A weekend at Porth Beach House
Category: For kids
7 Things to do in Cornwall during Easter
Spend your family holiday on the beach this Easter and enjoy the saltwater lifestyle.
With the Easter holidays just around the corner, there’s an abundance of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Whether it’s a day on the sand or a visit to one of Cornwall’s attractions, here’s our favourite things to see and do during your stay this Easter.
Find out why Easter is a great time to visit Cornwall and some of our favourite Easter retreats and things to do.
Admire the coastline from the water
You’ll find the ocean-mad team at Newquay Activity Centre togged up in wetsuits and sharing their expert tips in everything from surfing to stand-up paddle boarding 360+ days a year. Take the plunge with them as they coasteer around the coast, paddle their huge super stand-up paddleboard through caves, kayak under the famous bridge as you look up to the house on the island, or take on a family surf lesson. They offer something for everyone.
Walk the South West Coast Path
Walk onto any beach in Cornwall and you’ll spot part of the South West Coast Path to your left or right. Whether you choose to explore the rugged north coast and its hidden coves or the tropical south coast, you’ll find something different and exciting each turn you take.
Go rockpooling
Head to many beaches in Cornwall at low tide and visitors will be pleasantly surprised with hundreds of rockpools just waiting to be explored. You’ll be treated to a natural display of fascinating and tough creatures, including the Cornish Sucker fish, Worm Pipefish and the Common Shore Crab.
See the top tips from Dr Ben Holt at The Rock Pool Project on rockpooling and where to go.
Alternatively, thinking of visiting in the February half term, check out what activities we recommend trying in February.
Eden Eggstravaganza
Every bit as good as the hype, the Eden Project is on Cornwall’s essential tick list. Outstanding on a sunny day and a good choice when it rains, Eden is an inspired blend of indoor and outdoor fun. Dubbed the eighth wonder of the world by some, this dramatic global garden is housed in tropical biomes the size of 30 football pitches.
Over Easter, discover dozens of activities, crafts and games for the whole family across a three-week programme.
Go Foraging
Make the most of the Spring sunshine and get out and about with a forage that will take you deep into Cornwall’s woodlands, hedgerows and on the coast. From Cornish mussels and rose chips to wild herbs and edible plants, you’ll find plenty of wild foods great for cooking.
Read our guide to foraging in Cornwall, including foraging experts The Fat Hen Cookery School who run local courses.
Image credit: The Fat Hen Cookery School
Heligan Gardens
Cornwall’s not only known for its stunning beaches, its magical gardens are home to a wealth of exciting, rare and beautiful plants and trees just waiting to be explored. Visit The Lost Gardens of Heligan in St Austell over Easter and you will creep past the sleeping giant, skip past the Mud Maid and explore higgeldy gardens filled with wonky veg and exotic plants.
Check out more of our locations and explore our Charlestown holiday properties.
Book your Easter break and be by the shoreline this year.
What to do in February half-term in Cornwall
February. The post-Christmas blues, new working year stresses, and winter fatigue often mean that this month gets overlooked, treated as one final hurdle to get over before Spring begins to bloom.
Here in Cornwall, we see February a little differently.
Empty, windswept beaches. Wild seas. Clear water and crisp blue skies. Rambling coast paths. Nature undisturbed. February showcases the wild, untamed beauty of Cornwall before the summer crowds roll in, and is secretly a loved-by-locals time of year, due to its general calmness, great surf and spectacular scenery.
February half-term is no different, and makes for a perfect time to gather the family and escape to the coast, giving you that much needed rejuvenation after a long winter season. Here’s some fresh inspiration for things to do this February half-term in Cornwall.
Browse our beach locations or our selection of retreats to find your perfect February half-term holiday home.
Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a swimming pool? Check out our cottages with a swimming pool for a relaxing getaway.
Surf’s up
February is ideal for getting in the water, particularly if you’re a beginner wanting to avoid the busy summer seas. Most of Cornwall’s surf and watersports schools operate all year round, and provide the appropriate kit for chillier water. Try Newquay Activity Centre, Kingsurf in Mawgan Porth or Big Blue Surf School in Bude for a challenging but exhilarating day mastering your chosen activity.
