Category: Activities

Christmas in Cornwall – top five must dos

Christmas in Cornwall

December is almost upon us, which means we can officially start to feel festive. Christmas in Cornwall is a truly magical time, with lots to see and do for the whole family. It was hard, but we’ve whittled down our top five Cornish Christmas must dos.

Find out why Christmas time is the best time to visit Cornwall and some of our holiday retreats to stay in at Christmas time.

Take a dip

Nothing shakes away the Christmas feeling of excess better than a Christmas or Boxing Day swim. And we’re talking about nothing more than a bikini or shorts and a string of tinsel. At a cool 10 degrees Celsius, it’s certainly bracing, but you’ll be surprised to find quite a few others getting into the spirit of things and taking the plunge. Organised swims take place at Bude, Gwithian and Sennen, but Watergate Bay is great for warming up with a hot chocolate afterwards.

Have a look at our Bude holiday properties & book your stay in Bude.

Ice skating at the Eden Project

Visit a rainforest and go ice skating all in one Cornish afternoon at the Eden Project. The covered ice rink is open until 22 February and costs £6 per person (in addition to an Eden admission ticket) for a 40 minute session starting on the hour. For little ones, penguin skating aids are available to lean on and hold on to.

Padstow Christmas Festival

The gastronomical delight that is Padstow Christmas Festival returns from 4-7 December, starring award-winning chefs and more than 100 artisans and producers. See Santa arrive on his horse-drawn Victorian bus, spectacular fireworks, live music, carol singing and a lantern parade, plus lots more. Over on the south coast at Fowey Christmas market from 6-7 December, you can expect BBQs, Cornish traders, mulled wine, Santa arriving on a boat and even a sheep competition.

Cornish gardens and the National Trust

Nothing feels more festive than wrapping up in a bobble hat and gloves and visiting one of the many beautiful gardens or old properties in Cornwall. At Cotehele, see the famous 60-foot flower garland in all its glory – and help if you wish. Meanwhile, Trelissick house and gardens will be illuminated and decorated during certain weekends in December, and the Elizabethan manor house Terice will be a craft heaven of Christmas tree decoration and mincemeat making workshops.

Santa Fun Runs

Don a red suit and white beard and take part in one of Cornwall’s many Santa Fun Runs in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care. Events are taking place across the county in Truro, Newquay, Padstow, Falmouth, St Austell plus many other locations. If you’re not feeling up to it, it’s still a great event to support and watch go buy from the comfort of the side lines.

 

Thinking about staying for the New Year as well? Find out the best way to celebrate and spend the New Year in Cornwall.

Walk Through – The Gannel and Crantock

gannel 3

The Gannel Estuary, North of Fistral and Pentire Point, is a tidal river that you can explore by foot, kayak or canoe, bike or horseback.

No longer navigable, it was once used to pole barges upriver carrying coal, timber or sand to distribute inland. Today there are still traces of boatyards, moorings and derelict craft.

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

Beyond the boats, The Gannel Estuary is home to an abundance of wildlife, from wading birds such as Egrets to fish such as bass and sea trout, so be sure to take your binoculars and spot the local wildlife.

Gannel

We visited The Gannel Estuary at low tide and walked towards Crantock Beach, but not before we stopped off at the Fern Pit Cafe and had a Cornish crab sandwich and some homemade cake.

Fern Pit Cafe on East Pentire headland overlooks Crantock Beach and The Gannel, boasting stunning views across the beach. It’s also home to the tropical path leading towards the ferry boathouse.

Want to stay in Crantock, Newquay near to Fistral and Watergate? Have a look at our properties in Crantock.

The ferry boathouse, at the bottom of a steep path, provides access between Newquay and Crantock Beach at high tide, between 10am and 6pm. When the tide is out there is a foot bridge which can be used free of charge.

Either way you choose to travel, you’ll arrive on the stunning beach of Crantock. Here you can sit back, relax or explore and play until the sun goes down.

The Gannel Estuary and Crantock are so close to Fistral Beach, why not visit whilst on holiday with Beach Reatreats.

