Spending Christmas in Cornwall at The Valley

October 22nd, 2021

Christmas is a magical time, and spending this period away on a luxury winter break can make the holiday even more special and memorable.

There’s no denying that winter and, in particular, the festive season are all about comfort, cosiness and closeness, which is something we hold at the heart of our cottages here in Cornwall.

Cornwall is a beautiful place to visit no matter the season, so if you’re still deliberating on your Christmas plans, why not book a stay with us at The Valley? Our family-friendly cottages make the perfect backdrop for your winter holiday, ensuring you can relax and make the most of your time with your loved ones!

Why Stay at The Valley For Christmas?

Our cottages are located in the beautiful woodland area in Carnon Downs – a veritable natural wonderland come December. Besides an idyllic Cornish location, what else can we offer you when you choose to stay with us?

Safe & Secure Cottages

A young girl decorating a tree

For some, Christmas can be a hectic time, but our luxury cottage provides the perfect environment for stress to melt away.

When it’s time to relax and let the merry evenings roll in, you can sit back knowing that our team at The Valley is doing our utmost to ensure you and your family are safe.

Our cottage not only provides all the physical comforts you’ll need, but they all offer the comfort of being completely safe and secure in a gated community. This allows us to ensure the entire site is safe for everyone at all times.

Self-Catering Cottages

Two people in a kitchen making festive cookies

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without your family’s traditional festive feast. Our fully equipped kitchens mean that you’ll be able to whip up whatever homemade foods and seasonal snacks your family can’t bear to go without!

Our cottages are also kitted out with dishwashers, so after you finish your delicious Christmas dinner, you can retreat to the sofa for an afternoon nap without having to worry about cleaning up.

If your family’s Christmas dinner is usually followed by a post-meal stroll, Cornwall’s picturesque landscape will not disappoint. We’re in the perfect spot for you to take a trip through fantastic Cornish woodland or to one of the county’s famous beaches.

The Perfect Place to Spend Time Together

A family decorating a Christmas tree

Sometimes we don’t always make time for the ones we love, but a holiday with us allows you to reconnect with your nearest and dearest in a stunning location with all the amenities you’ll need.

Enjoy everything that Cornwall has to offer and then retreat to one of our cosy cottages to revel in good company.

If you holiday with us over the festive period, we’ll also provide twinkling lights and a Christmas tree to add that once-a-year magic that you can enjoy with your loved ones.

Dog-Friendly Cottages

A dog in front of a string of Christmas lights

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without all the family, so we make sure to offer dog-friendly cottages to those that want to bring along a four-legged friend.

There’s no better way to greet the morning than with a winter walk with your pup! Our cottages are situated just fifteen minutes from the north and south coast – you’ll be in a prime spot to explore all the best coastal paths and experience stunning views.

Cottages in a Great, Central Location

As already mentioned, our site is located in a fantastic spot, giving you the opportunity to explore everything that Cornwall has to offer without travelling far.

From enjoying the natural landscape, discovering Cornish history, relishing local food, doing a bit of retail therapy, there are plenty of things for you to do during your stay.

After an exciting day of activities, you can then return to your cottage and sink into one of our hot tubs for the ultimate feeling of luxury.

Book With Confidence

We understand that some of our guests may still feel some uncertainty around booking a holiday because of the challenges posed by the pandemic.

In response to this, we have relaxed our terms and conditions to ensure that if any lockdown prevents you from coming on your holiday, you can change your booking to another time without charge.

Our strict cleaning policy also ensures that guests are kept safe and the risk of COVID-19 is minimised. You can read our Coronavirus Policy and Cleaning Policy to find out more.

The Valley has a proven record of providing outstanding holidays, so if you’re ready to start planning an unforgettable Christmas break in Cornwall, book online now to find the perfect cottage for you.

We look forward to seeing you this festive season!

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Where to Meet Father Christmas in Cornwall

November 11th, 2019

Cornwall is a brilliant place to be for the festive period, with exciting winter wonderlands and cosy Christmas grottos found across the county! In this blog, we take a look at where you can find Santa this Christmas.

