Winter in Cornwall

Cornwall is often thought of as a summer destination, but there’s also plenty to enjoy in the winter, including quiet beaches for invigorating coastal walks, cosy pubs from which to storm-watch, and the newly refurbished Cornwall Playhouse in Truro, for those who love a show.

Take a Trip to the Theatre

Treat yourself to dinner and a show in Cornwall’s beautiful cathedral city of Truro. The city centre Hall for Cornwall theatre closed in June 2018 for a massive £21.6 million refurbishment development. Due to re-open its doors in summer 2020, unfortunately the pandemic set this deadline back, but now, with the auditorium renamed Cornwall Playhouse and the whole building renovated and updated, they will be hosting cultural events again from autumn 2021.

The theatre now seats 300 more people than before, there is a new café and bar, improved accessibility, and the grand entrance of this lovely heritage building has been restored. Upcoming shows include Fisherman’s Friends, Cinderella, We Will Rock You, and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Enjoy a Winters Walk

There’s something so wonderful about a wintry walk. Wrap up and step out into the fresh sea air for an invigorating stroll along the shoreline or coast path to feel refreshed, revitalised and clear-headed. Afterwards warm up with a coffee in a coastal café or in your sea-view self-catering apartment, where you can continue to enjoy the views in warmth and comfort!

Alternatively, why not explore some of Cornwall’s gorgeous countryside? There are beautiful walks and woodland creatures in Tehidy Woods, a variety of cycle trails for all abilities at Cardinham Woods, and stunning woodland walks down through the Trelissick estate along the banks of the River Fal to Roundwood Quay.

Storm-Watch from a Beachside Pub

Cosy up in a coastal inn to enjoy the elements… through the window! There are many warm and welcoming beachside pubs to choose from, and here are just some of our favourites.

Seiners on the beachfront in Perranporth has a friendly and traditional ambiance, cosy banquette seating and welcomes dogs. Alcatraz cocktail and coffee bar enjoys an elevated position above Perranporth beach with incredible views across Perranporth beach to Chapel Rock and the Atlantic Ocean.

In Newquay, Lewinnick Lodge occupies a spectacular location on the Pentire Peninsula with outstanding views. A boutique hotel and contemporary restaurant, you can also simply enjoy a warming drink while enjoying that wonderful view. The Beach Bar in Lusty Glaze is an adventure to get to in itself, down 133 steps to the secluded cove in which it’s nestled. Visitors are greeted by two roaring log burners, a well-stocked bar, and breathtaking views.

Get a Buzz from a Winter’s Swim

If you’re part of the growing number of people who enjoy wild swimming all year round, then a dip in one of Cornwall’s tidal pools, even in the winter months, may appeal to you, and is a safer option than braving the waves when you don’t know the area. There is a lovely tidal pool at the back of Chapel Rock on Perranporth beach, and pools at Porthtowan and Portreath beaches too, all of which are accessible at low tide. Please ensure you know how to enjoy cold water swimming safely, the best ways to warm up afterwards, and always swim with a friend, not alone.

The Jubilee Pool in Penzance is the UK’s largest art deco sea water lido and now has a geothermally heated pool too – the first of its kind in the UK. Bathe in natural salt water that has been naturally heated to between 30 – 35 degrees by the lido’s own geothermal well. Visit their website to book a slot for a warmer winter outdoor swimming experience!

If you like the sound of taking a winter break in Cornwall, browse our self-catering properties. Choose from Cornish countryside cottages with log burners to curl up in front of after a wintry walk, or beachside apartments with exceptional sea views from which to watch the waves.