Discover the scenic walk from Crantock to a mystery location, exploring hidden gems and stunning coastal vistas along the way in Cornwall.

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR PROPERTIES IN FISTRAL

Walk Through – Portreath, Cornwall

We visited Portreath, a peaceful village around 45 45-minute drive down the coast from Beach Retreats headquarters. Evidence of Portreath’s history as one of Cornwall’s first industrial ports can be seen around the village.

Portreath Bakery is owned by the niece of one of the last fishermen to work out of the harbour. Their famous heavy cake was taken out to sea to sustain the fishermen during their trips.

Today the bakery is has an excellent reputation across Cornwall and nationally. And it is easy to see why from their tempting treats.

While traditional pasties can be bought alongside artisan breads. Walking down to the beach along the inner basin which was constructed in the 19th Century. Where you will find a pub on a beach, The Waterfront Inn.

Discover Portreath’s no-drive delights, where relaxation and adventure await just steps away from your doorstep along the stunning Cornish coast.

And a typically perfect Cornish beach, popular with surfers, bodyboarders and kayakers. As well and sandcastle creators and sunseekers.

Fancy staying in Portreath? Check out our Portreath holiday retreats.

Walk Through St Agnes

A picturesque walk through the village and around the coast.

St Agnes is a postcard Cornish village steeped in tin mining history. Nestled on the north coast of Cornwall, the seemingly sleepy town offers a relaxing spot for a self-catering family holiday. Discover inspiring coastal walks and independent shops; including greengrocers and butchers, and an array of places to eat. Wander the winding streets to find your favourite cafe, restaurant or brewery tucked away – hidden from the crowds.

Discover more of what St Agnes has to offer and explore our St Agnes holiday cottages.

The town is only a short walk away from our properties in St Agnes. Although a small town, you can find everything you need while on holiday. From greengrocers, butchers, a spa (for recharging your batteries), and a gift shop (to take home a slice of Cornwall.

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a hot tub? Check out our cottages with a hot tub for a relaxing getaway.

The Sorting Office, opposite the hairdressers, is the perfect place to stop for a morning coffee or afternoon cake. The delicious bakes are all homemade by a local family company called Rustic Cakes.

From the town, you can follow a pathway down to Trevaunance Cove. A sandy cove, with waterfront cafes, a pub and brewery, Trevaunance is popular with families, walkers and stand-up paddle boarders. On the beach, Koru Kayaking offer equipment hire and tours around Cornwall’s historic coast. Explore hidden sea caves, see the coast from a different perspective and spot a seal or two! For those who enjoy the ground beneath their feet, from Trevaunance Cove you can follow the coastal path through the gardens and up the cliff to Blue Hills.

Blue Hills still feels like an undiscovered part of Cornwall. Scattered with engine houses, chimneys and tine mines, walk in ancient miner’s footsteps as you descend the coastal path.

Take a captivating walk through Perranporth, exploring its expansive sandy beach, rugged cliffs, and vibrant seaside atmosphere along the Cornish coast.

Named after the blue and purple heather, which grows on the wild clifftops, Blue Hills provides a tranquil spot for a family picnic and soaking-up the views. At low tide, there is a small sandy cove and plenty of rockpools to explore. From this part of the coast, you can experience some amazing Cornish sunsets. Dine alfresco and discover your new kitchen on the beach with a family barbecue.

Book your self-catering family holiday in St Agnes.

Polo On The Beach, Cornwall

Don’t miss out on one of the best events in Cornwall!

On 5 and 6 July, Polo on The Beach returns to Watergate Bay with an action-packed weekend of ponies, segways and champagne.

Want to stay in a luxury holiday house with a view of the sea? Check out our cottages with sea views.

Now in its eighth year, Polo on the Beach is focused around the main Watergate Bay Trophy match on Saturday 5th July between Joules and First Great Western, teams made up of some of the country’s finest polo players.

Free to attend, there are three polo matches in all, starting with a ladies match on Saturday afternoon, followed by the Watergate Bay Trophy men’s match. The third match is on Sunday afternoon and is the hotly contested Cornwall vs Rest of the World.