Fancy staying in Bude? Check out our luxury holiday lets in Bude.
Image credit: Big Blue Surf School
National Maritime Museum
Head to Falmouth’s National Maritime Museum for a rainy day activity that’ll connect you to our oceans. Their regular exhibitions bring new and diverse perspectives to maritime issues, whilst showcasing Cornwall’s fascinating maritime heritage. With 15 galleries across five floors, you’ll take a walk through history. While you’re here, Falmouth is a great place to grab lunch and wander the quirky boutique-lined streets.
Eden Project
A unique and innovative eco project, the Eden Project is an absolute must see this February half-term. This stunning global garden consists of tropical biomes the size of 30 football pitches, including the rainforest biome, home to 1000 species of tropical plants, a fully running waterfall and suspended canopy walkway. Adjacent to this you’ll find the Mediterranean biome, filled to the brim with spiky cacti and ancient olive trees.
Trebah Gardens
A spectacle at any time of year, Trebah Gardens are worth a visit during your February half-term stay. Trebah is bound beneath canopies of sub-tropical foliage that tumble to the edge of the Helford Estuary, where there’s a divine sandy beach perfect for picnic and stone skimming. Families with dogs will particularly love this natural playground.
Wildlife wonders
Get acquainted with some Cornish creatures, from native baby seals to African lions. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, in Gweek, rescues and rehabilitates over 70 seal pups, which you can see up close. Or, spot them in the wild below the cliffs at Mutton Cove in Hayle, where they often bask on the sand – just be sure to keep the noise down as to not disturb their nap time. For a wet-weather-friendly day out, head to Newquay Zoo to meet over 130 species of the worlds rarest and most endangered animals.
Eat local
Refuel after a wintery walk with soul-quenching food at one of Cornwall’s many gourmet restaurants. From the range of Rick Stein eateries in Padstow, to cosy pubs with great menus such as The Mariners in Rock, take some time this half term to taste the shoreline’s seasonal delights. Many places to eat are kid and pet friendly, too.
Family time
Above all else, a February getaway gives you a chance to be together, away from the chaos of term time routines, work and household chores. Settle into a retreat where everything has been sorted for you, allowing you to truly relax. With games rooms, log burners, lavish dining tables and gorgeous views, cosy evenings in are a delight. Browse our selection of coastal properties just made for family stays.
Book your February half-term retreat.
Alternatively, visiting at Easter? Explore the perfect things to do in Cornwall in spring.
National Trust at Christmas
Get into the festive spirit at the National Trust’s houses and exotic gardens, which transform every year into winter wonderlands. From holly-adorned great halls serving up mulled wine, woodland strewn with fairy lights, wreath making and Santa’s grotto, these Cornish heritage sites are the ultimate Christmas delight.
Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a log burner? Check out our cottages with a log burner for a cosy getaway.
Here’s a run down of what’s on.
Find a festive retreat in Cornwall
Cotehele
Visit this atmospheric Tudor house with Medieval roots, with a mill on a historic quay, and a vast estate and garden to explore. This grand home, near Saltash, is a festive wonder, with a 60-foot garland in the Great Hall, festive lights along the stream and choir performances throughout the season.
See this year’s garland in all its glory from daily Saturday 18 November – Sunday 7 January, 10.30am-4pm. (Closed 25-26 December).
Trelissick
This lovely house and garden, set in an estate with maritime views and woodland walks, gets festive year on year. With Father Christmas in residency, mulled wine and spiced apple juice in the café, Christmas gifts in the shop and festive cheer in the stable yard, this is the perfect day out for all of the family. This year, pick up (or make) some Christmas gifts at the Christmas craft fair and festive weaving workshop.
Find Trelissick in Feock, near Truro, with Father Christmas around from 2 – 23 December.
