. If you’ve never been to Newquay at New Year, it is a sight to behold. It is a tradition that has been going on for decades. There are other big fancy dress parties in other towns in Cornwall including St Ives, Penzance and Bude. This is all rounded off with a big fireworks display over the bay at midnight (see below).

New Year’s Fireworks on the Coast

There are numerous fireworks display up and down the north coast of Cornwall at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Perranporth, St Agnes and Porthtowan all have their own small displays when the clock strikes 12, but it’s Newquay which welcomes in the New Year with the biggest bang thanks to a 30-minute display over the harbour from midnight.

New Year’s Eve Party in Perranporth

If you are staying in Perranporth, you’ll find no shortage of parties to join in the local pubs and restaurants, including The Seiners Arms and Tywarnhayle Inn. But for something extra special book into the celebrations at the Watering Hole on Perranporth Beach, which is this year hosting a military themed party to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War One. The centrepiece of the celebrations will be a performance by lively Cornish jive band Company B, which is guaranteed to get you dancing. Then step outside at midnight for fireworks on the beach.

New Year’s Party in St Agnes

St Agnes is always a lively place to visit on New Year’s Eve. All of the pubs, restaurants and hotels put on their own unique events, including the St Agnes Hotel, the Taphouse and the Railway Inn. But one of the biggest parties will take place at the Driftwood Spars, a historic pub and microbrewery, which will this year throw an 80s themed party. So put on your leg warmers and shoulder pads and party like it’s 1985.

New Year’s Dips in Cornwall

The sea is incredibly cold in the deep, dark months of winter so you wouldn’t think anyone would be crazy enough for a swim. But you’d be wrong. On New Year’s Day, on several beaches in Cornwall, people gather for a communal dip to welcome in the New Year. Look out for dips this January 1st at Holywell Bay, Crantock and Newquay Harbour.

New Year’s Walk on the Beach

If you’ve been celebrating a little too hard the night before, blow out the cobwebs on New Year’s Day with a walk on the beach. With three miles of golden sand, Perranporth Beach is the perfect place to get away from it all. There are many other beaches nearby to choose the first stroll of 2019. Holywell Bay, Crantock and Porthtowan are some of our favourites and they all have pubs and cafés nearby for a warming drink or for a hair of the dog.

New Year’s Ice Skating at Eden Project

For something a little more active, head over to the Eden Project on New Year’s Day for skating session on the ice rink. Each year, Eden creates a winter wonderland for visitors to enjoy. As well as skating there is festive food and drink to enjoy around the ice rink. After skating you can warm up with a walk around the tropical biome.

Stay in Cornwall this New Year

If you haven’t yet booked your self-catering holiday accommodation in Cornwall for your New Year’s break, please check availability at our holiday cottages, houses and apartments in and around Perranporth and St Agnes on the North Cornwall coast.