The weekend is all about polo but there are also lots of other exciting events to entertain the crowds including polo demonstrations, a horse stunt show, polo pony relay races, Segway polo and live music, as well as a Champagne bar and The Beach Hut barbecue & bar on the beach.

Dive into the exciting world of alternative surf activities in Cornwall and discover new ways to enjoy the waves.

Check out the full event line up.

Saturday 5th July
12.00pm Veuve Clicquot Airstream Champagne bar, Beach Hut barbecue & bar open
1.30pm Segway demonstration
2.00pm An introduction to polo – rules and “how to play” demo
3.00pm The Stampede Stunt Company – horse display team
4.00pm Professional ladies polo match
5.15pm The Stampede Stunt Company
6.00pm Professional mens’ polo match between team Joules and team FGW
6.45pm Trophy presentations
7.00pm DJ set by ‘Billon’ on the beach until sunrise

Sunday 6th July
12.00pm Veuve Clicquot Airstream Champagne bar and Beach Hut barbecue & bar open
1.30pm Segway demonstration
2.00pm An introduction to polo – rules and “how to play” demo
2.45pm Polo pony relay challenge
3.45pm Segway polo match
4.30pm Cornwall vs Rest of the World polo match
5.15pm Trophy presentation

 

Fancy staying in Watergate Bay? Check out our luxury holiday properties in Watergate Bay, Newquay.

Christmas in Cornwall

padstow christmas festival photographer not named

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, Cornwall is a magical time at Christmas. The county is lit up with lights, the fields are dusted with frost and the festive cheer is in full swing. What better time to wrap up warm head outside for a winter holiday you’ll never forget!

We provide the accommodation, you wrap up warm and Cornwall does the rest!

Here’s what’s on over the Christmas period:

Ice Skating at Eden Project
19 Oct – 2 Jan

 

Meet Father Christmas and real reindeer, enjoy an enchanting lantern parade whilst sipping hot chocolate and ice skate at Eden Project.

Truro City of Lights
20 November

Head to the most south-Westerly city in England and see the streets alight with a festive light parade.

Trereife Christmas Fair
22 Nov – 24 Nov

Over the weekend you can enjoy fantastic shopping, great food and arts and crafts all under the cover of a warm marquee. There’s nothing like Christmas shopping to get you in the festive spirit.

Santa Fun Runs
27 Nov – 14 Dec

In Land’s End, Padstow and Falmouth a whole sea of santas will be partaking in an annual fun run to raise money for Cornwall Hospice Care.

27 November- Truro (Late Night Santa Run)
30 November – Land’s End
1 December – Newquay (Santa’s on the Beach)
7 December – Wadebridge-Padstow (Santa Cycle)
7 December – Padstow
8 December – Heartlands
14 December – Falmouth (Super Santa-Day)

Fowey Christmas Market
29 Nov – 1 Dec

This beautiful seaside town hosts a festive weekend full of entertainment, food and drink and plenty of opportunity to pick up some great Christmas gifts.

Padstow Christmas Festival
5 Dec – 8 Dec

Head to Padstow, only a few miles from our properties at Beach Retreats to embrace the festive season. See this Cornish fishing harbour come to life with celebrity chefs, culinary delights and festive fun.

Mousehole Christmas Lights
14 Dec – 4 Jan

Probably the most talked about display of festive lights in Cornwall. Mousehole really put on a dazzling show by lighting up the entire harbour, in and out of the sea.

Which event will you attend this Christmas?

Things to do this October half term in Cornwall

Halloween is the theme this October half term in Cornwall.

If you and your family are coming to Cornwall this October half term we’ve got you covered. With so much going on in the county it’s hard to know what to do, but we’ve narrowed it down to five great half-term activities that the kids and grown-ups will love!

Interested in staying in our most luxurious holiday cottages? Check out our luxury coastal cottages.