Lanhydrock
Enjoy woodland magic and festive delight at Lanhydrock. This late Victorian country house features a countryside trail, Father Christmas’s woodland grotto and plenty of surrounding land for winter walks and bike rides. With frost-dusted trees and a festive cheer in the air, Lanhydrock makes for a perfect wintry visit. Open throughout the festive season.
Discover the essence of Cornish cosiness with Klysa, where every moment embraces the warmth and charm of this unique tradition.
Trerice
Trerice, near Newquay, is an Elizabethan manor house bursting with colourful plants by summer and a festive ambience by winter. This year, experience storytelling with Father Christmas, wreath making in the hayloft, and festive performances from the volunteer choir, the house and barn adorned with traditional decorations and festive cheer.
Father Christmas will be at Trerice on Saturday & Sunday 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 and then daily between Monday 18 – Saturday 23 December.
Want to stay in Newquay? Have a look at our luxury holiday properties in Newquay.
Godolphin
Open throughout the festive season except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Godolphin hosts a range of Christmassy activities and events. From Christmas wreath making, craft sessions, candle and lip balm making, and a variety of Christmas performances, head here for a fun day out. The 500 acres of countryside are also perfect for a winter walk.
Godolphin is near Helston, experience the Christmas House Sat 2 – Sun 3 Dec, Sat 9 – Sun 10 Dec, Sat 16 – Sun 17 Dec, 10.30 am – 4pm (last entry at 3pm).
Find your Christmas retreat in Cornwall and be here for the holidays.
What’s on this October half term in Cornwall
October half term is the perfect time to reconnect with family and nature alike in Cornwall. Blustery beaches, lively surf and a jam-packed schedule of family-friendly events make half-term week one not to miss. See what’s on for October half-term 2023 below.
Book your October half term stay with 20% off selected retreats.
Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a log burner? Check out our cottages with a log burner for a cosy getaway.
Falmouth Oyster Festival
12th – 15th October 2023
This festival celebrates the start of the oyster dredging season. A five-day festival packed with cookery demonstrations by leading local chefs, the opportunity to sample the seafood, oysters, wine and local ale. Entertainment includes children’s shell painting, sea shanties, live music, oyster shucking competitions and the Falmouth working boat race.
Check out more of what Falmouth has to offer by staying in one of our bespoke retreats in Falmouth.
Image credit: Jamie Johnson
Eden Project Ice Skating
Starting 14 October 2023 until February 2024
Get your skates on, grab a penguin and hit the ice rink at the Eden Project. With music flooding the sound waves, ice sessions for all ages, and sugary hot chocolates to be enjoyed on the sidelines, a spin around the ice rink is a quintessential way to kick off the autumn and winter season in Cornwall.
Minack Theatre
Visit the Minack Theatre, Cornwall’s world famous open-air theatre which is carved into the granite cliff and set in glorious gardens overlooking the spectacular panorama of Porthcurno Bay.
There is a programme of live performances throughout the year, and outside of these performances you can visit the theatre, stand on stage, explore the glorious sub-tropical gardens full of exotic plants and discover the extraordinary story of how it was created.
This October half term, catch children’s shows The Lonely Lighthouse Keeper and Madagascar Junior.
Image credit: Minack Theatre
Hall for Cornwall
Perfect for a rainy day or evening out of the house, Truro’s Hall for Cornwall has an exciting variety of shows, with theatre performances, live music and interactive kids events throughout the year. This October half term, the line up includes Tom Fletcher’s ‘There’s a Monster in your Show’, James Martin Live, The Manfreds Maximum Rhythm n Blues, alongside Toddler Time which is on every Tuesday morning until December.
‘Pirates’ at Falmouth Maritime Museum
Running until December 2024
Visit the Maritime museum in Falmouth for their latest major exhibition on Pirates! Explore how popular culture has shaped how we think of pirates today and dive beneath the surface to unearth the harsh and terrifying truth.
To find out, immerse yourself in the digital world of the Sea of Thieves game, land on Treasure Island, meet the man behind Long John Silver and dance a hornpipe with Horatio Pugwash before discovering the dark world of the real pirates of the Caribbean.