Father Christmas Experience at the Eden Project

Meet Father Christmas and his Elves while they stay at the Eden Project and catch a glimpse of what life is like for Santa behind the scenes! You’ll be able to take a peep at where the elves sleep each night, as well as where all the letters that children from around the world send get stored! Settle down in front of the open fire and enjoy a magical tale read by Santa himself! The experience runs several times a day from Saturday 30th November and will run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from this date until the 18th of December. Booking is recommended, and tickets cost £10 for one adult and one child, with additional children at £6. To access the grotto, you will also need an admission ticket or pass to the Eden Project.

Father Christmas in Cornwall

Bedruthan’s Sugar and Spice Grotto

Bedruthan Hotel is known for going all out on their grottos and this year is certainly no exception! Walk into a winter wonderland as snow falls around you, settling on the twinkling Christmas trees. A magical grotto awaits, but first, you must journey through the labyrinth of ice caves, where you can make snow angels and throw a snowball or two! The helpful elves along the way also like getting creative, giving you the chance to craft some lovely decorations or gifts. Once you’ve finally reached the Sugar and Spice Grotto, you can help Father Christmas, and Mrs Christmas gather up the gifts for the sleigh – there may even be one in there for you! Finally, make a magical Christmas wish to Mawgan the magic wishing tree!

Open every day from the 30th of November to the 23rd of December, this is one of the most popular Grottos in Cornwall, with some dates already sold out, meaning that booking is essential. Tickets cost £15 for one adult and one child, and £5 for an additional adult.

Santa by Steam

A popular Christmas activity run by Bodmin & Wenford Railway; Santa climbs on board this magical steam train and embarks on an incredible journey for an hour. Bringing his elves along for the journey too, his helpers will lead little ones to the magical grotto where you will meet the man in red himself! As well as getting an early Christmas present, and a photo with Santa, you can also enjoy a tasty mince pie while you wait! Booking is essential, and the train will be running on Saturday’s and Sunday’s from the 30th of November to the 22nd of December, as well as Monday the 23rd and Tuesday the 24th.

Present from Santa

Father Christmas at Trebah

Building their magical factory in the gardens, Father Christmas and his elves have created a wonderful place to create amazing gifts. Watch the elves handcraft unique presents before collecting your own gift from Santa himself! Father Christmas has a very busy schedule this year, so will only be visiting Trebah Garden on the 14th of December and the 15th 2019. Tickets cost £9 for children and £5 per adult and booking is essential.

Redruth Public Library Christmas Grotto

Father Christmas will be making an appearance at his special Christmas Grotto at the Redruth Public Library on Saturday 7th, 14th, and 21st of December. Santa and his elves can be found at the cosy reading corner from 10 am until 2 pm for this free event.

Letter to Santa

Father Christmas Visits Lost Gardens of Heligan

Father Christmas and his elves are warmly welcomed back to the Lost Gardens of Heligan this year. From the 14th to 24th of December, visitors to the Gardens will be able to follow the magic Christmas Trail and discover Father Christmas’ cosy home, where good children will receive a small gift. To be sure he brings the present you want on Christmas Day, you can also write a letter to Santa and pop it into the magical post box underneath the twinkly Christmas lights. Tickets cost £7 per child, and £2 per adult on top of the admission fee for Heligan and advanced booking is recommended.

Santa’s Grotto at Paradise Park

After spotting the delightful collection of creatures that find their home at Paradise Park and playing in the Jungle Barn indoor play area, get into the Christmas spirit by paying a visit to Santa at his grotto. From the 30th of November, Father Christmas will be visiting his grotto from 12 pm to 2 pm on weekends and then every day from the 18th to 24th December! Tickets cost £5.45 per child in addition to entry to the park and can be bought on the day.

Here at The Valley, we offer family-friendly holidays in Cornwall that are perfect for children and adults alike who cannot wait to experience the excitement and magic of this festive time of year. To continue with the festivities, discover the Christmas markets that are taking place near our luxury holiday cottages.


