10 Reasons to Visit Cornwall in the Winter

Most people associate Cornwall with a summer seaside holiday. But have you ever visited in winter? From daffodils in December to surfing in February, winter shines a new and unexpected light on this beautiful county. 

Here are 10 of the best reasons to visit Cornwall in the winter:

1. The crowds have gone. With nearly 300 miles of coastline and some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK, it’s not surprising that Cornwall is a popular summer destination. But when the summer crowds disperse you can have Cornwall all to yourself. And somehow its beauty shines all the brighter in the solitude of a winter’s afternoon.

2. The climate is mild. Daffodils in December? Cornwall lies on the eastern edge of the Gulf Stream, which means that its winter temperatures are comparable to Mediterranean resorts such as Benidorm, Nice and Naples. This makes it one of the warmest counties in the UK and yes, daffodils can often be seen in December.

3. The gardens are still beautiful. Those mild climates make winter a delight in the many famous gardens of Cornwall. Llandyrock, Trebah, Trelissick and the Lost Gardens of Heligan are all open throughout the winter and you can marvel at the year-round colour.

4. The storms are spectacular. When the winter storms unleash their power, the Cornwall of Daphne Du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn comes to mind. Waves crash against harbour walls, rain lashes in off the coast and it’s exhilarating to witness (before snuggling up in a cosy cabin, protected from the elements!)

5. The walks are wonderful. The scenic beauty of Cornwall, filtered through the winter sun, is one of the county’s most rewarding pleasures. Wrap up warm, head for the South West Coastal Path and take in the stunning views.

6. The Christmas lights are shining. The twinkling Christmas lights, reflecting off the sea down at Looe and Polperro harbours will warm your heart. What could be more festive than browsing the craft stalls of the Christmas market for special gifts?

7. The surf is up. Driven by low pressure systems off the Atlantic, the waves pound up the Cornish coast in winter. The fair-weather surfers are long gone, leaving this vast playground to the real enthusiasts.

8. The beaches are dog-friendly. Most dogs love beaches, but as a dog owner you may have noted that beaches aren't always very welcoming to dogs. However, from October to March, most lift their restrictions and miles of deserted beaches are opened up to dog walkers. Surely, nothing is more energising than a winter walk along a windswept Cornish beach with the dog excitedly chasing the waves.

9. There’s ice skating at the Eden Project. The ice rink opened in October and doesn't close until the end of February so you can experience something akin to the North Pole as well as visiting the rainforest and wandering around the Mediterranean, all in one day. 

10. The wildlife will surprise you.  From tawny owls calling on the night air, to salmon swimming upriver to spawn, to pods of seals off the coast, there is a lot going on in the winter and it’s a great time to do some wildlife watching.

And 4 reasons to stay at Forest Holidays in Deerpark:

1. The cabins are cosy for couples and great for groups. Cabins have up to 4 bedrooms, many with cosy log burning stoves and outdoor hot tubs – spectacular in the winter!

2. It’s perfectly located. From the sheltered south coast to the wilderness of Bodmin Moor, from to the rugged north coast, to the world famous Eden Project, it’s a great base for exploring Cornwall.

3. Your Forest Ranger works all year round and you will learn so much about winter wildlife if you take the opportunity to explore the forest with him.

4. It's a peaceful haven, hidden from the world. Your chance to be completely "off-grid" for a few days while you make plans for the year ahead!

Discover for yourself the many delights of Cornwall in the winter. Book your cabin today.