Discover adrenaline-pumping adventures and unforgettable experiences with Newquay’s wild activities.
Book your October half term stay with 20% off selected retreats.
The Importance of Play
Fun, adventure and the childlike nature of play are all important to our wellbeing, allowing us to switch off from day-to-day responsibilities and embrace our inner child. We explore how you can incorporate play into your family holiday, and the benefits this can bring.
When you’re in need of a real break, (like so many of us are right now), holidaying with the kids can be tricky. Their constant energy and endless need to be entertained often means you don’t get much chance to truly relax, and you may find you aren’t quite as revitalized as you’d hoped after a family day on the beach.
Visiting with a large group? Discover our large holiday homes perfect for big families or friend groups.
However, spending an uninterrupted week on holiday with your children is also an opportunity. A chance to switch off from day to day working life and responsibilities and get back in touch with your own childish side. Children are a great reminder of the importance of play, inviting you to become involved in games, adventure and exploration. Studies show that play for adults helps to release endorphins, improve brain functionality, and stimulate creativity. It can even improve memory and stimulate the growth of the cerebral cortex. Embrace a playful mindset and view your time away through younger, inquisitive eyes – it could bring a whole new lease of life to your beach days.
Here’s a few suggestions for how to dial up the play in each moment of your beach stay.
Rise
Wake up with the peach tinted rays of the morning sun. Waking early aligns best with children’s’ natural body clocks and gives you a great start to the day, allowing you to make the most of the hours of beachside adventure which lie ahead. Over breakfast, let your children choose the task for the day (set a list for them to pick between if you think it’s too risky) then plan together. Make a scavenger hunt list of things to look out for, play hide and seek with the things you need to pack – if you make the getting ready as much of the day as the outing, you’ll enjoy yourselves from the very start.
Roam
Head out, little feet skipping along dusty paths lined with Cornish montbretia and sea pinks. This is the most exciting moment of the day- when the anticipation for seeing the sea takes over, and you are yet to spot the first glimmer of blue in the distance. Make it a challenge- the first to spot the beach, a surfer, a bird….
Discover our bespoke holiday cottages in Hayle, a short drive from St Ives and Pendeen.
Collect
The shoreline and surrounding coast are dotted with treasures- from seashells, flowers and mother of pearl to striped feathers, driftwood and smooth sea glass, start a hunt and see what you can find. Collect as many different things as you can, or pick one category and see how many different kinds of that thing you can find. There are hundreds of different patterned pebbles, types of shells, or varieties of seaweed you can gather and discover once you start to look. Through rockpooling secret ponds, scaling the shore or delving into the flora, collecting seaside treasures is a great way to while away the hours whilst finding keepsakes that hold the memory of these beach days. Whoever finds the best seashell wins!
Picnic
Make sure you’ve packed up plenty of fuel. Find a serene spot overlooking sea views and tuck in. Spread jam and dollop clotted cream on scones, the classic Cornish snack which kids love. Food is all part of the fun, so let the little ones get involved in assembling their snacks- don’t worry about the mess! For more food inspiration, have a look at our Cook and Carry blog with ideas on beach friendly meals that can be easily transported from pan to sand.
Navigate
Help keep the little ones engaged on the walk home by letting them navigate the route. Do they remember any particular landmarks passed on the way? Do they recognise the route they mapped out earlier? Are there any detours or artefacts they want to look at? You could even have a go at reading natural signs- look at where the sun is in the sky and track its movements or examine the sea and how the tide has changed throughout the day. This will engage the kids in the elemental forces at play by the coast, giving them a fuller understanding of what nature can teach us. Read our Natural Signs blog here.
Relax
Once you’ve returned to your retreat, the kids should be tired out. If they still want to play, suggest drawing, journaling or scrapbooking moments of the day, or set up a board game out on your balcony. Your beach retreat is equipped with all the entertainment you need for an evening in, so you can sit back, relax, and indulge in a well-deserved glass of wine.
Discover perfect large self-catering family holiday lets for summer, offering spacious accommodations and unforgettable experiences along the Cornish coast.
