All Year-Round There Is Always Something To Do

When is Cornwall at its best? That’s a topic of much debate among both those who live here and those who visit regularly. Read our seasonal guide to Cornwall to find out which time of year is the best for you, or better still, try out the region at different times of year in order to decide for yourself!

Spring in Cornwall

This corner of south-west England comes back to life each March, yet March–June is still a relatively quiet time of year – one in which you may even have some of Cornwall’s best beaches and beauty spots to yourself. There are more daylight hours - all the better to discover the stunning variety of local landscapes, from coastal paths to woodland, moors and World Heritage former mining sites, all of them great for walks. Cornwall’s many wonderful gardens re-open for the season, too. And some days are warm enough to eat outdoors, on beach-café terraces with sea views or on picnics or even beach barbecues.

Meanwhile, a busy program of events including spring flower shows, walking weeks, art exhibitions and food, music, art and literature festivals gets underway. Don’t miss local highlights including the World Pasty Championships at the Eden Project, Trevithick Day, May Day, Flora Day and St Piran’s Day.

Summer in Cornwall

High season in Cornwall brings with it more events and entertainment than you could hope to find time for, including outdoor theatre at wonderfully atmospheric venues such as The Minack, Penlee Park Open Air Theatre, Pentillie Castle and Trebah Garden. But of course this is when Cornwall’s vast array of spectacular beaches truly come into their own, whether you plan to do some sun-bathing, some surfing or some sandcastle-building with the kids – or a bit of all three. This is also a brilliant time to enjoy Cornwall’s best boat trips, which include the Mevagisssey to Fowey ferry.

Autumn in Cornwall

This is an inspiring time to visit the region, with dramatic sunsets and occasional storms that can make beach-combing even more fun. Surfing is still popular long after summer ends, and this is a prime time for kite-flying, foraging, fishing, horse-riding and walking. Foodies, meanwhile, can choose from a plethora of events including the Falmouth Oyster Festival and the Newquay Fish Festival. And there’s the usual exciting choice of things to do indoors in Cornwall, including world-class galleries and museums such as the Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth.

Winter in Cornwall

Again, Cornwall’s 300-plus beaches are all blissfully quiet at this time of year, making it a brilliant place for winter walks – including with dogs, who get the run of more Cornwall beaches outside spring and summer with their restrictions. (See our blog on the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall). Despite the chilly temperatures, surfing is still an option in winter, with many sea-goers preferring the crashing waves of this season, while horse-riding on the moors is a wonderful experience. All outdoors activities are best rounded off with a drink or two in one of Cornwall’s cosy pubs and inns, beside a roaring fire.

And Christmas in Cornwall is truly memorable, with Christmas markets, Mousehole’s sensational Christmas lights, Santa’s Grottos, seasonal festivals and lantern processions, and even Christmas and New Year swims to watch or take part in - see our blog on Why You Should Spend Christmas in Cornwall

See The Park Cornwall’s accommodation perfect for your spring break, summer holiday, autumn getaway or winter escape.