We love Cornwall in winter… Empty beaches tousled by crashing waves, historic pubs warmed by roaring fires, peaceful walks across frost-tinted moorland, it’s the perfect time of year to wind down and enjoy a slower pace during the cosiest of seasons - most might call it hygge, but here in Cornwall, it’s all about doing things dreckly: on Cornish time.
To help you embrace the dreckly way of life, we’ve gathered some of our favourite cosy activities. Covering a wide array of pastimes, they all share one thing in common; they’re here to help you forget about the clock as you immerse yourself in something toasty and totally soul-soothing, from some laidback crafts to a boozy experience that’s sure to knock your woolly socks off.
Ready to kick back and embark on a chilled-out adventure? These cosy experiences in Cornwall are a surefire way to warm the cockles this winter.
Enjoy a crafternoon
Nothing clears the mind quite like some arts and crafts, and with a history rooted in painters and novelists, Cornwall has you well and truly covered when it comes to cosy creative pursuits. Rocketing to the top of our list though has to be pottery as it’s a fantastic combination of creativity and coordination - a winning combo that can’t help but quiet the brain.
If you want to dip your toes into the world of pottery, book a slot at Create & Paint at Cornwall Gold. There’s a whole range of curious ceramics to choose from, including bowls, plates, and mugs and a selection of oddities like owls and lizards for good measure. Paints and brushes are set out on each table, giving you free rein to paint whatever pops into your head (or comes up in a Google image search), while the nearby offers superb food for that extra bit of cosiness. Or, if you would rather make something from scratch, head to Naku in Penryn or Wedge in Newquay where workshops will guide you through the basics of crafting your very own keepsake (we made mugs and loved every minute).
Kick back in a beachfront sauna
Quite possibly the cosiest - well warmest - on this list of winter experiences in Cornwall is a visit to one of the county’s seaside saunas. Boasting phenomenal positions overlooking tumbling waves and golden sands, these saunas invite you to relax and unwind in the best way. Most of the saunas offer sessions that range from half an hour to an hour, with the additional health-boosting benefits of a cold water plunge halfway through (trust us, it’s well worth the momentary cold). Saunas are becoming more and more popular as people enjoy the mental and physical benefits of a good steam; it’s the perfect antidote to winter’s chill.
Cornwall is home to several superb saunas, from Saunas by the Sea, Olla Hiki, and Ocean Soul on the North Coast, Rising Embers and Mor Holan in West Cornwall, and Kiln Sauna in the south.
Get giddy with a gin tasting
Nothing warms you up more than a tipple or two (or three) of Cornish gin! At Pocket Full of Stones, you’ll be treated to an assortment of excellent Cornish spirits and tonics during one of their 2-hour tasting sessions. While you sip on your welcome cocktail, the friendly team will talk you through the beginnings of their collection, from the rather unusual history of Caspyn gin’s name to how the gins are made.
Full of humour, fascinating facts, and no small amount of gin, these tastings are great fun and the perfect way to spend a cosy afternoon in Penzance or Falmouth. We definitely recommend staying nearby so you can make the most of the lip-smacking experience, but don’t worry if you’re unable to partake in the tastings as they offer a designated driver ticket, which comes with a 50ml bottle of your chosen tipple that you can enjoy at home. After, why not try out one of Penzance’s mouthwatering eateries or Falmouth’s tempting sea view restaurants - the perfect end to a gin-soaked afternoon!
Sit down to a slap-up Sunday carvery
So this might not be an activity in the usual sense of the word, but we think a proper Sunday roast in a cosy Cornish pub is the ultimate winter experience. Alongside pasties and seafood, pubs might be Cornwall’s number one staple, and in the winter that means roaring fires, freshly pulled pints, and a table full of roasties, Yorkshire puddings, and gravy.
Whether you love a historic inn with stories to tell, ghosts to spot, and crooked oak beams waiting to give your forehead a high five or a dog-friendly pub that welcomes muddy paws as well as boots, you just can’t beat a Cornish pub setting for a slap-up Sunday carvery. Top tip: for an extra cosy experience, pull on your trusty walking boots and enjoy a Sunday stomp first to really appreciate those toasty pub interiors.
Hunker down with some storm-watching
Ah storm-watching, Cornwall’s favourite winter pastime. While you can absolutely embrace these epic coastal occasions out in the fresh blustery air, we recommend heading to a cosy seafront café for a snug viewpoint with the added bonus of tasty treats. Oh yes, nothing quite says storm-watching like a friendly atmosphere and a hot chocolate.
Depending on where the waves are at their biggest, Cornwall has lots of action-packed spots where you can settle down with a slab of cake and watch the waves crash into the shoreline. In Porthleven, The Ship Inn is a firm favourite when the waves roll in as its lofty view across the harbour and twin fires create the perfect atmosphere for a bit of storm-watching, while The Beach Hut invites you to sup on delicious Cornish fare as you watch the Atlantic thunder and clash against Watergate Bay. Bring a deck of cards, order a mug of your favourite bevvy, and settle into an afternoon of sheltered fun as winter winds rage outside.
Layer up and go stargazing
Heading out under the cover of darkness on a chilly winter’s night in Cornwall might seem the opposite of cosy but trust us, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. First things first, we recommend piling on the layers. We’re talking multiple pairs of socks, your thickest woolly jumpers, and all the winter accessories from bobble hats to hand-knitted gloves. Oh, and a comfy blanket, hot water bottle, and flask of hot chocolate are always a welcome extra.
Once you’re ready, it’s time to step outside and experience Cornwall in a whole new light: starlight. Cornwall is home to some of the best stargazing spots in the UK, from coastal favourites like Bedruthan Steps and the whole of West Penwith to the wilds of Bodmin Moor where ancient woodlands and craggy tors make for a fascinating foreground. Head out and try your hand at stargazing yourself - there are lots of great apps out there to help you tell your Ursa Major from your Minor - or visit one of Cornwall’s observatories for one of their open events. The best times of year to enjoy stargazing in Cornwall are autumn, winter, and spring, so packing lots of cosy extras is the best way to make the most of this star-studded phenomenon.
Excited to embrace winter in Cornwall? Explore our cosy holiday cottages and start planning your next escape dreckly.