Out in the wild
There’s a world of wildlife out there in the untamed coastal waters of Cornwall. Finding it requires patience, luck and respect. We struck out by boat in search of this natural wonder…
Still, transparent water, jagged, rocky cliffs, open, stretching skies: our view from Coast Boat Trips’ lively rib certainly delivers. But would the wildlife?
Embarking from Penzance we zip out to sea and towards Land’s End in search of marine animals in their natural habitat.
Visiting Cornwall with an electric car? Check out our holiday lets with electric car (EV) charging points.
Fast and fun, the boat bounces west to pass the harbour town of Mousehole and the dramatic cove at Pedn Vounder, before capturing a majestic view of the granite rocks where the Minack Theatre lives.
Check out our holiday properties in Mousehole to experience everything the area has to offer.
“The captain slows the engine and we wait. Our patience is rewarded.”
As we swing around the peninsula at Land’s End, we spot a single dolphin emerging from the water about 30 metres away. The captain slows the engine and we wait. Our patience is rewarded. A pod of common dolphins gathers around the boat, jumping from the water. One dolphin comes up close to the left of the boat where we can see it swimming in the clear water.
All around the coastline we encounter different wildlife: seals stretched out on rocky outcrops, sea birds swooping and circling, shy porpoises swimming deep and emerging occasionally for air.
As we take in the sights, we get expert commentary on the local history, the marine conditions and wildlife, discovering that dolphins keep swimming even when asleep, slowly bobbing in and out of the water on autopilot.
Seasonal spotting
Our experience on the water around West Cornwall was magical and exciting, but how common is it to encounter marine wildlife around the coast?
“Summer and autumn are some of the busiest times for marine wildlife,” says Matt Slater, Marine Conservation Officer at Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
“Common dolphins are becoming an increasingly common sight around our coast; there’s a very high chance you’ll see them. They’re quite small and enjoy swimming in the wake of the bow wave created by a boat.”
Discover adrenaline-pumping adventures and unforgettable experiences with Newquay’s wild activities.
Image credit: Matt Slater
“Summer and autumn is also when ocean dwellers that like warmer water venture into Cornish waters. In the last six years we’ve also started seeing Atlantic blue fin tuna.”
As we found, porpoises, a smaller cetacean, are harder to spot. Matt says, like dolphins, porpoises are also likely to be seen in summer and autumn; although, sightings are also reported in spring.
Image credit: Niki Clear, Manx Wildlife Trust
And there’s a lot more possible encounters out there during this time of year, says Matt.
“Summer and autumn is also when ocean dwellers that like warmer water venture into Cornish waters.
“In the last six years we’ve also started seeing Atlantic blue fin tuna. They can reach two metres in length and can be seen when they’re coming to the surface to catch their prey,” Matt continues.
Another oceanic visitor is the leatherback turtle. “It’s the largest turtle species in the world. It has a soft shell and feeds on jellyfish. In a summer when we have a lot of jellyfish visiting, you have the most chance of seeing them,” explains Matt.
Matt says that seals are also thriving in Cornish waters, and during this time of year pregnant females, feeding on large amounts of fish, will stretch out in the sun to warm up.
“This helps them digest all the food they’re taking on for their pups. By late summer and early autumn they find secluded, peaceful coves to give birth.”
Image credit: Caz Waddell
Into winter and spring, while warm water visitors are absent, it might be the time to spot something bigger.
“We can also be visited by whales; the commonest is the minke whale, but we’ve also had records of much larger whales. If you’re out spotting wildlife in winter you could be extremely lucky and see a humpback or fin whale,” says Matt.
Wild encounters
With so much wildlife hunting, nesting and travelling through and around the Cornish coast it’s vital we keep them safe and help them to thrive.
Taking a guided tour to find wildlife helps ensure you’re respecting the animals you see and causing little disturbance. Often that’s about keeping your distance and using binoculars rather than trying to get too close. You can find out more about what to do via the Cornwall Marine and Costal Code.