How to Spend New Year’s in Cornwall

December 05th, 2018

Stuck for something to do this New Year’s? Treat yourself to a five-star cottage in Cornwall for a fantastic holiday with family and friends, welcoming in the new year in style! Cornwall is a fantastic location, with lots to do throughout the year, and New Year’s Eve is no different. Below we take a look at some of the best events happening in towns and cities near our holiday cottages:

 

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6 Reasons Why You Should Spend Christmas in Cornwall

November 05th, 2018

With Cornwall’s stunning scenery and gorgeous weather, it isn’t difficult to see why the area is such a popular summer holiday destination. But why should we limit ourselves to a few months of the year, when Cornwall has so much more to offer? With a variety of exciting activities available year round, there are plenty of reasons why you should swap your swimsuits for scarves and head down to the coast this Christmas.

 

  1. Cornwall is Quieter in the Winter

As one of the most popular UK staycation destinations, the summer months can see Cornwall get a little congested; with cars bumper-to-bumper down country lanes, and the most popular scenic beaches obscured by the windbreaks of a never-ending stream of holiday-makers. So what could be better than peacefully enjoying the picturesque scenery without the horror of facing hours stuck in the car with a bunch of bored kids in the back!? With most people under the impression that Cornwall is a destination reserved for summer only, the winter months provide a calmer experience of the coastal county. Not only are the roads clearer, but parking charges are often waived too, making getting around that much quicker and easier!

 

 

  1. Cornwall is Cheaper in the Winter

The winter season sees prices drop alongside the temperature, making your Cornish getaway that much more affordable. With the demands on the Christmas lists seeing Santa’s budget stretched every year, the cheaper Christmas period in Cornwall will provide a break that will see more money saved for those Christmas treats!

 

Mousehole Christmas Lights

  1. Cornwall is Just as Beautiful in the Winter!

The picturesque villages and stunning coastlines that attract the hordes of tourists in the summer months are just as impressive in the winter. Wrap up warm in a hat and scarf and cosily follow the coastal path walks. The gorgeous winter sun will brighten up any beach day, and let’s face it; our summer months aren’t that much sunnier! While night may come earlier than in summer, Cornwall certainly makes up for this in winter, with many villages trying to outdo each other in the Christmas light department. Mousehole is known for their impressive displays of lights in the harbour; certainly something to check out!

 

 

  1. Christmas Markets and Activities in Cornwall

Each year the ‘Made in Cornwall’ markets hit the streets of Truro, boasting an impressive range of locally made art, food and Christmassy gifts. December also brings the Christmas Primestock Show to Truro; displaying a diverse range of local farm produce as well as craft stalls, it’ll be hard not to find a few gifts there! With exhibits of pigs and ducks, the kids will be entertained too. For more hands-on fun, the annual Christmas Parade in Falmouth runs activities for all to get involved in, such as Christmas lantern making and tree decorating.

 

Father Christmas in Cornwall

  1. Father Christmas is a Fan of Cornwall!

While Father Christmas and his reindeer make several stops throughout Cornwall, including a procession through Truro on 28th November, by far his favourite place is the Eden Project in St Austell, where he spends the Christmas holiday meeting all the little children who visit; at least those who haven’t made it on the naughty list! As one of Cornwall’s best attractions, the Eden Project is an incredible family day out and is made all the more special at Christmas time, with the inclusion of an ice skating rink.

 

 

  1. Food!

All we want in the winter is something warm and yummy to fill our tummies, and there is no better place than Cornwall to find the perfect nibble! Home of the Cornish pasty, you won’t have to look far before you’re tucking into a homely warming bite. With fish & chips and cream teas also on the menu, Cornwall provides the perfect comfort food you fancy in the winter months. If you’re a foodie, winter also brings the Padstow Christmas Festival; a celebration of local food and a chance to see celebrity chefs competing. You’re sure to be in for a treat!

 

 

If you’re interested in visiting Cornwall for Christmas this year, then we have a range of luxury holiday cottages in Cornwall available at this wonderful time of year.


Fantastic Christmas and New Year offers at The Valley!

December 21st, 2016

Make the most of Cornwall’s mild winter climate and enjoy an unforgettable Christmas holiday on the beautiful Cornish beaches, walking through rolling landscapes or simply relaxing in a waterfront cafe in one the many picturesque fishing villages, all within easy reach from The Valley accommodation.

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Attractions in Cornwall that are open seven days a week!

