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Home / When to Stay / October Breaks
Autumn has settled in. Crisp sea air, quiet expanses of beach and vivid red sunsets. This is the perfect time to take a few days off and escape to the coast. October in Cornwall is a relaxing time, where the pace of life seems to slow down but there’s still plenty to do and see. Take a long, bracing walk along the coast path, visit some of the county’s most unique attractions, admire the autumnal colours across landscaped gardens and sample some freshly caught cuisine on an October break in Cornwall.
With leading local chefs demonstrating their gastronomic flair and artists showcasing their handmade crafts, the Falmouth Oyster Festival marks the start of the traditional oyster dredging season in Falmouth. Sample the highly sought-after seafood, washed down with local drinks and enjoyed amongst the buzzing atmosphere of this much loved event. October breaks in Cornwall are a great time to experience some of the authentic Cornish culture out of the main season.
You may think its too late in the year to brave the water, but you’d be surprised. The sea temperature in October is at almost its warmest of the year, only just beginning to drop after months of summer sun. It’s an ideal time to learn, as the water will be quieter, so you’ll have less fellow beginners around you. The surf is also consistent throughout October, so there’s plenty of crisp, clean lines of waves rolling in. Try Wavehunters at Watergate Bay, Newquay Activity Centre or King Surf at Mawgan Porth who will provide all your kit and professional training.
Alongside acres of beautiful woodland, there are a handful of waterfalls dotted around Cornwall, often concealed deep into nature trails. Visit St Nectans Glen, near Tintagel and Boscastle, an area of woodland bursting with mystical tales of piskies and fairies. Here, you will find St Nectan’s Kieve, a spectacular sixty foot waterfall seen through a hole in the rocks. Or, visit Golitha Falls near Liskeard, a cascading waterfall set in a wooded valley.
There’s plenty to do out and about in Cornwall, but the autumnal atmosphere doesn’t have to end once you arrive back at your self-catering stay. Many of our retreats have outdoor spaces where you can watch the sunset streak the sky orange, or curl up and stargaze in low-light pollution areas away from city lights. Light up the woodburner or outdoor firepit, fire up the hot tub or wrap up in blankets and get cosy at your self-catering retreat.
Find a retreat with a hot tub.
Pictured: Watergate Lodge, Watergate Bay
Cornwall is home to over 300 miles of coast path, and with no more summer crowds, you’ll have endless stretches of coast to yourself. All of our properties are within walking distance to the beach, meaning you’re never far from the South West Coast Path, home to some of the best walking routes in the UK. Find your path here and stride out.
You may be lucky enough to experience an Indian summer in October, but this month can also see the first winter storms brace the coastline. Head out to the cliff tops to watch the conditions alter as the new season sets in. Watch crashing waves strike the rocks or be surprised by pleasantly calm water. Whatever the conditions, Cornwall has many vantage points for wave watching and the ocean is always a sight to behold.
Visiting Cornwall in October is the perfect time to bring your four legged friend, as many beaches only run seasonal dog bans during the summer months. Find a dog friendly holiday for October, and browse our locations to pick your favourite beach for pup-friendly strolls.