If you’re visiting with your dog, it’s best to use a lead when walking near sea birds, advises Matt. Birds can be frightened and cliffs can be perilous for pets. During spring, dogs should avoid disturbing the ground-nesting skylarks that have their home in cliff-top habitats.
“If you do come across a seal on a beach or rocks, it’s important to keep dogs far enough away and on a lead to avoid disturbance or risk of injury,” says Matt.
While some beaches have restrictions on access for dogs during the summer, other beaches do not and there’s times at the beginning and end of the day when dogs are allowed on most beaches.
“Well behaved dogs are fine to be off the lead on the beach,” says Matt, “but you need to have good recall if you do spot wildlife so a dog can quickly be put on their lead.”
As we experienced, there’s an abundance of natural wonders out there to be found, with a little patience and luck on your side. And knowing what to do when you are lucky enough to encounter marine life helps make for a thriving coastal habitat.
Seeking wildlife at sea
All around the coast you can find wildlife spotting tours with good practices for limited marine disturbance.
Find out more about Coast Boat Trips and Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s marine conservation work. You can also visit the Cornwall Marine and Coastal Code website for more on caring for the marine life when out and about along the coast.
Browse our West Cornwall retreats, where you’ll be close to this thriving area of sea and wildlife.
Top 10 Cornish Christmas markets for 2022
Christmas is coming, and that means one thing – Christmas markets. Inspired by Europe’s vibrant market culture, this year will see Cornish towns and villages deck the halls, and the streets, with festive cheer. With fresh Cornish produce, bespoke arts and crafts, delightful street food and plenty of mulled wine, a Christmas market in Cornwall is the best way to get into the spirit of the season, and pick up some stocking fillers along the way.
Here’s our pick of the best Christmas markets in Cornwall.
Find out why Christmas time is the best time to visit Cornwall and some of our holiday retreats to stay in at Christmas time.
Padstow Christmas Festival / 1 – 4 December
In the heart of Padstow you’ll find one of the largest Christmas festivals in Cornwall. With celebrity chefs such as Rick Stein and Paul Ainsworth making an appearance, the streets will be filled with the aromas of delectable seafood from a range of cooking demos. Visitors can also fill their boots (and stockings) at the Christmas market, with stalls selling artisan bread, meats, cheeses, gin, craft beers and much more. Topped off with a firework display, lantern parade and live music, this is a great way to get festive as December begins.
Browse our retreats near Padstow.
Fowey Christmas Market / 2 – 4 December
This popular Christmas market sees a variety of stalls line the streets of this picture-perfect harbour town. Find the very best of local handmade goods, from artwork, crafts, jewellery, food and drink, and give a loved one a gift that can’t be found elsewhere. The market opens with a Father Christmas and Fowey Town Band Parade through the town, and each day there will be live music and street performers spreading Christmas cheer.
Cornwall Christmas market @ the Eden Project / 23 – 24 November
The mesmerising Eden Project will be opening their doors on the 23rd and 24th of November for their vibrant Christmas market. With up to 70 independent stalls, you won’t find a better setting for a Christmas fair, with the tropical rainforest biome, Mediterranean biome and sprawling gardens to explore. Pre book your visit for either the evening of the 23rd where you can enjoy wine and supper included in your ticket price, or the daytime fair on the 24th which includes lunch, wine and free admission to Eden.
Bude Beach Huts / 10 – 11 December
Step into Christmas, seaside style, at Bude’s beach hut market. The Beach Huts will be transformed into local stalls, selling a wide range of handmade, artisan goodies suitable for all ages. Set on the beautiful Crooklets beach, enjoy a takeaway lunch or hot drink on the sand before getting stuck into some serious Christmas shopping.
Porthleven Christmas Market / 2 – 4 December
This historic harbour will come to life on the 2 – 4 December with a selection of handpicked stalls, showcasing the very best of Cornish produce and crafts. If you’ve got little ones in tow, Porthleven market is perfect, as Santa will be making a special appearance!
