The Cornwall Blog

I am almost too scared to say it, but the sun is actually out, and it’s half term. Of course, it might be short-lived. We’ve had rain and wind and mizzle and fog galore of late. In little Cardinham, it’s rained every day since the start of the year! But come rain or shine, there is always something to enjoy in Cornwall this half term. Here are just five... Screech Owl Sanctuary Opens Just for this half term week, the sanctuary welcomes visitors to see these majestic birds in flight. And it’s not just birds. They are passionate about other wildlife too, and their resident fox is a beauty. It’s a lovely day out, just outside Indian Queens. The Tide Climbing Centre If the rain does persist, this is a great option. Near Wadebridge and Padstow, the centre has more than 100 bouldering problems to try, suitable for beginners and experienced climbers. Eden Project: Hangloose I’ve mentioned Eden a few times on here, but never t...

Welcome to 2026, and to a cold but beautiful January! On the last day of 2025, I took my mum to Par Sands to soak up the sun and really just be thankful for the year. Par is actually one of the beaches I head to most, and it’s becoming a favourite. It’s not the kind of beach where you sit and sunbathe all day, or even really gaze at the view, but it’s definitely a great beach for a refreshing walk on a bright, sunny day. As you drive in, you have a choice of car parks. I tend to pick the middle one so I can say hello to the geese and ducks at the lake on the other side of the road. Then you get to walk through the sand dunes, which is a great approach. You can hear the sea but not see it yet, making the reveal all the more special. Or perhaps park right at the end. If it’s a cold day, or I have been out doing errands in St Austell and just want to gaze at the sea for a bit, I head to the far end. I can sit on a bench, or stay in the car, wind down the ...

It really is a sight to behold, and a colourful reminder of a wonderful summer: the Cotehele flower garland . When everything feels a little gloomy, with shorter evenings, endless rain and a rather relentless wind, this Tudor National Trust house brings a glorious burst of sunshine into winter with its annual display of dried flowers. A record-breaking garland The tradition dates back to 1956. In 2025, the garden team at Cotehele grew, picked, stripped, dried and prepared a record-breaking 38,000 flowers on the estate. The finished garland stretched 60 feet, or around 18 metres, through the Great Hall. Every flower was prepared by hand. The whole process took almost a year, from sowing the first seeds to hanging the finished garland, with assembly taking around 10 days. It is simply stunning. Exploring Cotehele in winter While parts of the house close over winter so essential conservation work can take place, the estate is still beaut...

I always seem to find myself in Mevagissey in winter, and I never mind. At this time of year, it is quiet and peaceful, with the most wonderful light falling across the harbour. It is just along the coast from another favourite place, Pentewan , and close to the Lost Gardens of Heligan. This was an impromptu visit with lovely friends, a chance to find a little comfort and beauty during a difficult time. The sea did not disappoint. A quiet wander around the harbour I always leave wanting to linger longer and explore a little more. This time, we browsed a few shops filled with enticing treasures, including gloves in every colour, before stopping for fish and chips at Ben’s Plaice . It had a lovely atmosphere, and I was very happy to find gluten-free options on the menu. Really, the pleasure is simply dipping a toe into Mevagissey’s atmosphere. Fishermen get on with their work, boats bob safely within the harbour walls and seagulls sit quite contentedly in puddles. T...

Archive note: This article looks back at February half term in Cornwall in 2025. Events, offers and opening arrangements may have changed. For more recent inspiration, read Five Fun Things This February Half Term in Cornwall . It felt as though we were powering through the year, I don’t know about you. For our February blog story, I thought I would look at some of the great things that were happening in Cornwall over the 2025 half-term break. Although many things in Cornwall don’t really seem to get going until Easter, there was still plenty for families to enjoy. Here are a few of the ideas we found. Cycle the Camel Trail A good idea whatever the season is cycling the Camel Trail , a favourite with families young and old. In summer, the pathways lining the estuary can become a little congested, which is one reason this route can be particularly enjoyable in February. Perhaps the most popular stretch is from Wadebridge to Padstow. There’s something quite motivating about the ...

