How to spend your two free nights in Cornwall

30th September 2022

You know that feeling when your holiday is coming to an end, yet there’s still so many things you want to do?

We feel you. That’s why, this year, you don’t have to worry about your time running out too soon when you book a stay with us this winter. When you book three or five night break from November until March (excluding school holidays), enjoy two extra nights on us.

Find out more about booking your stay here.

Because more time means more freedom to enjoy Cornwall, the way you want to.

Keep an eye on our socials over the coming weeks, where we’ll be hosting a series of competitions giving you the chance to win some great prizes to enjoy during your two free nights.  

In need of some more inspiration? Here’s a few suggestions on ways to make the most of your two free nights by the sea.

Explore the South West Coast Path

Cornwall has over 300 miles of coastline, just waiting to be explored. From your retreat you’ll have easy access to the South West Coast Path, where you’re guaranteed incredible vistas and untouched wildlife no matter the direction you go in. 

South West Coast Path are inviting any keen walkers and coast path lovers to become a member. A full year’s membership includes a copy of their handy guidebook of coastal walks, full of the best trails and detailed maps of the coast. This year, use your two free nights to explore more of Cornwall’s coastline, with their knowledge and expertise helping you to discover lesser-known routes, hidden coves, secret wildlife spots and more.

With your membership, you’ll receive monthly e-newsletters packed with coast path inspiration to be used for your next visit, and exclusive member discounts at major outdoor retailers. You’ll also become part of a community that works hard to preserve our beautiful coastal paths for future generations to enjoy.

Become a member here.

Cook up a storm

Make the most of your self catering retreat and its fully equipped kitchen, by cooking a delicious feast on one of your two free nights.

This is made easy by Stein’s at Home boxes, which deliver the excitement of a chef’s kitchen to your doorstep. The cook-at-home meal boxes have been pre-prepared by Steins chefs, and simply require finishing off in your kitchen by following the easy cooking instructions.

The delicious options include a three course lobster thermidor box, with a fresh scallop starter and decadent chocolate pave for dessert. Or choose from a vegetarian Indonesian curry box, autumn afternoon tea, weekend breakfast box and more.

Tuck in to these classic dishes in the comfort of your holiday retreat and enjoy your extra time with a full belly.

rick steins at home box

Go surfing

If you haven’t hit the surf yet, this is your chance to make a splash and try one of Cornwall’s most popular pastimes before you leave. From the surfing capital of Newquay to the more mellow waves of the south coast, Cornwall is endowed by enticing water on every coast. And in winter the swell is more consistent and powerful, yet less crowded, making it a great time to learn.

Book onto a private session with Wavehunters and ride the waves at Watergate Bay or Polzeath, with the support of their expert instructors. They’ll supply all your kit, including high-tech wetsuits, gloves, booties and hoods, so you’ll barely even notice the cold air and water temperatures. Whether you’re a total beginner or want to fine-tune your surfing skills, the session will be tailored to you, and all ages are welcome. 

Book your session here and spend your extra time in the ocean. 

Bring your pup

Let your dog take the lead on a pup-friendly holiday by the sea. With two free nights, your furry friend can join you in exploring more of the coastline from one of our dog friendly retreats.

As the summer ends, the restrictions on which beaches you can visit with a dog start to end too, meaning there’s plenty of sweeping bays or quiet coves to explore with your dog.

To keep your pup sweet during your strolls, why not try a selection of Forthglade’s natural dog treats? The range of natural, soft bite treats will make your pup’s stay as special as yours, with plenty for them to chew on throughout your two free nights. Mix and match with peppermint and parsley fresh breath bites, post-beach swim reward treats made with chicken and liver, and calming herbal treats to soothe your pup into a slumber after a busy day of coastal walking. Browse their range here.

See the sunrise on the beach

Everyone loves a sunset, and there’s no doubt that Cornwall throws a blazing sundowner show on its north coast beaches. But how about getting up for the sunrise instead? Many of our Beach Retreats on the south coast are perfectly situated for you to pad down onto the sand, coffee in hand, to witness the sun peaking above the horizon and lighting up the ocean in the early hours of the morning. So set your alarm, take a coffee and a camera, and hit the beach for golden hour.