Truro Made in Cornwall Fair / 25th & 26th November
Head to the capital of Cornwall for a festive Christmas fair. Its tradition to head to Truro for its annual late-night shopping season, and this Christmas market kicks things off, allowing you to sample unique goods for sale. With a backdrop of fairy lights and the town’s striking Cathedral, a visit here will get you in the mood for Christmas.
Find a Cornish Christmas break.
St Ives Christmas market / 2 – 4 December
St Ives is Cornwall’s artistic hub, with a magical quality of light that has inspired painters and sculptors for decades. This year, browse their very own Christmas market, where you’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces, alongside live music and festive drinks. Once you’ve explored, why not check out the Tate gallery or head into the town for more boutique shops and restaurants?
Healey’s Cider Farm Festive weekends / 12 November – 18 December
Spanning over six weekends, this family friendly farm will transform into a festive haven filled with crafts, Christmas music, mulled cider and hearty food. Starting from mid November, this event is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit, and allows you to start ticking off the Christmas wish lists.
Want to stay in Newquay? Have a look at our luxury holiday properties in Newquay.
Penryn Jubilee Wharf Fair / 10 – 11 December
Celebrate the first creative Christmas market at Penryn, hosting a range of stalls selling jewellery, ceramics, gifts, candles, skin care and tasty treats. Treat your loved ones, or yourself, to a bespoke Cornish creation this Christmas.
Wadebridge Christmas market / 2 December
All of the family will love this festive event, where a roaming Santa and cheeky elves will be around to hand out sweets to the children. With late night shopping, charity stalls, a Christmas shop window competition, feel the buzz of the festive season in this coastal town halfway between Padstow and Polzeath.
Find a retreat on Cornwall’s north coast.
Discover five enchanting Christmas Day walks in Cornwall, where stunning landscapes and festive cheer create a magical holiday experience.
Start November with a bang!
Grab your sparklers, wrap up warm and venture outside to watch fireworks light up the ocean with kaleidoscopic bursts of colour. Cornwall comes to light on November 5 with bonfire night displays all across the county, from displays right on the beach, above harbour waters or in rural villages with a cosy pub next door.
If you’re wondering where to watch the fireworks in Cornwall in 2022, we’ve got you covered. To help your night go with a bang, we’ve selected some of the best firework displays lighting up the Cornish skies…
Find out why New Year is the best time to visit Cornwall and some of our holiday retreats to stay in for the New Year.
Fistral beach, Newquay
Experience a firework display on the world famous Fistral beach, Cornwall’s surfing capital. See the vibrant colours light up the sky from Fistral Beach Bar, who are hosting the event. The event is free entry and doesn’t require a booking, but be sure to get there early to grab a seat (and a beer) before the display starts.
4 November 2022.
From 7.30pm.
Watergate Bay
Wax Restaurant in Watergate Bay are hosting their annual spectacular firework party on the 4 November. Described as ‘bigger and better’ than 2021, the event will host raffles, music and stands selling hot drinks and food. The event is non-profit and will raise money for local organisations.
October 29 2022.
6pm – midnight, displays to start between 19.30 – 19.45.
Fancy staying in Watergate Bay? Check out our luxury holiday properties in Watergate Bay, Newquay.
Lappa Valley
Head to Lappa Valley for fireworks and a steam extravaganza. The little ones will love the collection of full size and miniature traction engines, fairground organs, every available railway locomotive in use at Lappa Valley, plus visiting steam engines on the railways. All visitors need to be onsite by 7pm for safety. Usual admission prices apply during the day. Fireworks evening costs £5. If you pay for a day ticket, you can stay on site or return for the fireworks at no extra cost.
5 November 2022.
Fireworks kick off 7.30pm.
Photo credit: Ollie Ridge, Lappa Valley
Newquay Sports Centre
Back with a bang for 2022, the Sports Centre’s firework show is the biggest in town. Although there will be no bonfire, visitors can expect six bars, lots of food vendors, inflatable fun fair, a 30ft cinema screen, DJ and after party, huge marquee and a beer festival during the day. The event is £2 a ticket, with children going free, and 100% of all money raised for tickets will go into non-profit initiatives at the Sports Centre such as free women’s self defence classes and men’s mental health support.