December 16th, 2016

Just because it’s winter, does not mean the county of Cornwall goes into hibernation. In fact, winter is one of the best times to visit thanks to smaller queues, reduced admission prices and a more peaceful atmosphere for you and your family to roam without the hustle and bustle of the summer. These conditions also make it a fantastic time to bring your pooch on holiday with you so the whole family can be together. Be sure to check out our dog friendly holidays in Cornwall this year to make some memories you won’t forget.

Here are seven Cornish attractions that leave the doors wide open seven days a week. Check out these fantastic family days out that can be visited throughout the winter months…

National Maritime Museum, Falmouth

A fantastic, hands-on educational experience that is fun for all the family! Explore fifteen galleries spread over five floors discovering the past, present and future of our fantastic little island. You can even take a journey through time to the Viking world and find out what made them one of the most iconic cultures of all time, as well as the secrets behind their success.

 

Eden Project, nr St Austell

Feeling a bit down from the cold? Check out the tropical biomes at the Eden Project, full of fascinating plants and crops from tropical environments, each with their own story for you to get lost in. The Eden Project also has some fantastic thrill-seeking opportunities, with a zip-wire, gigantic swing and leap of faith also featuring in the activities available for visitors. Throughout the winter, an ice-rink is also present and available to book in addition to your general admission tickets.

 

Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay

If the Atlantic Ocean is a little too brisk for you and your family this time of year, appreciate the sea from the comfort of inside this fantastic aquarium. You will make your way through over 40 naturally themed habitats, from exotic bays to the Cornish seas. The heart of the aquarium features an ocean tank, where you can observe loggerhead turtles, reef sharks and shoals of colourful fish from above the tank and below, in their iconic clear tunnel. The site is located on the fantastic Towan beach, perfect for a few post-aquarium selfies!

 

Seal Sanctuary, Gweek

In keeping with the aquatic theme, winter is pup rescue season for the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, making it a great time to visit the rehabilitation centre at its busiest. You will be able to fully gauge the scale of work they do to save the seals, but do be prepared to fall in love them yourself! Occasionally the seal sanctuary’s facilities and expertise are called upon to save other aquatic animals, so who knows what you might see there!

 

Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan

Don’t forget to bring your wellies on holiday, for 200 acres of garden is yours to explore! Step back in time and lose yourself in Europe’s largest garden restoration, which is rich in history, mystery and romance. A visit in the tranquillity of winter will inevitably let you forget the stresses of reality and simply relax in the peaceful, traditional garden that is bursting with nature.

 

Paradise Park and Jungle Barn, Hayle

This wildlife sanctuary is home to over 140 species, as well as more than 650 birds. Daily events include otter and penguin feeding times and whatever the weather, fun is guaranteed in the huge indoor play area! On Tuesday’s, Thursday’s and Sunday’s you can even indulge yourself in a traditional roast dinner from the Otter café, the perfect winter warmer for a cold Cornish day!

 

Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm, nr Truro

No one does cider quite like the Cornish, and home-made brews can make the perfect winter tipple to warm you up from the inside out! Come and see it being made at a real brewery, as well as saying ‘hello’ to the numerous friendly farmyard animals wandering around the place!

 

So, in many ways, Cornwall comes to life in the winter, and attractions and activities can be enjoyed at your own pace, without the hectic summer crowds. Book your winter break today, and check out any of these fantastic attractions and find some hidden gems of your own!


Christmas at the Eden project

December 14th, 2016

Your Christmas break in Cornwall this year will not be the same without a trip to the Eden project. From the moment the sun sets the site is beautifully lit, the magical ice rink is open to the public and a variety of winter-themed activities are available for visitors. The Festival of Light and Sound is guaranteed to create memories for all the family and be sure to check out the cafes for some seasonal drinks and snacks. Hit the souvenir shop for any last-minute Christmas shopping, as there’s something for everyone!

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What’s On In Falmouth This December

December 08th, 2016

If you’re lucky enough to be heading on a festive Falmouth holiday this December, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the run up to Christmas. From Santa Fun Runs to animal-based nativity plays, Falmouth truly is the place to be this month! Check out all that’s on offer below as they are all for fantastic causes.

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Dates for your December diaries – Family festive fun!

December 06th, 2016

December is a fantastic time to visit Cornwall and make the most of all that the county has to offer. Many popular Cornish attractions put on great festivities, so here’s our guide to the best things to do on your Christmas break in Cornwall.

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