Photo: The Penthouse 4 The Bay, Cawsand, South Cornwall.

4 The Bay

Turn your back on the sea and head inland

Holidays in Cornwall aren’t just about the beach. Turn your focus away from the sea and you can discover some incredible natural gems inland. Explore the wild terrain of Bodmin Moor where you can climb Cornwall’s highest peaks of Rough Tor and Brown Willy, and witness Bronze Age and Neolithic sites including stone circles, quoits and settlements. Or why not enjoy a day out in Cornwall’s woodlands? Pack a picnic and spot squirrels at Tehidy, or keep your eyes peeled for Cornish piskies as you explore magical valleys on the way to St Nectan’s Glen on the north coast, or Golitha Falls near Liskeard.

Eat seafood in a fishing village

The seafood landed in Cornwall is some of the best in the UK – and every holiday by the beach warrants at least one helping of fish and chips. To really soak up the fishing heritage and get your chops around the freshest catch, make sure you visit a quaint Cornish fishing village, where you can tuck into the freshest catch with a view to the day boats that bring it ashore. Some of our favourite spots include The Lugger in Portloe, Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Port Isaac, The Mariners in Rock and Tolcarne Inn, nestled by the harbour in Newlyn.

Photo: The Boathouse, Newquay, North Cornwall.

The Boat House

Hop aboard a ferry trip

Messing around on boats is all part of the Cornish lifestyle. And in a county steeped in maritime heritage and surrounded by the ocean, one of the best ways to experience Cornwall’s glory is on the water. Hop on the Black Tor ferry to float from Padstow to Rock, take the scenic King Harry Chain Ferry to the Roseland Peninsula, or ride on the Cawsand Ferry from a serene beach to the heart of Plymouth. FalRiver Links runs a network of ferries on and around the River Fal throughout the year, including a river cruise from Falmouth to Truro and crossings from Falmouth to Flushing and St Mawes.

Photo St Mawes, Roseland Peninsula.

Falmouth harbour

Go on adventures in autumn gardens

Crunch through golden leaves, climb trees and tunnel through autumn foliage that tumbles to the water’s edge. Some of our top gardens for wild winter walks include the National Trust’s maze of woodland at Lanhydrock, the sub-tropical landscape of Glendurgan, and Trelissick’s stunning 500-acre estate on the banks of the River Fal. Another favourite with families – and dogs, too – is Trebah Garden, where you can make your way through a sheltered valley to a little cove that’s perfect for skimming stones. Out of all of the county’s garden wonderlands, the Eden Project is still the mega-star and all-weather haven, where you can wander through a rainforest, bask in the Med and visit a Western Australian garden in the iconic, sky-scraping biomes.

Photo The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Mevagissey, south Cornwall.

Lost Gardens of Heligan

Make the first footprints in the sand on a secluded beach

There’s nothing more exciting than discovering a secret cove, or a secluded stretch of sands where your footsteps are the first to mark the ebbing tide. And once summer’s bucket-and-spade brigades have left, it’s much easier to find a little piece of paradise to yourself. For a nudge in the right direction, seek out The Strangles, a mile from Crackington Haven, Leggan Cove, tucked beneath rugged cliffs on the Lizard Peninsula, or Duckpool, just north of Bude. Or be adventurous and unfold an OS map, pinpoint a tiny cove and veer away from the main tourist tracks to discover your own secret cove.

NEED TO KNOW

Book a 3 or 5 night break and get an extra 2 nights free. This offer is available from November to Easter (excluding school holidays).

To claim one of these offers, book a 5 or 7 night stay and use code 5FOR3 or 7FOR5 on the checkout page, or book by telephone on 01637 861005.

You can arrive on any day of the week, as long as the entire stay falls within these dates.

A handful of properties are excluded from this offer, see individual property pages for further information.

BOOK YOUR TWO FREE NIGHTS BELOW