A guide to winter stays in Cornwall

It is well known locally that with the colder temperatures comes a sense of peace, quiet and tranquillity here in the Duchy. Our landscape is blanketed in frost and the sunny coastal destination transforms into a winter wonderland of twinkling Christmas lights, roaring waves and sweeping sunsets. For those visiting from afar, it becomes an entirely different yet magical playground waiting to be explored and dotted with the perfect hideaways to escape the chill. I would even argue that Cornwall is more captivating when the defiant cliffs jut onto empty beaches than in the hot heady days of summer. Peacefulness isn’t the only difference winter brings, but also the desire for quick or last-minute winter stays in Cornwall.

Last-minute escapes

Peacefulness isn’t the only difference winter brings, but also the desire for quick or last-minute escapes to the Duchy. At Cornish Escapes (cornish-escapes.com), the agency has had a wonderful summer of bookings and while it continues with steady stays throughout winter, the company also receives a large number of last-minute reservations. Guests are no longer looking to be tied to week-long stays with Friday or Saturday changeovers, but instead prefer short stays with flexible arrival days which is exactly what Cornish Escapes offers. From romantic getaways in secluded rural cottages to family holidays by the stormy coast, a stay during this season is guaranteed to be relaxing yet adventurous. The team is a group of family-run local experts who offer a personal service and have lived here for over 20 years, providing them with a deep knowledge of Cornwall. They truly believe there is nothing quite like exploring the land during winter to take advantage of the quiet cobbled streets and crisp coastal walks. Of course, there is much more than the beautiful landscape on offer to explore around one of the many properties belonging to Cornish Escapes. Visit galleries such as The Tate and the Barbara Hepworth Museum in St Ives without the too-close-for-comfort crowds and stressful travel. If you’re feeling particularly brave, take a dip in the water for a surfing lesson or swim before ending the day by the fire in one of many traditional pubs. If you prefer to stay on land, pull on your skates for a session on the ice rink at the Eden Project which, despite being a fantastic visit all year round, is particularly festive for families during winter. For an extra touch of magic, don’t forget to say hello to Santa in December when he comes to visit St Ives on the lifeboat.

Cosy cottage holidays

At Old Lanwarnick (oldlanwarnick.co.uk), the sentiment remains the same. The team here has also noticed a trend leaning towards more last-minute bookings and shorter stays, suggesting a desire for quick escapes from everyday life. That doesn’t mean that the rest of the year is quiet; despite a few empty cottages during the school-holiday period compared to being fully booked the previous year, Old Lanwarnick has been much busier in spring, summer and autumn than it was in 2022. Overall, 2023 has been very fruitful for the multi-award-winning holiday accommodation so far, while the upcoming season offers dog owners the opportunity to explore the land without limitations. Go for a stretch on Tregantle or Lan Sallos beach, then warm up in your hot tub or around the wood burner with a hot drink. If you want to venture a little further, there are a plethora of activities to do within a 15-minute drive of Old Lanwarnick from horse riding and tasting the local cider at Cornish Orchards to visiting Carnglaze Caverns and the Monkey Sanctuary. Make the most of the beautiful wintery wonderland by going on a walk across the South West Coast Path or from your cottage door through the nearby woods and along the river to Looe. With holidaymakers wanting their Cornish holiday to be as easy and hassle-free as possible, Old Lanwarnick has created an electronic guidebook with the aim of having everything you could need within your property from itineraries and suggestions to EV chargers for your electronic car. A hot tub is also to be added to Hob Nob cottage as well as a dog agility course for your four-legged friend, and clay pigeon shooting in the future.

Laid-on luxury

For a real taste of warm and welcoming luxury, Penventon Park Hotel (penventon.co.uk) in Redruth combines originality with sophistication. While many come for the picturesque beaches and clear waters of summer, Penventon and the surrounding landscape come into their own in winter. The crisp air and quiet gardens make you feel as though you have Cornwall to yourself. After a busy period of guests making the most of post-lockdown stays, Penventon has steadied back to a more regular season of repeat guests returning to the in-land hotel, impressed by the lively restaurant and bar, Leisure Club, plush interiors and spa treatment rooms. Because of this location, the hotel is less sunshine-dependent and doesn’t face the impact of a milder summer which should reflect into the winter season.

Famous for its majestic, crashing waves, it would be an oversight to pass up the opportunity to visit Portreath Beach or immerse yourself in the peaceful birdsong and crunchy leaves of Tehidy Woods during your stay. If the warmth and cosiness of the hotel is irresistible, then indulge in a spa day, an evening of cocktail-making with friends, or a Murder Mystery Dinner in the Grand Ballroom. Penventon has a variety of winter offers, from its best-selling Girls Night In stay with Prosecco, films and face masks to a January Sparkling Stay and Dine to kick the new year off right.

Just as Old Lanwarnick is hoping to offer guests everything they could possibly need, the team at Penventon has also noticed the expectation of standards increase over the years and have refurbished its stunning rooms as a result. After noticing a rise in demand for more experience-led holidays and dog-friendly accommodation, Penventon also offers ‘fun dine, not fine dine’ experiences for more informal eating as well as spacious dog-friendly bedrooms where furry friends can stay for free. The future of Penventon promises 2,000 bottles of Cornwall’s largest and finest wine selection and a complete garden restoration, working towards a more sustainable future for guests.

Sustainable family breaks

Another advocate for greener accommodation is Wooda Farm Holiday Park (wooda.co.uk). Wooda has catered to the sustainable preferences of guests in the last few years by installing solar panels, using low-energy lightbulbs and sourcing local produce to ensure an environmentally friendly future at the properties. Despite a slight drop in numbers after the post-pandemic boost, it has still had a fantastic year with new visitors discovering the beauty of Bude. With a range of accommodation to suit all budgets in light of the cost-of-living crisis, the increase in last-minute bookings comes as no surprise when you consider the location. Not only does Bude become more magical during winter but the retreat is within reach of Widemouth Bay, the perfect place to stretch your legs, hot chocolate in hand and lively dog by your side. The seaside town is home to cosy pubs, family-friendly cafés and fine dining restaurants featuring locally caught fish for visiting foodies.

Although the campsite closes during the winter, Wooda’s holiday cottages and luxurious eco-lodges remain open all year as the perfect base for an out-of-season escape. This time of year is just as magical if not more mesmerising and full of marvellous memory-making moments as any other season. The picturesque nature of the region, with its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage, takes on a special quality during this season that makes it perfect for those seeking unique and tranquil experiences and allows for a slower-paced getaway. Stay entertained in the games room, indoor badminton court, or explore the sheltered Nature Trail before washing off muddy paws in the outside dog shower. The Gwelva Hills lodges provide sweeping views across the sea while three of Wooda’s self-catering cottages sleep up to ten people and are ideal for cosy family gatherings by the fireside.

Whether you are after a last-minute escape to a spa and bar or a few weeks by the fireplace of a comfortable cottage, there is no denying that Cornwall transforms into a perfect playground for both newcomers and seasoned winter wonderland explorers.