Charlestown harbour It was so lovely to have my brother visit in December. We enjoyed some proper sibling time, revisiting a few favourite haunts and indulging his passion for good coffee and beer. I thought the best plan was a little tour of some fine local establishments, enjoying the wonderful views in between the showers. Having grown up in Cornwall, my brother is no stranger to these parts, but these days it is a modern metropolis that he calls home. Well, Coventry actually, up country. Trips down here are rare but thoroughly enjoyed by us all, so I was glad to hang out with my kid brother and catch up. Coffee and cobbles in Charlestown The first chance we had to head out together came on a soggy and rather cold Saturday. He is not a great early riser, so my first thought was coffee. We headed to Charlestown and managed to squeeze into Short & Strong, where my brother thoroughly enjoyed a V60 pour-over coffee. I had a vegan hot chocolate with ha...

Considering it's not that far from me, I hadn't really explored Mevagissey. It's a classic Cornish fishing village that still feels authentic and alive rather than perhaps just existing for holiday makers. I had a recent Monday off work and decided to make the most of the stunning winter's sun with my mum and sister, exploring the streets and enjoying the bobbing boats. I found my wander around the harbour all the more poignant when my mum let me know this was one of my Grandad's 'most favourite places in the world'. He had travelled with the Navy but had lived most his life in London. I loved imagining him here, with his hanky knotted on his head tucking in to a pasty and fending off seagulls. I felt close to him, and I could see his smile in my mother's face. Honestly the best thing I can do for my mum is take her somewhere that has little boats to draw, plenty of dogs to adore and the odd seagull. She just loves this kind of place and it was wonderful...

We are of slowly emerging out of winter, March is here, but for this month's blog post I wanted to revisit a special weekend last November at Marazion. It has to be one of the most magical places in Cornwall, an adorable village with a famous view that is ever changing as well as being ancient and immovable. A dear friend took me off to the lovely Godolphin Hotel for a weekend treat, and it really was perfect. The beauty of the colder months in Cornwall is the quietness, and it was just that, still, poignant and memorable. As you arrive in this little village, all attention centres on the island castle across the bay, and rightly so. The hotel itself is little but stylish, has a laid back charm and a playful feel. The kindest of people, they upgraded our room to one with a balcony and that fabulous view. The restaurant area was the perfect place to have a pre dinner cocktail and watch the sun sink into the horizon. I chatted with a chilled dad, who had snuck away while his kids we...

Welcome to 2024! As we bounce (or roll, depending on how much you are indulged) into this leap year I thought it might be nice to check out what great Cornish attractions are open in Winter. Being a tourist hotspot plenty of places do close for the season. After all, for those working in tourism it is a well earned rest! However there are plenty of places still welcoming visitors which is fab for locals or savvy holiday makers who recognise Cornwall's charms out of season. So where to begin, well some of the best places to visit involve animals. They of course don't just disappear outside of those popular times! Paradise Park Wildlife Centre has indoor play as well which can be handy on rainy days with kids. Located at Hayle, this family fun attraction has parrots galore, red pandas, pigmy goats and bald eagles to name a few. A visit to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is always a treat, you may even spot a celebrity. Dame Judi Dench happened to visit with her family just as a seal...

The Standard Inn on The Roseland Visiting Cornwall in winter is definitely different to the rest of the year. Cornwall may be at its brightest in the warm summer sun, but I wouldn't discount our winter wonders. Granted, it is warmer (though we do get some snow, especially on the moors) but the magic of winter can still be enjoyed. Cosy pubs galore, watching storm waters rage with a frothy hot chocolate and a crackling fire can't be beat.  Ice skating at the Eden Project For a traditionally wintery experience, ice skating is a firm family favourite. The Eden Projects rink is a lovely space to twirl around, I also like heading to the domes when you need to warm up!  Perranporth Sunset shared on my Instagram for Pickle Design Walking along the sandy beaches , especially with a dog in tow (or is it me in tow), is a lovely past time in winter. Promenading the long sandy stretches as the sun sinks into the horizon is my idea of perfection. Perranporth on the north coast is great f...