Where to Stay in Cornwall in Autumn: 8 Places for a Cosy Break

Beautiful Mevagissey at the Sea Shanty Festival

I am really loving Cornwall this autumn, switching from my iced coffee to a hot chocolate, cherishing walks with borrowed dogs and just relishing that crispness in the air. 

These are eight areas I would head to if I was hankering after a Cornish break in Autumn.

Ethy Woods at Lerryn

Fowey

Best for woodland walks

Known perhaps more for its coastal location, this picturesque seaside town is surrounded by woodland that's all a blaze as Autumn approaches. Don't get me wrong, a warming cup at Ready Money cove is still a must (and a sea swim if you are feeling brave), but I love exploring the estuary as its weaves it's way inland. Meander round the ruins of St Catherine's Castle, head to the vibrantly striped Gribbon Daymark or make your way inward to Lerryn and St Winnow, with the wild and author-inspiring Ethy Woods.

With cottages along the water's edge a plenty, or the comfortable and beautifully positioned Fowey Hall Hotel, there are plenty of options to lay your head. 

The food is delicious, and recently drew the likes of actor Stanley Tucci, saying 'he never wants to leave'. 

A November walk along the harbour at Mevagissey

Mevagissey 

For that Harbour atmosphere 

There is just something about Mevagissey, authentically Cornish I would say. The light, the bobbing boats and the little lanes with interesting shops to entice. I was sitting outside only last weekend in the golden sun as sea shanties rang out over the waters. 

Perfectly located to explore some really great beaches, Vault Beach (unofficially nudist, but surely not this time of year!), Pentewan Sands and Gorran Haven to name a few. 

Of course from November The Lost Garden's of Heligan comes alive at night, lit with the most intriguing creatures. Their Sunday roasts are worth sampling too. 

Cycle the Pentewan valley trails, make the most of the cosy traditional pubs or wonder around a local farm shop. Trevithick and Trays has a warm welcome, and a lovely selection of local wares.  

Padstow in October, people enjoying the water still

Padstow 

For the foodie in me

I must confess I avoid Padstow in the peak summer months, but now I feel is the perfect time to go for an autumn break in Cornwall. Padstow's popularity means there is still plenty to explore out of season, and I feel you can get more of a feel for the place. Rick Stein's restaurants showcase the very best of the sea on your plate, there are bistros, gastro-pubs, family run-bakeries and the quintessential chippy to delight. 

The beaches are pretty much deserted so if you want breathtaking landscape and world-class food, I'd head to Padstow for your Cornish autumn break. 

Take the Camel Trail to Wadebridge, where other high streets flounder this market town is a wash with independent businesses to discover. Or explore Port Isaac, definitely quieter this time of year but the coastal walks here will stay with you forever. 

Golitha Falls

Bodmin Moor 

For cosy cottages and hairy cows

If you love a good book and are looking for a cosy break in Cornwall, then I would recommend the moors. Classics like Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Mourier come to mind, or of course Sherlock Holme's and his terrifying beast! 

But the beauty of the moors for me is their bleakness. There may be howling wind, mizzle and cold - but even just a drive through the moors lifts my spirits. When the sun peeps through all the rugged landscape colours are revealed. A world away from life's demands and noise, and I am quite partial to the hairy cows, wild ponies and random sheep that can accompany moorland excursions. 

A hearty breakfast and a bracing walk make for perfect autumn adventures. I feel a sunset from Rough Tor or Brown Willy is pretty perfect, watching the starlings wax and wane in the distance, has to be a pretty special Autumn experience. 

A November stay in Marazion

St Ives

All its charms but quieter 

St Ives is always a good idea, no matter the season. And there are no shortage of cottages and sea view apartments to tempt. It's definitely one of the best places to stay in Cornwall. Staying way out west allows for some beautiful scenery, you can see why the artists wax lyrical. Try your hand at an artistic endeavour, explore the galleries and potteries or just grab a sketch book and scribble your own impressions of this exceptional coast. 

It's just a hop skip and a jump to Marazion, across the bay from St Micheal's mount. I stayed at the Godolphin hotel a couple of years ago in November, it was the out of season break that my soul needed. Just perfect. 

There is such a charming atmosphere as you stumble around the streets of St Ives (even without a few pints in you, the uneven pavements can make you stagger!) And another plus, the famous beaches are dog friendly out of season too. Plus with the trainline - a really scenic one - you can explore more of Cornwall and leave the car at home. 

The beach at the Hidden Hut, last weekend in September

The Roseland 

For a peaceful break

There are many places that vi for first place on my Cornwall must visit list, but I have to say the Roseland tugs at my heart strings more than most. It is a great choice for seeing Cornwall in autumn, this jagged coastline runs from St Austell bay to the Fal Estuary and boasts some of the best beaches in Cornwall.

St Mawes is perhaps the most well known with its ruined castle, sea front hotel and bobbing boats. I love, as many others do, The Hidden Hut at Porthcurnick beach near Porthscatho. You are out in the elements here, but the food is great and a bowl of something hearty at the beach is a great way to spend an autumn day. 

With Truro near by if you want a little more buzz, I would also enjoy the gardens and parkland at Trelissick, pretty special in autumn shades. 

An October sunset at Perranporth on the North coast

Newquay 

For storm watching and sunsets

The autumn months come the epic storms, and Newquay really is the best place to watch them.  I like finding a good cafe with a view, or perhaps head to the Bedruthan Hotel at Mawgan Porth, their restaurant is open to day visitors and guests alike. The Bowgie Inn or Lewinnick Lodge are also perfectly placed to see the waves crash. 

Newquay has a great food scene as well, something that carries on in the quieter months, and there are still plenty of outings to be had. For the brave you can don a wetsuit and catch the pretty epic surf, or try a spot of wild swimming. It's a great setting for an autumn break in Cornwall, and nothing quite beats a north coast sunset. 

Catch a boat to Royal Williams Yard

The Rame peninsula 

For the overlooked

My final offering for the best places to stay in Cornwall this autumn would be the Rame peninsula. This area is a forgotten corner of Cornwall, home to three ancestral homes, Mount Edgecombe, Port Eliot and Antony House. Perfect for a road trip with inlets and tidal creeks and dramatic wind swept beaches. 

Just over the water is Plymouth, you could catch the ferry and explore the Barbican, running all year round. 

There is so much history and old world charm, this is where I would recommend for exploring secret Cornwall. A haven for wildlife too. 

It's quite a list! So if you think Cornwall is best suited to summer trips, think again, Cornwall in autumn is something rather special.