1. Eden Project

Halloween is also the theme at the Eden Project this half term, where kids can make potions, protection charms, carve pumpkins and learn about creatures of the night. On Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th October, Eden Project will be hosting the Little Monsters’ Ball ; get your fancy dress on and join them for a fang-tastic evening with a boneshaking disco on the ice rink. Buy your tickets here: http://www.edenproject.com/

Halloweden, Eden Project

2. Maritime Museum, Falmouth

Enter the world of search and resuce and discover the real life experiences of men and women saving lives on the Cornish coast. Climb aboard a Sea King helicopter, explore a lifeboat and hit the ‘beach’ on a quad bike. On October 31st children are invited to explore the museum by torch light, make monster masks and bloodcurdling badges from 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Buy your tickets here: http://www.nmmc.co.uk/

Check out more of what Falmouth has to offer by staying in one of our bespoke retreats in Falmouth.

3. Visit a National Trust event

Godolphin is hosting ‘Halloween Happenings’; join the spooky spiders and wicked witches in their activities throughout the garden on 26th October from 10am.
Or join Lanhydrock for a spooky trail; follow the clues around the gardens to win a prize. 26th – 31st October from 10am – 4pm.
But if you are ready for a fright visit Cothele, from 6pm on 26th October, and explore the ‘haunted’ house and meet paranormal members of Devon’s undiscovered. Remember to bring a torch.
More events and information here.

4. Explore one of 200 beaches

Cornwall has over 200 beaches to discover all with different qualities. Check out the beaches close to your Beach Retreats home such as Watergate Bay and Mawgan Porth and let us know what you find in the rockpools and sea caves. Or take to the water for a surf lesson; autumn is a great time of year to learn to surf, the water is warm and the surf is clean and consistent.

Start November with a bang by exploring the best local firework displays for Bonfire Night, offering spectacular shows and festive fun for the whole family.

Getting Active in Cornwall | Classes & Activities

We are often asked about fitness classes and activities around Cornwall. Although you are on holiday and indulging in some much needed rest and relaxation there are plenty of ways you can get out and get active in Cornwall.

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a swimming pool? Check out our cottages with a swimming pool for a relaxing getaway.

Bootcamps

Motive8me at Watergate Bay
Every Wednesday morning from 7.30am – 8.30am at Watergate Bay.
Come rain or shine Motive8me bootcamp will be on the beach ready to start your morning properly. All abilities welcome!
£5 per session.
More information here or email [email protected]

Bootcamp TR7
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7.00am – 7.45am at Newquay Sports Centre.
£3.50 per session.
More information here or email [email protected]

AJ Fitness
Start and finish the week right with AJ Fitness bootcamp at Mawgan Porth.
Mondays and Fridays 7.00am – 8.00am
£4 per session, advance booking is advised due to limited spaces.

Spinning Class at Watergate Bay Hotel

Each Tuesday and Thursday at 8.00am throughout the summer, Watergate Bay Hotel run cardio cycle classes. Sessions are 40 minutes long, with an experienced cardio cycle instructor and are suitable for both beginners and the experienced.
£6 per session.
To book your place please call 01637 860543 option 3 or email [email protected]

Synergy Yoga

Come and absorb yourself in nature. Each Saturday from 7.30am – 8.30am, Synergy Yoga will host beginner yoga lessons on the grass at Pentire, opposite The Bay Hotel, overlooking Fistral Beach.
£5 per session.
You will need to bring a mat or large beach towel.

Tennis

Hire a court for the day at Heron Centre, Newquay. With both indoor and outdoor courts this activity is not weather dependant. Rackets and balls are also available to hire for the day.
Find out more here.

Horse Riding

What better way to explore Cornwall then by horse. Take a group ride through the countryside on either a trek or a hack. Children, beginners and experienced riders all welcome.
Find out more here.

Watersports

Make the most of being so close to the Atlantic Ocean and get in the water. Try a variety of different watersports incluiding surfing, kitesurfing, hand planing and SUP.

Surf schools:
Extreme Academy at Watergate Bay
King Surf School at Mawgan Porth

Want to stay in Newquay? Have a look at our luxury holiday properties in Newquay.

Browse our beach locations to find your favourite active spot, and keep an eye on our special offers page for discounted stays by the sea.

Explore the beauty of new traditions with our guide, inviting you to embrace fresh experiences and create lasting memories along the Cornish coast.

