Cornwall is a glorious place to be at any time of the year but for something different why don’t you book one of our cottages in Cornwall and soak up the festive ambiance this December. Here are some of our favorite winter activities for you to get involved with this holiday season.
Christmas Lights
Like everywhere else at this time of the month Christmas lights are dusted off and hung up from buildings, trees, bridges and anywhere else you can attach the festive lights. Whether you stop by tiny villages or the bigger towns there is something for everyone from Newquay to Padstow and with the amazing natural locations and Christmas lights together, it makes for a truly special sight. The lights seen across the county will no doubt have you working on your own display that will rival Clark Griswold’s famous display from Christmas Vacation.
Cornish Choirs
Whilst The Pogues and Noddy Holders seasonal hits get their annual plays, December is a good time to head to Cornwall and hear the intimate and beautiful sounds of a traditional Cornish choir. Whether its late night shopping in Truro or at a local Christmas market, Cornish choirs provide a festive backing track that really encourages the spirit of Christmas.
Christmas Day Dip
This tradition is not for the faint-hearted as it involves having a swim in the sea in nothing but your speedos or bathing suit no matter the weather conditions. This tradition varies from beach to beach and takes place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with participants running from the high tide mark straight into the ocean at the amusement of the sensible spectators, most of which have a hot drink to hand for when you make your way back up the beach.
Remember the ocean is incredibly dangerous especially in winter, so make sure you only take part in a lifeguard supervised event.
Cornish Christmas Food
Christmas is a time when over indulging on food has become almost a tradition in itself, it’s not just the award winning coffee shops or the independent Cornish cafes that will be offering delicious Christmas treats. There are wide variety of specialist Christmas markets on throughout Cornwall over December, that provide a cosy setting and high quality snacks. Or head down to the harbors of Padstow and Falmouth and enjoy some delicious sea food whilst taking in the spectacular winter scenery. Don’t forget to grab a turkey, stuffing and cranberry pasty when out and about in Cornwall over December, it’s almost a sin not to.
Cosy Christmas Walks
When the bright lights of the city get too much and you want to escape the hustle and bustle, nothing quite clears the head like a winter walk. There are beautiful scenic walking routes throughout Cornwall. The key to this in winter is layers. Remember to wrap up warm when braving the elements as gale force SW winds are common place in winter and to be careful when on coastal routes. Some of our favorite routes are across Bodmin Moor, Sennen, Booby’s Bay and Maenporth.
THE VALLEY is proud to be the only 5 Star Gold Self Catering holiday village of its size in the whole of Cornwall