5 November 2022.
Time TBC.
Famouth Cricket Club
Falmouth Cricket Club will be lighting up the skies on November 5. Expect lots of whistles and whooshes with their annual display, with £7000 worth of fireworks. There will also be food stalls, a bar, a tasty hog roast and children’s rides. The entry fee is £4 for adults and £2 for children, and all money raised will go towards the firefighter’s charity, local charities and good causes.
5 November 2022.
Starts at 7pm.
Bude Rugby Club, Bude
Enjoy bonfire night in Bude, located in beautiful North Cornwall. Serving up a BBQ and hog roast to keep you full, Bude Rugby Club are putting on a display bigger and better than ever. The night kicks off at 6pm with a Guy Fawkes competition before the lighting of the bonfire at 6.30pm followed by fireworks at 7pm. Tickets are £3 for adults, £2 for children with under 3’s free, or purchase a family ticket for £10.
1 November.
Fireworks start at 7pm.
Book your self-catering break for November.
Discover five Hygge-inspired self-catering holidays for winter, promising cosy retreats and warm comforts along the Cornish coast.
Showstopping hot chocolates in Cornwall
Hunker down this season with a hot chocolate and beachside views.
The sweet glug of hot chocolate, topped with sprinkles and enjoyed with sticky fingers and a coastal view. With the arrival of autumn, it’s time wrap up, get cosy and search for a show stopping hot chocolate (with extra marshmallows of course). We’ve sampled the best hot chocolates in Cornwall to give you a head start – here’s our top five.
Fancy staying in a holiday retreat with a log burner? Check out our cottages with a log burner for a cosy getaway.
The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay
Towered with whipped cream, marshmallows and extra-large buttons, it’s no surprise that the Extreme Hot Chocolate is a firm favourite in the bay. Choose from classic marshmallow, orange or Oreo, or go vegan in keeping with The Beach Hut’s 50% plant-based approach, with oat milk, dairy-free Oreos, orange buttons, and oat milk squirty cream.
Hungry Horsebox Co., Hayle
Where better to sip a hot chocolate than out in the elements, the wind whipping around your woolly hat and sea foam in the air? Hungry Horsebox, situated on the rugged Gwithian Towans beach in Hayle, have made their Ultimate Hot Chocolate a permanent addition to their menu, and it’s a delight. Topped with wafer rolls, smarties, caramel chunks and a stick of toasted marshmallow, it’s bound to get you warmed up, no matter the weather.
Gylly Beach Cafe, Falmouth
Just a stone’s throw from our luxury Falmouth apartments, Gylly Beach Cafe is one of our go to eateries in Falmouth, not just for food, but of course their signature hot chocolate. With the choice of alfresco dining or comfortable seating inside, Gylly Beach Cafe is open all year round and located directly on the beach. Be sure to ask for whipped cream, marshmallows AND chocolate sprinkles.
Poldhu Cafe, Poldhu
If it’s choice you want, then it’s choice you’ll have. Poldhu is a secret cove located on the beautiful Lizard Peninsula in south Cornwall. Its cafe is known as the heart of the beach, famous for its Poldhutastic Hot Chocolates and rightly so. Whipped cream and marshmallows come as standard, with a choice of five brand new chocolatey toppings including Malteser, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Dairy Milk Buttons, Mini Eggs and Oreo. We know, our mouths are watering too.
Find a Poldhutastic Hot Chocolate.
Book your Autumn retreat at one of our beach locations, and keep an eye on our special offers page for seasonal discounts.
The Watering Hole, Perranporth
If you’ve been to The Watering Hole, then you’ll know that Perranporth boasts some of the most amazing sunsets. Pack some blankets, get the family together and dine alfresco with one of these bad boy hot chocolates. Perranporth beach is also home to The Dunes, a brand new development of contemporary self-catering apartments.
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Check out Cornwall’s best independent coffee spots, where local charm meets exceptional brews for a delightful coffee experience.