King of the Castles

From the birthplace of King Arthur to Henry VIII’s chain of formidable fortresses, a world-famous 12th-century island fortification to striking ancient strongholds, take a trip back in time with some of our favourite castles in Cornwall.

Tintagel Castle, Tintagel

Perched on the rugged, sea-lashed cliffs of the North Cornwall coast, these dramatic ruins are said to have been the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur. With settlements here dating back at least as far as the late Roman period, this iconic place is steeped in history and it’s easy to imagine yourself part of the mythology as you navigate the steep, craggy paths and explore the mysterious nearby Merlin’s Cave.

Pendennis Castle & St Mawes Castle, Falmouth

Like grand, twin gate posts marking the entrance to the Carrick Roads from the open sea, Pendennis Castle in Falmouth and St Mawes Castle, on the opposite headland, are some of the best preserved of Henry VIII’s coastal artillery fortresses. Built in the mid 16th century to help guard against attack from France and Spain, their fascinating story continues up to the 20th century when they saw significant action during the First and Second World Wars. Take in both castles in one day using the hourly ferry service across the Fal estuary.

Check out more of what Falmouth has to offer by staying in one of our bespoke retreats in Falmouth.

St Michael’s Mount, Penzance

Surely one of the most recognisable castles in all of the UK, the sight of St Michael’s Mount emerging from the mists of Mounts Bay on a crisp winter’s day is stunning to witness. The craggy island, completely cut off from the mainland at high tide, is home to a magnificent medieval church and castle as well as a small residential community. Cross the cobbled causeway to start your adventure, catch the boat if the path has disappeared under the waves, or simply sit and soak up the fantastic view over a cream tea in nearby Marazion village.

Carn Brea Castle, nr Redruth

You’ll be hard pushed to find a castle experience quite like Carn Brea. This imposing 14th century building, which seems to grow directly from the giant outcrop visible from many miles around, was given its current facelift in the 18th century when it was modelled into a folly-like hunting lodge. Rather unbelievably, the castle is now home to a Middle Eastern restaurant where you can dine by candlelight enclosed by the thick granite walls and warm welcome of a genuine Cornish castle.

Visiting Cornwall for a workcation? Have a look at our holiday lets perfect for extended stays and working.

Discover perfect large self-catering family holiday lets for summer, offering spacious accommodations and unforgettable experiences along the Cornish coast.

Pubs with Music and Comedy in Cornwall

driftwood spars

Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a swimming pool? Check out our cottages with a swimming pool for a relaxing getaway.

The Driftwood Spars on the coast in St Agnes has a more traditional pub feel and has been putting on live music for almost 50 years. With everything from folk to reggae, the Driftwood Spars have hosted bands that went on to become household names, such as Reef and Feeder – so you may well be seeing the next big thing as you sip your pint. The food here has a good reputation, too – and they’ve even got their own microbrewery so real ale fans will be happy.

Check out more of St Agnes and explore our luxury St Agnes holiday cottages. 

Driftwood Spars, St Agnes

Driftwood Spars
Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0RT, Tel. 01872 552 428

 

Less formal still are Thursday evenings at the Bowgie Inn near Newquay. The weekly jam session is a lucky dip of style and quality, but you might just be treated to a real gem. It’s a venue that’s popular with locals and visitors alike; a pint at one of the garden tables overlooking Crantock beach always makes a good sundowner.

Bowgie Inn, Newquay

The Bowgie Inn
West Pentire, Crantock, Cornwall, TR8 5SE, Tel. 01637 830363

 

The Blue Bar, on the beach at Porthtowan, holds regular comedy nights throughout the year, usually on the last Thursday of the month. The acts can be edgy, so it’s definitely an over-18 door policy. The Blue Bar is relaxed and friendly, there’s a good menu, an even better view and tables outside if the weather is being kind.

Blue Bar, Porthtowan

Blue Bar
Eastcliff, Beach Road, Porthtowan, Cornwall, TR4 8AW, Tel. 01209 890 329

Looking for a fantastic restaurant in Cornwall? Check out some of our favourite restaurants with stunning sea views.